ibis budget Birmingham Centre

The best part is the location, right by the O2 Academy and very close to Bullring, restaurants and shops. The team were welcoming and helpful, and I liked the continental breakfast and the decent coffee. Still, I wouldn’t choose to stay here again unless I had no other option. The room did what I needed, but it was small, and the hard mattress and pillows made a good night’s sleep difficult. There was a bad sewage smell coming from the shower pipes. The outside of the hotel looked poorly maintained, and refurbishment work was going on on the middle floor. The corridors were dusty and the car park was cluttered with building work. Hopefully the renovations will give the place the fresh look it needs when they’re finished. I’d rate the stay 3 out of 5: it’s a basic place to sleep, with very convenient access to the city.

We were visiting family nearby, so the location worked well. The room had recently been refurbished and had what we needed for the night. The bathroom was compact but perfectly usable, and the staff were very helpful. The car park was smaller because of ongoing work, and we got the last space. Staff had the postcode for a nearby alternative ready for anyone who couldn’t park there.

The staff at the desk and breakfast were lovely and helpful. There are restaurants close by too. We tried the Jamaican restaurant called the Caribbean experience, and the mother and son who own it were lovely. The food was beautiful. Our room was small but clean and fine for what we needed. The shower and toilet were separate, with the sink in the room, and it had a bit of a university-room feel. There’s no kettle, which disappointed my mum, and the shower is tiny. It’s awkward stepping out into the room when you’re sharing with someone who isn’t your partner. The bed was hard but okay. Aircon can be adjusted, and the window opens only a little. I didn’t mind that because it was so noisy outside, though I’m a country person and not used to the traffic. The main road and thin windows mean there’s a lot of noise, and people were talking loudly on the landing all night. That was annoying, but it’s other guests being inconsiderate, not the hotel staff. We needed extra pillows, a hair dryer and a kettle as options. Breakfast is in the lobby from 7 to 11 am, with gluten-free bread and cereal. I like fruit and yoghurt, but the yoghurt was disappointingly bland and watery. The toaster was being used by everyone, so I could have had plain bread but chose none. Mum wasn’t impressed with breakfast. I can’t comment much since I didn’t try anything else. I wouldn’t pay extra for breakfast, as nicer places cost about the same. Parking costs £10 for 24 hours, paid on arrival. I must have missed that when booking. If you drive, there isn’t really anywhere else to leave the car, but at least the car park is private and safe. The lift and stairs both need a room card to access the upper floors, which is good. There’s a little football game downstairs near the entrance, so it seems child friendly. It’s a budget hotel, not a luxury or romantic place, and there’s no view beyond the main road. The TV is basic and tiny but fine. The shower temperature is sensitive and can swing hot or cold, though once set it stays consistent. It also has heating and aircon.

Rafeal, thank you so much for going above and beyond with the care you gave me and my kids. You treated us so well, and we had an amazing stay. My kids really enjoyed it too. You’re a beautiful soul, and your kind service made ibis budget feel so much better. I’ll speak to emma or rachel about this soon. Thanks again!!