Arden Hotel & Leisure Club

A stay at the Arden can be hit or miss depending on timing and expectations, although the property packs in a good amount for the price. The '70s-style interiors aren't winners on the character front, and decor is dated and often worn throughout -- think unattractive red carpets, pleather seating, and patterned old-fashioned drapes. But, common spaces are large, and a statue-filled garden with terrace and water feature adds some charm. Food and leisure facilities are the hotel's saving grace, thanks to multiple dining spots and a well-equipped wellness area. Note that wedding parties and those here for NEC events can crowd the property, but it's still a solid pick for the price.

The hotel's location may not be attractive, but it's practical, as it's accessed via the M42 highway and has great M6 links. Shopping and entertainment complex, Resorts World, is a four-minute drive (or tricky half-hour walk). Both within an eight-minute drive, 20 exhibition halls at Birmingham NEC have music and sporting counterparts at Genting Arena, and chocolate-centric Cadbury World is 12 minutes farther. Birmingham itself is a 20-minute drive, as is the town of Coventry. Birmingham International Railway Station is a 15-minute walk. It's the gateway for train journeys to the above venues, plus a free monorail here runs to Birmingham Airport in 13 minutes. Otherwise, drives to the airport take 11 minutes. Note, Sat Navs sometimes incorrectly locates the hotel.

Rooms are old-fashioned and dated, and often are showing wear. Most have traditional wood furniture, green or beige carpeting, striped drapes, and lamp sconce lighting, plus some generic artwork. Desks, tables alongside armchairs, and open wardrobe spaces with trouser pressers are standard, but guests have reported uncomfortable and often too-soft beds. Also note that while some rooms overlook the garden, others face parking lots, and rooms suffer noise from both inside the hotel and nearby highways. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, kettles for tea- and coffee- making, and hairdryers, but no mini-fridges or safes are provided -- although reception stores valuables. Upgraded rooms have bottled water, free U.K. calls, and AC. Family rooms sleep four or five. White-tiled bathrooms with floral-motif tiling and shower/tub combos are showing their age, but have all the essentials. Rooms can be fitted with cribs. Wi-Fi is free, but the signal can be weak.

Deep-red palettes fill the aptly named, though still old-looking, Burgundy Bar and Restaurant. The eatery has pool tables, and a menu of beers, ales, wines, and soft drinks, plus European cuisine with a British twist. Meanwhile, the breezy Meeting Place serves light meals and snacks all day, including buffet breakfasts. Guests get access to Arden Leisure Club, which is also open to non-guests, though doesn't get too crowded. A heated mosaic-tiled indoor pool with adjacent whirlpool sits amid brick walls and statues. A sauna and steam room are also free to use. Although there's a well-equipped gym on-site, many of the machines are in dire need of replacement. Meeting spaces are available, and parking and Wi-Fi are both free.