Aloft Birmingham Eastside

WHERE AND WHY:

Ahead of next year’s Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, Marriott Hotels have opened their fourth Aloft hotel, their first in the Midlands.

Currently home to a lively student population, Eastside is undergoing huge redevelopment which will include the new HS2 train station and a tramline extension. The hotel’s interior reflects the buzzy vibe of the area, with lively music in the public areas, bold turquoise and pink colour schemes and stand-out lighting.

My urban king room had views over the city as well as a Nespresso machine plus a platform bed, 55in LCD TV, huge walk-in monsoon shower and striking wall art.

My 12-year-old son and his friend shared a twin room next door – both had double beds which they loved – and our two rooms were sectioned off from the rest of the corridor with a key-entry door for security. Downstairs, the lobby’s pool table kept them happy for hours.

ON THE MENU:

Eat in the Tempo! Restaurant with its neon wall displays, vinyl-clad booths and music artefacts. Or for a more laid-back feel try the popular bar, with its industrial-chic cool. The delicious bacon cheeseburgers are enormous and come with skin-on fries and coleslaw (£13.95) but for a lighter kick, try the halloumi, falafel and avocado bowl, served with roasted tomatoes and a lemon and honey dressing (£12.50).

Round it off with sticky toffee pudding or, if you’ll feeling daring, the Bourbon cherry trifle (£6.95 each).

The buffet breakfast has plenty of extras such as fruit salad and a mix of breads and pastries.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE:

With the Commonwealth Games around the corner it’s the perfect time to enjoy a sporty break. Watch local county team Warwickshire or even an international at Edgbaston cricket ground or take a tour around Villa Park, home of Aston Villa, one of the founding members of the Football League.

Tee off in a rainforest at Treetop Adventure Golf in the Bullring shopping centre, or head to Meetspace VR – Europe’s biggest free-roaming VR experience – and the Bear Grylls Adventure activity centre. World-famous Ryder Cup golf courses and a new hi-tech driving range are a 20-minute drive away at the Belfry Hotel.

WAKE-UP CALL:

Doubles for two from £60, aloft-hotels.marriott.com