
Birmingham/Great Western Arcade Top Hotel Picks
Select your travel dates to find the best prices and availability

Select your travel dates to find the best prices and availability
Great Western Arcade isn’t just a shopping passageway—it’s a living museum of Victorian charm! Arched glass ceilings bathe the space in golden light, while intricate storefronts line both sides, making every step feel like stepping into a period film. Whether hunting for a unique trinket or sipping coffee in a cozy nook, this place wraps you in timeless warmth.

Nestled in the heart of Birmingham, this eco-certified hotel is just a 10-minute walk from Bullring & Grand Central. Enjoy top-notch amenities like a 24-hour fitness center, free WiFi, and concierge services. After a busy day, unwind at the bar or savor 24-hour room service. The spacious rooms feature smart TVs and espresso machines, along with luxurious rainfall showers for ultimate comfort. Perfect for both business and leisure, this hotel offers everything you need for a memorable stay!

This Birmingham gem is perfect for both business and leisure! Just minutes from University of Birmingham and Broad Street, it offers free WiFi and a serene terrace garden. With a conference center and 14 meeting rooms, it's ideal for work trips, while wedding services and pet-friendly policies add charm. Unwind at the bar or enjoy in-room dining. The 172 cozy rooms are fully equipped, and free parking is the cherry on top!

This hotel boasts a prime central location, directly connected to the International Convention Centre and Symphony Hall. Explore nearby museums, shopping hotspots, and family-friendly attractions like Broad Street and Bullring Shopping Centre, just 10 minutes by train from the airport and exhibition centre. Rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows with city or canal views, luxurious marble bathrooms, and 24-hour room service. Unwind at the Amala Spa with a 16m indoor pool, gym, and Turkish bath. With diverse dining options at the restaurant and bar, it’s perfect for both business and leisure!

















Everything you need to know about Great Western Arcade
The Bull Hotel is a top choice, located just a 5-minute walk from Great Western Arcade. This historic boutique hotel blends Victorian-era architecture with modern comforts, offering elegant rooms and free Wi-Fi. Its central location makes it ideal for exploring the arcade's shops, local cafés, and nearby attractions like St Philip’s Church and Birmingham Square. The hotel also provides personalized service and curated local experience guides for visitors seeking authentic urban charm.
Yes, Great Western Arcade is exceptionally well-connected. It’s within a 10-minute walk of Birmingham New Street Station, the UK’s busiest railway hub, providing direct trains across the country. Additionally, the Birmingham City Centre Metro Station is just a short stroll away, serving the West Midlands Metro light rail system. Whether arriving by train, tram, or bus, access to the arcade is seamless, making it convenient for both tourists and locals alike.
The arcade itself is a living museum of industrial heritage, now housing art exhibitions, craft markets, and independent design studios. Visitors can attend weekend artisan fairs featuring handmade goods from local creators. Nearby, Birmingham Art Gallery hosts rotating exhibitions on contemporary and historical British art. The area also features street art installations and pop-up performances, reflecting Birmingham’s vibrant creative scene. Don’t miss a traditional afternoon tea at a heritage café inside the arcade—perfect for soaking in local culture.
Great Western Arcade is a photographer’s dream, with its cast-iron dome, arched glass roof, and intricate Victorian detailing. Capture stunning shots during golden hour when sunlight streams through the skylights. Nearby Birmingham Square offers a fountain and sculpture garden ideal for urban portraits. The façade of St Philip’s Church, with its ornate stonework, complements the arcade’s architectural style. Wear a classic British hat or long coat and pose in the arcade’s central courtyard for timeless, story-rich images.
Start your day at Great Western Arcade, exploring its historic interiors and artisan stalls. Enjoy lunch at The Old Market Café inside the arcade. In the afternoon, visit the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery to discover the city’s rich history and artistic evolution. Head to Birmingham Square in the evening to see the arcade illuminated at night. End your day with a drink at The Bull Hotel’s rooftop terrace. If time allows, take a quick tram ride to the Ice Factory for winter fun—perfect for combining culture, history, and leisure.
Yes, The Bull Hotel offers complimentary city guidebooks and optional historical walking tours led by local experts, revealing the hidden stories behind the arcade’s industrial past. They also partner with the Birmingham Cultural Society to host monthly events like ‘Arcade Nights’, featuring live music, vintage photo exhibitions, and tea gatherings. Some room packages include a discount card for exclusive shopping at local boutiques within the arcade, enhancing your cultural immersion and travel value.
The Grand Hotel Birmingham is a top choice just a 3-minute walk from Great Western Arcade. This elegant hotel blends Victorian architecture with modern comforts, offering rooms with soundproof windows and complimentary Wi-Fi. Guests enjoy access to an on-site Spa Lounge for rejuvenating treatments after exploring the arcade’s historic shops and cafés. The hotel also provides local guided tours and is within 500 meters of Birmingham New Street Station, making it ideal for travelers seeking both convenience and charm. Its central location ensures easy access to museums, theatres, and the vibrant city centre.
Near Great Western Arcade, families will love visiting the Birmingham Museum of Science, featuring interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and hands-on science labs perfect for children. Just a 5-minute walk away is Birmingham City Park, offering playgrounds, scenic lakeside paths, and summer outdoor performances—ideal for relaxed family outings. Weekends often host artisan markets and workshops led by local creators, such as pottery-making and fabric painting, providing authentic cultural engagement. The arcade itself also hosts themed events like vintage markets and live jazz nights, adding lively charm to your visit.
The fastest way is taking the Midland Metro tram, which stops directly at "Great Western Arcade" station—just a 10-minute ride from the city centre. The stop is located right outside the arcade entrance, allowing instant access. Alternatively, bus routes 20 or 47 serve nearby stops like "New Street Station" or "Victoria Square," followed by an 8-minute walk. For eco-friendly travel, electric bike-sharing stations are available across the city centre. Use the Birmingham Travel App to check real-time schedules and optimize your route for maximum efficiency.
Built in 1893 as a commercial branch of the Great Western Railway, the arcade once stood as Birmingham’s most bustling retail hub. Its ornate cast-iron dome and marble colonnades remain intact, showcasing Victorian engineering artistry. In the 1960s, it faced demolition, but public outcry led to its preservation as one of the UK’s first protected historic arcades under heritage law. Today, it houses several century-old shops, including Birmingham Cake Shop, whose recipe dates back to 1880. Each autumn, the Arcade Light Festival uses projection mapping to recreate 19th-century street scenes, offering visitors a vivid journey through time.
See what other travelers say about Great Western Arcade

