Love Travelling Blog

Hotel Review:

Hotel Indigo Coventry opened in January 2024 after the completion of a multi million pound project which is part of a wider Friargate regeneration initiative. This stunning new-build property is defined by its striking silver and blue cladding in shades of metallic blue drawing on the city’s history. In Medieval times Coventry was one of the country’s most important textile cities in England, with its wealth based on textiles, particularly the production of non-fading cloth which came to be known as ‘Coventry blue’.

Location:

Coventry lies at the heart of the motorway network, with main roads directly into the city.  From the south follow the M1 to Junction 17 and then the M45 and A45 into the city centre. From the north take the M1 to Junction 21 and then continue to the end of the M69 before following signs for the city centre.

For guests arriving by train it couldn’t be easier as Coventry is on the main intercity route with regular services from London Euston with journey times of between 60-80 minutes. There are also daily services from Manchester, Birmingham and Bristol.

Arrival and check-in:

We arrived into Coventry by car and as the hotel doesn’t have its own car park we were advised to follow signs to Coventry Railway Station which is located close to the Hotel Indigo. The station has a newly built multi-storey car park with a reasonable cost of £8 for a 24 hour stay. Payment can either be made on leaving the car park at one of the pay machines located on the ground floor or validated at the hotel upon check-in which was our preferred option.

After removing our luggage from the car boot it was then just a five minute walk across to the hotel. On entering the bright and cheerful lobby our eyes were drawn to a red, Caton sports car which stands proudly as a nod to the city’s links with the motor industry. The lobby is decorated in shades of blue and yellow and as with other Indigo hotels, the decor reflects the culture, character, and history of the surrounding area. 

The reception desk was very inviting and the first I’d seen with a sewing machine perched on one end (another link to the city’s engineering past as Singer had a factory there). We were warmly welcomed by a member of the front desk team who had us checked-in speedily, processed our £16 car parking payment for the duration of our stay, offered us a city map and enquired at approximately what time we would like breakfast.

Formalities over, we took one of the two lifts up to our room on the third floor. The outside doors of the lifts are decorated in the style of old fashioned metal lift gates and internally have been papered with old newspaper clippings depicting the city’s heyday as a leading cycle manufacturer.

The Room:

The hotel comprises 101 stylish bedrooms reflecting the vibrancy and style of Coventry’s historic neighbourhood. Rooms are designed around three themes. The Spinning Wheel – designed to reflect the city’s bicycle making history as before Coventry became the UK’s ‘motor city’ it was the country’s ‘bicycle city’. Motor City – these rooms explore Coventry’s rich automotive history that saw it become the centrepiece of the UK’s booming car-making industry.  From lighting that reflects street posts to furniture reminiscent from the car itself the rooms have been uniquely styled with a retro design.

We had been booked into one of the Re-imagination and Regeneration rooms designed to reflect the city’s architecture and cultural past. The spacious room came with a Hypnos king size bed dressed in crisp Egyptian cotton bed linen with goose down pillows so soft, we were both asleep almost as soon as we closed our eyes.

With wooden floors and walls painted in two tone neutral shades the brightly coloured wall mounted pictures depicting Coventry’s historic centre added splashes of colour. A wall to ceiling window overlooked a quiet tree lined pedestrianised street with an armchair and small circular table in the corner of the room on which to relax.

The dressing table had been designed to double up as a work desk and with the hotel being newly built there were power points with USB chargers all around the room. The table was also home to a retro cream telephone which rang around 20 minutes after we’d checked-in with a call from reception checking that we were happy with the room. Also on the table was a well stocked hospitality tray with fresh coffee bags, a selection of teas, hot chocolate and melt in the mouth Meredith and Drew biscuits. A fridge was located beneath the table containing a small bottle of fresh milk, complimentary soft drinks and bottled water.

A handwritten card welcoming us to the hotel had been placed on a tray with two Coventry God Cakes. These are a local delicacy which were traditionally given by Godparents to their Godchildren around New Year, along with a blessing for the year ahead. Evidence suggests that the gifting of God Cakes was common in Coventry as far back as the 14th Century but it’s unclear why the practice didn’t catch on elsewhere. Needless to say, the triangular mincemeat pastries went down a treat with our afternoon cups of tea served in stylish blue Oliver Bonas mugs.

