In the know

Our favourite rooms: Prinipal Suite Penfolds Grange has an eight-foot double bed, gym, and a twin set of Hotel du Vin's signature roll-top baths. Bollinger also has an eight-foot bed; Wolf Blass is a deluxe suite, with huge walk-in monsoon showers and a roll-top. Lanson is the most exciting of the standard rooms.
Packing tips: A journal to pen down your tasting notes, and alka seltzer for the morning after the sampling session.
Also: Ecole du Vin is a series of enlightening wine courses held at the hotel. Wine dinners on Sundays match grape to gourmet fare.

Birmingham hotels: Hotel du Vin Birmingham, need to know

Current offers

Smith card offer: A bottle of champagne on arrival

Hotel du Vin Birmingham

Birmingham, United Kingdom[view map]

Style: Converted Victorian eye hospital
Setting: Sparkling heart of the Jewellery Quarter

This one-time Victorian eye hospital is the oldest, largest and only spa-equipped Hotel du Vin in the UK; its imposing architecture is softened by homely, modern trimmings, and the classy French bistro is complemented by both an extravagant champagne bar and a cellar cocktail den.

Need to know

Rooms: 66 rooms, one suite.
Rates: £150–£425, including VAT, but not breakfast (£9.95–£14.50).
Check-out: 11am – later check-out can be arranged, if available.
Facilities: Spa (with in-room Espa treatments available), gym, DVD/CD library, snooker room, cigar shack, free WiFi throughout. In rooms: flatscreen TV, DVD/CD player, minibar. Suites have iPod docks.
Also: Dogs welcome for a £10 charge – beds, bowls and blankets are available.

Food & drink

Hotel restaurant: The hotel's atmospheric French bistro is one of the most popular eateries in Birmingham, thanks to its classic dishes and expert sommeliers – not to mention the cheese trolley.
Dress code: Brum boutique chic.
Top table: Secure an initmate window seat (tables 8–11); 23 if there's more than two of you dining.
Last orders: The restaurant's only open Thursday to Sunday for dinner, and closes at 10pm (10.30pm on Friday and Saturday). The bar stays open into the early hours for residents.
Room service: Breakfast and bistro food are available during restaiurant opening hours, and there's a limited snack menu after 11pm.
Hotel bar: Bubble Lounge is the Venetian café-style champagne bar, serving over 50 varieties of the stuff. For harder liquor – including a sprawling selection of rum and tequila – the Cellar Bar is open from 6pm.

Other facilities

Children: Welcome. Extra beds are £20 a night and babysitting services are available for £10 an hour. more info

Smith card offer

A bottle of champagne on arrival

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