Hotel: CitySuites, Manchester
Location: Manchester City Centre, just a four-minute walk from Manchester Victoria station. Across the road from the Arndale Centre and Harvey Nichols- perfect for a spot of shopping.
Highlights: I was warmly greeted upon my arrival and pointed to my room along with my keycard and was pleased to see that the lifts were security protected so that I had to scan my card before I could select my floor. From the moment I walked into the hotel, I was blown away by the décor. The interior had a mid-century modern look which continued throughout the many floors and into my suite.
My suite was stunning and because it was designed to accommodate long-term stays as well as short-term stays, the suite was complete with a kitchen, dining area, living area, and double bedroom. The kitchen was fully kitted out with a microwave oven, oven, fridge, freezer, washing machine, dishwasher, and hob, ideal for longer stays with the nearby Sainsburys making perfect pit-stop for groceries if self-catering.
The living area included a sofa, occasion chair, marble coffee table and a widescreen smart TV with Sky, Netflix, and Amazon already installed. In the corner, a small round dining table provided the perfect dining space and a whole side of the room was windowed- overlooking Manchester which added that modern urban edge which so flawlessly complemented the contemporary style.
The bathroom was decked out clean white, with a bathtub, a rain-shower and power-shower, White Company toiletries, white fluffy towels and a bathrobe. Slippers could be found in one of the built-in wardrobes in the bedroom which were fitted with automated lighting. The left wardrobe also included a safe, drawers, a ghd blow-dryer, and removable hangers.
I was delighted to see a Nespresso machine sat on the worktop with pods at the ready, biscuits, and a personalized note on the marble coffee table. I decided to start my stay with a sit-down and a coffee, flicking through the Sky movie options. The ground floor also offered a swimming pool and jacuzzi spa for an ideal Friday evening chill out.
As evening came, I wandered down to the newly-opened Executive Lounge on the first floor for a spot of dinner. The mid-century décor continued into the lounge with angled tapered chair legs, velvet furniture, geometric accents, and pendant lighting. Food was served buffet-style and I selected the chicken parmigiana with spaghetti, alongside a glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc. Dessert was a tiramisu layered treat- beautifully light and decadent.
The rest of the evening was spent in the suite, enjoying the selection of films on SkyMovies on the large TV in the lounge (there was also one mounted on the bedroom wall). With the warm weather outside, the aircon was a godsend and let me set the temperature to my ideal sleeping temperature and I slept like a baby above the bustling city of Manchester.
The following morning, I breakfasted in the Executive Lounge. An extensive breakfast buffet included a continental section of cereals, pastries, yoghurt and fruit. It was also possible to order eggs as a breakfast main. Still comfortably full from the evening meal, I enjoyed a pain au chocolat and an Americano before checkout at 11am.
Why go: The suites are rated 5* and their extensive facilities really do make them a home away from home. If you prefer the flexibility of self-catering, the location of Sainsbury’s and the kitchen appliances are all you need to whip up a meal before bed. The option of eating in the Executive Lounge adds even more luxury should you want to indulge after a long day.
Insider info: The hotel is a short walk from the Arndale Centre should you want to do some shopping or visit the food court while it’s convenient. The staff at front desk are more than happy to store your luggage after checkout if you fancy a wander around the city before you leave. Frequent guests include Pep Guardino and the Manchester City footballers so you might spot a VIP while you’re there!
Maiden-voyage.com offer: Quote ‘Maiden Voyage’ at time of booking to qualify for a complimentary upgrade and exclusive preferential rate.