Birmingham Airport's BEST Hotel? Holiday Inn NEC Review!

Holiday Inn Birmingham Airport NEC By IHG Birmingham United Kingdom

Birmingham Airport's BEST Hotel? Holiday Inn NEC Review!

Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive HEADFIRST into the swirling vortex that is the Holiday Inn NEC, Birmingham Airport. Forget those sterile, cookie-cutter hotel reviews – this is gonna be a REAL rundown, complete with my actual, unadulterated thoughts.

Title: Holiday Inn NEC: Birmingham Airport's "Best"? Let's Unpack That Luggage, Shall We? A Review (With Feelings!)

First things first: Accessibility. Now, I'm not personally reliant on accessibility features, but I do pay close attention. The Holiday Inn NEC seems to have a good handle on things. Wheelchair accessible is a big green checkmark, which is fantastic. It's got Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, I've poked around on their website, and it seems like a good start. They say they've got it covered, and that matters a whole bunch.

Rooms, Sweet Rooms (And the Occasional Annoyance!)

Right, let's talk about the actual rooms. They offer a TON of options. I mean, check out this list! Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens. Honestly, it's pretty comprehensive. I'm especially a fan of the blackout curtains. Sleep is sacred, people!

• My Anecdote: I recall a trip where my travel companion, whose name will remain secret (because she hates me disclosing that), had to get up earlier than me. And, she struggled to turn the lights on enough, so as to not disturb me! I thought, "how is this hotel not designed better?"

The whole package of rooms offer a good experience, but the soundproofing is sometimes, questionable. Some rooms are great, others, not so much.

Internet: The Love-Hate Relationship

Okay, let's address the elephant in the room: Internet. They brag about Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and yeah, it is free. But "free" is a dangerous word. Sometimes it sputtered and coughed like my grandma's old car. Internet access – LAN is also there, which is a nice option if you're feeling old-school. I think I managed to get a decent signal. The wifi has been better in the past, less reliable nowadays.

Dining and Snacking: Fueling the Traveler

Food, glorious food! The Holiday Inn NEC offers a pretty decent spread. Restaurants, Bar, Coffee shop, Snack bar and room service (and 24-hour room service, which is always a win in my book). Breakfast [buffet] is available, but you're not limited to it. You can get Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, Alternative meal arrangement. Asian cuisine in restaurant and Vegetarian restaurant, too! Now, I didn't eat the Asian food, but the buffet was solid. Decent coffee (essential!), and all the usual suspects. I'm a sucker for a good croissant, and theirs were… acceptable. Not mind-blowing, but acceptable.

The Spa & Relaxation Angle: Can You Really Relax at an Airport Hotel?

Okay, the big question. Spa, Sauna, and Steamroom. Now, I'm not a huge spa aficionado (I prefer my relaxation in the form of copious amounts of caffeine and avoiding all human contact), Pool with view and Swimming pool. They also say they have a Fitness center. I didn't personally test out the facilities, but I did peer into the gym. It looked clean and functional. I didn't notice a pool, so I may be wrong. Considering the prices, I would have loved to get some spa time.

Cleanliness and Safety: In the Age of Sanitization

This is HUGE. The Holiday Inn seemed to be taking it seriously Anti-viral cleaning products, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Staff trained in safety protocol, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup. They're trying. You can even Room sanitization opt-out available. Look I'm not a germaphope, but seeing those efforts does make you feel safer. Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Exterior corridor, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Smoke alarms. All these features add extra peace of mind.

Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter

They've thought of pretty much everything to make your life easier. Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center. The doorman alone is a great touch.

For the Kids (and the Big Kids at Heart)

Family/child friendly. Considering the NEC is nearby, this is a great selling point.

Getting Around: Not a Problem

Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking. The airport transfer is a total lifesaver.

My Verdict? (The Messy Truth!)

Look, the Holiday Inn NEC is NOT perfect. It's an airport hotel, so you're never going to get that intimate, boutique experience. But it's solid. It's functional. It's convenient. It's got all the basics covered, plus a few nice extras.

