Strawberry Bank Hotel, NEC
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Summary of reviewsStrawberry Bank Hotel, NEC, located in the picturesque village of Meriden, is praised for its convenient location near the NEC and Birmingham Airport. The charming rural setting, surrounded by lush countryside, provides a tranquil and lovely environment, while being well-linked with direct public transport routes and major highways. Guests appreciate the ample on-site parking and commend the hotel's value for money, clean accommodations and friendly staff.
In terms of dining, the breakfast is frequently lauded for its quality and variety, offering a sustaining meal with a range of hot and cold selections. Despite occasional issues with consistency, most guests find the breakfast experience enjoyable. The dining options extend to the adjoining pub and restaurant, where meals are often described as tasty and well-prepared, particularly dishes like lamb shank and sea bass. The restaurant’s pleasant decor and welcoming atmosphere enhance the dining experience, though some reviews mention occasional slow service and food inconsistency.
The rooms are generally regarded as spacious, clean and comfortable with functional amenities and peaceful settings contributing to a restful stay. However, the rooms show signs of aging and could benefit from updates. There are occasional reports of maintenance issues and limited modern amenities, but many guests find the accommodations adequate for short stays, highlighting the hotel's cleanliness and the efficiency of the housekeeping staff.
Staff service at Strawberry Bank Hotel receives outstanding reviews across the board. The reception, bar and restaurant staff are frequently praised for their friendliness, helpfulness and efficiency, making guests feel welcomed and valued throughout their stay.
While the Wi-Fi service is a notable weak point with frequent complaints about poor connectivity in guest rooms, the hotel compensates with a strong emphasis on cleanliness and service. The availability of ample, well-managed parking adds to the hotel’s convenience.
Families find the hotel welcoming with spacious family rooms, a friendly atmosphere and lovely garden areas for kids to play. Minor noise issues and some room layout challenges are mentioned, but the hotel's overall family-friendly vibe and good breakfast options are appreciated.
For golf enthusiasts, the proximity to renowned golf courses enhances the appeal, despite the absence of direct golf facilities on-site. Lastly, the hotel beds receive mixed reviews with many guests finding them comfortable but others noting issues with mattress firmness.
In summary, Strawberry Bank Hotel, NEC, is lauded for its excellent location, welcoming atmosphere, friendly staff and clean, comfortable accommodations, making it an appealing choice for visitors to the NEC and Birmingham Airport. Improvements in Wi-Fi connectivity, room updates and dining service consistency could further enhance the guest experience.
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In terms of dining, the breakfast is frequently lauded for its quality and variety, offering a sustaining meal with a range of hot and cold selections. Despite occasional issues with consistency, most guests find the breakfast experience enjoyable. The dining options extend to the adjoining pub and restaurant, where meals are often described as tasty and well-prepared, particularly dishes like lamb shank and sea bass. The restaurant’s pleasant decor and welcoming atmosphere enhance the dining experience, though some reviews mention occasional slow service and food inconsistency.
The rooms are generally regarded as spacious, clean and comfortable with functional amenities and peaceful settings contributing to a restful stay. However, the rooms show signs of aging and could benefit from updates. There are occasional reports of maintenance issues and limited modern amenities, but many guests find the accommodations adequate for short stays, highlighting the hotel's cleanliness and the efficiency of the housekeeping staff.
Staff service at Strawberry Bank Hotel receives outstanding reviews across the board. The reception, bar and restaurant staff are frequently praised for their friendliness, helpfulness and efficiency, making guests feel welcomed and valued throughout their stay.
While the Wi-Fi service is a notable weak point with frequent complaints about poor connectivity in guest rooms, the hotel compensates with a strong emphasis on cleanliness and service. The availability of ample, well-managed parking adds to the hotel’s convenience.
Families find the hotel welcoming with spacious family rooms, a friendly atmosphere and lovely garden areas for kids to play. Minor noise issues and some room layout challenges are mentioned, but the hotel's overall family-friendly vibe and good breakfast options are appreciated.
