Hyatt Regency Birmingham

As close as it is to London — globally speaking at least — Birmingham’s hotel scene could scarcely be more different. Simply put, with neither the immense demand nor the astronomical real estate costs, England’s second city feels less pressure to innovate. However, there’s a lot more to hotels than novelty, and nowhere is that more true than at the high end, a space the Hyatt Regency Birmingham occupies with confidence. Though design trends come and go, and the concept of the boutique hotel is a relatively new invention, the basic notion of luxury is something much more timeless.

If you’ve been in a luxury hotel in the last couple of decades you will recognize the basic shape of the Hyatt Regency. As we said, that’s no criticism, and it certainly shouldn’t imply that the place looks dated — in fact the look is quite a bit more fresh and crisp than the average business hotel.

The rooms are spacious and look out across the city from full-length windows, and the details are all correct: plasma televisions, high-speed wireless, and the little things, like plush robes and soft slippers. There’s a full-service spa, complete with 24-hour gym and swimming pool, and the city-center, canal-side location means tea in the lobby after a day at the shops is a snap.