I’ll keep it brief, I like to stay in hotels. Not just for the comfy beds, the delicious food or the scenery, but usually for the sense of escaping my normal routine and get out of the house once in a while. Last weekend, I was asked by The Oak Hotel in Hockley Heath – Birmingham, to stay on opening night after their massive refurbishment. They said I could test out what the new hotel has to offer. Of course, I wasn’t going to say no!
Come 5pm, shortly after work and with my camera in hand, I was ready to explore. The place used to be a restaurant and an indoor food market and I’ve visited there many times, so I already knew the layout of the place. But as I stepped in, I was taken aback by the quality of the place now it had undergone a terrific makeover. There is a huge function room for weddings and parties, a sitting area where you can congregate to drink wine and chat, and a good sized restaurant area where you go to stuff your face full of delicious food. It’s very impressive.
My boyfriend Josh got to come with me on this experience and our room was sparkly clean and the bed’s extra comfy. I was excited by the fact we were the first ones to ever sleep in that room – which gave me a more satisfying feeling. Come 7pm, my mother and dad came to meet us and we ate as a family of 4 at a cute little table. Our food was delivered to our table in great time considering the place was packed out. I was told some people were new to the hotel and some people had been coming for previous years to eat and shop.
We were extremely impressed with the food (I ordered the ribs) and I washed down my food with a big glass of red wine. The waitresses always came up to our table asking if we wanted our drinks refilled and the place just had a lively feel. The hotel itself is suited out in colourful wallpapers, funky sofa patterns and crazy carpets. It is a hotel with personality and thrives off vibrant patterns. The rooms are more toned down with cosy beds, and the bathrooms have extremely powerful showers – which is great if you’ve had a long day and want a nice hot soak!
The staff are pleasant and welcoming and will make you feel at ease during your stay. The breakfast was also delicious and we were bought hot teapots and portions of toast to the table. We helped ourselves to the buffet of breakfast which includes cereals, and a hot selection of eggs, sausages, beans – the standard English Breakfast ETC… There are a few minor things which could be improved, but they were bog standard, minor teething problems on opening night. I will definitely be returning soon and was honoured to stay at such a wonderful hotel. If you are thinking of staying for the night, click here for their main website. You won’t regret it!