Ibis Style Hotel, Lionel Street, Birmingham

This hotel was until about a year ago a Holiday Inn Express, it is now an Ibis Style Hotel.

It is very conveniently located for Broad Street and the city centre, however you don't want to be staying there over the Birmingham Half Marathon as you will struggle to get out, especially by car.

The reception staff are friendly and efficient, checking you in quickly.  You can choose to leave a deposit in case of any incidental purchases, (the hotel offers dry cleaning) I didn't take this option as each visit was only for one night.

On the ground floor, as well as reception, there is a small child's play area, a small bar and seating area and the breakfast area.

Breakfast is self service, but there is always a member of staff about and food is replenished regularly. You can help yourself to as much as you want from fruit juice, tea, coffee and chocolate; cereals, fresh fruit, cooked breakfast items, toast and rolls.

There are free daily newspapers available too.

Some of the rooms are equipped with wet rooms with seats in the showers for wheelchair users.  These rooms have more empty space around the bed and other furniture too.

There are adjoining rooms available too.

Each floor has a different colour theme.  The bedrooms all have large flat screen televisions, bigger than the one I have at home.

I would recommend that you book in advance, I paid on average £45 per night, however the walk up price that was displayed by the entrance and behind reception, varied from £69 to £129 per night, depending on the time of year and what was going on in the city centre.