OK, first off, probably not a good choice if you need to be in central Birmingham or the NEC and don't have a car. If you have visions of popping down the local or out for something to eat whilst on an evening walk - this isn't your place! If however you want to relax after a days business, even if you have children with you, then this is a very classy, upmarket hotel with an unexpectedly casual atmosphere.

Although I didn't have children or disabled relatives with me, this will certainly be a hotel of choice if I ever need to - all needs are exceptionally well catered for.

I actually arrived having driven over 3 hours, 1 in heavy snow and was a nervous wreck by the time I arrived. I have to say the service I received was THE BEST I have ever experienced. Maybe they were just surprised that I did turn up through the weather! The Concierge - Phil, got all my bags out of my car, took me to my room, parked my car, popped back to get the tea tray out in my room and put the kettle on, went off and brought my bags in, made me a cup of tea then went off to make sure he had put the parking brake on in my car, came back, said goodnight and left - I never saw him again - wanted to give him a tip - Mr. Phil - you are a legend.

I only ate in the hotel for dinner on one evening during my stay and have to say that it was jolly good value and quality - they have a captive audience but don't seem to exploit that - refreshing.One of my dinner guests was a no garlic/no spices person and the other a pretty strict vegetarian and they were both very happy with their meals. I did have breakfast and would say it's pretty much par for the course on the breakfast buffet, although possibly a bit higher quality ingredients than most.

Yes I'd stay there again, yes the facilities are fab (the CedarWood Spa is ace). Excellent service, and value for money? YES, certainly.

BUT

£6 an hour or £12 for 24 hrs internet access? I have 3 different mobile internet devices and only my Blackberry could hold a connection here for more than 2 minutes! iPad GPRS = NO, BT Mobile Broadband = NO. I gave it the benefit of doubt because of the snow but NO - NO INTERNET ACCESS UNLESS YOU PAY FOR IT HERE!

Now, I think that a hotel at this level, actually all hotels should treat wireless internet connectivity as a utility - you don't go into your room and expect to pay for water or electricity - ' please enter your credit card details before you get hot water & lighting in your shower' !

Overall excellent, beyond expectations but hey, just bung a tenner on the room price and get rid of that silly, outmoded internet thing! Even Best Western have FREE WIRELESS INTERNET in ALL their rooms - c'mon Marriott!