Travelodge Birmingham Central Broadway Plaza

The thin walls let every sound through from nearby rooms, especially a noisy neighbour slamming doors. There’s just one chair in the room, so if you’re travelling as a couple, one person has to eat standing up or on the bed while the other sits. The electric heater flashes all night, and some rooms have a “window” facing the building’s inner void, so it’s not really usable. At checkout, the staff didn’t ask if I enjoyed my stay, presumably because they already knew. Good luck if you have to stay here.

The staff made things easy from the start. Check-in and checkout were quick, and when I asked for an iron, it arrived straight away. The room was clean and comfortable, with a tidy bathroom and the basics I needed for the night. The facilities are simple, but the price felt fair. Travelodge Broadway Plaza is also handy for shops, places to eat, and transport, so getting around was straightforward. Breakfast could do more for guests who don’t eat meat, perhaps with a vegan choice. The soundproofing and décor could use attention too, though those things didn’t spoil my stay. I’d recommend it if you want a well-located budget room.

The reception staff were lovely and made us feel welcome. The rooms were clean and the towels spotless, but the rooms and shower area felt worn, with rust on the handrails. We also found the beds quite hard, and I barely slept. The walls are thin enough that we could hear people returning to their rooms at 3am. We’d expected the hotel to be closer to the theatres. It was about a half-hour walk, which is manageable, but it was very cold. By the time we’d walked from new street, dropped off our bags, and continued to the hippodrome, we’d clocked up 12000 steps. That isn’t the hotel’s fault, but it’s useful to know. It’s a good option on a tight budget, though next time I’d probably look at another chain.

The staff were really friendly and welcoming, and the place was fine for a one-night stay. I’d paid for lunch, but the restaurant was full with a group, so they brought it up to my room instead. That wasn’t ideal, though the food was good.