New Hotel to open at NEC Early 2002 sees the opening of the Crowne Plaza Hotel at the Birmingham National Exhibition Centre (NEC) � a deluxe 241 bedroom hotel at a superb location in the grounds of the NEC, next to Birmingham International Airport, and a short drive from the City Centre of Birmingham. The hotel is situated within easy reach of major UK motorways (M6, M5, M40 and M42) and central railway networks. Birmingham International Airport provides easy access to global travellers. The Crowne Plaza Hotel is the perfect choice for both business travellers and leisure visitors to the surrounding area.