Hotel du Vin Birmingham: a Victorian eye hospital turned boutique stay

Some hotels are simply places to sleep. Hotel du Vin Birmingham, on Church Street in the city centre, comes with a story built into its red brick walls.

The building began life as the Birmingham and Midland Eye Hospital. Designed by the architects Payne and Talbot in the Gothic Revival style, it was under construction from 1881 and completed in 1884. Local history writers at Birmingham Roundabout describe it as a prime example of Victorian architecture.

The hospital served the city for generations before its services moved to the Dudley Road hospital site and the building was vacated. Rather than being lost, it was given a new purpose: in 2000 it was refurbished and reopened as Hotel du Vin. As Birmingham Roundabout puts it, the long-term future of this impressive Victorian building was assured.

Today the hotel describes itself as a beautifully restored Victorian eye hospital from 1884, blending historical charm with modern comfort. There are 66 rooms and suites, ranging from classic rooms to signature suites, each with plush bedding, flat-screen televisions, free high-speed wifi and spacious en-suite bathrooms.

Food and drink are central to the experience. Bistro du Vin serves French-inspired dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, while the bar offers a handpicked selection of wines, spirits and cocktails in surroundings that echo the building's vintage character. The hotel highlights its extensive wine cellars as one of the pleasures of a stay. Event spaces can host up to 120 guests, making it a popular choice for celebrations as well as business gatherings.

The location is a real draw for visitors exploring the city on foot. The Jewellery Quarter's independent shops and workshops are on the doorstep, and the hotel points guests towards the Bullring, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery and Symphony Hall, all within easy reach. It is a handy base for a weekend of galleries, concerts and dinners out.

There is something rather lovely about a building once devoted to helping people see more clearly now offering visitors a fresh view of Birmingham. The hotel notes that it is now cashless, accepting cards and digital payments only.

Rooms, dining and offers can be found on the Hotel du Vin Birmingham website.