If you need an overnight stay after a lively night in Manchester, try the Blue Rainbow Aparthotel
There is clearly a correlation between the crisis-hit housing situation and the rise of the aparthotel. Developers who may once have sold swanky inner city flats to young professionals are turning hoteliers and that’s good news for anyone who needs a base that’s a home away-from-home.
I am not sure that this is exactly how the Blue Rainbow Aparthotels started life but these contemporary loft-style dwellings are perfectly situated for anyone who wants to sample the delights of the city, whether the plan is to hit the shops bars and restaurants, bring the family into the city for a show, or just a base for work.
Blue Rainbow have two aparthotels, one in the Northern Quarter and the other, which is where I stayed with my friend, Susan, on Commercial Street, just behind Deansgate Station.
It’s quite the hideaway and took me a walk around the block to locate it but once I did I got a warm welcome and a key to a flat on the ninth floor.
I closed the door on two good sized bedrooms, one with its own en-suite and the other next to the main bathroom and an open plan living space which was decorated with the young urban visitor in mind. Large flat screen TV, feature wallpaper, DVD player etc.
The kitchen has everything you might need for a comfortable stay, from an espresso maker to an assortment of teas and a fridge stocked with wines and beers (admittedly with big labels alerting you to the fact of what they cost (around £10 for a bottle of plonk).
The week before, I had tried out another apartment in the countryside which hadn’t even got a bottle of milk in the fridge so this Blue Rainbow apartment was definitely scoring plenty of points for equipment.
Those looking for a super luxe accommodation - butlers, concierge, valet parking for example will probably be disappointed. However if you want somewhere that is a bit smart and in a superb location, then this should definitely be considered. It would be a great option for those who are coming into the city for a party or special dinner and didn’t fancy the trip home in the small hours and it would probably prove a very affordable proposition if there were two couples sharing, or for families with young children.
Our apartment had a balcony, admittedly overlooking a car park and beyond that Salford, but good to have that outside space and great for anyone who wants to smoke too.
There are hotel type touches, for example you can have a breakfast delivered or get reception to order you a cab, which we did as we were heading into town for dinner with friends but there is also an anonymity about the apartments which you don’t get in an hotel - and as we were a bit the worse for wear when we returned later that night, that was a very good thing indeed!
Blue Rainbow Aparthotel
8 Commercial St, Manchester M15 4PZ.
To book accommodation or for more details telephone:+44 800 779 7779
www.bluerainbowapartments.com
