Premier Inn Birmingham - Broad Street (Canal Side)

Excellent location, good value comfortable hotel

First time in a Premier Inn and very pleasantly surprised. Check-in was fast with friendly and efficient receptionists whom we saw a couple of times over the weekend and each time they had a friendly word for us or asked about our day. A room fan wasnt working (it was a very hot weekend) but was fixed immediately after reporting to reception.

We had 2 double rooms and they were clean, modern and very comfortable. As mentioned, it was hot weather and no air con but fans were placed in the rooms with the option of swapping the duvet for sheets. Housekeeping was a bit sloppy with my room with not being cleaned on the second day. Not a big deal (I'm tidy and can make my own bed!) but the bathroom soap dispenser was empty, the tea/coffee not being replaced was inconvenient and the bins needed emptying. Bizarrely enough my mothers room next door was cleaned so maybe it was just an oversight.

I was a bit worried that the hotel might be overrun with stags and hens but although there were groups of young people booking in we didnt have any problems with noise late at night. Our rooms were on the 4th floor overlooking the carpark, not much of a view but if you have a canalside room I guess you would get noise from the nearby bars.

This hotel is in an excellent location with a free carpark; a couple of minutes walk to Symphony Hall and Brindley Place (and Broad Street bars if thats your scene!) or to the Mailbox in the other direction. The train station is 10 mins walk away or approx £5 in a taxi. On the second night we went to an event at the NEC LG Arena and took the train rather than drive; travel after 18.30 and the off-peak train fare to the NEC is just £2 return - bargain!

Didnt try the hotel bar or restaurant but the menu looked ok. Instead we ate out, lots of choice in nearby Mailbox and Brindley Place (we can especially recommend the Canalside cafe just across the canal from the Premier Inn on the tow path; good English breakfast with a vegetarian version).

Overall was very impressed with the hotel and the surrounding area and would definitely recommend (especially if you can get the offer rate we got of £29.95 a night!).

Unique Quality: Great location!