Staying at The Grand Hotel Birmingham was a fantastic experience from start to finish. The hotel’s central location makes it incredibly convenient—just a short walk from major shopping areas, restaurants, and attractions. My room was spotless, well-maintained, and very comfortable, with a cozy bed that made for a great night's sleep. What really stood out was the on-site bar downstairs—when we arrived in the evening, there was live music playing by a local band. The relaxed atmosphere and laid-back vibe made it the perfect way to unwind after travel. Breakfast was a classic English buffet: eggs, sausages, toast, cereal, and fresh fruit—all standard but delicious and satisfying. While the selection isn’t as varied as what you’d find in Asian or Chinese breakfasts, it’s exactly what you’d expect from a traditional UK hotel, and done well. Overall, the value for money is excellent, and I’d definitely recommend this hotel for anyone visiting Birmingham.

This hotel is perfect for parents sending their kids to study at the University of Birmingham. It's just a short walk or quick transit ride away from the Mason Vale Village dormitory area, making it easy to visit and check on your student. The location is safe and quiet, which gives peace of mind—especially during late-night visits or early morning drop-offs. The breakfast spread is fantastic: fresh, varied, and full of options—from classic English fare to continental choices. Staff are warm, attentive, and always ready to help with any request. Overall, it’s an excellent balance of comfort, convenience, and value. If you're looking for a reliable place to stay while your child starts university life, this is a top pick.

Staying here for two nights was a perfect choice! The location is unbeatable—just a 10-minute walk to the train station, and everything else you’d want is within easy reach. I loved strolling along the riverside bar street in the evenings—it’s lively but not overwhelming, with great vibes and plenty of dining options nearby. The city center is only a 5-minute walk away, making it ideal for business travelers or anyone wanting to explore the heart of Birmingham. The rooms were clean, comfortable, and well-maintained, and the staff went above and beyond to make us feel welcome. It’s rare to find such a convenient, stylish, and welcoming hotel in the middle of it all. Highly recommend this stay for both leisure and work trips!

Staying at Aparthotel Adagio Birmingham City Centre was a fantastic experience from start to finish. The location is unbeatable—right in the heart of the city, just a short walk from major attractions, shopping areas, and public transit. The apartment-style rooms were clean, well-maintained, and had everything we needed for a comfortable stay, including a fully equipped kitchenette. The breakfast buffet offered a great variety of hot and cold options, with fresh pastries and local favorites that made mornings extra enjoyable. The staff were friendly, helpful, and always ready to assist—especially the front desk team who went above and beyond. I truly appreciated their professionalism and warmth. The overall atmosphere is peaceful, making it a perfect retreat after a busy day exploring Birmingham. I’d absolutely recommend this hotel to friends and family, and I’m already planning my next visit. Highly rated and well worth every penny.

