Overview

After reading hotels hype about their hotel, we were looking forward to our visit, but what a disappointment. It lost its appeal, becoming neglected and in need of care. The hotel was first of all the Birmingham eye hospital, and it was the dream of a British surgeon to open a eye hospital, and Joseph Hodgson set about his plans. This old Victorian building, built by 1883, became that dream, and opened as the Birmingham and Midland eye hospital. Sadly, the hospital moved out in 1996 to more modern facilities, and the building remained empty and unused until 2000, before being completely renovated to become a top star rated hotel, which was then thought of as one of Birminghams finest hotels, and it was a perfect central base for exploring Birmingham. It was built using red brick, and developed around the courtyard. Today it has 66 bedrooms and suites, with King sized beds having handsprung mattresses for absolute comfort, Egyptian linen, plasma TVs, and no two rooms are alike. The bathrooms have en-suites with monsoon showers. It all sounds so good does,nt it, according to the hotel itself, but we did not find it so. We were not able to get a drink, nothing open, no food as restaurant did not open until evening. There was supposed to be another restaurant for more casual service, but that’s been closed since covid, and they have not opened it since. There was nothing else we could see or do, so we walked out. I think by now you have realised we. WILL NOT RECOMMEND THIS HOTEL TO YOU. OUR FINAL THOUGHTS A big disappointment, taking us into the hotel via that rear disabled entrance was horrible, It was dark and dingy, The whole place seemed dingy, nowhere to sit, could not get hot or cold drinks, or food, and we couldn’t get out of there quick enough.

Transport & Parking

It’s street parking only, if you can find a spot. The hotel will direct you to near by car parks but they are very expensive. If you come to Birmingham by train to New Street station, then hopefully one day the metro trams will be running again, but for now, you will have a hard climb to get to the main Cathedral, and then a steep downhill journey to get to the hotel, it’s jolly hard work.

Access

The main entrance has to many steps, so you need to go round the back to a rear door and ring for reception to come and open for you. Then they will escort you through staff supplies and dark areas to get you to a silly thin lift to get upstairs. See the photos to know what we mean.

Toilets

The toilet is along a narrow corridor, marked as disabled, but very small and packed, you will not get a chair in there.

Staff

One lonely member of staff, who tried hard to help us, but had to see to us and also helping people to book in, not easy, but she sure did her best so well done to her.

Photos