If you’re looking to spend some time in Birmingham and need a place to stay, then you’re spoiled for choice. As positive a problem as this can be, it can also be paralysing, especially to those unfamiliar with how the online booking environment has developed. With that in mind, we’ve developed this guide to help you find the perfect fit for your stay in Birmingham, whether you’re here for a night, or much longer.
Finding and Using a Booking Website
Booking online can be a great way to save money, but you also have to be sure you choose a reputable website to ensure your safety. To this end, we’d recommend newcomers start with a service like Airbnb or Booking.com. These have been mainstays for travellers for years now, and while they’re not perfect, they do offer a great cross-section of what’s available.
A general search of your dates will provide an idea of what you can expect, but before jumping in, there are some further aspects to consider first. Primarily, you need to check the reviews of any hotel to ensure it has a good reputation and more than just a couple of reviews. There can be bad actors that create deals that are too good to be true, so be careful out there.
Location Matters
Birmingham is a big place, so you won’t be able to see everything from one spot. If you have a particular need or want, this means checking ahead to see which areas and even hotels work with what you want. For something specific like shopping, you’ll want to be close to the city centre, whereas Edgbaston Village might be a better choice for anyone looking for upmarket restaurants and bars. Anyone chasing the party scene might be better off close to Broad Street, or the Birmingham Gay Village if that’s more to your tastes. There’s a huge variety available in Birmingham, so be sure to check what’s close to what you enjoy most. Of course, Birmingham is well-connected enough that no matter where you are, you’ll still be able to experience and enjoy everything digital that you enjoy from home too. For instance, while the NQ64 gaming bar in Digbeth is a great area for traditional video gaming, online casinos are also easily accessible everywhere with Birmingham’s wireless and hotel internet. Users can sit in the comfort of their Birmingham abode collecting free spins and deposit match bonuses for online casinos, which you can click here to read more about. The city truly is accessible to everyone.
The Best Hotel For You
Now that you have an area in mind and you know how to avoid potential traps, it’s time to narrow down your accommodation choices. For this, you’ll need to refer to your previous experiences, your tastes, and what’s on offer within your price range.
If you’re travelling light and want to experience youth culture, then hostel bookings could be a great and cheap way to explore. These tend to be louder than other options, however, and you’re always taking a gamble on who you’ll meet. Consider it part of the adventure! Other key components include parking and proximity to public transportation depending on how you intend to get around. If you’re travelling with friends, you’ll also want to ensure you can all connect easily, whether through close hotels or short trips to meet up.
“Birmingham” – luigiloconsole72 via Flickr (Public Domain)
Ultimately, the best piece of advice we have for anyone looking to book the right hotel for their trip to Birmingham is to research first and ask the opinions of others who have taken similar routes. Booking online is a fun and rewarding way to streamline the experience, but don’t let this make you miss the forest for the trees. Take your time, weigh your options and what you need carefully, and you’ll get the best out of what our wonderful city has to offer.