Sheesh - seems like ages since I've been here. So many changes, business up and running - bred my f...
Sheesh - seems like ages since I've been here. So many changes, business up and running - bred my first litter of labs - moved house - guess I had better work on catching up now!
Member since:20.03.2001
Reviews:275
Members who trust:170
Coventry is a city that people either love or hate, personally I love it, I find the people friendly and a cosmopolitan attitude missing from many other areas I have lived.
Many of the residents have written in this column about the city, and if you are visiting for Business or Pleasure, you will probably need somewhere to stay, so check this out.
Britannia have three hotels in Coventry The Britannia Hotel, City Centre, the Royal Court in Keresley, and the Coventry Hill, Allesley. - This op now covers the first one thanks to an independent listing of the Royal Court on Ciao, I haven't had the pleasure of staying at the Coventry Hill, although I would say it is convenient for Motorway link ups, the NEC and Birmingham, but situated just off the main A45, it is not particularly convenient for much else and has little social activity close by, save for a few other hotels, hence you would have to drive or get a taxi to see any real life.
================== LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION The Britannia Hotel, Coventry (previously the De-Vere) is situated on the edge of the city centre, approximately 2 minutes walk away from the Old and New Cathedrals, and literally a stones throw away from the Main Bus Station. Pubs, Club and
restaurants abound are a short walking distance away from the hotel. It is adjacent to Coventry University (might be worth avoiding during Freshers Week), ideally placed for a good night out in this ever developing and improving city.ENTRANCE Reception in common with the other Britannia Hotels, is a rather grand marble style affair, more reminscent of what you would expect in an upmarket overseas hotel.
Check-in was slow despite not being busy and being well staffed. Be prepared, if paying by Credit Card, to have a pre-authorisation taken of your card, and unlike any hotel chain I have visited, be prepared to sign for an amount which will be substantially more than your room rate, although they guarantee that no money will be deducted from your card until you check out. This is little different to other hotel chains, except that you actually see the amount they are pre-authorising.
RACK-RATES I will give you the rack-rates as advertised in the hotel, but before you all pass out with shock, take a tip and book via the internet, it is much much cheaper.
**TWIN/DOUBLE ROOM - £130 per night **EXECUTIVE DOUBLE - £140 per night **FAMILY ROOMS - £170 per night **JACUZZI ROOMS - £170 per night
I visited their web-site at www.britanniahotels.com and input my requirements, I was offered an Economy Double Room for £45 per night including breakfast. A standard double room was £70 (this quote was for one person). I contacted the hotel directly to compare rates, and was quoted £65 B&B. I queried the difference between an economy and standard double room and was advised that the economy rooms were not as nicely decorated. As I was paying for it myself on this occasion even though travelling on work business I opted for the cheaper room and booked over the internet.
I have checked randomly other dates on their web-site to determine whether these prices were because it was a last minute booking, but can confirm the price was the same for all dates, and £55 for weekends (min stay req'd).
THE ROOM Twin Beds, En-Suite - with power-shower and bath, complimentary Shower Gel, Shampoo and Soap, Heated towel rail, 4 towels, 4 pillows, complimentary tea tray, no biscuits, Trouser Press, Colour TV (remote control missing), but as I was going visiting for the evening let that go this time, Desk area, telephone, hairdryer, comfy chair, coffee table, thermostatically controlled radiator. (design - very flowery and old fashioned wallpaper). Double Glazed -The room was very warm, and because of this naturally the windows were left open, which offered something of a shock at 6am in the morning, when all the buses in Pool Meadow opposite started to come to life.
CAR-PARKING Unsurprisingly (after my experience with the Britannia in Manchester), there is no parking at the hotel, however, there is 24 hour open air car-parking a short walk away, cost - 50p from 6pm to 8am. I believe there is also long term parking available around the corner. The city is well-stocked with CCTV cameras and therefore there should not be any problem with leaving the car overnight.
ALCOHOL FREE ZONE Coventry city centre is an alcohol free zone, and therefore you can only buy alcohol during the evenings at pubs, restaurants and hotels, DO NOT WALK AROUND WITH A DRINK - YOU CAN BE PROSECUTED.
BREAKFAST A sumptious feast sited in Bentley's restaurant, on a self service basis -consisting of: FRUIT JUICES (in every flavour imaginable) including: Apple, Grapefruit, Orange and Tomato. FRESH-FUIT Grapefruit or Oranges in syrup CEREALS Everything from Cornflakes and Bran-Flakes to Muesli
COOKED FULL ENGLISH BREAKFAST o Bacon o Sausage o Fried Potatoes o Hash Browns o Fried &/or Scrambled Eggs o Mushrooms o Baked Beans o Tomatoes o Fried Bread o Black Pudding o Toast
CONTINENTAL o Cold Meats o Cheese o Bread Rolls o Conserve o Boiled eggs available on request
NEWSPAPERS These are complimentary and offered a choice between The Mirror or the Independent
BABY-SITTING/LISTENING The hotel provides a baby-listening service where you can dial into your room from any phone in the hotel free of charge. Baby-sitting is available on request.
BARS & RESTAURANTS & CONFERENCE FACILITIES Parties from 5 to 600 people can be catered for in conferences. There is a popular restaurant on site (not sampled), and a bar which had a daily happy hour @ £1.25 a pint, there is also a strategically placed piano, and on my second visit, a group of tourists decided to have a sing-song which provided some great entertainment.
LEISURE FACILITIES There are no leisure facilities at the hotel, however, it is about 2 mins walk away from the Coventry Leisure centre, which boasts a 50m swimming pool and gymnasium for the healthier amongst us. I am not aware of any special deals between the hotel and leisure centre.
CONTACT DETAILS THE BRITANNIA HOTEL Fairfax Street Coventry CV1 5RP Tel : 02476 633733 Fax : 02476 520172
Sounds good, may have stayed there if I didn't already live in Cov. Been here 4 years now. However I am on the look out for recommended hotels in the area for relatives to stay in when we have the baby christened.
Thanks
wilsam00 25.11.2001 19:08
I wouldent bank on the CCTV cameras preventing thieves especially break'ins.Sam
wilsam00 16.10.2001 18:51
I live in the City of Coventry and i thought that it was a very good op.The hotel in Kereseley has lovley countryside surroundings but only a 10 minute drive from the Vibrant city centre!.
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