London Road, Piccadilly, Manchester, United Kingdom | (251) 219-4428
Located a five-minute walk from Piccadilly Station, Manchester's main railway station
Rooms have flat-screen TVs and iPod docks
On-site restaurant specializing in quality steak
Asia-inspired spa featuring signature thermal suite with different sauna types
Contemporary bar serving Costa coffee and tapas
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Spa doesn't have whirlpool or pool
Slow elevators
Despite triple glazing, some complaints of traffic noise in road-facing rooms
Under its impressively sweeping modern frontage, the upper-middle-range Macdonald Manchester is a pretty traditional, even conventional, hotel. Rooms are good enough, with plenty in the way of amenities, though most have a fairly uninspiring finish. The steak restaurant is a strong selling point, but the spa could use a pool or whirlpool (though it is a plus that there is a spa at all for this category). The hotel's convenient location is one of its strong points -- it's just around the corner from Manchester's main train terminal, Piccadilly Station. If you're looking for something in the area, it may be worth your while to check out the rates at the nearby DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Piccadilly.
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Scene
Modern though conventional interiors behind impressive sweeping facade
The sweeping, gracefully curved facade of the Macdonald Manchester Hotel & Spa extends an impressive distance along a well-used thoroughfare overlooking a small patch of grass and trees. The lobby is flooded with natural light during the day, which reflects on the polished stone floors and the aquamarine glass paneling that lines the long reception desk. The decor is modern but far from chic, despite some contemporary-style furnishings and neatly trimmed plants. The unpretentious, conventional hotel-styled ambience appeals to a mature clientele as well as business travelers paying a brief visit to the city.
Location
Situated to the east of Manchester, a five-minute walk from Piccadilly Station
The hotel is located east of Manchester's city center, a five-minute walk from the Piccadilly Station train terminal. The location is convenient for those traveling in or out of the city by train, while central Manchester is 10-15 minute walk or a a five-minute bus or tram journey. Getting to Manchester Airport takes about 15-20 minutes by car or taxi, and is easily accessible via Piccadilly Station transport links.
Rooms
Traditionally-styled rooms with free Wi-Fi and high-end toiletries
Rooms are decorated in plush, rich plum hues or muted tones, combined with wood paneling and striped armchairs giving them a traditional feel with a modern touch. In-room technological features include flat-screen TVs, iPod docking stations, and free Wi-Fi, while bathrooms include high-end toiletries. Higher category rooms come with hair straighteners, Nespresso coffee makers, and robes and slippers. The windows are triple-glazed to prevent traffic noise, although there have been complaints that these sturdy windows don't always keep street noise out.
Features
Specialty steak restaurant and Asia-inspired spa
Facilities at the Asia-inspired spa include a thermal suite with different types of saunas, a eucalyptus scented steam room, an ice igloo, and heated loungers. A range of massages are also available and there's a small gym, but no Jacuzzi or pool. The hotel's Scottish Steak Club restaurant offers aged Scottish (and international) beef grilled over natural coals in a theater-style kitchen, while the lounge bar has drinks and tapas in relaxed surrounds. The Macdonald also has extensive facilities for meetings and conferences, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.