For golf enthusiasts, the proximity to renowned golf courses enhances the appeal, despite the absence of direct golf facilities on-site. Lastly, the hotel beds receive mixed reviews with many guests finding them comfortable but others noting issues with mattress firmness.
In summary, Strawberry Bank Hotel, NEC, is lauded for its excellent location, welcoming atmosphere, friendly staff and clean, comfortable accommodations, making it an appealing choice for visitors to the NEC and Birmingham Airport. Improvements in Wi-Fi connectivity, room updates and dining service consistency could further enhance the guest experience.
Hotel near Golf Courses
Hotel for Honeymoon
Family Friendly Hotel
Business Hotel
Hotel with Parking
Cheap Hotel
Accessible Hotel
3-Star Hotel
Guest Reviews
Nestled in the charming village of Meriden, Strawberry Bank Hotel offers a superb location for visitors attending events at the NEC and those traveling through Birmingham Airport. The hotel's proximity to the NEC is repeatedly praised with many noting it is only a short 10-minute drive or a quick taxi ride away. Public transportation options are also readily accessible with direct bus routes to the NEC and Birmingham city center making it easy to navigate the area.
Guests frequently highlight the hotel's picturesque setting, surrounded by lush countryside and offering peaceful, lovely views from the garden area. Despite its rural feel, the hotel is conveniently located close to key highways and has ample on-site parking, making it a practical choice for travelers.
Multiple reviews commend the hotel for its value for money, clean rooms and friendly staff. The adjoining pub and restaurant on-site receive frequent nods for their good food and welcoming atmosphere, adding to the overall appeal of staying at Strawberry Bank Hotel.
For those needing to be near both the NEC and Birmingham Airport, this hotel is ideally situated, offering easy access, a welcoming environment and a tranquil setting in a quaint village.
The breakfast experience at Strawberry Bank Hotel, NEC offers a diverse range of feedback with many guests praising the quality and variety available. Frequent positive mentions highlight the breakfast as being delicious, hot, fresh and sustaining with excellent offerings of a full English breakfast, cooked dishes and a good selection of other items. Guests appreciated the ample portions, the choice of hot and cold selections and the overall presentation. The buffet style, often described as very good and excellent value for money, allowed guests to help themselves to as much or as little as they desired.
However, some guests also noted inconsistencies. While some found the food to be very tasty and well-prepared, others experienced issues like cold or tepid food, limited continental options and insufficient attention to vegan and gluten-free needs. Cleanliness and organization were other points of criticism with several reviews mentioning dirty tables, cold plates and delays in replenishing food items. Despite these setbacks, the friendly and attentive staff often left a positive impression, making the dining experience enjoyable overall for many.
In summary, while the breakfast at Strawberry Bank Hotel, NEC generally receives high marks for quality and selection, improvements in consistency, variety and cleanliness could enhance the overall guest satisfaction.
The Strawberry Bank Hotel, NEC offers a mixed dining experience, where reviews tend to highlight the quality and variety of food available. Positive aspects frequently mentioned include the lovely and reasonably priced pub food with many guests enjoying both their lunch and evening meals. The food is often described as amazing, tasty and beautifully cooked with standout dishes like lamb shank and sea bass receiving special mentions. For special occasions such as weddings, the meals have been described as superb, highlighting the ability of the restaurant to deliver high-quality dishes.
Many guests commend the friendly and attentive staff, particularly when recognizing individuals like Lily. The service overall in both the restaurant and bar is often praised for efficiency and amiability, contributing to a pleasant dining atmosphere. The setting of the restaurant with its pleasant decor and spacious layout, adds to the enjoyable dining experience.
However, the reviews also indicate some inconsistencies. Slow service times and delays have been a recurring issue with some guests waiting excessive amounts of time for their meals. There were instances of food being served cold or of poor quality. Some reviews specifically note that while the pub food is commendable, the restaurant food can sometimes be hit or miss, ranging from decent to disappointing depending on the occasion. Complaints about portion sizes and the limited menu options were also noted, alongside the price being deemed high by a few visitors.
