Pluxa Cobalt & Coral: Birmingham's Hidden Gem You NEED to See!
Pluxa Cobalt & Coral: Birmingham's Hidden Gem? Hold My Hand Sanitizer… Let's Dive In!
Alright, alright, Birmingham! You want a hidden gem? Well, buckle up buttercups. I've just emerged, slightly rumpled but thoroughly experienced, from the depths of Pluxa Cobalt & Coral. And let me tell you, it's a lot like a good ol' British cuppa – sometimes strong, sometimes weak, but always… an experience.
First things first: Accessibility – NOT a dealbreaker, thankfully!
Okay, so let's be real. Accessibility is HUGE. Especially for, you know, people who might need it. The website claims things. And yeah, they seem to be trying. Wheelchair access is mentioned, but details? You’ll need to double-check with them directly (I’d call and ask specifically about how the elevators work, and what the rooms are actually like). They do mention facilities for disabled guests, so fingers crossed that's not just lip service. I didn’t personally need it this time, but I always look out for this, you know? Because everyone deserves a good stay, regardless. Also, check-in/out is listed as potentially contactless – a big plus in the current climate. Important note: I didn't see a ton of info about accessible pathways within the property, so I'd highly recommend calling before you book if you have specific mobility needs.
Now, let's talk Internet, because we all need our fix, right?
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! And thank goodness, because who wants to pay extra for internet in this day and age? They claim to have Internet [LAN] too, which, frankly, sounds a bit… old school? But hey, options are good, right? And Wi-Fi in public areas: also a tick. You know, for furtively checking your emails while pretending to contemplate the meaning of life.
The Cleaning and Safety Circus… A Mixed Bag?
Okay, so this is where things get interesting. Pluxa definitely leans into the pandemic precautions. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Professional-grade sanitizing services? Yup. Rooms sanitized between stays? Sounds good. Daily disinfection in common areas? Seems like it. They even have Hand sanitizer everywhere. I felt like I was being chased by a germ-killing superhero.
The Room Sanitization Opt-Out… Wait, What?
Now, here's the kicker. They offer Room sanitization opt-out available. Which… honestly, I find a bit weird. Why would you opt out of cleanliness? Are you, like, a germ enthusiast? Just a thought.
Sanitized kitchen and tableware items? Good. Individually-wrapped food options? Fine. Physical distancing of at least 1 meter? They try. The biggest struggle I saw was around the buffet, which I'll grumble about later.
Food, Glorious Food (Or, the Hungry Tourist's Lament)
Okay, let's talk grub, because a good hotel is nothing without decent food.
- Dining, drinking, and snacking: They promise a lot. Restaurants? Restaurants. (plural!) Poolside bar? Yep. Snack bar, coffee shop? Got 'em. However, I'm a huge breakfast person so this is where it gets interesting.
- Breakfast [buffet]: This is where things started to go off the rails, slightly. The buffet was… a study in controlled chaos. People were definitely crowding, despite the best efforts of the staff. The food options are good, but some of the displays are… crowded. It's a tough balance, and they're clearly trying.
- A la carte in restaurant: I really wanted to try this but never made it! However this is an absolute must for my next trip.
- Alternative meal arrangement: I didn't utilize it but it's listed.
- Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant: Ok, I'll be back for this.
- Breakfast takeaway service: Another plus
- Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant: This is what I tried. See Buffet.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Needed more, to be honest.
- Desserts in restaurant: I'm here for it
- Happy hour, Poolside bar: I missed both. Huge regret.
- Room service [24-hour]: Bless. Honestly, sometimes all you need is a burger in your bathrobe at 2 AM.
The Relax Factor: Does Pluxa Actually Deliver?
This is where Pluxa could really shine. And… it does, mostly.
- Swimming pool: Yes! Swimming pool [outdoor]: Absolutely. The pool with a view? Apparently so. (I didn't get the view, because I was busy swimming).
- Spa/sauna: I'm a sucker for this! Sauna, Steamroom, Spa? Absolutely!
- Massage: In the spa – check. Body scrub, Body wrap: Tempting. Foot bath: Sounds luxurious. Now, I didn’t personally experience all of these, because, well, time. But the idea of it all is heavenly.
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness: Also there.
Things to Do – Beyond Sleeping and Eating
- Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Seminars: If you need to be productive, this is the place.
