Second only in size to London, Birmingham is a market town grown large in the wake of the industrial revolution, when it was often referred to as ‘the workshop of the world’. Its size made it a major target during WWII, and it was heavily bombed, with reconstruction and regeneration ongoing. So today Birmingham’s skyline is part reimagined and part revitalised, gleaming contemporary shapes and finishes amongst Victorian wrought ironwork. The best places to stay in Birmingham are both in amongst the bustle of the centre, with a handful of fab boutique options, and around the outskirts of this ever-growing city.

Birmingham’s new and snazzy buildings have attracted world renowned businesses, and arts and cultural institutions. So the city has a glamorous shopping precinct and a thriving arts scene. Around the picturesque canals are galleries and museums, fantastic restaurants, cool cocktail bars and craft breweries. Our pick of the best central hotels are a pleasant stroll from all of these, plus the Rep. Theatre, where you can see world class opera and ballet companies.

If you’re looking for a list of Birmingham’s highlights then at the top of the list is the new Library of Birmingham — for what it offers both inside and out. If you have kids in tow then Cadbury World will probably make the cut, along with the National Sea Life Centre. The Custard Factory, unlike Cadbury World, no longer has much to do with actual custard, instead it’s been converted into an arts centre, and it’s one of the city's highlights along with The Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.

This city is a busy year round destination, so if you want to guarantee a room in one of the best places to stay in Birmingham, or book a hotel with parking, whether you're here business or pleasure, get organised and book well ahead!

The Best Places to Stay in Birmingham

For a City Break

• Central, comfortable and affordable, Malmaison Birmingham has made itself into an easy choice. Its 193 rooms and suites provide plenty of choice and versatility, and the chic bar and restaurant solve the problem of where to eat too. Expect neutral shades, and pop art on the walls.
• The Hotel Indigo Birmingham is a striking asset to the Birmingham city centre skyline, a tall building, with a Tetris-like facade. Inside the geometric design continues, in a range of specific styles and colours, throughout the 52 rooms and suites. The indoor pool and spa are great additions for a city break pick, and the restaurant and bar are very good too.
• Birmingham’s Hotel du Vin is well located for the station, and for Birmingham’s fanciest shopping streets. A charming example of the Hotel du Vin chain, this property has 66 rooms and suites, decorated with a rather masculine edge, and plenty of green. It also has an excellent bar and restaurant, plus a spa.

Just out of town

• The Hampton Manor Hotel is something of an escape from bustling Birmingham. Its Gothic facade is set within its own grounds, in Hampton in Arden (about 13 miles out of town). Inside Goth style continues through the 19 rooms and suites, and permeates the communal spaces, which include two restaurants, a cocktail lounge and a greenhouse. This is the sort of hotel you don't need to leave, from the welcome cocktails, to tasting menus, wine and whisky pairings, cooking lessons, and the pampering spa treatment menu. Perfect for couples or groups.
• Grace and Savour offers a chic escape from Birmingham, this time to an idyllic restaurant with just five rooms (it's part of the Hampton Manor above and is located within the manor's walled gardens). Newly built, and surrounded by gardens and kitchen gardens, Grace and Savour is known for its extraordinary 15 course tasting menu, using home-grown, foraged, pickled, infused, and carefully sourced ingredients. Each of the rooms is brand new, built and decorated in a Scandinavian style, with natural materials, and beautiful concrete-moulded baths.

For Romantics

• The Edgbaston is a chic bar and restaurant, with just six guest rooms, and plenty of glamour. There’s an Art Deco feel to it, with plenty of shiny black and gold detail to the decor in the bar and restaurant, yet plenty of crisp whiteness to the spacious rooms upstairs. Many rooms have roll-top baths in the room, and one suite has two showers, side by side.
• New Hall Hotel and Spa is a grand, 600 year old manor house, turned luxury hotel, in a leafy spot just outside Birmingham. Some guests are just here for the spa facilities, or the 2 AA Rosette restaurant, but the 60 charming rooms and suites deserve a mention too! There are actually two restaurants as well, one of them the fine dining rosette winner, and the other a more relaxed brasserie. And there’s a gym and large indoor pool as well as the spa. The decor befits the grand surrounds perfectly.
• Saint Pauls House is a restaurant and bar in Birmingham’s jewellery district, with a collection of simply, but stylishly decorated suites on the floors above. Each room has tea and coffee making facilities, unique tartan, and romantic city photography on the walls. Close to the museums, and shops.
• The Grand Hotel Birmingham is a properly grand choice, an institution dating from the Victorian era, and still dripping with grandeur from its vast height ceilings in the bar and restaurant, to its elegantly imposing staircase complete with marble pillars, and spacious suites with four-poster beds. Even if you opt not to stay here, our Gurus recommend you try the cocktail bar, with its bygone era charm, and the chic bistro/restaurant.

For Great Value

• The High Field Townhouse is a carefully converted townhouse, with 12 surprisingly spacious rooms and suites, and an even more surprisingly spacious bar and restaurant, just a short stroll from Birmingham’s city centre. The decor is comfortably elegant, with well-shaped furniture, and well-chosen fabrics and colours. You’re close to the botanical gardens, and lots of places to eat and drink.

Prefer a Private Apartment?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Birmingham Airport has good connections to other destinations in the UK and Europe, and it’s only about ten minutes from the centre of town by train, half an hour by bus, or 20 minutes in a taxi. If you’re travelling by rail you may find yourself coming via London, which is only about an hour and a quarter away, or via Manchester, which is about an hour and a half.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Birmingham is a city break destination, with year round appeal. The weather is more pleasant in the middle of the calendar year, but it will be easier to book attractions, and marginally easier to book accommodation outside of the school holidays.

Still not sure?

• Originally part of Warwickshire, Birmingham has expanded around itself, and now includes parts of Worcestershire and Staffordshire, so it’sworth checking out these locations too
• Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.