The Plough & Harrow Hotel Birmingham

From the outside the hotel looked lovely and the reception area gives a nice atmosphere however the reception staff who checked us in clearly didn't like their job as they were so indifferent. No one told us about the skeleton staff over Christmas so we couldn't get any room service, the room hadn't been serviced once over our two day stay, the room has dodgy wiring, towels smell of curry, and the carpets are shabby and threadbare. The hotel has such potential but this has obviously been going on for some time so clearly no one needs to put in the investment to turn this into the three stars it claims to be. I will never pay this price again for this and will find a cheaper and more high calibre hotel for our stay next time.

I booked a night here having read the review posted in January 06. On arrival and departure the receptionist was indifferent and unwelcoming. The reception, lounge and dining room were reasonably smart rooms. Otherwise the hotel was tired and shabby. The room had very worn furntiture and decor - torn curtain tie backs and missing hooks for the shower curtain. The bath side panel was hanging off, soap dish broken, no plug chain, shower gel dispenser empty. The bed was comfortable and the linen clean and I did sleep well. Food was indifferent in the evening and the breakfast poor. Chenin Blanc house white was good. Staff. Reception was poor, really showed no interest or welcome at all. Restaurant staff were a little better but they all gave the impression that they would rather be somewhere else. For £85 b/b this was a very bad value stay. I strongly recommend you find somewhere else! and finaly - this is a Swallow Hotel now (a complaint is on its way)

A very comfortable traditional hotel. Room was spacious, well stocked and clean. Staff helpful, breakfast excellent. A bit of a trek to some of the rooms in the newer wings of the building and no lift (that I could see).