Central Retreat - Birmingham Sleeps 4 free parking

Generally good, but a few things to watch out for Positive: Location was good for a particular event we were at for the weekend, after a few initial things that weren't great, and spotting a few bits of damage which were easily reported to, and noted by. the host, it was pleasant and comfortable. Another definite plus of this property is the secure car parking, with the designated spot being right next to the stairs up to the lobby (even if the spaces are a little narrow - if you have a large / wide car, you may struggle!) Kitchen was well equipped if a little dated, no need to BYO sharp knife, cheese grater, or other "essentials" which are often missing from these rentals. Only reason for this being rated good rather than excellent is that I would expect these sort of facilities and thoughtfulness for the price. Negative: Key collection was a nightmare! Not only collection from the shop (which was fine), but what could be walked in 3 minutes took 30 minutes of arguing with sat nav trying to get round closed roads, new one way streets, bus/taxi only "gates" and changed road layouts. Had a similar problem getting there on check out (but with 2 of us by then it was possible to pull up on the side of an adjacent road and for one of us to walk the keys over quickly. The keys then obviously were not scanned back in properly as the host called while we were driving out of Birmingham to query why they keys had not yet been handed back in. The only other negative was that a lor of the kitchen equipment (pans, chopping boards and some of the knives) were still dirty / greasy from previous occupants, and needed a good wash before use.