Checking in for a Brum do

May 17 2009 by Adam Jupp, Sunday Sun

ADAM JUPP travels to the Midlands for a weekend stay at two hotels in Birmingham.

We retired to our monster room for the evening and were out for the count as soon as we landed on the uber-comfy bed. Then, 10 hours later, it was back to the brasserie for breakfast.

The format included a buffet of continental treats - granola, croissants, yoghurts and juices - as well as cooked offerings, prepared to order.

After checking out, we headed off to sample the shopping options Birmingham has to offer, on the condition we could be finished in time to watch the afternoon’s scores come in, in one of the boozers we had discovered the day before.

As we reflected on our stay, we concluded the Malmaison was perfectly placed to offer a central location, while not running the risk of night-time disturbances.

It managed to give a luxurious feel without being pretentious and unwelcoming and I reckon it’ll be top of our list when we return, a little wiser, to the city. Second on our list would probably be the Hotel du Vin and ambling through Birmingham on the way there for the night was a pleasant experience.

The refurbished Jewellery Quarter offers a range of smart pubs and bars, dotted in among offices, all on stylish-looking streets.

We had, somewhat unfairly, been expecting a concrete mass on our visit to Brum but we were more than pleasantly surprised and loving the ambience of this particular section of the city.

However, our blood pressure levels started to rise slightly when we realised after half an hour we couldn’t find our end destination.

That was in part due to the fact we weren’t looking properly, but also testament to the former eye hospital blending in perfectly with its surroundings, rather than being a blot on the landscape, like many new-build hotels can be. Indeed, while the largest venue of the HdV chain is a relatively new addition to Birmingham, every effort has been made to preserve as many original features of the Victorian building as possible.

As you enter, you are met with a giant sweeping staircase and granite pillars that lead into a central courtyard.

Rather than following the conventional theme of numbering their rooms, all suites at the Hotel du Vin have been given individual names, with ours named after famous wine maker Allain Graillot.

We headed up to Monsieur Graillot’s boudoir and it was certainly unique. The room was huge and dominated by the metal-framed bed. The decor managed to combine an old-fashioned and basic look, while still feeling luxurious.

The shower in the bathroom was probably the best I have ever had the pleasure to stand under.

We were booked in for dinner at the hotel’s bistro, which prides itself in offering a menu rooted in classic European cuisine with a contemporary edge.

I started off with a ham hock and parsley terrine, with homemade picalilli, and that set me up perfectly for my main of pork belly and beetroot garnish.

The pork was delightfully cooked, with the fat adding flavour as opposed to making the dish sickly.

Full to the brim, we decided to investigate what else the hotel had to offer, before retiring for the night. And we were pleasantly surprised, stumbling on a snooker room and the spa.

The Hotel du Vin offers a stylish yet unique alternative to run-of-the-mill chains. It may not be to everyone’s taste but there can be no denying the excellent service and attention to detail throughout.

5 things to do

BULLRING: In the city centre - eye-catching and packed with top shops, including Selfridges Bullring?

EDGBASTON: The home of Warwickshire cricket club. Howzat!!!

COTSWOLDS: Hop in the car - this scenic area is only half an hour away.

CADBURY WORLD: If you like chocolate, you will love this interactive attraction.

BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY: For those culture vultures among you.