The Cube Hotel Birmingham

The hotel is primarily recognized for its central location and the panoramic city views offered from its upper floors, particularly from the rooftop bar and restaurant. This makes it an attractive option for sightseers and couples seeking a vibrant urban experience with scenic backdrops. However, a significant recurring issue is the widespread problem with non-functional air conditioning and intermittent hot water, which has led to considerable discomfort for many guests. Despite these challenges, the hotel's proximity to key attractions and transport links remains a strong draw. To ensure a more comfortable stay, prospective guests are strongly advised to confirm the operational status of the air conditioning and hot water systems prior to their arrival, and consider bringing earplugs due to potential noise from events or other guests.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests frequently comment on the hotel's lifts, noting that often only one is operational, leading to significant wait times, especially during peak hours or when the rooftop bar and restaurant are busy. While some rooms are equipped with a mini-fridge and an exercise bike, the overall impression of the facilities is mixed. Many reviews highlight a general sense of the hotel looking tired and in need of maintenance, with common areas like corridors showing signs of wear. The availability of Wi-Fi is generally mentioned, but its performance is not a consistent highlight. There is no swimming pool or spa on-site, which some guests found misleading based on prior information.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
A predominant concern among guests is the boiling hot room temperatures due to non-functional air conditioning, with many rooms being described as saunas or ovens. While fans are often provided, guests report they are largely ineffective, merely circulating hot air. Compounding this, numerous reviews mention a lack of hot water or intermittent hot water, making showers uncomfortable. The overall cleanliness and condition of rooms receive mixed feedback; many guests report stained carpets, peeling paint, dirty walls, mold, and unclean bathrooms with an unpleasant smell of drains or sewage. Bed comfort is also inconsistent, with some finding beds comfortable while others describe them as lumpy, squeaky, or having springs digging in. Noise from the restaurant/events above and corridors is also a frequent complaint, impacting sleep quality.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast experience generally receives positive remarks, with many guests praising its lovely quality, excellent value, and the great views from the 25th-floor restaurant. Most guests appreciate the variety of options available, though some note limited options or issues with cold food items like bacon and sausage. A common point of feedback is the lack of specialty coffees like cappuccinos or espressos, with only flask coffee typically available. The rooftop restaurant and bar are consistently lauded for their panoramic views and atmosphere, making them a popular spot for both dining and drinks. Food quality at the restaurant is generally well-regarded, though some guests have experienced issues such as overcooked dishes or limited vegetarian choices.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as a major advantage, making it a perfect location for exploring the city. Guests appreciate being within walking distance of popular attractions such as the Mailbox, Brindleyplace, the wider city center, and the Utilita Arena. Its proximity to New Street Station also makes it highly accessible for travelers arriving by train. However, parking is a significant point of contention. There is no on-site parking, and guests must use nearby off-site parking facilities, which are often described as expensive. While some discounts are available for these facilities, guests frequently report confusion or issues with applying them, adding an unexpected cost to their stay.

Staff & Service
Feedback regarding the staff and service is notably mixed. While some guests describe the staff as friendly, helpful, attentive, and welcoming, many others report experiences with unhelpful, rude, disinterested, or unresponsive staff, particularly at reception. Issues with phone calls not being answered and reception being non-existent at times are common. The hotel's ability to resolve guest issues, such as non-functional air conditioning or no hot water, is frequently criticized, with many guests feeling their concerns were not adequately addressed or that staff were unable to offer effective solutions. The £50 deposit policy also generates considerable negative feedback, with numerous reports of delays or difficulties in receiving refunds after check-out.

Additional Information
The hotel's unique structure places guest rooms on the 23rd and 24th floors, with the main restaurant and bar on the 25th floor, offering impressive city views. A notable policy is the requirement of a £50 deposit upon check-in, which has been a source of frustration for many guests due to delays in its refund. Guests should be aware of potential event noise from the 25th-floor venue, which can significantly impact room comfort and sleep, especially for rooms located directly below. Many reviews also express disappointment regarding the absence of a spa or pool, which some guests expected based on outdated information. While some rooms include amenities like a mini-fridge and Elemis toiletries, the overall impression is that the hotel is in need of significant investment and refurbishment to match guest expectations.