Redlands

The chalets are tucked away in the gardens, and discovering them was an unexpected treat. Each has an en-suite, a very comfortable bed and unusual decor. Extras included a teapot and toaster, which was a nice surprise. We got a friendly welcome, and breakfast was replaced for us since we were leaving at 4am. The planes fly very close, but they didn’t disturb me. I’d take this over a modern hotel any day. The taxi to the airport cost £7.

Handy for the NEC and airport, and the place itself is nice, but it needs a better clean. There was scale on the shower tiles and stains on the bedding, which affected the value for money for me. The room had lots of nice touches, and breakfast was excellent, though the cleaning let that down too.

Getting in was a problem: I waited nearly an hour because nobody answered the phone or door. The room itself was okay, but very cold, and I couldn’t find heating instructions or reach anyone to ask. I needed Wi-Fi for work, but despite trying the number on the key fob several times, I had no success, including the following day. I later left my key in the room and had it sent to me in Germany. The accommodation apparently got the address wrong and didn’t put a sender on the package. After that, they refused to contact me by email or phone. I wouldn’t recommend staying here, especially for business in Birmingham.

We booked for Crufts, and the place is conveniently near the NEC and airport, though it sits under the flight path. The hosts were a nice couple, but at £145 for one night without breakfast, I found the stay very poor value. The accommodation was really an insulated shed or summer house turned into a bedroom, with a tiny en-suite. It was clean, but cramped, with no chair to sit on or put a bag on, and no wardrobe or hangers. I had to leave my clothes on the floor in a corner. The bathroom plumbing was also a problem. An old tea towel had been wrapped around the radiator to catch a drip, and the bottom of the shower cubicle was coming away. Water wouldn’t drain while I showered, and the tray started filling up, so there was no chance of a leisurely shower without flooding the small bathroom. Flushing the toilet sent water back up through the shower drain.