Back before Christmas, Terry and I once again headed to Birmingham for the Christmas Market. We'd been the previous year and stayed at the lovely AC Hotel (read that review here) and although we really wanted to return last year, we thought we'd try somewhere new. After having a look online at some of the best reviews and locations within our budget, we decided to try Clayton hotel, (which is formally known as Hotel La Tour).
It's located a short 5-10 minute walk to both Birmingham Moor Street station and the Bullring & Grand Central shopping centre. Great for those of you looking for somewhere affordable to stay to do all your shopping in once place. And as we were there for the Market, it was around a 15-20 minute walk to where we wanted to go.
I found the best deal on Hotels.com after comparing prices from various sites. With their 20% off promo, it cost us £102.24 for the night. This was for an executive room with a city view and included breakfast for us both the next morning. Check in at 3pm and with a nice late check out at 12pm. You've got to love a hotel that doesn't expect you to be out the doors at 10am!
The inside of the hotel lobby and bar area was decorated with all the Christmassy vibes and such cute and quirky decor. I'm obsessed with the over-sized chairs and huge tripod style lamps, that I've added them to my "when Terry and I move out" shopping list!
A modern decorated room with a nice comfortable bed, is well needed after a long day of exploring the market and shops. Our room was a nice comfortable size. The "city view" was a little disappointing, as we had a view out onto a carpark and the Selfridges bubble building in the distance. That's something that we wouldn't have chosen to pay extra for if we'd known what it was going to be beforehand.
The bathroom was minimalistic and spacious and consisted of a double head walk in shower, (which was so relaxing). We had a complimentary bottle of water each, (which I personally think all rooms should come with, because everyone needs to stay hydrated) and a good selection of tea and coffee making facilities.
In the evening before heading out to the market we decided to have a bite to eat at the bar area. Terry got calamari and I died and went to cheese heaven with rosemary and garlic Camembert! And I lost my virginity with my first Pornstar Martini. Why have I not been blessed with one before? Although minus the shot of prosecco next time please, (I can't stand the stuff).
Breakfast the next morning was buffet style. Great selection to choose from, something for everyone. From crumpets to muesli, fresh fruit to your full English. Unfortunately the tea and coffee wasn't too great and we ended up having a nicer cup making our own up in the room. But the food was good and for the amount of choice you get, well worth the extra.
I definitely think Terry and I need to start treating ourselves to an overnight stay more often. It's just nice to escape normal life for a day and really relax somewhere else. So I'd love to know if you have any recommendations of where to go and where to stay?
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