Overall, while many guests have had a positive and satisfying dining experience at the Strawberry Bank Hotel, NEC, there are areas of concern that point towards occasional lapses in quality and service.
At the Strawberry Bank Hotel near NEC, guests experience a mixed bag of room qualities. On the positive side, the rooms are generally described as spacious, clean and comfortable with sizeable, cozy atmospheres. Many guests appreciated the cleanliness maintained by the housekeeping staff, as well as functional amenities and lovely views from some rooms. The hotel also features pleasant, quiet rooms that facilitate a restful stay, while the décor, though slightly dated, is often seen as tidy and well-presented.
However, the rooms show noticeable signs of aging and would benefit from a refresh. Several guests noted that the room decor and furniture felt tired and shabby in places with some rooms in desperate need of renovation. Issues like thin walls, dated interiors, inadequate heating and minor maintenance problems such as broken furniture and non-working keys frequently cropped up. Basic essentials like hair dryers and proper plug points were sometimes missing and noise complaints were not uncommon, particularly from those unfortunate enough to stay during functions or weddings.
Despite these drawbacks, many found the rooms suitable for short stays, especially considering their convenience and proximity to the NEC and Birmingham Airport. For those prioritizing cleanliness and basic comfort over modern amenities, Strawberry Bank Hotel serves as an adequate, budget-friendly choice.
Strawberry Bank Hotel, NEC has garnered a variety of reviews when it comes to the quality of its beds. A significant number of guests commented positively on the comfort level, describing the beds as very comfortable, comfy and providing a good rest. Fresh and clean bed linen was frequently noted, contributing to a pleasant sleeping environment. Some guests appreciated the comfortable king-sized beds and commendable bedding quality, adding to the overall positive remarks.
However, there were numerous points of dissatisfaction highlighted by other visitors. A recurring issue was the irregular firmness of the mattresses with some being described as too hard while others were too soft or sagging in the middle. It was not uncommon for guests to report outdated, worn-out mattresses that required replacement. Instances of feeling springs through thin mattresses and beds lacking adequate support were also notable complaints. Moreover, the absence of mattress protectors and beds being overly noisy due to worn springs were additional issues that detracted from the experience.
Despite a number of guests finding the beds comfortable, it’s clear that the hotel would benefit from a thorough evaluation of its bedding to ensure a consistently restful experience for all visitors. Addressing these issues could significantly enhance guest satisfaction and comfort.
Strawberry Bank Hotel, NEC boasts a generally favorable reputation for its cleanliness with a large number of guest reviews highlighting the clean and comfortable rooms. Many reviews describe the rooms as spacious, clean and well-serviced with positive remarks about the comfortable beds and tidy environments. The hotel and its public areas, including the pub and bar, are often described as clean and well-maintained. Daily room cleaning and frequent towel changes are also noted positively.
However, there are recurring mentions of specific areas needing improvement. Some guests have reported issues like mold in the bathrooms, dirty carpets and cobwebs in rooms, indicating inconsistencies in the cleaning standards. The hotel's decor is noted as slightly dated with certain areas showing signs of wear and tear, such as peeling paint and stained carpets. The overall sentiment remains positive with guests appreciating the clean accommodations and services provided, but acknowledging that some areas could benefit from more thorough and regular maintenance.
The Strawberry Bank Hotel, NEC has garnered a reputation for exceptional staff service according to guest reviews. The hotel staff are frequently noted for being friendly, helpful and welcoming. In particular, reception staff have received high praise for being lovely, courteous and efficient. Many guests highlighted individual staff members such as Lesley and Sandra for their helpfulness and charm.
The bar and restaurant staff have also gained positive mentions for their excellent service with guests enjoying a friendly and attentive demeanor. The morning cleaners, wine waiters and breakfast room staff are noted for being cheerful and obliging.
