Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly

Following an extensive renovation, the largest four-star hotel in Manchester City Centre has reopened its doors, offering guests a luxurious stay, steps away from Piccadilly Train Station.

First built by architect J.W. Hammond in 1973, the building is a fine example of the modernist architecture that’s swung back into fashion of late, its one long sweeping curve an enduring Manchester landmark. But it’s also been in need of a facelift for some time, which it’s now had to the tune of £33 million, under Marriot Bonvoy’s portfolio.

So where’s the money been spent? You’ll find out as soon as you walk into the lobby.

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, elegant decor, and smart fixtures and fittings, including the vast lobby bar, which stocks a great selection of local beers and spirits.

For something a bit different, just by that bar you’ll find an installation called The Lobby Phone, created exclusively for the hotel as part of the Marriott Bonvoy x Marriott Hotels x Manchester United partnership. This allows guests to listen to never-before-heard stories about Manchester United from club legends, current players, and loyal supporters.

For our stay, we’re based on the sixth floor, which offers great views over the city, particularly at night when Manchester’s ever-spawning skyscrapers are lit up to full effect. But despite being so centrally located, you can’t hear a thing of the traffic outside, the wall-to-wall windows being amazingly well insulated. The room itself is tastefully decorated, large and comfortable, with a luxuriously soft bed and blackout curtains ensuring a great night’s sleep.

Now you’re not short of nearby dining options, but the most convenient of these is in the hotel itself, offering an interesting menu that casts a net around the world for influences – think everything from harissa lamb to chorizo moules frites, as well as British classics like sirloin steak and chicken breast.

We’d like to see a few more vegetarian options on the menu (if you’re not a fan of beetroot you’ll not be getting a main), but the meat-free starters are worth celebrating, particularly the dark, rich Forest of Bowland AKA elevated creamy mushrooms on toast, and the surprisingly light goats cheese beignets, which burst into fuffy little clouds of goodness.

The restaurant is sleek and spacious, and the waiting staff are welcoming, down to earth and attentive; nothing’s too much trouble. And it’s the same experience at breakfast, hosted in the same space. You’ll find every base thoroughly covered here – hot buffet, continental, American, and a bonus made-to-order omelette station.

Want to elevate your stay? Try the 24/7 M Club Lounge, a peaceful exclusive lounge where you can enjoy complimentary beers, wines and spirits, as well as hot hors d’oeuvres and sweet treats. More luxury comes with the state-of-the-art Elemis spa featuring six treatment rooms and a thermal suite, plus a fully equipped gym and a great-looking function room.

Finally, the location is difficult to beat. Part of the up-and-coming urban neighbourhood Mayfield, which is “distinct in character, authentic in spirit and progressive by nature”, the hotel’s right next to the train station and its tram links. It’s also just a short walk from 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.

If you’re looking for luxury and convenience rolled into one, you’d be hard-pressed to beat Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly.