Somewhere to stay in/near Birmingham

[Patchworkted]

I've got tickets for an event in Birmingham next summer.

I thought I'd booked accomodation but the owners have messaged to say they've cancelled, as the place is no longer available.

Having looked at various sites, I've concluded that they've realised the event is on, and that they can get much more for their apartment that week!

We'll l have a car, so could stay outside Birmingham, or travel in by train or car for the event.

The event is three evening sessions, so we'll have time to do something else during the days. Where is a good place to make a base, say 30/40 mins from the centre of Birmingham?

Is the event in the city centre or somewhere outside it e.g. the NEC?

In the city

The University of Birmingham has a hotel and apartments with parking. Close to the city centre. Train station nearby and goes into new street.

Depends where the event is. Driving? Planning to walk to the event or drive? Birmingham is a huge city, there are loads of places to stay.

Lots of Premier Inns and Travelodges. Should be very cheap if you book in advance.

Solihull, Wolverhampton, Coventry, should all have accommodation within walking distance of the station.

Yes, I'm going to try that, the rooms for the week we need aren't on sale yet, but looking at booking.com etc, I don't think they'll be cheap for that week!

I usually stay in the Bridge Street Premier Inn. No AC though in the summer.

The budget ibis hotel on hagley road is quite nice and walkable into city centre if you don't mind a 40 odd min walk and bar crawl down broad street...or get a cab/bus!

Hilton at NEC and get the train

We'll l have a car, so could stay outside Birmingham, or travel in by train or car for the event.
FYI Birmingham has a clean air zone.