Although there are a few isolated mentions of less satisfactory experiences, such as occasional rudeness or lack of support at reception, the overall consensus describes the staff as hardworking, kind and exceptional in their roles. This commitment to hospitality has left many guests feeling well cared for during their stay.
In summary, the Strawberry Bank Hotel, NEC prides itself on providing a warm and friendly experience through their capable and attentive staff, making guests feel welcomed and valued.
Travelers visiting Strawberry Bank Hotel, NEC have noted frequent issues with the Wi-Fi service, particularly in the guest rooms. Many reviews highlight that Wi-Fi connectivity is either weak, slow or entirely non-existent within the rooms, causing frustration for guests who need reliable internet access. Despite these recurring problems, some guests did experience better connectivity in common areas like the bar or dining room, suggesting that the signal strength does not uniformly cover the entire hotel. A few reviews mention the need for Wi-Fi repeaters to improve the signal, indicating potential areas for improvement. Nonetheless, in sporadic instances, some found the Wi-Fi to be usable or acceptable. Overall, the prevailing sentiment is that Strawberry Bank Hotel could significantly enhance the guest experience by addressing the widespread concerns with its Wi-Fi service.
The parking situation at Strawberry Bank Hotel, NEC generally receives positive feedback from guests. The hotel offers ample and well-managed parking options which are both convenient and free, making it easy for guests to leave their vehicles without any stress. Its spacious and easy-access car parks have been highlighted as sufficient to accommodate large groups with plenty of on-site spots available. The parking facilities are noted to be secure and safe, adding confidence for guests leaving their vehicles overnight.
Though the overall sentiment is positive, a few guests mentioned minor issues. For instance, those with larger vehicles or low supercars might find navigating the parking area slightly challenging due to tight spaces and speed ramps. On rare occasions, parking can be tricky during events like weddings when the car park gets full. Nevertheless, most reviews affirm that the ample and free parking available significantly enhances the convenience and appeal of staying at the Strawberry Bank Hotel, NEC.
The Strawberry Bank Hotel, NEC appears to cater well to families, offering a number of amenities that make it an appealing choice for those traveling with children. The hotel boasts a friendly, family-oriented atmosphere with various family suites and family rooms available. Guests have commented positively on the comfortable and spacious family rooms, which are large enough to accommodate a large family. The presence of a free breakfast and a calm, family-friendly environment adds to the hotel's allure for families.
Outside, the gardens provide a great play area for children, allowing parents to relax with a drink while the kids play. The location is also convenient, situated near local schools and shopping areas, making it easy for families to explore the surroundings.
However, there are some mixed reviews regarding the hotel's setup for families. Noise issues have been a point of contention with complaints about disturbances from upper floor rooms and corridors, which might be problematic for light sleepers or those with young children. Some rooms, particularly ones overlooking the beer garden, might not meet all family requirements and there have been instances where family rooms did not fit a travel cot or lacked a bath, which can be inconvenient for families with babies.
Despite these concerns, the friendly staff and the hotel's welcoming atmosphere help create an overall pleasant experience for families. The lovely breakfast options, which include both cooked and continental food, enhance the stay further, providing a good start to the day for all family members.
Strawberry Bank Hotel, NEC, is located conveniently close to renowned golf courses in Meriden and the surrounding areas. Guests frequently highlight the hotel's proximity, making it an excellent choice for golf enthusiasts. Although some reviews mentioned no direct golf facilities at the hotel itself, the nearby golf courses are praised for their quality. Additionally, the brief drive from the NEC adds to its appeal for those visiting for golf tournaments or seeking enjoyable golf drives.
Strawberry Bank Hotel, NEC proves to be a practical choice for those traveling on business. Guests appreciate the hotel's strong internet connection, fair pricing and the wide array of business facilities, such as meeting rooms, business lounges and conference spaces. The hotel's proximity to major hubs like the NEC and Birmingham Business Park, as well as the airport, makes commuting effortless. Friendly and supportive staff further enhance the corporate experience, proficiently assisting with work-related needs. The availability of a beer garden serves as an excellent space for colleagues to gather informally and the hotel provides good food, beneficial breakfast timings and plenty of free parking. While some noise issues and connectivity problems have been noted, the overall feedback underscores that Strawberry Bank Hotel is well-equipped for business meetings, conferences and extended work stays.
