Hotel du Vin & Bistro Birmingham

We held a team meeting at the Hotel Du Vin Birmingham. The facilities were great. We were well taking care of. Coffee and refreshments were available throughout the whole day. The lunch we ordered was very good and met all our dietary requirements. Great location and charming Hotel.

I’d been to Birmingham before and stayed at a large chain hotel but wanted to try something different this time. My research led me to this hotel and its “grander” neighbor. Given the smaller venue and more unique history (as a hospital, I believe) I chose the Hotel du Vin. I won’t make that mistake again. It’s true that the location is a huge plus, a long block down from the Cathedral park, and ten minutes walk to the main train station. And other reviews of the glowing breakfast service by Reuben were spot on. But the positives ended there for me. Reception was cool, with a cold ‘come back, your room isn’t ready.’ When I returned an hour later, the same man looked at me and abruptly asked what I wanted (even though by then my room was ready). My suite was on the third floor with a small ‘balcony’ that looked out onto the inner courtyard which really consisted of the large downstairs lounge area. It made for noisy late nights as the sound of people gathering below echoed well past midnight. I finally called reception one evening and asked if the could close the retractable roof to the lounge as it was almost midnight. I was reassured that the lounge noise would subside ‘in fifteen minutes’ but whatever party was going on below went on well past 2 am. The interior of the hotel can only charitably be described as cold and dark while the negatives went on and on. No seats in the reception area which in any event is hidden around the corner from its entrance. Unnumbered bedrooms with fancy names (of wines?) in no discernible numerical order. AC units which automatically come on in the morning despite my unit being turned off. . . Thanks but no thanks. I definitely won’t be back.

My friend & I made an impromptu visit to the bistro at Hotel Du Vin last week. We enquired about their tasting menu & Chantelle ( I think that was her name) couldn’t have been more hospitable. She found us a table at very short notice & very professionally presented each course with paired wines. She was very knowledgeable & confident. She showed great pride in the food, wine & general environment in the Bistro. I would highly recommend a visit to both the bar and the bistro. All the staff we engaged with were personable & professional. Will definitely be visiting again.