Great John Street, Manchester, United Kingdom | (888) 551-4925
Beautifully renovated boutique hotel in former Victorian schoolhouse
Located in a quiet area of Manchester center next to Coronation Street Studios
Chic, eclectic rooms combine original features with smart, modern finishes
Many rooms have duplex levels, with single or twin roll-top bathtubs
Rooftop terrace with hot tub and views over the city
Homey Library & Terrace lounge with deep comfy sofas and fire-burning stove
Free Wi-Fi in rooms
Homemade cookies on arrival
Fairly small TVs in rooms
Hot tub not always in use
Small gym and no pool
It's rare to find a hotel set in a lovely old Victorian schoolhouse, and even rarer to find one renovated with such a degree of panache -- interiors effortlessly blend original fixtures with vintage pieces and warm contemporary design. Rooms are no less impressive, with charming eclectic furnishings and smart, modern finishes. The location isn't bad either -- central yet quiet next to the famous Coronation Street Studios. A rooftop garden with hot tub overlooking Manchester is also a special touch. Those looking for more budget-friendly options might want to check out the Radisson Blu Edwardian a few blocks away.
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Scene
Modernized Victorian schoolhouse with vintage touches
Housed in an imposing redbrick building, the Great John Street Hotel's theme of books and education draws on its previous life as a Victorian schoolhouse. With bright, airy corridors dotted with eclectic pieces of vintage furniture leading to warm and welcoming public areas, the atmosphere, however, is far from staid and scholastic. The hotel has made a feature of the original separate boys and girls staircases -- though segregation is no longer enforced -- which lead to the Rooftop Lounge and Playground overlooking the city of Manchester.
Location
Set in relatively quiet area of central Manchester, next door to Coronation Street Studios
The hotel is located just off Quay Street in a commercial (but quiet) area of Manchester's city center. Many attractions are within walking distance, such as the Museum of Science and Industry a block away, and the canals just beyond. The nearest train station is Salford Central, a five-minute walk away, while Deansgate station is 10 minutes on foot. The famous Coronation Street Studios can be found right next to the hotel.
Rooms
Eclectic blend of original Victorian fixtures with smart, modern styling
The hotel's 30 eclectic bedrooms and suites come in five distinct styles, all of which beautifully blend original old-school elements with smart modern finishes. Many rooms have duplex levels with single or twin roll-top bathtubs, while others feature polished iron fireplaces and separate lounge areas. In-room tech includes flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, and free Wi-Fi, while king-size beds are topped with handmade double pocket sprung mattresses.
Features
Wooden hot tub on outdoor terrace overlooking Manchester rooftops
Particularly impressive is the hotel's Roof Garden Playground, where guests can unwind with a drink in stylish wicker seating areas, or take a dip in the outdoor wooden hot tub, with views over the surrounding area. The Oyster Bar on the ground floor, adorned with sepia photos of the school's former pupils and illuminated with an elegant, antique chandelier, provides a relaxing space with a chic, vintage feel. Breakfast is served each morning in the Kitchen & Mezzanine, while the Library & Terrace puts an emphasis on homey, with deep comfy sofas and a fire-burning stove. Meetings and events can be held in the Headmaster's Office, and there is also a small gym for guests' use.
