Its exterior looks like a huge office but once inside the Macdonald Hotel Manchester, it’s a bit of a treat
I like the four star Macdonald Hotel and I really didn’t expect to. My preconceptions were no doubt fuelled by its office, almost industrial style exterior dominating the section of London Road near Piccadilly Station.
It’s pretty huge and has 338 bedrooms and suites – the largest number of hotel rooms in the city.
I checked in for an overnight stay with an afternoon of treatments in the Spa and dinner in the Scottish Steak Club restaurant and was immediately impressed by the classy service. Pleasant front of house staff were keen to chat and check that everything was fine and personal touches continued throughout my stay, elevating the hotel to more than another corporate resting place. Clearly, many residents are business travellers, so close as it is to the rail network, but it has many nice touches.
Macdonald seem to have taken tips from the best boutique hotels. The decor everywhere is smart, modern chic but there’s a deliberate lack of uniformity. My bedroom, with a fantastic view over the station and beyond, boasted dark velour curtains, a chenille bed throw, beautiful ornate lamps as well as a Savoy-style bathroom...and wifi of course.
The Scottish Steak Club is proud of its highland roots, showcasing the very best in 21-day aged cuts of beef sourced from Scotbeef and an array of flavoursome dishes prepared using the best ingredients by talented chefs. Service is fine dining but there’s a relaxed ambience that attracts Mancunians dining out as well as hotel residents. The menu is far from being devoted to steaks: there’s a wide range of fish and even several vegetarian options. I enjoyed a starter of light, crispy fishcakes with caper mayonnaise (£7.50), followed by Desperate Dan lamb shank pie with creamed potatoes and buttered carrots (£18). I could have had haggis, but wasn’t feeling adventurous. But I had just enough room to enjoy some ice cream from Cheshire.
I can recommend the Spa too. It’s a tranquil, dark oasis in the basement, using mainly Elemis and Jessica products. I enjoyed two treatments with therapist Yvonne: the Face and Body Sensation (£70) which left my skin glowing with health and the Modern Skin Facial (£70). I particularly like the large relaxation area here and the fact that it’s so quiet.
Macdonald Manchester Hotel and Spa has just been awarded a Chairman’s Choice Best Luxury Hotel award. I can see why.
Macdonald Hotel Manchester,
London Road,
Manchester,
M1 2PG
Tel 0161 272 3200
