The Midland

The hotel stands as a historic Edwardian building, renowned for its grand architecture and a central location that places guests at the heart of the city. Its stunning lobby and bar area serve as a memorable signature feature, offering a luxurious and inviting atmosphere. The hotel is particularly well-suited for couples seeking a romantic getaway, business travelers attending conferences, and sightseers eager to explore the city's attractions on foot. Guests consistently highlight the exceptional staff and service, praising their friendliness and attentiveness, which significantly enhances the overall experience. While many rooms offer comfort and space, some guests note challenges with noise from nearby trams and temperature control. To ensure a more peaceful stay, it is advisable to request a room on a higher floor or one facing the inner courtyard. Additionally, guests planning to utilize the spa facilities should book their slots in advance, ideally upon check-in, due to limited availability.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities and amenities that contribute to a comfortable stay. The spa is a significant draw for many, described as relaxing, clean, and well-equipped with a swimming pool, sauna, steam room, and hot tub, alongside a gym. Guests appreciate the complimentary one-hour access to these wellness areas, though some note the spa can feel small and booking in advance is crucial due to high demand. The lobby bar is consistently praised for its beautiful ambiance and serves as a popular spot for relaxation and socializing. Rooms are generally well-appointed with tea and coffee making facilities, including Nespresso machines, and free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. However, some guests report issues with air conditioning units being temperamental or noisy, and a few mention that windows in certain rooms do not open, which can affect comfort.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests frequently commend the hotel for its cleanliness, describing rooms as spotless and well-maintained. The beds are consistently praised for being very comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep, often complemented by high-quality linens. Many rooms are noted for their spacious layout, and bathrooms are generally well-regarded, featuring Elemis toiletries and good showers, though some guests have experienced low water pressure or dated fixtures. A recurring concern, however, is noise, particularly from the nearby trams, which can cause vibrations and disturb sleep, especially in lower or front-facing rooms. Some guests also report temperature control issues, with rooms being too warm or air conditioning not functioning effectively. Additionally, a few reviews mention an underlying smell in certain rooms or corridors, and some find the pillows to be too hard.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining options receive varied but generally positive feedback. The breakfast is widely praised for its excellent variety and quality, offering a comprehensive buffet with many options, including an omelette station. However, some guests note that hot food items can be cold and the machine-prepared coffee is often disappointing. The lobby bar is a popular choice for drinks and light meals, with guests enjoying its atmosphere and finding the lunch menu tasty, including well-regarded burgers and club sandwiches. Afternoon tea is frequently highlighted as a beautiful and highly recommended experience. While room service is available and generally prompt, some guests find the menu limited, the prices high, and the food quality inconsistent, with occasional issues like cold or poorly prepared dishes.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent central location, making it highly convenient for exploring the city. Guests appreciate its walkability to numerous attractions, including shopping areas, various bars, restaurants, and theatres. Its proximity to public transport, particularly tram stops like St Peter's Square, provides easy access to other parts of the city and train stations. While the central position is a major advantage, it also contributes to the most significant drawback: noise. Many guests report considerable disturbance from the trams running nearby, causing vibrations and sound that can impact sleep, especially for rooms facing the street. Parking is available, though it is typically off-site in nearby car parks and can be expensive, with some guests noting the distance to be a minor inconvenience.

Staff & Service
The staff and service at the hotel consistently receive high praise from guests. Many describe the team as exceptionally friendly, helpful, and attentive, contributing significantly to a positive experience. The check-in process is generally reported as smooth and efficient, with staff often going above and beyond, such as offering complimentary room upgrades or drinks for special occasions. Guests appreciate the professionalism and welcoming demeanor of staff across all departments, from reception to the breakfast area and bar. However, some reviews mention isolated instances of inconsistent service, including slow responses at the bar or occasional unhelpful interactions. While housekeeping is generally good, a few guests note that towels were not always refreshed or rooms cleaned daily without prompting.

Additional Information
The hotel is frequently chosen for special occasions, with staff often providing thoughtful touches like room upgrades and complimentary amenities to celebrate birthdays or anniversaries, enhancing the guest experience. Guests should be aware of a recently introduced tourist tax, which has caused some confusion and frustration among visitors regarding its application. While the hotel's ambiance is largely praised, some guests have reported an unpleasant underlying smell in certain corridors or lifts, which can be off-putting upon arrival or when moving between floors. The hotel is also a popular venue for conferences and weddings, with facilities generally well-regarded for hosting such events. A few isolated but serious concerns regarding room safety, such as broken window latches, and pest sightings have been raised, though these appear to be infrequent and are typically addressed by staff.