Selina Birmingham

The beds were comfortable and the hostel is very new and nicely renovated. The staff was friendly.

The main reason I wanted to stay in a hostel was to meet new people and hang out in the game room. This hostel does not have a "game room." If you search on google maps, it'll show pictures of a game room w/ a pool table and board games, etc. They have 2 lounges with chairs and beanbags and tables. Nothing else. If you're looking for a genuine hostel experience, they won't have it because there's nothing to do in the lounge areas but put your headphones in and be on your computer. The lack of "social/game room" = lack of meeting people. Also, they stop selling beer at 23:00. The doors are very loud as well. You can hear people walking and opening/shutting doors all night long. A simple solution would be to install fire door closers that cost about $20 a piece. Beware, the 3-level bunk beds are tremendously high - maybe about 10-12 feet high. I slept on the top, third bunk bed and it is frightening if you are scared of heights. Getting down is even more challenging as there arent any railings on the side to hold onto while ascending a 10 -12 ft high ladder.

I think the location for Selina in Birmingham was excellent. Close to down town core, and depending on staff, knowledgeable of the area. They were accommodating when you want to make a last minute change to the reservation, like moving bunks in the same room.

They have scented aroma of some kind in the reception and bar on the main floor. On arrival, I had to wait outside while they processed my booking. Could not mingle with others in the building at the bar, due to scent. The WiFi was worse then terrible. Got disconnected several times when trying to work on my laptop.