Premier Inn Birmingham City Centre Exchange Square

Alright, grab a cuppa and settle in, because we need to talk about one of the best hotel bases in the UK: the Premier Inn Birmingham City Centre Exchange Square. I know, I know—“Premier Inn” can sound a bit “meh” at first, like a beige carpet in a sales meeting. But trust me, this one is a glorious exception, a proper Midlands gem.

Location, Location, Location (and a Little Magic)

First off, the location is practically unreal. You’re smack-dab in the heart of Birmingham, right next to the grand Council House and the famous Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery. You can literally roll out of bed, stumble past the front door, and be face-to-face with a giant statue of a bull.

And speaking of bulls, the Bullring shopping centre is a five-minute wander away. But you don’t have to deal with the chaos of living right above a Primark. It’s a perfect “in the action, but not of the action” spot.

The Room: Your Secret Fortress of Calm

Now, let’s talk about the star of the show: the Premier Inn Hypnos bed. You know the one. It’s that legendary mattress that promises to solve all your problems, reconcile your estranged family, and make you forget about that awkward thing you said in 2012. It works.

The room itself is classic Premier Inn—immaculate, quiet, and featuring a shower that doesn’t have the water pressure of a gentle sneeze. Seriously, the water pressure here could power a small hydroelectric dam. It’s glorious.

There’s also a massive, perfectly blackout curtain. If you want to pretend it’s midnight at 2 PM because you’re jet-lagged from a long train journey from Coventry, go ahead. No judgment here, mate.

The Breakfast: A Religious Experience

Let’s be honest, the main event for any Premier Inn stay is the all-you-can-eat breakfast. And the Exchange Square branch does it right. They have the full English—bacon, sausage, eggs, mushrooms, beans—plus a continental armada of pastries, cereals, and fruits.

I have a theory that the staff here are trained by the British secret service to refill the bacon instantly. I swear, the second the last crispy strip vanishes, a friendly person appears like a breakfast ninja. “More bacon, sir?” Yes. Always yes.

Premier Inn, Exchange Square Birmingham - McAleer & Rushe

Pro tip: try the hash browns. They are the perfect ratio of crispy to fluffy. It’s a scientific achievement, I’m sure of it.

The Little Extras That Make You Smile

One thing I love about this hotel is the staff. They’re genuinely cheerful. Not in that corporate “I-have-to-be-nice” way, but in a “we’re actually from Birmingham and we’re proud of it” way. They’ll happily point you to the best place for a curry (Brum’s curry capital status is no joke).

The hotel also has a cosy bar and restaurant downstairs. It’s called the Exchange, and it’s perfect for a pre-night-out pint or a post-shopping meltdown. The fish and chips? Legendary. Almost as good as the bed.

And the Wi-Fi is free and actually works. I know, I know—this shouldn’t be a miracle, but in 2024, it kind of is. No buffering while you desperately stream that Netflix show before check-out. A blessing.

What’s Nearby? (Spoiler: Everything)

From the hotel, you’re a stone’s throw from the Grand Central Station and the beautiful, swooping Bullring architecture. Want to see the Custard Factory in Digbeth? A short, pleasant walk. Fancy a canal walk? The Birmingham canals are right there, and they’re actually lovely, not like the fake, suspicious canals in some cities.

Premier Inn, Exchange Square Birmingham - McAleer & Rushe

If you’re in town for a show at the Birmingham Hippodrome or a conference at the ICC, you’re laughing. You can get ready in your room, pop out, enjoy the show, and be back in your PJs within ten minutes. It’s the ultimate cheat code for a successful city break.

The Verdict: Would I Stay Again?

Look, I’m not going to pretend that staying here is like booking a suite at the Ritz. But you’re not paying Ritz prices. You’re paying sensible, “I just want a clean bed and a good breakfast” prices. And this Premier Inn nails that promise with style.

It’s reliable. It’s central. It’s comfortable. And it has a breakfast that will make you want to high-five the chef. If you’re looking for a base for exploring Birmingham, this is the absolute sweet spot.

Final Thought: The Smile Guarantee

So, there you have it. Whether you’re visiting for a gig, a shopping spree, or just to see what all the fuss is about in the UK’s “Second City,” the Premier Inn Birmingham City Centre Exchange Square is your safe, happy, and slightly bouncy home base. And the best part?

When you leave, you’ll be well-rested, full of bacon, and strangely proud of the Bullring view. You’ll walk out feeling like you can conquer the world—or at least find a really good coffee shop nearby. So go on, book the room. Your future, well-slept self will thank you. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll dream of a giant, smiling bacon-ninja bringing you hash browns. Worth it.