Manor Hotel Solihull, BW Signature Collection

The large car park at the back is handy, and the receptionists have always been friendly and attentive when I stay here for work. The room is quiet and the bed comfortable, so I sleep well. Rooms are a bit dated but fine, and at least there isn't a bright smoke alarm LED right above the bed. The restaurant is a fancy Marco Pierre White place that colleagues of mine rave about. The dinner, bed and breakfast package menu is very limited, though the food was fine, and I didn't feel awkward dining there on my own.

The bed was comfortable and the room clean, and the reception lady was nice about moving me when the first room had no WiFi. The replacement had windows that slammed, so I had to move again. That room was fine, but the water pressure was poor. The rooms are extremely tired and dated, even though the hotel's shared areas look lovely. There were no USB ports or plugs by the bed, so I had to bring an extension lead. There isn't much in the way of facilities beyond the bar and restaurant. I tried the gym at the other hotel, but it was smelly, dirty and untidy, and I didn't go back. I wouldn't stay here again.

We were welcomed by Lauren, who took our orders, and Holly joined her later to help serve lunch. They mentioned there'd be a singer in the bar later, so we went down to listen for a while. The smiling, friendly staff were a real highlight. I've included some pictures in and around the hotel, and hope this gives a flavour of the place. We stayed over after Valentine's Day lunch at Marco Pierre White, which is part of the same complex. We got an upgrade to a larger superior room on the ground floor in a quiet spot. We checked in before lunch and paid a much lower price than listed thanks to our discounts. After lunch, we picked up our cases and found my partner's flowers, vase and prosecco in the room, as arranged. It was a good-sized, clean and tidy room, and even the hospitality tray was tucked away in a cupboard. After exchanging gifts, we took a short walk along Meriden's main road. There was wildlife around the village pond and in the trees, and we saw a mix of houses, including lovely timber-framed and Regency-style ones, plus more modern flats. We walked as far as an inn called the Bull, built in the 1600s. Reception gave us plenty more milk when we'd nearly used all the little sachets and pots.

The room was clean and spacious, and breakfast was good. It's an easy walk to other pubs and only about 10 minutes from NEC. Lovely stay at the manor hotel.