The open plan wardrobe featured a picture of Coventry’s famous Lady Godiva (if you haven’t heard of her you will be able to find out more in the out and about section below). A 50″ wall mounted television was perfectly positioned for viewing from the bed and it was good that we were able to wirelessly connect our devices to the TV to play videos.

The en-suite had been tastefully tiled in shades of blue and was fitted with a spacious walk-in shower, a pile of thick towels and two fluffy bathrobes. With a master switch for all the lights at both the bedside and the door we didn’t have to go around turning off individual lamps at bedtime.

Dining:

Food is served throughout the day in the attractive industrial-chic Cogs Restaurant where references to Coventry’s automobile industry and cycling heritage were abound. Cogs aims to champion local growers and producers in Warwickshire and has a separate restaurant entrance for non residents. The restaurant has been designed with an open kitchen to allow the chefs to be part of the diner’s experience to watch dishes being expertly prepared.

Dinner: We had reserved a table for 7.00 p.m. and were pleased to be shown to one in the window, although the banquette seating and booths also looked very cosy. Waiting staff were dressed in smart casual style with stylish jackets or waistcoats teamed with jeans.

Service was relaxed but attentive and after ordering drinks we pondered the menu awhile before deciding on beetroot tartar for me and braised short rib with a Hoi Sin glaze for my son. I was intrigued to try the beetroot tartar as I’ve opted for the beef version numerous times but never before one containing beetroot. I was pleased with my choice as with the addition of some chilli mango mousse, it was very flavoursome.

Moving on to mains, I was thinking of having sea bream but as this was unavailable had a quick change of plan, opting instead for grilled rump steak served with a béarnaise sauce. Across the table Mark opted for the lamb rump which was served on a bed of pearl barley and blackberries and ordered a side of minted new potatoes which was probably unnecessary as there was rather more pearl barley than expected. Both the rump steak and lamb were cooked to perfection, succulent and tender.

We were both feeling quite full and not thinking of having a dessert until we spotted mascarpone tiramisu on the menu and noticing that, neither of us could resist the temptation. We savoured every last spoonful of the layers of light sponge cake infused with espresso coffee and mascarpone before returning to the room to collect our coats to walk off the evening’s excesses.

Breakfast: This is served daily between the generous time period of 6.30 and 10.30 a.m. enabling business travellers to tuck into an early breakfast before heading off to their meetings.

Being weekend leisure travellers, we opted for 8.30 a.m. breakfasts, starting the day with mango smoothies, fresh fruit and yoghurt before moving on to hot dishes. Eggs Benedict and Smashed Avocado are two of my favourite breakfast dishes so I opted for both over the two mornings whilst Mark selected Eggs Benedict on the first day and a full English on the Sunday morning. With a large cafetière of fresh coffee and some toast and marmalade, our days started exceedingly well.

Facilities:

Bar Lounge

Located between the lobby and restaurant is the lounge bar featuring a long bar with an antique clock hanging overhead. Assorted seating ranges from high bar stools and long tables accommodating large parties to comfy armchairs all perfect for pre and post dinner drinks. As with other parts of the hotel the decor celebrates Coventry’s rich industrial heritage.

Gym

Situated on the first floor is a dedicated guest multi-gym, complete with top of the range weights and resistance training machines. Perhaps I should have been utilising this after all the delicious food I’d been consuming during my stay.

Other facilities include the Lady Godiva Function Room suitable for small meetings, events and private gatherings. As mentioned above, the hotel does not have its own car park but after dropping off luggage by the entrance, cars can be parked in the station multi storey for a reasonable cost.

Out and About:

Coventry has retained some magnificent architecture conveying its rich history. From exploring the city’s cultural attractions to taking a canal side walk, enjoying afternoon tea in a medieval building or just having a wander around the shops, the city has something for everyone. Here are my suggestions for a perfect weekend break:

Coventry Transport Museum

The museum is home to the largest collection of British road transport in the world, from 19th century bicycles, carriages and cars, right up to the present day with the two fastest cars on earth. Be enthralled with the displays of vehicles on display and allow a minimum of two hours to explore this fascinating collection. Coventry Transport Museum

St. Mary’s Guildhall

Located close by is the Cathedral Quarter. Here we explored one of the finest guildhalls in the country. St. Mary’s Guildhall is a rare survivor of the English Civil War, also escaping the city’s devastating Second World War bombing raids. The historic building stands as a testament to Coventry’s medieval wealth and influence as it acted as the centre of power in England during the War of the Roses.