Here's the deal: If you need a reliable, comfortable, and well-equipped hotel near Birmingham Airport, the Holiday Inn NEC is a good bet. It's not going to blow your mind, but it will probably get the job done. (And hey, maybe you'll win the lottery and get a room with amazing views!)

Now, for the Sales Pitch (Because I Have to):

Tired of airport hotel nightmares? (You know, the ones with the rock-hard beds and the questionable breakfast buffets?)

Book your stay at the Holiday Inn NEC and experience the difference! With its convenient location, comfortable rooms, and a range of amenities (including those all-important blackout curtains!), it's the perfect base for your Birmingham adventure.

Here's what you're getting (besides a good night's sleep):

• Free Wi-Fi (Most of the time!)
• A range of dining options to satisfy any craving
• A commitment to cleanliness and safety
• Easy airport access and parking

Don't gamble on your travel experience. Book your room at the Holiday Inn NEC today!

Book Now! (And cross your fingers for that amazing view!)

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Holiday Inn Birmingham Airport NEC By IHG Birmingham United Kingdom

Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your sterile, corporate-approved travel itinerary. This is the raw, unfiltered, slightly-hangry truth of a stay at the Holiday Inn Birmingham Airport NEC (By IHG). Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions, questionable decisions, and the undeniable allure of a lukewarm vending machine coffee at 3 AM.

The "Almost Lost My Passport, Now I Need a Nap" Holiday Inn Birmingham Airport NEC Itinerary (Aka: My Life in Three Days)

Day 1: Arrival & The Great Birmingham Airport Debacle (Soundtrack: Panic! At The Disco – basically, the whole album)

• 10:00 AM (Slightly Overdue): Arrive. Or, more accurately, stagger into the airport. After a near-death experience involving forgetting my passport (cue the internal screaming and several missed heartbeats) I finally make it through security and onto…the shuttle bus. Ugh, the shuttle. I'm fairly convinced it's piloted by a disgruntled sloth.
• 10:45 AM (ish): Arrive at the Holiday Inn. Whew! Check-in is… painless. Which is a win after the airport drama. Lobby is the usual "generic hotel lobby" situation. Beige. Carpet. Slightly damp air. I'm not sure if that was the Birmingham climate or just my sheer relief.
• 11:30 AM: Room. It overlooks… well, more beige. And the parking lot. But at least the bed’s comfy. I immediately throw myself across it and decide that napping is now the ONLY priority.
• 1:00 PM (Give or take a coma): Wake up. Famished. Head to the hotel restaurant, which is called something generic like "The Runway Restaurant" (or something similar). I opt for the burger because, let’s be honest, it's the safest bet. It's fine. Edible. Provides sustenance. That's high praise at this point.
• 2:30 PM: Explore the hotel. There's a gym. I walk past it. I'm sure it's very…gym-like. There’s a bar. Now, that’s more like it. I get a pint and ponder life. It is better.
• 4:00 PM: Decide to venture out and check out the NEC. I'm attending some conference or other. The very reason I'm here. It's a sea of people, mostly dressed in suits. They all look so important. I feel like I accidentally wandered into the wrong convention. I wander around in a daze for about an hour and realize I'm no longer sure what I'm supposed to be doing.
• 6:00 PM: The dinner at the hotel restaurant. I have some chicken thing. It's not great. I think I'll stick to the burger tomorrow.
• 7:00 PM: Back in my room. Watch some trashy TV. And go to bed early. The airport incident took more out of me than I realized.

Day 2: Conference Chaos & Birmingham Bites (Soundtrack: The Cure - a bit of melancholy and a touch of chaos)