The Novotel Birmingham Centre truly exceeded my expectations. From the moment I arrived, the staff were incredibly welcoming and attentive—every request was handled promptly and with genuine care. The location is fantastic: just a short walk from the city center, with easy access to public transit, shopping areas, and local restaurants. The room was spotless, comfortable, and well-equipped, making it perfect for both business and leisure stays. Everything about this hotel felt thoughtfully designed, and the overall experience was nothing short of excellent. I’ll definitely be returning next time I’m in Birmingham—and highly recommend it to anyone visiting.

We had a fantastic two-day stay at Aloft Birmingham Eastside with the family to catch an Aston Villa match. The stadium was just a 5-minute Uber ride away, and getting to the train station was equally convenient. We skipped breakfast but enjoyed a great cup of coffee in the morning—perfect for starting the day. The hotel bar has a relaxed, chill vibe that’s ideal for unwinding after a busy day out. The rooms are spacious, and the beds were incredibly comfortable—great for a good night’s sleep. Overall, it’s a top choice for both sports fans and travelers looking for a modern, well-located stay in Birmingham.

I always stay here whenever I visit Birmingham—it's become my go-to hotel for a reason. The room is spacious and immaculately clean, with modern decor that feels fresh and inviting. Breakfast is outstanding—huge variety, great quality, and more than enough to fuel a full day of exploring. It’s absolutely worth every penny, and the overall experience justifies the top rating. I’ll definitely be back on my next trip to the city.

Our stay at Macdonald Burlington Hotel was absolutely delightful. The moment we walked in, we were greeted by the elegant and inviting decor that sets the tone for a truly comfortable experience. The room was spacious, clean, and beautifully designed with attention to detail—especially the plush bedding, which made for a restful night's sleep. Located just minutes from the city center, it’s incredibly convenient for exploring Birmingham on foot or via public transport. The staff went above and beyond to make us feel welcome, and their professionalism stood out throughout our visit. With its perfect blend of style, comfort, and location, this hotel is a real gem. We’ll definitely be back—and highly recommend it to anyone visiting Birmingham.

Staying at the Staycity Aparthotels Birmingham City Centre was an absolute pleasure. The location is unbeatable—right next to Birmingham City University, in a safe and quiet neighborhood. There are two supermarkets right downstairs, making daily essentials super convenient. The apartment can comfortably accommodate up to four guests, perfect for families or groups of friends traveling together. One of the best things? You can access the city center via different routes from either side of the hotel—great flexibility. The area is wonderfully peaceful, with only the sound of seagulls breaking the calm. Across the street, there's a fantastic Indian restaurant—flavorful, authentic, and just a 2-minute walk away. Plus, you're steps from the canal area and the historic heart of Birmingham, where cobblestone streets and old-world charm come alive. Everything you need is within easy reach, and the value for money is outstanding. I’d highly recommend this place to anyone visiting Birmingham.

I can't begin this review without thanking the front desk team—so friendly and genuinely eager to help with anything you need. My stay at Rotunda was absolutely fantastic, far exceeding my expectations. The view from the room was breathtaking, and the space itself felt like a luxury retreat. Clean, warm, and incredibly comfortable, it truly made me feel like I was living the high life. Every detail was thoughtfully done, and the overall experience was unforgettable. I’d highly recommend this place to anyone visiting Birmingham. I’m already looking forward to coming back—and thanks again for such a wonderful stay!

Staying at Clayton Hotel Birmingham was a truly delightful experience. The hotel boasts a clean, modern, and inviting atmosphere—perfect for unwinding after a busy day. I especially appreciated the well-equipped fitness center, which made it easy to stay active without leaving the property. Location-wise, it’s incredibly convenient—just a short walk from the city center and close to public transit, making exploring Birmingham hassle-free. What really stood out was the front desk staff—warm, professional, and genuinely welcoming. One of the ladies there was particularly striking, adding a touch of charm to the whole stay. Every detail felt thoughtfully considered, and with such great value, I’d absolutely recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Birmingham.

The President Hotel in Birmingham offered an exceptional stay from start to finish. From the moment I contacted them, communication was prompt and friendly—no delays or confusion. The location is unbeatable: just a short walk from the city center, surrounded by great restaurants, shops, and attractions. The room was spotless, modern, and very comfortable—great bedding and excellent soundproofing meant a peaceful night’s sleep. I especially appreciated the warm welcome and the little extras that made me feel valued. It’s clear they care about guest experience. For a great mix of convenience, cleanliness, and hospitality, this hotel stands out. I’d definitely stay here again and highly recommend it to anyone visiting Birmingham.
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