I recently had the pleasure of going along to the Autosport International Show at the Birmingham NEC. In order to get the most out of it, I wanted to find a nearby hotel to review. Marriott kindly invited us along to the Forest of Arden, A Marriott Hotel & Country Club, which is about four miles from the NEC. Perfect for the Autosport Show.
Rooms
We stayed in a lovely double room that had everything we needed. It was clean, beautifully decorated in natural colours and we had some great views out over the countryside.
In the room there were little shampoos, conditioner and shower gel, tea and coffee, a big TV with Freeview, plenty of towels and loads of comfy pillows.
We went to bed very early and got a brilliant night’s sleep in the huge bed. I slept very well and was perfectly refreshed for our second day at the Autosport Show.
Dinner
We went for dinner in the Oaks Grill. It was quite quiet when we went down for a drink in the bar and even quieter in the restaurant at 7pm. That, however, didn’t detract from the amazing food.
My starter of fishcakes with lemon mayonnaise. It might not look the most appetising but it was delicious.
Ben’s pigeon breast starter
This pork main was delicious. The meat was tender and juicy, the bacon and potato cake was out of this world and it came with a lovely piece of crackling too.
Ben had the beef with, and I quote, ‘the best potato I’ve ever eaten’.
I was too busy eating this amazing tart tatin to take a photos of Ben’s dessert. This was delicious and the tiny toffee apple was a great touch.
Breakfast
Breakfast came with our room and we went down only to be greeted with more choice than we could handle. We went for a fry up followed by something a bit more continental. There was the choice of sausage, bacon, eggs, beans and hash browns; pastries, toast and spreads; omelettes; and porridge. Not to mention plenty of fresh fruit and yoghurt.
Location
The location is stunning. There’s a golf course right on your doorstep and plenty of countryside to go along with it. We had to pause to take a photo of some deer relaxing on the frosty grass at the end of the driveway.
It’s also within easy reach of Birmingham, the NEC, Warwick Castle and Cadbury World.
Spa and Golf Course
We didn’t get to try the spa or golf course, which is a shame. Take a look here for more information on them.
Overall it’s a well presented hotel that’s in great location no matter what you want to do.
Forest of Arden Hotel and Country Club
Maxstoke Lane
Meriden
Birmingham
CV7 7HR
Website
Tel: 01676 522335
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