• 8:00 AM (ish): Wake up with a massive headache. Blame it on jet lag, the less-than-stellar food, or possibly the existential dread of being at a conference. Whatever. Coffee, stat!
• 8:30 AM: Breakfast. The buffet is… functional. I load up on carbs and the usual suspects.
• 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM: Conference hell. The details are a blur of presentations, acronyms, and forced networking. I’m pretty sure the presenter said something about data. Maybe. The best part is the free coffee. The worst? The small talk. The constant small talk.
• 4:30 PM: Escape the conference. Freedom! Head into Birmingham proper.
• 5:30 PM: Find this tiny, amazing little restaurant called something like "The Indian Tiger" or something memorable like that. I'm craving a curry. The smell alone almost knocks me over. It's incredible. Spicy, flavorful, everything I could possibly want in that moment. I order way too much food and completely abandon any pretense of restraint. Seriously, the best meal I've had in… well, in ages. It’s a perfect, chaotic symphony of spice and flavor. Worth the trip alone.
• 8:00 PM: Back to the hotel. I’m full. I’m happy. I’m ready for bed. It’s a good feeling.
• 9:00 PM: Try to watch some TV. Find myself drifting to sleep.

Day 3: Departure & Vending Machine Vindication (Soundtrack: REM – "Leaving New York" - because, well, departure)

• 7:00 AM: Wake up, less a headache. Pack. The joy of leaving is almost as good as the joy of the curry. Almost.
• 7:30 AM: Breakfast. More carbs. More caffeine.
• 8:30 AM: Check out.
• 9:00 AM: Wait for the shuttle. Which is still piloted by that disgruntled sloth, by the way.
• 9:30 AM: The airport again. Joy.
• 10:00 AM: Security. Easy this time. (Thank God.)
• 10:30 AM: Wait. This is where things get… interesting. The flight is delayed. For hours. My internal monologue goes a little something like: "Ugh. Bored. Hungry. Thirsty. I want to go home now!"
• 11:00 AM: Discover the miracle of the vending machine. The lukewarm coffee is… not bad. It’s a small victory in a sea of delays. The chocolate bar is an even bigger win. I have discovered a small oasis of edible joy.
• 2:00 PM: Finally board the plane. Exhausted, but armed with chocolate and caffeine and a fresh memory of the curry.
• 3:00 PM (give or take): Land. Home. Freedom.

Final Thoughts (Because Let's Be Honest, This Is All About My Personal Experience):

The Holiday Inn NEC is… a Holiday Inn. It’s clean, it’s functional, it exists. The food is whatever. The staff is fine. The real victory? The curry. And the vending machine, of course. Will I go back? Probably. Because, let's face it, airport hotels are all basically the same. But I'll be prepared. With passport, emergency snacks, and a memory of that curry. And maybe, just maybe, I'll try the gym this time. Don't hold your breath.

Escape to Paradise: Hotel Bertusi, Porretta Terme, Italy Awaits!

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Holiday Inn Birmingham Airport NEC By IHG Birmingham United Kingdom

Holiday Inn Birmingham Airport (NEC): My Chaotic (and Sometimes Brilliant) Review – FAQs You ACTUALLY Need To Know!

Is the Holiday Inn NEC actually the 'best' hotel near Birmingham Airport? Seriously, GIVE IT TO ME STRAIGHT.

Okay, truth bomb incoming. "Best"? That's subjective, right? If "best" means "most convenient if you've got a pre-flight/post-flight existential crisis brewing," then YES. It’s practically in the NEC's backyard. I’m talking stumbling distance. Which, after a long-haul flight, is a beautiful thing. But "best" like, luxury palatial escape? Absolutely not. Think more... reliable, a bit worn, and occasionally… a tiny bit bonkers. Like the time I spent 20 minutes trying to figure out the hairdryer. (Turns out, I just needed to press a button. D'oh!) So... yeah, probably the “best” for its sheer proximity and lack of need for a shuttle ride at 3 AM.

Let's talk about the rooms. Are they... bearable? (I've seen some hotel rooms, you know...)

“Bearable” is accurate. Don’t expect a supermodel photoshoot in these rooms. More like… comfortable, functional, and occasionally echoing with the sounds of a snoring neighbour. (Earplugs are your friend, folks. Seriously.) I’ve stayed in rooms that were perfectly fine; clean, decent-sized, and the bed was actually… comfy. But I’ve also had rooms that felt like they were last updated during the Spice Girls era. The key here is to manage your expectations. They have a bit of a ‘seen-it-all, done-it-all’ vibe. They've seen the NEC crowd, they've seen the weary flyers, and they just don't care anymore. Which, oddly, is a bit comforting after a flight!

