Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly
Ian Jones, Food and Drink Editor
Newly reopened after an extensive renovation, the largest four-star hotel in Manchester City Centre has reopened its doors. This grand hotel offers guests a luxurious and convenient stay in the heart of the city, literally steps away from Piccadilly Train Station.
It’s had a bunch of names over the years – remember the Manchester Macdonald Hotel? How about the decidedly unimaginative moniker of Manchester Piccadilly Hotel? Well, they’re yesterday’s chip paper as this distinctive building has now joined Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of more than 30 hotel brands and shall forever be known as Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly.
It’s a fine example of the modernist architecture that’s swung back into fashion of late – one long sweeping curve broken up by a series of concrete ledges. First built by architect J.W. Hammond in 1973, it was a Manchester landmark, and has forever remained so. But it’s also been in need of a facelift for some time, which it’s now had, to the tune of £33 million.
Manchester’s industrial past remains written on the outside, but inside is a different experience. Those once-faded interiors have been overwritten with contemporary luxury. Think clean lines, minimalist decor, elegant finishes, and erm, a Manchester United phone booth.
Town planners have decreed it’s part of the very up-and-coming urban neighbourhood, Mayfield, which is “distinct in character, authentic in spirit and progressive by nature”. And if you want to experience a slice of Old Manchester that ticks all those boxes, we heartily recommend popping round the corner to check out the nearby Star & Garter pub for a drink, a gig or a dance at one of the clubnights (the Smiths Disco is held there every month, for all you Morrissey/Marr fans).
This new property will be the largest four-star hotel in Manchester City Centre, with 338 spacious bedrooms, a restaurant and bar, plus a great looking function room, ideal for weddings and big events. There are also 11 meeting rooms, a 24/7 MClub Lounge, a state-of-the-art gym and a state-of-the-art Elemis spa featuring six treatment rooms and a thermal suite.
The bar in the lobby is well stocked with craft beer and a solid selection of wine, plus at a recent launch event we sampled a series of gin-based cocktails made in collaboration with CT-faves Spirit of Manchester. Supporting local businesses? Well done Marriott, we wholeheartedly approve.
Finally, the location is difficult to beat. It’s right near the train station, plus tram links and a short trip to the Apollo if you’re heading that way for a gig. In fact, it’s possibly the only good-quality hotel within 10 minutes of that great venue.