The Strawberry Bank Hotel, NEC receives mixed feedback regarding its accessibility for guests with disabilities. On the positive side, it boasts accessible facilities with no steps, practical and well-thought-out accessible rooms and a large car park that offers easy accessibility. The hotel is wheelchair friendly, featuring large rooms specifically designed for wheelchair users. Its location is advantageous within walking distance to the main venue and offering ease of access to nearby pubs and restaurants.
However, the hotel lacks a lift, which means that access to rooms up several stairs could pose challenges for some guests. This has been highlighted as a significant barrier, especially with no ground floor accessible options mentioned. While there are accessible bathrooms and showers available, some issues were noted, such as narrow shower doors and modifications like the removal of towel rails. Moreover, the necessity for more accessible toilets, especially during breakfast time, was noted. Overall, while the hotel makes some provisions for accessibility, the absence of a lift and certain other barriers suggest there is room for improvement.
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Location
Guests frequently highlight the hotel's picturesque setting, surrounded by lush countryside and offering peaceful, lovely views from the garden area. Despite its rural feel, the hotel is conveniently located close to key highways and has ample on-site parking, making it a practical choice for travelers.
Multiple reviews commend the hotel for its value for money, clean rooms and friendly staff. The adjoining pub and restaurant on-site receive frequent nods for their good food and welcoming atmosphere, adding to the overall appeal of staying at Strawberry Bank Hotel.
For those needing to be near both the NEC and Birmingham Airport, this hotel is ideally situated, offering easy access, a welcoming environment and a tranquil setting in a quaint village.
Breakfast
However, some guests also noted inconsistencies. While some found the food to be very tasty and well-prepared, others experienced issues like cold or tepid food, limited continental options and insufficient attention to vegan and gluten-free needs. Cleanliness and organization were other points of criticism with several reviews mentioning dirty tables, cold plates and delays in replenishing food items. Despite these setbacks, the friendly and attentive staff often left a positive impression, making the dining experience enjoyable overall for many.
In summary, while the breakfast at Strawberry Bank Hotel, NEC generally receives high marks for quality and selection, improvements in consistency, variety and cleanliness could enhance the overall guest satisfaction.
Dinner
Many guests commend the friendly and attentive staff, particularly when recognizing individuals like Lily. The service overall in both the restaurant and bar is often praised for efficiency and amiability, contributing to a pleasant dining atmosphere. The setting of the restaurant with its pleasant decor and spacious layout, adds to the enjoyable dining experience.
However, the reviews also indicate some inconsistencies. Slow service times and delays have been a recurring issue with some guests waiting excessive amounts of time for their meals. There were instances of food being served cold or of poor quality. Some reviews specifically note that while the pub food is commendable, the restaurant food can sometimes be hit or miss, ranging from decent to disappointing depending on the occasion. Complaints about portion sizes and the limited menu options were also noted, alongside the price being deemed high by a few visitors.
Overall, while many guests have had a positive and satisfying dining experience at the Strawberry Bank Hotel, NEC, there are areas of concern that point towards occasional lapses in quality and service.
Rooms
However, the rooms show noticeable signs of aging and would benefit from a refresh. Several guests noted that the room decor and furniture felt tired and shabby in places with some rooms in desperate need of renovation. Issues like thin walls, dated interiors, inadequate heating and minor maintenance problems such as broken furniture and non-working keys frequently cropped up. Basic essentials like hair dryers and proper plug points were sometimes missing and noise complaints were not uncommon, particularly from those unfortunate enough to stay during functions or weddings.
