This estate agents is situated on one of the main roads of the town centre. It is part of a…read morenational chain. It could really do with the outside cleaning up as it looks very untidy and unkempt. It also does not make you feel very welcome as a customer as the assistants stare at you when you are looking in the window. The sale boards they use stand out but I think they need to clean up the shop.

Trident Housing Association's remit is the the same as other housing associations, in that they…read moreexist to help homeless people and other people in vulnerable situations find safe homes, and eventually purchase their own homes. I ended up living in Trident House, a large apartment complex, for the tail end of last summer. As you might expect, it's not exactly shining with luxury, and bits of it definitely look like they could do with some attention. The small newsagents definitely seems a bit sorry for itself, with only a handful of items for sale. However, the atmosphere outstrips the upkeep - it definitely has a community feel, with most people that you meet in the lift being happy to talk to you and help you out if necessary. Despite the upkeep issues, Trident should be commended for the good work they do with the people of Birmingham. (I'd like to point out that I visited one of their house recently and that was in much better condition than the apartment block). One can only imagine that the current economic climate only makes their job harder.

You think Birmingham...you think rotunda. The skyline here would not be the same without it. I have…read moreheard talk that you were able to go in it at one point but alas like many old building in the city it is now apartments. Landmarks are not as plentiful in Birmingham as in other cities so it's great to see this one still standing!

I was very lucky to have a night's stay in one of the penthouses- no. 2004, and it was lovely. The…read morebest night's sleep I can remember, so quiet up there, and the beds are very very comfortable. The Rotunda boasts the highest open balcony in Birmingham, so the views are really fabulous (although maybe not for the very faint of heart). The penthouse has one wall which is entirely floor to ceiling windows with a panoramic view of Birmingham and the Bullring, including St Martin's church. The apartment has two double (king) bedrooms, each with an en suite. One has a good sized bath with a rain head shower, both have hair dryers and bathrobes. The central living area, which contains a fully equipped kitchen, has a large flat screen TV with Sky TV plus an iPod dock with speakers. It's the little touches, and the service which makes this special. There is milk and oranges (for juicing) in the fridge, mueslis, ground coffee (from Urban Coffee) tea and hot chocolate. It's an eco conscious place with Ecover washing powders for the dishwasher and washing machine, and vegetarian shampoo and soaps. It is immaculately clean and the general manager Gavin is very approachable and helpful. With Twiggy-style models adorning the walls on canvas, if looks very cool too. The next day we felt totally zen. Worth coming back just for that!