- Concierge, Laundry service, Dry cleaning: The basics done well.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Meh. Always good if you forget to buy a present for someone, though.
- They have the usual Safety deposit boxes, Luggage storage, Daily housekeeping.
My Room, My Castle (…Or At Least, My Temporary Abode)
My room? Okay, let's be real: It was nice. Not spectacular, not mind-blowing, but nice. Air conditioning was a lifesaver. Air conditioning in public area: Necessary. Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Blackout curtains, Complimentary tea & coffee, Desk, Free bottled water. The usual suspects. They've got Internet access – wireless and Laptop workspace, which is perfect.
A Little Anecdote… (Because Real Life is Messy)
So, I was in my room, right? Trying to relax. I was using the Internet access – wireless, and honestly, it cut out twice. Not ideal, you know? I quickly called and they fixed it. This isn't a dealbreaker for me, but it's something to consider.
The Verdict (and My Slightly Baffled Recommendation)
Look, Pluxa Cobalt & Coral is not perfect. It has quirks. The buffet might give you mild anxiety. The internet may falter. But, here's the thing: It also has a ton going for it. The pool is inviting. The spa is tempting. The staff is (mostly) friendly and helpful. The location is… well, depends on where you want to be, but it’s decent.
So, is it a hidden gem? Maybe. It's certainly a solid option in Birmingham.
Here’s where it gets REALLY important: the "Proposal Spot" and "Family/child friendly" categories seem to contradict…
My “Secret” Offer (Because You Deserve a Little Something Extra)
Book your stay at Pluxa Cobalt & Coral within the next 7 days and get a FREE voucher for a spa treatment (your choice!) AND a complimentary cocktail at the poolside bar.
Why? Because you deserve to treat yourself after reading this review. You've earned it. And because Pluxa, despite its imperfections, is trying. And who doesn’t love a good spa treatment after a day of exploring—or staring into the abyss of a hotel buffet?
Yangon's Hidden Gem: Shwe Eain Taw Hotel - Unbelievable Luxury Awaits!
Pluxa Cobalt & Coral: Birmingham, My Love-Hate Affair (and How I Survived)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your polished, Instagram-worthy travel guide. This is me – jet-lagged, caffeine-deprived me – spilling the guts of my Birmingham adventure. Pluxa Cobalt & Coral? Sounds fancy, right? Well, the reality was a glorious, slightly chaotic, and often baffling experience. Let's dive in!
Day 1: Arrival and the Great "Where's the Hotel?" Debacle
- Morning (Err, Late Morning): Landed at Birmingham Airport. First impression? Grey. Seriously, what is it with the perpetually overcast skies of England? My optimism – carefully curated for this trip – started to crack. Found the airport, and well… finding the train to the city? That was another story. Apparently, the signage is a suggestion, not a directive.
- Anecdote: Spent a solid 20 minutes arguing with a vending machine that clearly did NOT want me to have a chocolate bar. Eventually, I won (with a bit of brute force, I confess). Victory felt like a small, sugary triumph.
- Afternoon: Finally, on the train! Arrived at New Street Station. Let's just say, it looked like a slightly organized chaos. Finding my hotel was, again, an epic quest. “Follow the directions," the email said. “They're simple!" Lies. All lies. Wandered for what felt like an eternity, asking bewildered locals. Shout out to the kind bloke with the Brummie accent who, with a wink, pointed me in the right direction, muttering something about "yank tourists" and "getting lost." Love you, mate!
- Quirky Observation: The pigeons in Birmingham are built different. They're tougher, bolder, and seem to have a permanent air of 'seen it all, done it all.'
- Evening: Hotel finally located! It was… fine. Perfectly functional. Room size? Tiny, but hey, who needs space when you're exploring? Wandered around the city center to find dinner. The food here is another story. A whole lot more than expected, with a lot of good choices. But don't get me wrong, sometimes that perfection can get a bit boring too. Ended up at a place called "The Indian Streatery." The flavors? EXPLODED! Seriously, my taste buds had a party. Then, I found a pub and had a pint of something dark and delicious, just to melt the stress away.
Day 2: Canals, Cadbury, and a Mid-Afternoon Meltdown
- Morning: Okay, today was meant to be about the canals. Birmingham has more canals than Venice, supposedly. Walked along them. They're pretty. Very… canal-y. But it felt like a giant, slightly musty puzzle of bridges and narrowboats.
