Novotel Birmingham Airport

food ok

our flight was delayed for 24 hours so i provisionally booked in for another night . the next lunch time the receptionist asked us to pay for that nights room booking which i did. I asked why dozens of people were waiting in the foyer and was told they where being booked in and paid for by TUI due to the flight delay. as i would clearly qualify for this block booking i asked to cancel the payment i had just made but was told it was non refundable. I consider the receptionist cynically took the payment know full well that TUI were arranging accommodation. obviously TUI could cut a better deal than i could so Novatel went for the biggest reward.

It was directly opposite the departures terminal, which made getting three kids up for an early flight a lot easier and stress free. Room was comfortable. I paid for two rooms connecting which was honoured and this assisted my child with ASD greatly. She was able to connect her iPad to the TV in the bedroom and watch her bedtime show, the free internet was sufficient for us all. Room didn’t seem sound proof as could hear planes however its next to an airport, I’d have been shocked to not hear any. The mini fridge was great for popping a mini bottle of milk in, they don’t give you enough so get some from over the airport if this is essential.

I stated that there was two adults and three children being split over two rooms, we were allocated queen family rooms which said had sofa beds. When we arrived at the room it was already late and there was only sofas; none had been made up in to sofa beds for our arrival. We made do with what we had as we didn’t want to upset our child.

Location was where we required. Food is really good, if a little over priced. Super Breakfast but at over £18 each! Staff were friendly.

Our biggest dislike was the glass mirrored Bathroom door, no lock, and large gap between door frame and the door itself, which allows a “ line of sight” all around the door when it is closed. Rooms are large and well equipped with independent lighting, nevertheless large areas of the room remain in relative darkness, especially over the suitcase stand, which makes viewing less than easy. Finally the Quote for the room, gave a rate, then underneath says “ includes VAT @ 20%” shows the VAT amount, then adds that to the original quoted amount! Very confusing (maybe because this is a French establishment?)

Breakfast was plentiful. Tomatoes were a little salty though. Sausages were yummy. The airport was a real pain in the proverbial. We didnt realise there were renovations going on and we had a lot of trouble finding the monorail... the signage was very poor. I have trouble with my leg so all the extra walking up steps gave me a lot of pain. The room was lovely but the bathroom was just a little small. Dinner in the restaurant was delicious.

As mentioned above, the link to the monorail was difficult for me. Bathroom was a little small as the door to the toilet opened into the bathroom. We had trouble getting the temperature right in the bedroom.

Location directly opposite departures. We arrived late and left very early so did not use bar or restaurant facilities but both were lively with good atmosphere. Family of four on one room and beds really comfy. Really nice and spacious, all done to a high modern standard, with cool lights. Bathroom door had light reflection glass. Tv huge. Rooms and corridors really really quiet. No outside or inside noise which was fab and surprising. The best bit (doesn’t take much to please!) there was a separate toilet room next to the bathroom! Overall loved this hotel and first time of staying in a novo.

Nothing

The location for us was excellent late flight arrival, quick walk across the road from the airport. The room was modern, clean, large t.v. Lovely large fluffy towels. Check in quick and easy. Complimentary water in room. Good night sleep. No noise. Luxurious hand wash and hand lotion. Shampoo/ conditioner/ shower gel.

The shower was leaking, it wasn’t very powerful and not very hot either. I would have preferred a walk in shower, Rather than shower over bath in the executive room. More teabags needed. There were no bin liners in the bins. Lots of choice for breakfast, although the cooked breakfast was not very warm. Rooms on the expensive side, guess you pay for location. No parking available.

The hotel was incredibly comfortable, great staff and over all, great stay. The breakfast was a buffet style, with a lot of choice, and a good coffee. The food was very good and well priced. The location is right in front of the airport, but as long as you keep the windows closed, I could not hear a thing. So there is no worry if you want to sleep in or sleep early to catch an early flight.

The bar staff could have used a little bit more training, as there was a hitch when ordering a Mojito (which was on the menu) that resulted in a bit of a confusion from the employee behind the bar.

Great breakfast, and dinner the night before. The rooms have been renovated since last stayed so very happy with room hence better than expected. Being able to pull suitcase to airport is fantastic. Staff were very friendly. Shame that airport being done up so less choices for dinner, however sat in bar and ate, very nice food. No airport (we are over airports :) ) is nice to walk around hence sad face for the neighbourhood. Our friend pulled out, so not able to comment on rooms close together.

Only thing, very minor: Put a mirror in a better place in the bedroom area, so can see full view of self, it was to the side of the bed so bed was in the way.

Nice and personable staff at reception - very friendly and charismatic polish gentleman

Since this is an airport hotel and people might want to take a nap if they are flying at odd hours, it would be great if the rooms had a separate doorway upon entering the room so that the noise from the hallways don’t interfere. The rooms was well soundproofed to exterior noise and I liked that you can still open windows. But the soundproofing to hallways was very poor. It was noisy when people came and went.

Location is great for Birmingham Airport. Rooms are clean and breakfast is lovely.

Staff on welcoming us at the hotel and not the friendliest ( reception) We emailed 2 weeks prior to arriving , explaining we were going to be a bit early. Paying in advance also, with a child with autism and a visual impairment, we were made to wait in the bar, for our room that he ready. There was no empathy. 7.30 am on the day we were leaving, clanging of what sounded like a large glass recycling bin being emptied, woke us all up. So slightly disappointing.