Following a multi-million-pound
renovation, the 600-bedroom Hilton Birmingham Metropole – the second-largest
hotel outside of London - reopened in September 2021 with a fresh feel and a
revamped offering.
Photo Credit: Nicola UnderhillOriginally opened in the 1970, the property
was due for a total refurbishment and the pandemic-enforced closure provided provided the
perfect opportunity to transform it from a dated, yet functional space into a uniquely
designed, engaging and efficient space.
The refurbishment
saw updates to the hotel’s extensive 6,000 sqm of meetings and events
facilities, including its 31 meeting rooms, the introduction of three new
restaurant and bar concepts and the remodelling of more than
600 bedrooms.
I got to experience these new facilities during the Meetings
Industry Association’s recent conference, miaREIGNITE, which saw more than 100 event
professionals gather to share knowledge, network and celebrate industry talent in the proceeding miaList Awards ceremony.
Hilton Birmingham Metropole general
manager, Nicola Underhill said the hotel is always delighted to host industry
colleagues wherever and whenever they can, and mia Reignite and the miaList
2022 was a “perfect combination of education and celebration; a great event.
“It also gives us the chance to show
off our newly refurbished hotel, and our lovely team, to the industry, and
we thoroughly enjoyed letting the delegates explore all we have to offer here
at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole. We'll keep supporting the industry that
keeps on supporting our business, and we look forward to welcoming our
friends at the mia back in the very near future."
Hilton Birmingham Metropole's fresh decor incorporates vintage elements such as sofas,
chandeliers and ornate panels that sit alongside industrial influences. Birmingham’s
culture, history and personality are woven throughout the property, beginning with
Brightsmith On The Water bar and restaurant, which looks out across with the
NEC. Brightsmith On The Water mixes contemporary style
with playful fun and gives organisers even more space to meet, socialise
and dine. The miaList Awards used this space as an after-party location and the
cocktails, mocktails and dancing flowed all night.
The name Brightsmith is inspired by the craft of metal
manipulation - taking something seemingly rough and unrefined and skillfully
transforming it into something polished; just one example of how Birmingham’s
culture and history are woven into the hotel’s fabric.
Metal artwork is dotted around reception to further illustrate the city's history of metal manufacturing and ink artwork adorns the walls in a nod to Birmingham's steel pen manufacturing heyday.
Décor, facilities and art aside, Birmingham Hilton Metropole’s
central location means it’s accessible by any mode of transport. Located just off
the M42, a 10-minute walk from Birmingham Airport and the train station that
serves it.
When you’re considering hosting an event in England’s second city,
consider Birmingham Hilton Metropole.
A desire to travel led Holly Patrick to the business meetings and events world and she’s never looked back. Holly takes a particular interest in event sustainability and creating a diverse and inclusive industry. When she’s not working, she can be found rolling skating along Brighton seafront listening to an eclectic playlist, featuring the likes of Patti Smith, Sean Paul, and Arooj Aftab.
