Why Staying Near Birmingham Airport Makes Late Arrivals Easier

We were coming back from a week-long holiday in Malta and our return flight into Birmingham was in the evening, landing at around 10pm. As the flight was late, we had already checked out of our hotel earlier that day and spent the day visiting a few places before heading to Malta Airport. 

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By the time we landed in Birmingham, we were tired and starting to feel sleepy, which is only natural after a full day out followed by a flight. The idea of getting straight into the car and continuing the journey back home just did not appeal. Travelling late at night, when you are already tired, is not something we enjoy. That is why staying near the airport made sense for us. A nearby overnight stay meant we could rest properly, avoid travelling at night and head home the next day feeling far more refreshed.

Choosing a hotel close to Birmingham Airport

When choosing where to stay, the main thing we looked at was location. After landing late, we did not want another long journey. We wanted a hotel that was close to Birmingham Airport and easy to reach, so we could get from the terminal to the hotel quickly and without any hassle. At that point, proximity mattered more than anything else.

That is how we decided on the Crowne Plaza Birmingham NEC. It is very close to the airport, and it took us very little time to get there after landing. Being able to check in quickly and settle into the room soon after arriving made a big difference at the end of a long travel day.

Crowne Plaza Birmingham NEC is a modern hotel located very close to Birmingham Airport, the NEC and Resorts World Arena, making it a practical choice for many types of travellers. It sits just off the M42, with easy access to the M40, M6 and M1, which is helpful if you are driving. 

The hotel also offers useful extras such as on-site dining, a lobby bar with coffee available throughout the day and comfortable bedrooms designed for a good night’s sleep, which is exactly what we wanted after the late arrival.

After collecting our luggage, we took the monorail from Birmingham Airport to Birmingham International. From there, we walked through the NEC, following the clearly marked route towards the hotel. The final part of the walk runs along Pendigo Lake, which was a lovely surprise. It took us around ten minutes or so in total, and the route was flat, easy and well lit.

The cool night air and the quiet walk by the water felt very welcome after the flight. When we reached the hotel, we were greeted warmly by the reception staff. Check-in was quick and straightforward, with no delays. We were told about the facilities and breakfast times, handed our room keys and that was it. The friendly and calm reception staff were a real plus and set the tone for a relaxed night.

We stayed in a Queen Premium room on the second floor, with views of the lake.

The room felt spacious and comfortable as soon as we walked in. After a long day of travel, it was exactly what we needed. The bed was very comfortable, and the room had everything we might need for a short stay, including tea and coffee, bottled water, a good workspace and air conditioning. It felt well thought out and easy to settle into.

Despite being so close to the airport, the room was quiet throughout the night. There was no disturbance and we slept really well. That proper night’s rest made all the difference after a long travel day. Waking up refreshed instead of tired confirmed that choosing an overnight stay near the airport was the right decision for us.

Breakfast the next morning was a standard buffet, with the usual options you would expect. 

Most importantly for us, the whole experience felt easy and unrushed, which was exactly what we wanted. After a good night’s sleep, we started the day feeling rested and refreshed, making the journey home far more pleasant than it would have been the night before.

Overall, what really made the difference for us was the location and convenience. Being so close to the airport meant we could go from landing to bed with very little effort. There was no long drive, no rushing, and no added stress at the end of an already long day. Everything felt simple and well timed, which is exactly what you want when you arrive late.

That ease carried into the next day. Because we had slept well, we woke up feeling fresh and clear-headed. Instead of starting the morning tired and drained, we were rested and ready for the journey home. Choosing to stay nearby turned a late arrival into a far better travel experience overall.

I feel that this type of overnight stay works especially well for:

• Late arrivals: If your flight lands late in the evening, staying nearby helps you avoid pushing on when you are already tired.
• Early departures: Being close to the airport makes early morning flights far less stressful and easier to manage.
• Long drives home: If you have a long journey ahead, breaking it up with an overnight stay makes a lot of sense.
• Anyone choosing rest over rushing: For travellers who value sleep, safety and a calm end to the day, this is a sensible and practical choice.

This is a choice we would absolutely make again. Staying close to the airport removed the pressure of travelling late at night and allowed us to rest properly after a long day. The ease of getting from the airport to the hotel, combined with a quiet and comfortable night’s sleep, made the whole experience feel calm and well planned.

Overall, it worked so well because it put rest first. There was no rushing, no tired driving, and no poor sleep. Instead, we started the next day feeling refreshed and ready to travel home. Sometimes, the best travel decisions are the simplest ones, and choosing a nearby overnight stay after a late flight is practical advice we would happily recommend.

Book Your Stay

If you have a late flight into Birmingham or want a stress-free overnight stop, Crowne Plaza Birmingham NEC is a simple and practical choice. With its close location, comfortable rooms, and helpful staff, it makes the end of a long travel day far easier. You can book your stay directly through their website, by phone, or email to secure a restful night and start your journey home refreshed.

Quick Facts

Crowne Plaza Birmingham NEC
Pendigo Way, National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, B40 1PS United Kingdom

Contact:
Reservations: 0800 890 410
Front Desk: +44 371 9429160

Check-in / Check-out:
Check-in: 2:00 pm
Check-out: 11:00 am

Parking:
Controlled access parking is available at a charge of £10 per day.

Transport and Location:
5-minute drive from Birmingham Airport
Short walk from NEC and Resorts World Arena
Easy access to M42, M40, M6 and M1