The Best Birmingham NEC Hotels
Planning a visit to the Birmingham NEC and want to stay as close as possible to the action? You're in luck! There are several excellent accommodation options right on your doorstep, all within a comfortable 5-10 minute walk of the exhibition halls.
After exploring the area extensively, we've discovered some fantastic options that'll save you time, money on transport, and give you the ultimate convenience for your NEC visit.
Whether you're attending a trade show, exhibition, or attending a concert at the BP Pulse Arena, these on-site accommodations mean you can literally roll out of bed and be at the venue in minutes. Here are our top picks for the best Birmingham NEC hotels and accommodation, including our absolute favourite surprise discovery!
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The Hilton Birmingham Metropole
The Hilton Birmingham Metropole: Luxury Meets Convenience
Distance from NEC: 3-minute walk
Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Hilton Birmingham Metropole is the flagship accommodation for the Birmingham NEC visitors, and it's easy to see why. This impressive full-service hotel sits practically on the NEC's doorstep, making it the ultimate choice for convenience.
What Makes It Special:
Prime location – Just a short three-minute walk from door to door.
Multiple dining options including the popular Brightsmith on the Water, Gild Lobby Bar and The Arbor.
Extensive conference facilities perfect for business travellers
Indoor pool and fitness centre - great for unwinding after a long day at exhibitions
Spacious rooms and suites with modern amenities and comfortable beds
Perfect For: Business travellers, conference attendees, and anyone wanting luxury convenience. The hotel regularly hosts networking events, so you might find yourself rubbing shoulders with fellow exhibition visitors in the bar.
The Hilton Birmingham Metropole has ample on-site parking at a cost of £16 a day.
Insider Tip: Book an ‘executive’ room or suite for access to the fantastic Executive Lounge located near Brightsmiths on the ground floor. Serves complimentary snacks and drinks throughout the day, with complimentary alcohol and canapés served from 5.30pm to 7.30pm. This can be a great deal if you will be in the hotel in the evenings.
Check out the latest Hilton Birmingham Metropole offers on Expedia here.
The Genting Hotel at the top of Resorts World Birmingham
The Genting Hotel: Entertainment Hub with Style
Distance from NEC: 7-minute walk
Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Genting Hotel brings a touch of excitement to your NEC stay. Part of the Resorts World Birmingham complex, this contemporary hotel offers more than just a place to sleep - it's an entertainment destination in its own right.
What Makes It Special:
Casino on-site for those feeling lucky after a successful day at the NEC
Multiple restaurants and bars including Miller and Carter, Five Guys, High Line, Las Iguanas, and Nandos to name just a few!
Modern, stylish rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows
Spa facilities including swimming pool, perfect for relaxing after walking exhibition halls all day
Shopping and entertainment a small selection of shops right at your fingertips
Perfect For: Visitors who want entertainment options beyond the NEC, couples looking for a bit of glamour, and anyone who appreciates contemporary design with a touch of excitement.
Insider Tip: The Genting Hotel has a section of parking available in the Resorts World car park, with further discounted parking available if their own is full. Be sure to book restaurants in advance for busy events and at weekends.
Check out the latest Genting Hotel NEC offers on Booking .com here.
The bar area at the Crowne Plaza Birmingham NEC Hotel
The Crowne Plaza: Professional Excellence
Distance from NEC: 5-minute walk
Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Crowne Plaza Birmingham NEC is the consummate business hotel, perfectly positioned for professional visitors to the exhibition centre. This IHG property has built its reputation on reliability and service excellence.
What Makes It Special:
Business-focused amenities including meeting rooms and business centre
Excellent breakfast to fuel your day at the NEC
Comfortable, well-appointed rooms designed for both work and rest
Professional service that business travellers appreciate
Easy access to both NEC and Birmingham Airport
Perfect For: Business travellers, conference attendees, and anyone who values professional service and reliability. The hotel understands the needs of exhibition visitors and caters accordingly.
Insider Tip: The hotel is in the shadow of the Resorts World complex. Head out through the fire exit door in the corner of the bar area, and it’s just a 1-minute walk to Resorts World and all its restaurants. Having said that, when we stayed at the Crowne Plaza, the food from both the bar and downstairs restaurant was really good! This hotel also has its own carpark.
Check out the latest Crowne Plaza Birmingham NEC Hotel offers on Expedia here.
The Presidential glamping pod at the NEC by AvantGlamp
AvantGlamp NEC Glamping Pods: Our Favourite Hidden Gem!
Distance from NEC: 3-minute walk
Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Now here's something completely different and absolutely brilliant! AvantGlamp's glamping pods are hands-down our favourite accommodation option near the NEC, and they only opened in August 2025!
What Makes Them Special:
Unique experience - How many people can say they glamped at a business exhibition?
Luxurious and comfortable with kingsize beds, heating/cooling, and facilities
Surrounded by nature with a woodland setting and lake views available
Private outdoor space - perfect for unwinding with a cup of tea (or beer!) after a busy day
Eco-friendly option for environmentally conscious travellers
Memorable experience that gives you great stories to tell
Perfect For: Adventurous travellers, couples wanting something different, travellers who want their own outdoor space and fresh air, and anyone who loves unique accommodation experiences.
Why We Love Them: There's something wonderfully surreal about staying in a luxury glamping pod and then walking to one of the UK's biggest exhibition centres. The pods are beautifully designed, surprisingly spacious, and offer a completely different perspective on business travel. Plus, you'll definitely be the most interesting person in the conference networking session when you mention you're glamping! They are a short 5-minute walk to the Resorts World complex for meals at the restaurants. Breakfast is available at the Hilton Hotel next door.
Insider Tip: Book early as these NEC glamping pods are still relatively unknown but gaining popularity fast. The outdoor space is perfect for a quiet breakfast before the NEC gets busy, and you'll have some fantastic photos for your social media! Parking is in the Hilton Hotel carpark. Lookout for the parking discount code in your pre-check-in email that you will receive a few days before your stay. Like the sound of the glamping pods at the NEC? Read our full review of the AvantGlamp glamping site here.
Check out the latest NEC glamping pods by AvantGlamp offers on Booking .com here.
Practical Information for All Options
Getting to the NEC:
All these accommodations offer easy walking access to the NEC, but here are some practical tips:
Signage is excellent - you won't get lost
Allow extra time during major events when pathways can be busy
Comfortable shoes are essential for exhibition days
Booking Tips:
Book early during major exhibitions and events
Consider your schedule - if you're only sleeping and showering, the executive rooms at the Hilton may be a waste of the extra cost.
Think about amenities - business centres, restaurants, and spas can enhance your stay. The Hilton and Genting hotels have swimming pools, but the Crowne Plaza and AvantGlamp glamping pods don’t.
Got loyalty points to use? - You can use IHG points at the Crowne Plaza and Hilton Honors points at the Hilton, making your hotel rooms cheaper.
Our Verdict
While all these accommodations offer excellent convenience for NEC visitors, they each serve different needs. The Hilton Metropole delivers luxury and full service, the Genting Hotel adds entertainment and style in the same building, the Crowne Plaza provides professional reliability, and the AvantGlamp glamping pods offer a unique, memorable experience in a woodland setting.
For us, the glamping pods win every time - they're comfortable, memorable, and prove that business travel doesn't have to be boring. But whichever option you choose, you'll love the convenience of being able to walk to the NEC in minutes rather than dealing with traffic, parking, or public transport.
Find out more about NEC Birmingham here.
Have you stayed at any of these Birmingham NEC accommodations? We'd love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!
