Holiday Inn Express Birmingham NEC

I was staying with friends overnight here and I have to say everything I experienced was much better than I expected, in particular the service. I have to give a huge compliment to Gemma who was working reception - she was absolutely on the ball and so friendly and efficient, my friend commenting that as a high status IHG member she actually ticked all the boxes welcoming us back and recognising status that apparently isn’t always done - even on higher end IHG properties. There were coach groups in tonight and the team handled the numbers well - I just felt they needed a five star review for al their hard work. Great stay!

Hotel staff was friendly. That’s the only positive! When me and my daughter arrived with our dominos there was two staff members dealing with one lady so everyone else was stood in line for what seemed for ages just to check in. Eventually the lady come onto the desk to check people in but by the time this happened our food was stone Cold. It took ages to find a car parking space even if your a blue badge holder as you will see that most people parked in a disabled bay do not display a blue badge it’s shocking. Me and my daughter struggled walking the other side of the car park I couldn’t access her special needs pram as the car parked behind us too close not giving us enough room to take out an XL pram. ( we left the stuff in the car to go in and eat first then come back out to get our items) I realised I booked two single beds instead of a double which is my mistake I get it. I then mentioned it to the reception lady who said nothing they can do, I really find it hard to believe there was no doubles left when I checked on my IHG app and I could still book a room for that night for a double. Me and my daughter had to push the two singles together which revealed LOADS of mess under the bed sweet wrappers, bits and hair. Because of how the two singles was laid out one of the lights was right above the pillow you slept, I did take a picture but it’s missing the part how the light is hanging over your face meaning in the morning I whacked my face straight off the light and it made my tooth bleed. The room was very unclean and dirty with a musty smell, me and my daughter both woke up with blocked noses and feeling unwell. When I used the toilet I realised there was brown/ red coloured smears on the door which looked like someone’s time of the month got wiped on the door. I didn’t take a picture obviously. Room was 302. Breakfast was okay but had to ask for everything. Needed a paper cup? Had to ask, needed a small cup for the Nutella or jams etc had to ask, it took ages to as loads of people was also waiting for things. Breakfast was empty a lot of the time and staff was trying their best to bring it out quicker! It wasn’t bad though for being free. Other thing I found disgusting was 15.00 to park!!! I understand if I was parking and flying but I was absolutely not and was visiting family near by. I could have stayed at holiday inn Birmingham airport which has a pool, parking cheaper and rooms more updated. Very disappointed it needs major changes and refurbs to the room as they are so old run down and smelly. It will make people poorly before there holiday.

Stayed here overnight with 2 weeks parking. Got a really good deal on holiday extras. No problems with parking. Room was great, a/c in room great, full buffet breakfast inc in price. Would definitely stay again. Only negative was price of taxis to airport. Only 5 min drive but cost £18 at 11am using hotel taxi app in reception and £15 at 1am using taxi from the taxi rank outside hotel? I always thought taxis were more expensive at night than middle of the morning? Holiday extras site quoted between £7.50 - £12 for taxis. Not sure what’s happening there. But if needing a taxi, order your own, don’t use the hotel app.