The Verdict
For families arriving by car who want city access without parking stress, Travelodge Birmingham Central Broadway Plaza is the clearest answer. The 1,300-space car park, cinema, bowling alley and climbing wall sitting underneath the rooms remove the usual friction of a family city break entirely, and the hotel sits outside the Clean Air Zone boundary, so non-compliant vehicles avoid the daily charge that catches out guests elsewhere.
For families on a tight budget who need a quiet base and genuine flexibility, Premier Inn Birmingham South (Rubery) is the honest pick. It is not a city hotel, and it should not be sold as one, but the free parking, dog-friendly policy, step-free access and proximity to motorway routes make it a practical family base for day-trip touring across the West Midlands rather than a walkable urban stay.
For families combining a Birmingham visit with significant time at Thinktank, the science museum, or the Curzon Street area, Clayton Hotel Birmingham is the specialist pick. The tram stop directly outside the front door puts the city centre within minutes, Moor Street Station is three minutes on flat ground, and the price point sits at a level that reflects the location's genuine transport advantages. Construction noise from the HS2 site opposite is a real consideration for families with light sleepers, and that should factor into the room-type choice at booking.