Serviced apartments are growing in popularity among visitors to Birmingham. David Bentley has selected some properties that are great for business or pleasure.
There are plenty of places to stay in and around Birmingham but sometimes you want something different.
Maybe you would like a bit more space, flexibility and freedom than a regular hotel room offers?
In that case, a serviced apartment might be just what you need.
They’re more and more popular among individuals, couples and families who are planning to find accommodation in the city.
So if you’re looking for a city crashpad for business or pleasure with space and independent living in mind, this is the perfect solution – a home from home in a stylish setting and with all the city centre attractions and amenities right on your doorstep.
Most of those in the city are part of ASAP – the Association of Serviced Apartment Providers – which says this is a “strong growth sector, with Birmingham delivering particularly high occupancy in view of the buoyant corporate and leisure markets in the city.”
So it seems more and more people are picking this option when they come to Brum.
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Here’s where you can enjoy a stunning and stylish stay in the city.
Staying Cool at the Rotunda, 150 New Street, Birmingham, B2 4PA
These super-chic apartments at the top of the Rotunda combine contemporary cool with a retro, 60s-influenced touch.
They are not the standard box-shaped rooms and feature wall-to-ceiling windows that provide plenty of natural light and offer spectacular views of Birmingham. There are 30 apartments across five floors.
You get free wi-fi, Sky TV and a choice of apartments, including the Mini (studio), Roadster Penthouse (two bedrooms), Maxi (two bedrooms), Clubman (one bedroom), Clubman Cabriolet (one bedroom) and Clubman Olympian (one bedroom).
You can opt for a free daily maid service when booking. Nearest parking is at Bullring and St Martin’s Gate.
Prices start at £99 a night.
The Postbox, 117 Upper Marshal Street, B1 1JL
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Promising ‘‘stylish city living at its most desirable’’, this development by BridgeStreet is a modern building with an interior courtyard and communal garden.
There’s a secure entry system, concierge, lifts, 24-hour emergency service, laundry and dry cleaning services, car parking and a fitness centre nearby.
The apartments, many with their own balconies, have free wi-fi, plus weekly housekeeping and a linen change.
Prices from £68 a night.
Burne Jones House, 11-12 Bennetts Hill, Birmingham, B2 5RS
Built in the late 19th century and the birthplace of the pre-Raphaelite painter Edward Burne Jones, the Art Deco, six-storey building has been redeveloped into 29 apartments.
Many of the original fittings remain – including the marble entrance hall, solid bronze front door, ornate windows and marble floors on the landings.
There are five different types of apartment on offer: studio, large studio (with king-size bed, separate kitchen and large living area), one bedroom (separate double bedroom with king-size bed) two bedroom with one double and one single bed, and two bedroom with two double beds.
All apartments are air-conditioned with weekly room service, wi-fi and a safe for valuables. Studios have their own balcony.
Prices are around £84 to £156 a night.
Shaftesbury House, 59-61 Station Street, Birmingham, B5 4DY
Also run by CityQuarters, this is a development of 17 fully furnished serviced apartments in Birmingham city centre. The building has been restored to its former Edwardian glory, offering 17 units.
There are five apartment types: studio, studio with separate sleeping area, one-bedroom, one-bed duplex and one-bed penthouse. The duplex is a split-level, large, open-plan apartment.
All options have weekly room service and wi-fi.
Prices are around £84 to £156 a night.
Premier Suites Birmingham, Dean House, 38 Upper Dean Street, Birmingham, B5 4SG
Premier Suites - formerly Premier Apartments - offers spacious self-catering apartments. Following the rebranding, all apartments have recently been revamped with comfy new mattresses plus new lamps and kitchen blinds.
New carpets and flooring are also being added and kitchenettes upgraded with fancy marble worktops and touch-glass electric hobs.
There are one-bedroom and two-bedroom options. Extra options include romantic surprises for your loved one, a starter box of groceries on arrival, relaxation packages (pizza, wine and snacks/chocolates) and grocery deliveries.
Prices start at £51 a night including a free bottle of wine.
SACO Birmingham, 3 Brunswick Square, Brindleyplace, Birmingham, B1 2HR
This Aparthotel has a range of options. There are studios and one, two and three-bedroom apartments.
There’s free wi-fi, a 24-hour concierge, a breakfast pack for your first morning, weekly housekeeping and linen service, Sky Sports channels and a laundry/dry-cleaning service for an additional charge.
For car parking, Q Park Brindleyplace is recommended and you can get an exclusive discount code at the time of booking.
Prices from £95 per night.
The Spires Birmingham, 10 Commercial Street, Birmingham, B1 1RH
Also part of the SACO serviced apartment company, this property offers studios and one, two or three-bedroom apartments.
There’s a video entry system, daily light housekeeping, weekly housekeeping and a linen service, free wi-fi, an onsite grocery shop, fully-equipped kitchens and a DVD player.
Prices from £78 a night.
City Nites, Arena View, Edward Street, Birmingham, B1 2RX
These contemporary one and two-bedroom serviced apartments are also part of SACO.
They all have free wi-fi, lift access, late check-out, personalised check-in and a weekly housekeeping and linen service. Onsite parking is available for £10 per night.
Prices from £80 a night.
Staycity at the Arcadian, The Arcadian Centre, Hurst Street, Birmingham, B5 4TD
Staycity Serviced Apartments at the Arcadian Centre offers 56 one-bedroom and 22 two-bedroom apartments, all fully furnished and with bed linen and towels provided.
There’s a 24-hour reception, plus free wi-fi, balcony, lift and a cleaning service.
Secure parking is available (it’s at the top of the Arcadian car park) for £11 a day.
Prices from £69 per night.