HOTEL OF THE WEEK
ALOFT BIRMINGHAM EASTSIDE Birmingham
WHERE AND WHY:
Ahead of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, Marriott Hotels has opened its fourth Aloft hotel, its first in the Midlands.
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 a platform bed, 55in LCD TV, huge walk-in monsoon shower and striking wall art and a Nespresso machine.
My 12-year-old son and his friend shared a twin room next door – both had double beds which they loved and the lobby’s pool table, inset, kept them happy for hours.
ON THE MENU:
Eat in the Tempo! Restaurant with its neon wall displays, music artefacts and vinyl-clad booths. Or enjoy the cool industrial-chic of the bar. Delicious bacon cheeseburgers are enormous and come with skin-on fries and coleslaw (£13.95) or try the halloumi, falafel and avocado bowl, served with roasted tomatoes and a lemon and honey dressing (£12.50).And if you’re feeling daring round it off with a Bourbon cherry trifle (£6.95). The buffet breakfast has plenty of extras such as fruit salad and a mix of breads and pastries.
WHILE YOU’RE THERE:
With the Games around the corner it’s the perfect time to enjoy a sporty break. Watch county team Warwickshire or an international at Edgbaston cricket ground or take a tour around Villa Park, home of Aston Villa, a founding member of the Football League. Then 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, alofthotels.marriott.com