- Rant: Honestly, navigating the canal system is another level of frustration. Signage? Non-existent. The map? Utterly useless. I swear, I walked in circles for an hour, convinced I was going to end up trapped in a watery labyrinth.
- Afternoon: Cadbury World! Yes! Chocolate! This was what I was looking for. And it delivered. I went full Willy Wonka, stuffing myself with chocolate samples. The ride through the chocolate factory was pure, unadulterated joy.
- Emotional Reaction: Pure bliss! The whole experience was a sugary, nostalgic dream. It was as good as I had imagined it would be.
- Mid-Afternoon Meltdown: Then came the post-chocolate slump. Suddenly, I felt nauseous, overwhelmed, and deeply, profoundly tired. Sat on a bench in the park, battling the sugar crash while the grey sky mocked my woes.
- Rambling Thoughts: Maybe Birmingham was too much. Too much everything. I was starting to miss my home, the familiarity, the sunshine. Maybe a quiet life is the right life. Maybe I should just go home. I was in a bad mood.
- Evening: Recovered (sort of) with a massive plate of Fish and Chips. Found a cinema and watched an absolute terrible film! But there was this freedom here that I had not felt in a long time. Watched the clouds roll, had a meal where I had to fight off the hungry seagulls. Amazing.
Day 3: Art, Bullrings, and a Farewell (Maybe?)
- Morning: The Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery. Impressive! The Pre-Raphaelite paintings were stunning. Lost myself in them for hours. Felt almost… cultured.
- Opinion: Seriously, some of the art in this place made me weep. The skill, the stories, the sheer beauty… it was enough to make me momentarily forget about the endless drizzle.
- Afternoon: The Bullring Shopping Centre. A shopper's paradise… or a claustrophobic hellscape, depending on your mood. Walked. Looked. Got overwhelmed. Needed coffee.
- Imperfection: Accidentally spent way too much on a scarf I didn't need. Blame the caffeine jitters.
- Late Afternoon: Got lost again. Found a cute little cafe. Had a coffee. Enjoyed the rain through the window. Realized that Birmingham wasn't as bad as I'd thought. It's just… a bit quirky. And the food is amazing.
- Quirky Observation: The Brummies have a certain… resilience. They're used to the rain, the grey skies, the occasional tourist getting lost. They just take it all in stride.
- Evening: Packing. Reflecting. Deciding. Was I sad that I was leaving? Absolutely. Was I relieved? Maybe a little bit. Have I found myself coming back again? You bet.
Final Thoughts:
Birmingham, you magnificent, confusing, chocolate-filled paradox. You've given me joy, frustration, and a whole lot of memories. I'm not sure if I love you, but I definitely feel something. And that, my friends, is what travel is all about. I'll be back. Eventually. Maybe. Don't wait up.
P.S. Birmingham, get your signage sorted. Seriously. It's a matter of public safety. And invest in a good chocolate vending machine. It'd be a big hit.
London Luxury: 4-Bed Apartment w/Balcony & Parking - Skyvillion Awaits!
Okay, seriously, what *is* Pluxa Cobalt & Coral? I keep hearing whispers...
Right?! It's like this secret Birmingham society I stumbled upon! Okay, okay, it's not *that* dramatic. Basically, Pluxa Cobalt & Coral is a super cool (and *tiny*) shop in Birmingham. Think independent, quirky, and filled to the brim with gorgeous, handmade stuff. We're talking jewelry, art, ceramics... it’s a creative haven. Finding it is half the fun – it’s tucked away, a true hidden gem. It feels like you’ve stepped into a curated dream, honestly.
Is it *really* worth going out of your way for? Like, is it Instagram-worthy?
Okay, let’s get this out of the way: yes. Absolutely YES. And no, it's not *just* Instagram-worthy. While the aesthetic is undeniably beautiful – think moody lighting, perfectly arranged displays – it's the *vibe* that gets you. It’s a place where you actually *want* to spend time, chatting with the owner, browsing slowly, and getting truly inspired. I saw this one piece, a ceramic mug with a tiny, perfectly imperfect crack, and I wanted it so badly. (Spoiler alert: I bought it. No regrets!) Sure, you’ll get *amazing* photos, but it’s the experience of being *there*, feeling the artistry, that seals the deal. Way more than just the 'gram, trust me.
Alright, spill the tea. What kind of stuff can you actually *buy* there?
