The Regency Hotel

The hotel is undergoing a significant refurbishment, with its bar and restaurant areas already transformed into stylish, modern spaces, creating a welcoming atmosphere for guests. This, combined with the consistently praised exceptional staff, makes for a memorable stay. The hotel is ideally suited for business travelers attending events at the nearby NEC, offering convenient access. It also caters well to couples seeking a romantic getaway or families looking for comfortable accommodations and accommodating service. Event attendees will find the hotel a highly recommended venue for weddings and other celebrations. To enhance your experience, consider requesting a room on a higher floor to mitigate potential noise, and be aware of the varying parking policies depending on your booking method and day of the week. The ongoing renovations suggest future improvements to the entire property.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities designed to enhance guest stays, though some are currently undergoing renovation. Most guests appreciate the swimming pool, often described as heated and a significant draw, along with the basic yet functional gym, sauna, and steam room. However, some note that the leisure center areas, including changing rooms, appear dated, worn, or even dirty, with broken lockers and a noticeable smell, and these facilities have been temporarily closed for refurbishment. A recurring concern is the lift, which is frequently out of order, posing a significant challenge for guests with mobility issues or heavy luggage, as rooms can be on upper floors. On the positive side, free Wi-Fi is consistently available, and there is ample parking on site, though a daily fee often applies during weekdays. The newly refurbished bar and restaurant areas are widely praised for their stylish decor and inviting ambiance. The hotel also provides meeting rooms that are modern and well-equipped, and some guests appreciate the presence of EV charge points.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on cleanliness is generally positive, with many rooms described as clean and well-maintained, benefiting from daily room servicing and fresh towels. The beds are frequently highlighted as comfortable, with many guests reporting a good night's sleep on king-sized mattresses. Rooms are often noted for being spacious, providing ample room for relaxation. However, a significant number of reviews indicate that the decor in many rooms is dated, tired, or basic, with issues such as peeling paintwork, threadbare carpets, and visible wear and tear. Some bathrooms show signs of mould or flaking paint, and while hot water and good water pressure are common, the overall appearance can be unappealing. Noise levels can be a concern for rooms facing the busy dual carriageway or located above the bar, and the absence of air conditioning means open windows can lead to noise from outside generators. Guests also frequently mention a lack of sufficient plug sockets and the absence of an in-room telephone.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining options receive widespread acclaim, particularly the newly refurbished restaurant and bar areas, which are praised for their inviting atmosphere. The food quality is consistently described as excellent, delicious, and superb across various meals. Breakfast is a highlight for many, offering a good selection of hot and cold buffet items, including a full English breakfast, cereals, and fruits, with chefs often willing to prepare extra items. Guests frequently commend the evening meals and Sunday lunch for their taste, presentation, and generous portion sizes. The bar is noted for serving good quality drinks, including IPA, and offers popular items like half-price pizzas. Some guests enjoy the live entertainment available on certain evenings. While the overall food experience is highly positive, a few guests have reported inconsistencies with breakfast items being served lukewarm or cold, and some found the coffee machine to be unreliable or produce poor quality coffee.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a highly convenient location, particularly for those attending events at the NEC, being just a few miles away and easily accessible. Its proximity to the M42 motorway network and Birmingham International Airport makes it an ideal choice for travelers arriving by car or air. Guests find the hotel easy to locate and appreciate its position near areas like Shirley and Solihull. While generally considered a good base for exploring the wider region, some guests note that the immediate surroundings can be busy, with front-facing rooms overlooking a dual carriageway. Parking is plentiful on site, which is a significant advantage for many, though it is important to note that a daily charge of £10 typically applies during weekdays if not booked directly with the hotel, a point of contention for some. Weekend parking is often free, which is a welcome bonus.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive outstanding praise, being described as amazing, exceptional, superb, and incredibly friendly and helpful. From reception to the bar, restaurant, and housekeeping, guests highlight their attentive service and willingness to go the extra mile. Many reviews commend the professional staff for their welcoming demeanor and efficiency, particularly during quick check-in processes and in resolving booking issues promptly. The team is noted for being highly accommodating, whether for wedding parties, families with young children, or guests needing extended stays during emergencies. Specific individuals are frequently mentioned for their exceptional customer service, making guests feel valued and at home. While most experiences are overwhelmingly positive, a few guests noted that staff could appear busy, and occasional inconsistencies in service delivery were observed, particularly during peak times or when staffing levels seemed low.

Additional Information
The hotel is currently undergoing an extensive refurbishment program, with the bar and restaurant areas already completed to a high standard, offering a modern and stylish ambiance. This ongoing investment aims to update the entire property, including the rooms and leisure facilities. The hotel is a highly recommended wedding venue and event space, with many guests praising the dedicated team and excellent food provided for celebrations. While previously noted for its pet-friendly policy, recent reviews indicate a change, with the hotel reportedly no longer accepting dogs, which may impact some travelers. Guests should be aware of the parking policy, as a daily fee applies on weekdays for bookings not made directly. The hotel also features live music and other themed entertainment evenings in its bar. For those looking for unique conveniences, there is a car wash facility located on site.