Coleshill Hotel by Greene King Inns

We'd driven five hours from Cornwall for a weekend away and an event at the NEC. The hotel's website made the rooms look modern and comfortable, so we booked a double and were looking forward to a relaxing break. Reception welcomed us warmly, but our room had two single beds instead of the double we'd booked. We went back and got moved, only to find two singles pushed together. The room was dated and felt dirty, with marks on the doors and walls and peeling paint. We were tired from travelling and didn't try for another move. The over-bath shower was grim, and the bath filled up because the water wasn't draining properly. Day two was great at the NEC, but our online restaurant reservation for that evening couldn't be found. They tried to squeeze us onto a tiny table in the bar, right by the main door. The manager apologised and offered a free drink, but we'd had enough and went back to our room. We'd hoped for a rare kid-free break, with Christmas shopping and time to relax. Instead, we were frustrated and disappointed, eager to go home. It felt like we'd wasted our hard-earned money on a hotel that didn't meet the standard it advertised. We'd have been better off at a budget Travelodge and saved the extra cost. Definitely wouldn't stay again.

There are good and bad points. It's reasonably priced, has free parking and a pub on site, and is close to the NEC. Costa is a five-minute walk away. Room 154 has very thin walls, every floorboard creaks, and two windows have no blinds.

The food was nice and the location was ideal for the funeral. The staff, though, were awful. Both girls were rude and inattentive on several occasions.

The pub had a welcoming feel, with good drinks and staff who were upbeat, confident and professional. Our room was clean and had everything we needed: fresh towels, liquid soap, shower gel, a kettle, tea and coffee. We were at the front of the building and wondered if High Street traffic would be noisy, but the noise reducing windows did the job. We only stayed one night and were pleasantly surprised. Free parking was handy, and everyone was friendly from arrival onwards. Being right on the High Street made it easy to take a walk through Coleshill, too. After staying in hotels all over the world, including five star places that feel a bit plastic, I’d choose somewhere more personal like the Coleshill. For the price, facilities and warm welcome, I’d happily come back.