Tales of Tea

Partaking of afternoon tea in the magnificent setting of St. Mary’s Guildhall’s undercroft is a memorable occasion in itself and one where you can indulge in an array of delicious food and drinks from dainty sandwiches to freshly baked scones with clotted cream and individual plant pot cakes which look almost too good to eat! Tales of Tea

Coventry Cathedral

Coventry Cathedral first opened in 1962 with the original Cathedral standing next to it in ruins after being severely damaged during the Second World War. Explore the ‘new’ building with its breathtaking stained glass window then wander through the ruins. Entrance free.

Blitz Museum

Located in the corner of the Cathedral Ruins, the Blitz Museum is free to visit and a treasure trove of 1940’s memorabilia and artefacts. Begin by watching a video about the Coventry Blitz seated in a recreated 1940’s school room then take a self guided tour through a typical house furnished as it would have been in the 1940’s. Blitz Museum

Herbert Art Gallery and Museum

This excellent museum documents the history of the city and also includes an art gallery and temporary exhibitions. Whilst visiting Coventry it’s an opportunity to view Dippy the Dinosaur who left its home of over 100 years at the Natural History Museum in London. The famous dinosaur is currently on display in the museum’s entrance foyer until February 2026. Herbert Art Gallery and Museum

Statue of Lady Godiva

A legend dating back to the 13th century tells the story of Lady Godiva riding through the streets of Coventry naked with just her long blonde hair covering her modesty. Her reason for doing this was said to have been in protest against her husband Leofric planning to impose higher taxes on his tenants. It is said that he would not impose the taxes if she carried out this deed. The name ‘Peeping Tom’ was said to originate from someone who, rather than politely looking away when she rode through the town, watched her and was said to have been struck blind. Fact or fiction both Lady Godiva and Peeping Tom entered folklore as being part of Coventry’s cultural history.

Coventry Canal Basin

Enjoy a stroll through the city centre to the canal basin. The Coventry Canal was once a key trade route in the city and is now a popular place for a peaceful stroll. Follow the towpath passing former mills and view the sculpture commemorating James Brindley (1716-1772). An engineer by trade, Brindley played an essential role in shaping the way canals were built during the Industrial Revolution.

Slightly further afield:

Stratford-upon-Avon

Enjoy a day out in nearby Stratford-upon-Avon, just 17 miles from Coventry. The charming medieval town is famous for being the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Highlights include Shakespeare’s Birthplace, School Room, Guildhall and Anne Hathaway’s Cottage.

Aside from Shakespeare take time out to visit the Stratford Butterfly Farm, an indoor garden filled with exotic butterflies fluttering by in colours ranging from vivid blue to yellow and crimson.  As well as butterflies, mini beasts, reptiles, snakes and amphibians can be seen.  In the discovery zone visitors are able to observe the life cycle of a butterfly and to occasionally see a butterfly hatch from its pupa.  It’s delightful for all ages. Stratford Butterfly Farm.

Two miles outside of Stratford lies Shakespeare Distillery, an artisan spirit producer of a range of premium gins and rums.  Join one of their informative distillery tours which explain the distilling process beginning in the still room and continuing through to bottling and labelling.  The tour ends with sampling of a selection of gins and rums and then enjoying a full-size one of your choice.  Drivers don’t miss out as they can take home a miniature bottle.  The distillery also offers gin school and cocktail making classes.

The British Motor Museum

The British Motor Museum lies just off the M40. This vast museum is home to the world’s largest collection of historic British cars displaying more than 400 British classic cars celebrating the past, present and future of British motoring. The collection tells the story of the motor car and over a hundred years of its industry in the West Midlands.  Free guided tours are available at certain times of day and either by joining one of these or wandering around on your own it’s a fascinating museum.  British Motor Museum.

Overall:

We very much enjoyed our weekend staying at the newly opened Hotel Indigo. Guest rooms and public areas have been tastefully furnished in a contemporary style that gives a nod to Coventry’s industrial heritage. Dining in the industrial-chic setting of Cogs Restaurant was a delight with its relaxed atmosphere, extremely good food and attentive service. I feel certain that the hotel will be an asset to the city and with its close proximity to the railway station the perfect choice for a city break.

Details: Hotel Indigo Coventry, Friargate, Coventry, West Midlands, CV1 2GN

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During our stay we were guests of Hotel Indigo Coventry and as always, all views and opinions are entirely my own.