ibis Birmingham New Street Station

The hotel is consistently praised for its excellent central location, making it an ideal base for exploring the city. However, a significant recurring issue is the pervasive noise from nearby nightclubs, particularly on weekends, which can severely impact sleep quality due to loud music and bass vibrations. While rooms are generally clean, many guests find them basic and dated, often lacking effective air conditioning. Despite these drawbacks, the staff consistently receives high praise for their exceptional friendliness and helpfulness, contributing positively to the guest experience. This hotel is well-suited for sightseers, theatre-goers, and business travelers due to its proximity to attractions, entertainment venues, and the train station. Budget-conscious travelers also find it a good fit due to its value. To enhance your stay, guests sensitive to noise should request rooms on higher floors or away from the club-facing side, and consider bringing earplugs for weekend stays. Be aware that on-site parking is limited and challenging for larger vehicles.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel features a modern and inviting lobby area that often includes a bar and recreational options like a pool table and table football, creating a social atmosphere for guests. Many appreciate the convenience of the 24-hour bar for late-night refreshments. While the Wi-Fi is generally available, some guests reported it could be unreliable or require frequent re-connection. The hotel maintains good security measures, with staff checking IDs and room keys, especially during evening hours, which provides a sense of safety. However, a common point of frustration is the functionality of the lifts, with reviews frequently mentioning only one being operational or issues with room key cards not consistently granting access.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room comfort is mixed, with many describing rooms as basic, small, and outdated, featuring worn carpets and dated decor. While generally found to be clean, some reviews noted minor issues like peeling wallpaper or stained surfaces. The beds are often described as comfortable, though some guests found the mattresses too hard or the pillows too thin. A significant and frequent complaint is the lack of effective air conditioning, leading to rooms becoming uncomfortably warm and stuffy, especially as opening windows often exposes guests to considerable noise from nearby nightclubs. In-room amenities typically include a kettle with tea and coffee, and a TV, though some found the latter to be small, old, or with poor signal. Bathrooms are consistently noted for being very small and cramped, sometimes with issues like dripping showers or a lack of hand towels.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast at the hotel generally receives positive remarks for being a good value and offering a decent buffet selection, including traditional English breakfast items, cold options, and hot beverages from a coffee machine. Guests appreciate the availability of items like scrambled eggs, sausages, and bacon, though some found the hot food to be occasionally cold or of inconsistent quality, with specific mentions of bland or poor-quality scrambled eggs. Vegetarian options are available, and staff are often commended for their helpfulness in accommodating dietary needs. Beyond breakfast, the hotel offers 24/7 food service at the bar, which is convenient, though the menu can be limited, and some guests experienced issues with order accuracy or food quality for non-breakfast meals.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent central location, making it a major draw for guests. It is ideally situated in the heart of Chinatown, offering immediate access to a wide array of restaurants and cultural experiences. Its proximity to New Street Station (typically a 5-10 minute walk) and other public transport links makes it highly convenient for arrivals, departures, and exploring the wider city. Popular attractions such as the Bullring shopping centre, the Hippodrome theatre, and various O2 venues are all within easy walking distance. While the location is a significant advantage, parking is a notable consideration. The on-site underground parking is available but described as very tight for maneuvering, limited in spaces, and comes with a fee, prompting some guests to use nearby multi-story car parks instead.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, being described as exceptionally friendly, helpful, welcoming, and attentive. Guests frequently highlight their professionalism and willingness to go above and beyond to assist with requests, from providing extra pillows to resolving room issues. The check-in and check-out processes are generally smooth and efficient, though some guests encountered minor delays or confusion regarding early check-in fees or key card activations. Housekeeping is noted for maintaining clean rooms, and the bar staff are praised for their efficiency. Specific team members are often singled out for their outstanding service, contributing significantly to a positive guest experience and making visitors feel valued and well-cared for throughout their stay.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel primarily operates on a card-only payment policy, which some found inconvenient, preferring cash options. For those planning a longer stay or needing extra time, a late check-out option is available for an additional fee, allowing guests to extend their stay until the afternoon. The hotel thoughtfully provides earplugs in rooms, a practical amenity given the potential for significant noise from nearby entertainment venues, especially on weekend nights, which can include loud music and bass vibrations. While the hotel generally offers good value, some guests felt the overall quality, particularly of the rooms, did not always align with the price paid, suggesting it might be considered pricey for the basic amenities. Additionally, for guest convenience, the hotel features an ironing room on guest floors, providing easy access to ironing facilities that are not typically found within individual rooms.