THE HOTEL: Bloc Hotels is billed as a
boutique/budget blend which cuts costs by
concentrating on the essentials for a short-stay.
This Birmingham property is the first of the
brand which is set for expansion across the
country. The building, in Birmingham's
Jewellery Quarter, is more Bloc Party than
soviet bloc, with muted, ambient lighting in
purple and a swanky, masculine decor of
neutral colours and exposed brick.
THE CHECK-IN: Fuss-free and friendly, we
hardly had time to appreciate the light, modern
lobby. The reception staff gave us honest
advice on where to go for a drink. We opted for
the 'not so cool pub' two-minutes away, rather
than venture into heart of the Jewellery
Quarter a ten-minute walk away.
THE ROOM: I've never been to Japan but this
is how I imagine its budget hotels – pod-like,
quirky and cutting-edge! According to Bloc's
research, people don't usually unpack and
prefer not to eat in budget hotels. With this in
mind, the hotel has saved on space by
eliminating storage facilities and built close to
restaurants instead of including one. They
have, however, invested in high-quality
showers, televisions and beds, with the latter
taking up most of the room. Luxury cotton
sheets, fluffy bathrobes and a tactile suede
headboard gave a sense of being cocooned.
The simple wet room had a very powerful
shower and limited but quality amenities.
Hairdryers are available from reception.
THE BUSINESS: You receive instructions on
how to connect to the free wifi on check-in.
There's no desk but the small bedside surface
and stool is sufficient for doing emails. Not the
place for writing up a lengthy report though!
There is no clock so mobiles must be charged.
FACILITIES: The hotel's concept dictates that
there aren't any, apart from the Nespresso
machine in the lobby and vending machines.
THE VERDICT: Bloc Hotel Birmingham doesn't
claim all-out luxury, just some elements, and
it's great value compared to some of the
leading budget rival brands. The styleconscious
will love this clever concept which
saves on expenses. Great for one or two-nights
– any longer and cabin fever may set in.
THE DETAILS: St. Paul's, Caroline Street,
Birmingham, B3 1UG. Tel: 0121 212 1223; info@blochotels.com; www.blochotels.com.
Rates: £35-85, dependent on demand. A room
with a window is £5 more than without. Laura gelder
