Overview

This city centre hotel is ideal for those who're looking for somewhere local to Birmingham New Street Station or who want to be close to the main shopping district and transport links. The layout of the building is a little weird, though. I entered through the ground floor via the walkway to New Street Station and found that I was actually on level -2. I took the lift up to floor 0 to check in, then went back to the lift to get to my room on floor 5. This definitely felt like an unusual extra step. All in all, the hotel is convenient, accessible directly from the train station and a decent base for your time in Brum. Please note that I did not have an accessible room at this hotel.

Transport & Parking

Parking isn't great in the area, making this a poor option if you're driving to Birmingham. If you're taking the train, it's a lot more convenient. If you arrive at Birmingham New Street Station, look for the lifts near the Changing Places toilet and Left Luggage. You can take this lift to the Bullring Walkway and walk directly to the hotel. Birmingham Grand Central and Corporation Street tram stops are nearby but the bus links are pretty poor.

Access

At the Stephenson Street entrance, you'll find a set of automatic sliding doors. There's also a card reader and intercom to the left. As the doors part, you'll find a second set of automatic doors, an Amazon locker on the left side (handy if you've forgotten any essentials) and the lifts. The lifts have enough space to accommodate a powerchair user and another two people. There's a grab rail, but no braille markings in the lift, though the buttons are raised. There was no signage to indicate a hearing loop either. If you go higher than floor 0, you'll need to tap your key card before pressing the button. At the reception on floor zero, you'll find the check-in desk doesn't have a lowered section, though there's ample space in the centre to get your knees under if you're using a manual wheelchair. There is a hearing loop at this desk, though I didn't test it. When checking out, there's a box for your key card on a post to the left of the check-in desk. There's an accessible toilet nearby, which I'll go into further detail on below. Bar/Restaurant Also on this floor, you'll find the bar/restaurant. There's a variety of seating options available, from soft, low chairs to wooden chairs and high seats and tables. The restaurant section of this area has carpet, whilst the bar area has wooden flooring. There's enough space for most mobility devices, barring large scooters. Hallways/Room You'll exit the lift into the hallway. I was on the 5th floor, so other floors may differ, but there is a heavy door in the hallway, which was pinned open. Entering my room proved awkward. Between touching my card to the card reader, opening the very heavy door and actually getting into the room, it was quite the effort. The double bed was high up, which suits me but may not suit others. As mentioned, this was not an accessible room, so there was little space to turn my wheelchair. There's space for a left-side transfer to the bed, but not a right-side transfer. If you can walk or manage a few steps, there is space between the right side of the bed and the wall. There are wall-mounted tables on either side of the bed. Power sockets, USB ports and light switches are also mounted on the wall. The TV is mounted on the wall at the foot of the bed, and you'll find a desk and chair to the right. The bedroom furniture is arranged in such a way that you need to climb over the sofa bed to reach the curtains.

Toilets

Floor 0 – Accessible Toilet The accessible toilet can be found to the right of the reception desk. The door does not require a RADAR key and opens outwards. The toilet is compact, though it has the facilities you would expect from an accessible toilet. The toilet seat has grab rails on either side, and the red cord can be found to the right when seated. The red cord has been cut short, ending at the first bangle, and the left-side transfer space is blocked by a large bin. The sink is small and has a lever-style tap, with rails on either side. The soap is mounted high up on the wall, making it difficult to reach if you use a wheelchair or are short. Room 501 Toilet The following information is for detail rather than rating the facilities for accessibility – as I mentioned, I booked a standard room, but this may still be helpful. The toilet is on the right as you enter the room. It features a toilet, sink and standing shower with two showerheads. If you're able to stand, you'll likely be able to use the facilities, but there are no rails either near the toilet seat or in the shower. It's a tight squeeze, but you will get a wheelchair in here, though turning will be a challenge.

Staff

The staff were pleasant enough, but they didn't ask if the room was suitable, as I've experienced elsewhere. I recognise that I booked a standard room, but it would have been nice to have that conversation at check-in.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

The street outside can get noisy with buskers, performers and the sheer volume of people going about their day. I had a bit of trouble sleeping - so it's worth keeping this in mind if you're a light sleeper.

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