I stayed at the Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly after its £33 million renovation – this is what it’s like inside (and why it left me stunned)
Size isn’t everything, of course, but the Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly’s boast of having the largest standard rooms in the city has merit.
Because they are impressively substantial.
The smallest living space in the 338-room property measures 28 m² – large enough for a king-size bed and a sofa bed, with plenty of room to move around.
The hotel even has a double-double option.
I check into an Executive King on the top (eighth) floor and discover that the hotel could be boasting about its view as well.
MailOnline Travel Editor Ted Thornhill checked into an Executive King room (upstairs) on the top floor of the Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly
Ted writes: ‘My room is just like the rest of the hotel – smart and comfortable, but a little thin on Instagram bait’
I look out the panoramic wall-to-wall windows and behold a breathtaking sight: trains bound for each compass point, rolling in and out of Piccadilly train station, beneath and beyond the skyline, the majestic peaks of the Peak District National Park.
Several times during my stay I find myself lost in time as I stare at the scene, my elbows resting on the shelf that runs along the glass. A few stools added to the inventory and placed here would be worth it, because this place is worth lingering.
The rest of the room is like the rest of the hotel: smart and comfortable, but a little thin on Instagram bait.
Marriott has spent £33 million refurbishing the property – a Macdonald hotel until April this year – and in my room the budget has allowed for a luxurious king-size bed, and bedside tables made from cotton strings (some recognition of the heritage of Manchester’s industrial cotton industry), a fashionable sofa bed, a 55″ TV, a Nespresso machine, a modular wardrobe and a walk-in shower with ‘This Works’ toiletries. Although the assigned lollipop did not extend beyond installing a rain shower head. It’s just snake. That didn’t feel very ‘executive’.
Above is the ‘stunning spectacle’ Ted enjoys from his room, a view of ‘trains bound for each compass point in and out of Piccadilly train station’ and past ‘the majestic peaks of the Peak District National Park’
Swish: Modern conveniences in Ted’s room include a 55-inch TV and a Nespresso machine
The photo above shows the main bistro-style restaurant, which serves a variety of comfort foods
The chic bar on the lobby floor, including handcrafted cocktails
Behind textured glass doors on the first floor is an attractive 24-hour lounge – accessible via a day pass and a complimentary perk for eighth floor executive room guests and Marriott Bonvoy members with platinum status or higher.
Breakfast is served here in the morning, with hot and cold options.
When I try, I enjoy the company of a cheerful and chatty employee who playfully hands out lattes and clears my table.
Complimentary canapes, wine and beer are served between 5:00 PM and 9:00 PM.
To see? Seductive.
Marriott is an official partner of Manchester United – and has installed a club ‘Lobby Phone’ in the hotel. Pick up the receiver in the bright red booth and listen to never-before-heard stories about Manchester United from club legends, current players and loyal supporters
The 24-hour lounge – accessible via a day pass and a complimentary perk for eighth floor executive room guests and Marriott Bonvoy members with platinum status or higher
The hotel’s spa offers Elemis treatments and a thermal suite
The photo above shows the hotel lobby, before the Manchester United lobby phone was installed
Further dining and drinking options can be found in the chic hotel bar, the adjacent ‘Greatroom Lounge’ and the bistro-style main restaurant. Think comforting breakfast buffet, burgers, risottos and handcrafted cocktails.
Manchester United fan? You are in good company here, because Marriott is an official partner of the club and has installed a Manchester United ‘Lobby Phone’.
Pick up the phone in the bright red booth and listen to never-before-heard stories about Manchester United from club legends, current players and loyal supporters as they relive some fans’ favorite moments and heroics.
During my stay, the stories programmed into the installation will come from striker Marcus Rashford, former defender David May and current defender Harry Maguire, among others.
The lobby phone is a good call. And that includes staying at the hotel if you’re on a budget (rooms start from around £79 per night) or if you have a very early train to catch.
I booked the 5.05am Avanti to London Euston from Piccadilly train station, an hour that could best be described as hellish. But I don’t have to walk out of the Marriott until 4:50 AM because the station is literally a two-minute walk away.
However, I still set my alarm a little early – just to enjoy the beautiful view for a few extra minutes.