The food. Is it edible? And more importantly, are there any places nearby to escape the hotel’s cuisine?

Okay, the food. This is where it gets… interesting. The breakfast buffet is… well, it *is* a buffet. Think standard continental fare with a few cooked options. You know the drill: slightly rubbery scrambled eggs, lukewarm sausages, and the joy of a freshly toasted slice of bread. (Which, honestly, after a long flight is a treat.) The dinner is a mixed bag. Sometimes surprisingly decent, sometimes… less so. My advice? Manage your expectations. Don’t go in expecting Michelin-star quality. Thankfully, there are options! The NEC itself has restaurants (mostly chains, mind you), and there's a decent pub a short walk away. I once made the epic mistake of ordering room service at 11 pm while jet-lagged. The burger? Let’s just say I was more in love with the fries.

The Staff. Are they nice? I really don't want to deal with grumpy people after a flight...

Generally, yes. The staff are usually helpful and friendly, which is a massive win. I’ve encountered some absolute gems – the kind of people who smile even when they’re dealing with someone like me, who probably looks a right state after a twelve-hour flight. But, and this is just my experience... let's just say I once encountered a grumpy waiter who clearly hadn’t seen the sun in a month. (I'm not sure if it was a one-off incident or not.) Overall, though, they're pretty good. They understand the weary traveller. They know we're all just trying to get our rest and get on our way.

The Airport Connection: How easy is it to get to the airport from the hotel? Walkable? Shuttle? TELL ME EVERYTHING!

This is the BEST part. Seriously. Okay, deep breath. You can walk, easily. It’s a brisk, mostly flat 5-10 minute walk. Through the NEC, past the car parks… so you're there really quickly which is a huge PLUS point for avoiding airport chaos. The hotel KNOWS this and probably does not prioritize providing a shuttle. After a red-eye, that walk feels like a gift from the gods, though make sure you actually look the way you're going, I almost walked into a carpark post-flight. The upside? You KNOW you're not going to miss your flight if you do the walk!

Is there anything *really* bad about the Holiday Inn Birmingham Airport NEC? Give me the dirt!

Okay, let's be honest. The biggest gripe? It isn't the most "stylish" hotel. It's functional over fabulous. And sometimes… the noise. You're close to the airport AND the NEC. So concerts, conferences, and general hustle and bustle are the norm. I once had a room right above the conference hall. Let’s just say I knew all about the keynote speaker's passion for sales strategies. Through the floor. (Earplugs are still your friend!) Another downer? The decor is a bit dated. Think beige and… well, more beige. It’s not winning any design awards. Oh, AND, if you're a light sleeper, avoid rooms by the lifts.

The Gym! Do they have one? Is it worth bothering with? Because, let's face it, I eat *everything* on holiday.

Yes, they DO have a gym. It's.... fine. Don't expect a fancy fitness studio. Basic equipment, treadmills, a few weights. Worth bothering with? If you're feeling the post-flight bloat and want to move a bit, sure. If you're a serious gym bunny? Maybe skip it and enjoy the breakfast buffet. Unless, you want more 'anecdote-of-disaster' here goes: I once went to the gym after eating my weight in cheese. As soon as I started on the treadmill, I felt like, well, like I was going to be sick. Let's just say embarrassment ensued, And a hasty retreat to my room was the best solution. So, yes, a gym, but be warned, a gym after a week of gorging is not advised!

Okay, final verdict: Would you stay there again?

Yes. Absolutely. Especially if I need convenience above all else. It's reliable. It's got its quirks, yes. But it’s a solid choice for an airport hotel. It's clean, it's easy, and you can get to the airport without having to navigate a shuttle at 4 AM. I've stayed there multiple times. I'll stay there again. Just... remember the earplugs. And maybe pack your own hairdryer.

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Holiday Inn Birmingham Airport NEC By IHG Birmingham United Kingdom

Holiday Inn Birmingham Airport NEC By IHG Birmingham United Kingdom

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