Despite these drawbacks, many found the rooms suitable for short stays, especially considering their convenience and proximity to the NEC and Birmingham Airport. For those prioritizing cleanliness and basic comfort over modern amenities, Strawberry Bank Hotel serves as an adequate, budget-friendly choice.
Beds
However, there were numerous points of dissatisfaction highlighted by other visitors. A recurring issue was the irregular firmness of the mattresses with some being described as too hard while others were too soft or sagging in the middle. It was not uncommon for guests to report outdated, worn-out mattresses that required replacement. Instances of feeling springs through thin mattresses and beds lacking adequate support were also notable complaints. Moreover, the absence of mattress protectors and beds being overly noisy due to worn springs were additional issues that detracted from the experience.
Despite a number of guests finding the beds comfortable, it’s clear that the hotel would benefit from a thorough evaluation of its bedding to ensure a consistently restful experience for all visitors. Addressing these issues could significantly enhance guest satisfaction and comfort.
Cleanliness
However, there are recurring mentions of specific areas needing improvement. Some guests have reported issues like mold in the bathrooms, dirty carpets and cobwebs in rooms, indicating inconsistencies in the cleaning standards. The hotel's decor is noted as slightly dated with certain areas showing signs of wear and tear, such as peeling paint and stained carpets. The overall sentiment remains positive with guests appreciating the clean accommodations and services provided, but acknowledging that some areas could benefit from more thorough and regular maintenance.
Staff
The bar and restaurant staff have also gained positive mentions for their excellent service with guests enjoying a friendly and attentive demeanor. The morning cleaners, wine waiters and breakfast room staff are noted for being cheerful and obliging.
Although there are a few isolated mentions of less satisfactory experiences, such as occasional rudeness or lack of support at reception, the overall consensus describes the staff as hardworking, kind and exceptional in their roles. This commitment to hospitality has left many guests feeling well cared for during their stay.
In summary, the Strawberry Bank Hotel, NEC prides itself on providing a warm and friendly experience through their capable and attentive staff, making guests feel welcomed and valued.
Wi-Fi
Parking
Though the overall sentiment is positive, a few guests mentioned minor issues. For instance, those with larger vehicles or low supercars might find navigating the parking area slightly challenging due to tight spaces and speed ramps. On rare occasions, parking can be tricky during events like weddings when the car park gets full. Nevertheless, most reviews affirm that the ample and free parking available significantly enhances the convenience and appeal of staying at the Strawberry Bank Hotel, NEC.
Family
Outside, the gardens provide a great play area for children, allowing parents to relax with a drink while the kids play. The location is also convenient, situated near local schools and shopping areas, making it easy for families to explore the surroundings.
However, there are some mixed reviews regarding the hotel's setup for families. Noise issues have been a point of contention with complaints about disturbances from upper floor rooms and corridors, which might be problematic for light sleepers or those with young children. Some rooms, particularly ones overlooking the beer garden, might not meet all family requirements and there have been instances where family rooms did not fit a travel cot or lacked a bath, which can be inconvenient for families with babies.
Despite these concerns, the friendly staff and the hotel's welcoming atmosphere help create an overall pleasant experience for families. The lovely breakfast options, which include both cooked and continental food, enhance the stay further, providing a good start to the day for all family members.
Golf
Business
Accessible
However, the hotel lacks a lift, which means that access to rooms up several stairs could pose challenges for some guests. This has been highlighted as a significant barrier, especially with no ground floor accessible options mentioned. While there are accessible bathrooms and showers available, some issues were noted, such as narrow shower doors and modifications like the removal of towel rails. Moreover, the necessity for more accessible toilets, especially during breakfast time, was noted. Overall, while the hotel makes some provisions for accessibility, the absence of a lift and certain other barriers suggest there is room for improvement.
No, Strawberry Bank Hotel, NEC doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Strawberry Bank Hotel, NEC.
No, Strawberry Bank Hotel, NEC doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Strawberry Bank Hotel, NEC.
No, Strawberry Bank Hotel, NEC doesn't have a gym.
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