#BloggerLodge Birmingham Airport

Last weekend we were at Grand Designs Live at the NEC, Birmingham (more to follow because I have way too many things to share). Since we hadn’t been last year we decided we would go for two days this year. When Travelodge offered for me to stay at one of their Birmingham hotels – I snapped at the chance to stay at the Travelodge Birmingham Airport hotel since it’s right around the corner from the NEC.

Travelodge Birmingham Airport

The hotel is next door to the Airport – in fact you can see a control tower and airplanes from the back of the hotel. Our room was at the front of the hotel and we could see the A45 from our window. Despite the fact that there was a lot of traffic, the soundproofing was great and whilst yes you could hear traffic it wasn’t loud when the windows were closed. It certainly didn’t stop us sleeping that’s for sure! And I didn’t hear any of the planes either.

Fooood! #wagamama

A photo posted by Rebecca (@becsterdotcom) on Oct 9, 2015 at 10:47am PDT

On Friday night we decided to head out to Solihull so didn’t stay at the hotel for an evening meal because we wanted to go to the cinema. Caught a bus from the end of the road which took us into middle of Solihull which was very handy. We walked through the shopping centre where we did some window shopping (all the shops were closed). Hubby wasn’t very hungry so I dragged him to Wagamamas where I had some chicken teriyaki with rice. Was very yum! We then went to see The Martian and it was great. I would definitely recommend it – a must see!

Breakfast

Saturday morning we had breakfast at the hotel before heading out to Grand Designs Live. There was a selection of cereals, cooked breakfast, toast, croissants and yogurts so plenty of choice. I opted for the cooked breakfast! There is nothing better than a cooked breakfast when someone else is cooking (and washing up!).

A photo posted by Rebecca (@becsterdotcom) on Oct 10, 2015 at 1:38am PDT

We also had breakfast on Sunday morning and it was good but the poor woman who was topping up the food couldn’t keep up with demand!

Saturday Evening – “Chillax” and Food

Saturday evening we came back to the hotel to watch the AUSvWAL rugby match on the telly in our room. Whilst hubby watched the rugby I settled myself by the desk with a cup of tea, chocolate and my MacBook to do some blogging. Hey no kids this weekend so I’m capitalising on the time!

Panad and some free wi-fi whilst #AusVWal on telly #rwc2015 #bloggerlodge A photo posted by Rebecca (@becsterdotcom) on Oct 10, 2015 at 9:15am PDT

The rugby match finished around 7pm and because we couldn’t be bothered to head out again (hubby wasn’t in the best mood after Wales lost!) we opted to have food in the hotel. And it was at this point that we remembered that it was 6 years to the day (and date) since we got engaged.

6 years ago this happened! And we’re back in Birmingham to celebrate! 😀 #bloggerlodge #engagement A photo posted by Rebecca (@becsterdotcom) on Oct 10, 2015 at 12:06pm PDT

We went for the 2 course meal deal – 2 courses and a drink for £12.75 each. I had the chicken, mushroom and blue cheese risotto with a glass of Schweppes Lemonade. Hubby had the chicken tikka masala with rice and naan bread with a bottle of Stella. For pudding I opted for apple crumble pie with custard and hubby went for the sticky toffee pudding. All I can say is that the food was delicious! I really really enjoyed the risotto and even though I didn’t quite manage to finish eating the crumble, it was lovely!

A Good Night’s Sleep

I had a decent night’s sleep on both evenings. The bed was very firm which was ok with me but hubby found it a tad uncomfortable (he’s used to a memory foam mattress though and is way more fussy than I am!). The only thing I didn’t find too comfortable were the pillows. They were a bit too firm for my liking but that’s just a personal preference.

Also I should say I was mildly disappointed that there was no bath in our room but to be fair I didn’t actually ask for one. The shower was great though! It was at just the right heat and pressure setting for me and I had a great shower in the mornings.

So would I recommend this hotel? Yes I would – it is right next door to the airport, has bus connections (public transport) to Solihull, Birmingham and the airport and the NEC, is 15 minute drive from the NEC and very easy to get to. The food was very nice and the staff very friendly. The only thing that doesn’t get full marks from me is pillows! I will most definitely keep this hotel in mind if we ever decide to go to the NEC again.

(I was given the opportunity to stay at one of Travelodge’s hotels courtesy of Travelodge. The opinions are my own honest opinions and not influenced by Travelodge).