Birmingham Great Barr Hotel

As somebody wrote on here last year the hotel has a '1970s shabby chic' vibe going for it, although it has recently been refurbished. Now this may not SOUND very appealing! But perhaps you could describe it as having an unusual retro charm, as well as being very quiet, and (although close to the A34 & M6) is itself located in a quiet - seemingly retired/pensioner dominated - bourgeois neighbourhood. PS I've actually been here since 1 October 2021, through multiple consecutive reservations.

Corridor to mid-floor rooms is a little bit narrow.

The bed was very comfy

The shower. The fact you could not pull it off the wall 😪

Pluses: - Bright, welcoming reception, manned 24 hours so no problem with arriving alone, late at night. When I thought my room door didn't seem to lock, the helpful lady from reception came all the way up to my room to show me how it locked (top tip - don't use what looks like twist lock on inside of door-handle). Also showed me to a room where I could iron my outfit for a wedding the following day. Really kind and helpful. - Clean, comfortable single bed - why have enormous double sheets to be washed after a one night stay? Not very eco-friendly. Almost nowhere offers a single bed option. Perfectly adequate. - A window that opened properly - a true rarity in any hotel these days. I may indeed throw myself from it, but why have no opening windows, denying fresh air to all, in case one person is feeling suicidal? Utter nonsense. - The means to make two cups of tea in my room and a perfectly adequate and clean en-suite. All for £49.50. Proper bargain.

Internal corridors were a bit tired and pillows a little musty, but these are small things for the price paid. Lack of decent lighting to do make-up but frankly, I've stayed in £200/night hotels which fail in this department. Moody lighting is all very well but a well-lit mirror is a marvel rare to find.

The staff were exceptionally helpful in helping me carry my bags up to the room on arrival and down to reception on leaving. They were kind and considerate to me and my dog, and there was no additional charge for my dog to stay with me. The room was quiet as requested and a double bed was more than expected for the price paid. The bathroom contained a full sized bath, which was very relaxing. It was very clean and comfortable, close to the river/ bird conservation area for walking the dog, and close to the other places I needed to visit. It was excellent, thank you.

The dog was not allowed in public areas, which meant that I could not eat at the property. Although I am sure I could have had room service, if requested.

The food was really good, nicely presented on the plate, tasty and hot. All the staff were polite and helpful including the housekeeping. Parking from free to hotel guests.

The price of drinks seems a little expensive, but I am out of touch with prices compared to where I live in Norfolk. The hotel guide was a little out of date in some areas. Particularly the availability and menu options for the Palm restaurant. What seemed to be a little odd to me was that the main restaurant in the evening for fine dining was only available to apprentice students. They themselves though were polite, quiet and well behaved the time we were there.

My stay was very good. All the staff I engaged with were friendly and very helpful. The room was a single room with an opening window- I like to sleep with the window open. The bed was very comfortable. Water pressure and temperature in the shower excellent. Every thing was very clean. The breakfast was also very good, a wide choice and the cooked food was hot.

There was nothing really that I didn't like. The hotel does need redecoration and some refurbishment, but this in no way detracted from a good stay. Great staff, comfort, cleanliness and value for money are important to me.

The breakfast has many choices, cereals, full English, croissant, fruit etc. The staff where exceptionally helpful and friendly. The tables where set to an exceptional level. Definitely value for money. The Hotel is in a quiet cul de sac and easy to get to, outside is presentable and welcoming. Free safe care parking, which is important, with plenty of spaces. Reception is bright and welcoming, the staff happy and helpful. The room was adequate for our family of 4, with a sofa bed for the children. TV, Tea Tray, Hairdryer. Great for the price and would definitely stay again.

I think if the Hotel owners put a bit of TLC into the property it would be perfect, i.e carpets need steaming/freshening also chairs in dining room. Some of the curtains where hanging of the rail, more towels in the bathroom but when we asked we did received them happily. Bathroom needs a bit of TLC and the extracted was making a horrendous noise, we had to use our mobile torch during the night so not to disturb each other.

The reception lady was amazing nothing was too much trouble, location was good and I felt comfortable to be there alone for the evening whilst my partner had things to do elsewhere.

The restaurant wasn’t open in the evening and I had phoned to check it would be. The room was a little small which wasn’t an issue except only one window could open so it became stuffy.

It was a good value hotel, just be aware, there's a pub/club on site, some of the rooms face the road, it can be noisey

The hotel site says free parking, as does this site, turn up late at night after a 12 hr shift, and your supposed to notice the signs in the unlit car park, asking you to register at a keypad just inside the door. And according to the member of staff who i phoned, there's a sign on the entrance door, along with 4 or 5 others. Nobody at the desk mentioned the keypad when i booked in, so just be aware, or you will get a parking fine

Breakfast was very good. We were in early as we had an event to attend. There was a wide range of cereals, juices and yogurts and the cooked breakfast was hot and enticing. Self service apart from tea/coffee and porridge suited us as we was able to eat quickly. Rooms were clean and comfortable with tea/coffee tray and a new TV. For the price, this hotel provides excellent value.

No complaints at all.