Okay, prepare your wallet. It's a dangerous place! But in the best way. You can find everything from delicate, handmade jewelry – I'm talking beautifully crafted necklaces and earrings that are basically wearable art – to stunning ceramics. They have art prints, stationary, little trinkets… It's all so well curated. The pieces feel very special, like you're supporting real artists. I got a pair of earrings there that I wore to a wedding recently and got *so* many compliments. (And yes, I may have secretly felt a little smug.) There are also some really lovely, natural skincare products, which is always a plus. Honestly, it's constantly changing, so every visit is a new adventure. You never know what unique treasures you'll uncover!
Is it pricey? I'm not exactly rolling in dough, you know...
Okay, let's be real: it's not *Primark*. But for the quality and the fact that you’re buying from independent artists, the prices are surprisingly reasonable. Think a little bit more than high street, but WAY more special. There are definitely things you can pick up without emptying your bank account – like those gorgeous little art prints I mentioned earlier. And I'm a big believer in investing in things you *love*. A beautiful piece of jewelry? A ceramic mug you'll use *every single day*? Those are things that bring you joy, and that’s priceless, right? (Okay, maybe not literally priceless, but you get the point!). Plus, it's supporting the artists and the business owners who are keeping independent commerce alive in Birmingham. Seriously, go. You'll probably find something within your budget that you can't resist. It's a treat, not a splurge.
What's the *vibe* like? Is it intimidating? I'm not exactly an art expert.
Intimidating? Absolutely not! It’s incredibly welcoming. Honestly, the owner is the sweetest, loveliest person. She's passionate about the artists and loves talking about their work. It's a really relaxed atmosphere; you can wander, browse, and ask questions without feeling like you're being judged. They are so helpful. It's not one of those snooty art galleries where you feel like you have to know everything. It's more like a conversation with a friend who has amazing taste. Seriously, I spent a good hour chatting with the owner on one of my visits, and I learned so much! It's a genuinely lovely experience.
Okay, you've convinced me. Where *is* this magical place? And when can I go? Give me the gritty details!
Okay, buckle up! Because finding it is part of the fun. It's located in (I'll have to double check the address). And the opening hours... ugh, they're a bit tricky. Again, I need to double check their opening hours. But it's absolutely worth looking them up before you go, otherwise you'll be disappointed (and trust me, you *don't* want to be disappointed!). It’s usually open a few days a week, with varying hours… but their social media is the best way to confirm. Definitely check Instagram or their website beforehand. Seriously, don't be like me and turn up on a Monday to find it closed. Oops. But! The search is part of the adventure. And the joy of finding it makes the whole experience even more special. You’ll feel like you're in the know, part of a secret club! Just… don't tell *too* many people. Let's keep it our little secret, yeah?
Okay, *one* specific experience, what's the most magical thing that happened to you there?
Oh god, where do I even start? Okay, there was this one time... Picture this: it was a grey, drizzly Saturday morning. I was feeling totally blah, just the overall feeling of 'meh'. I needed something, *anything*, to lift my spirits. I had seen something on the Pluxa Cobalt & Coral Instagram feed, a new collection of ceramic bowls sculpted by this artist called (checking my notes)... "Anya". They were incredible. This artist's work, its something else! So, I decided to make the trek. I needed those bowls, purely because I was feeling grumpy. So, there I was, walking in, and immediately my mood lifted. The light was just right, the smell of incense drifted through the air... it sounds cliché, I know, but it really was magical. And there, front and center, were Anya's bowls. They glowed! They were the most beautiful, earthy, perfectly imperfect things I'd ever seen. There was one in particular… a deep, navy blue one with a subtle, crackle glaze. I picked it up, and I swear, it felt like it was whispering secrets to me. I wanted to eat cereal out of it forever. We all have those moments! I ended up staying for almost an hour, just chatting with the owner. She told me about Anya, her life, her inspiration, her love of nature.. It was like a mini-retreat. I walked away with the bowl (obviously!), and a completely changed perspective. The rest of the day was transformed. I made a delicious dinner, listened to good music, and felt *good*. Honestly, it was just a bowl. But it was so much more than that. That bowl represented a connection to art, to beauty, and to a little bit of happiness. It was proof that small moments can turn a whole day around. That bowl made me feel good. Every time I look at it, I remember that day (and I still eat my cereal out of itBackpacker Hotel Find
