Staying Cool Rotunda Serviced Apartments, Birmingham, by Carolyn Pearson

Rotunda buildingOne of the perks of my job is that I get to visit and stay in some of the most beautiful hotels around the world.  This week I was treated to something very different.

I had the pleasure of checking-out Staying Cool’s collection of design-led serviced apartments in Birmingham. Serviced apartments are a great alternative to a hotel, particularly for extended stays and business trips.  They often come with spacious lounges and good kitchen facilities which are great for those who find dining alone in a restaurant uncomfortable or have exhausted a hotel room service menu and are just looking for something light.

Each type of Staying Cool’s apartments are named after a classic car. I stayed in one of the five-star  ‘Roadster’ penthouse suites on the 20th floor of the iconic Rotunda building, slap-bang in the middle of Birmingham and literally 10 steps from the famous Bullring shopping centre.  This two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment commands stunning panoramic views across the Birmingham skyline and as darkness falls you can step out onto the huge balcony to take in the twinkling lights of the city.

Rotunda Balcony & ViewMuch of the 60’s inspired furniture in the Staying Cool apartments has been custom designed by British designers and includes a collection of photographic images of models taken around the city.  This blends beautifully with the modern kitchen appliances including full sized fridge, freezer, dishwasher, washer dryer, iMacs and iPod docks to create a cool, trendy space to relax with friends, family or even colleagues.

The penthouse was teeming with thoughtful little touches, books, games, playing cards, not forgetting the free high-speed Wifi and of course that all important salon standard hairdryer.  For those who like a spot of pampering, guests can order from the ‘Spa Menu’ whereby in-apartment treatments can be provided by Urban Retreat at Home (and reasonably priced too).  And,  I particularly loved the gorgeous hand-blended, full sized toiletries, again custom made for Staying Cool, all paraben free and not tested on animals.

Rotunda BathroomWhilst guests at Staying Cool can enjoy a range of discounts at local restaurants, I didn’t want to leave my temporary home, instead I stayed in, cooked and fantasised that this was my own personal ‘pied a terre’.  There are a number of supermarkets close by, but for a real treat the Selfridges Food Hall can be found in the Bullring.  A basic breakfast of organic muesli and fresh milk is provided and the apartment is equipped with Gaggia coffee machines and the supply of fresh oranges and electronic juicer just made it that little bit extra special.

This really was a versatile space, I can easily imagine a weekend away for two couples, a girly shopping weekend, or a perfect location to host an intimate event or product release.

For more information see:  http://www.stayingcool.com/birmingham/

To see a list of all my other favourite places around the world, click here.

About the author

Carolyn Pearson is our Travel blogger and founder of Maiden-voyage.com. maiden-voyage.com is an award winning global business travel network for professional women. Follow Maiden-Voyage: Facebook, Twitter, Linked In
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