United Kingdom
After traveling around the UK I finally made it to Birmingham. Hearing all the "Why go there?" from the Brits it made me want to go there even more.
England's second city does not seem to have a good reputation with British people. After visiting I thought it was great and also seems to have the best hostel in the UK. I can see that Birmingham and the hostel are both overlooked. The hostel had great beds, very clean and very funky decor. The common room is the best I have been to - it has a cinema, nintendo Wii, PlayStation, a small bar with beers from all over the world, books, and is very bright. An outdoor garden with too many plants, I think that is what I like about this place, they go over the top with everything, it is very welcoming.
I stayed in the 'pod' beds they have. They are very clean, you get a great night's sleep, your own reading light, curtains and I am told TVs and iPod stations are soon to be put in. I loved this idea.
What I liked most was the staff. They are very friendly and helpful - even after you have left you can always contact them for help and advice with British travels. There is a very homely feel to this place. The location is great even if the area does not look so good. They are located a street up from the National Express station.
Birmingham is worth visiting even if just for the hostel. But if you speak with the staff they will show you so much to do in and around Birmingham. Definitely an up and coming city and great if you love shopping.
58 Coventry Street, digbeth, Birmingham, B5 5NH 01216430033 www.birminghamcentralbackpackers.com/
This place apparently just opened under new management. It was very nice though, a bit unique. The area it's in is industrial but really close to the city centre, about 4 streets away. The staff there are really nice and the common room is in an old bar, so its big yet still cozy. I enjoyed my time there. There is a kitchen and free internet which was cool - most places charge you to use it. Would suggest to people looking for a cheap place to stay in Birmingham close to the city centre. Good value.
58 Coventry Street, Digbeth, Birmingham, B5 5NH, 0121 643 0033. One street away from the Digbeth Coach Station in Birmingham. www.birminghamcentralbackpackers.com
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