Birmingham hotels near Birmingham Hippodrome

Cons: I have to say I love the Raddison blu brand but this will now be the 1st of two lower than average reviews I'll be writing. First of all I felt lucky and a little excited to get a good deal of £88 per night (with breakfast) as apposed to the £150-£170 most sites were advertising (including Raddison blu on their club Carlson membership site). It started with the arrival with my colleague, a small lobby for the size of the hotel. No one there at first but they came out seconds later so it wasn't too much of a problem. We explained to the front desk that I had booked the rooms for two of us, but rather than looking it was assumed it would be under separate names. Could have been my fault so I'll let that go. We then both checked in, only to find that both rooms were under my name. This was done quite fast, which was good and we were sent on our way with a brief explanation about the breakfast in the morning. Missed the offers that were on hand and not valid at check-in so no upsell. Had they asked we would have taken one of the offers. I did show my club Carlson card and asked if there was anyway of upgrading as to which she said "I'm afraid not as the hotel is fully booked". Which was understandable (remember this part!). I was getting myself together at the reception desk, at which she thanked me. She then thanked me again and gave me a look to say do that somewhere else! I looked around and saw a queue behind me, which I was surprised as there was no one there when we arrived. I apologised when I left the desk but left with a slightly sour taste in my mouth. I then went to my room which smelt of cigarettes. I wasn't sure whether someone was taking a chance on smoking in their room or it was a stench in the actual room. The carpet had stains that seemed well embedded (my colleagues room looked as though blood had been engraved into the carpet with stains too!), the tv had very poor reception (so that was the Brits out of the window). Bathroom was a good size and clean, so was the room in general. But lacked any homely or business feel.

Cons: Reception on arrival were very miserable, mini bar was warm, room card kept cancelling. The hotel was fully booked with Christmas parties so some very loud brash people.

Cons: The cleaning staff did not knock before coming into the room. The room was poorly decorated.

Cons: TV did not work Bed too soft

Cons: I have to use a key card to access my floor, its a layer of security that is utterly redundant.

Cons: Bed

Cons: Breakfast and food in general were tired and poor quality

Cons: Great location few minutes walk from train. Hotel was lovely clean,

Cons: Rooms a little bit on the small side. The double bed was also a little bit on the small side for 2 people. We have become accustomed to a king size.

Cons: Nothing

Cons: The drunk young italian thug at the bar....... The lack of free satellite tv channels...... Plus the parking that had to be in the NCP around the corner was closed at 11pm when I got back to the hotel!

Cons: Beds a little on hard side but comfy enough for a short stay.