2 Canal Street, Manchester, United Kingdom | (888) 551-4925
One of the only hotels in Manchester's gay district
Close to Piccadilly train station
Plush and elegantly finished rooms include iPods and DVD players
Bathrooms come with luxury REN toiletries and rubber ducks
Snazzy basement restaurant serves a la carte breakfast and traditional Sunday roasts
Extravagantly decorated Velvet Lounge bar features weekly DJs
Suites have roll-top bathtubs and loft beds
Racy wall prints might not appeal to more conservative guests
Rooms can be noisy
Rates jump during major central Manchester events
The interiors of Velvet are unabashedly plush, and both the lobby and lounge bar are impressive examples of maximalist design. It's located in the heart of Manchester's gay district, and within walking distance of Chinatown and the Piccadilly railway station. Each room is individually styled, and none fall short on amenities. The basement restaurant offers quality dining, and the bar hosts DJ nights on the weekends. Noise can be an issue when the nightlife really gets going, but it's a fun and fabulous hotel for those looking for a more energetic scene.
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Scene
Lavish boutique kitsch behind unassuming red brick frontage
The small lobby is accessed through a relatively inconspicuous red brick facade and up a wooden staircase. Upon entering, guests are enveloped in a riot of sumptuous striped fabrics, heavy wine-colored drapery, and padded purple velvet. Box chandeliers, gilded mirror frames, and floral accents complete the controlled explosion of kitsch, and very much set the tone of tasteful extravagance that permeates this lavish boutique hotel. Hallways are more restrained, though they are decorated with ornate lighting and some racy pin-up photographs. Its location in the gay district means it's popular with LGBT visitors in town for Pride or local clubbing, as well as couples who want a fancy spot to celebrate a special occasion.
Location
Located in Manchester's gay district, close to Piccadilly station
Set on a cobblestone street overlooking a canal, Velvet is one of the only hotels located in Manchester's Gay Village, to the east of the city center. It's a mere five-minute walk from Manchester Piccadilly, the city's main train terminal, and just a few minutes from the coach station. Chinatown is a few blocks away and the retail district around Exchange Square is about 15 minutes on foot.
Rooms
Plush, individually styled rooms with rubber duckies
Each room of Velvet's 19 rooms has been decorated differently, but all are elegantly finished with rich fabrics, pop art, and a blend of modern and antique-style furnishings. In-room amenities are good, with iPod docks, flat-screen TVs with DVD players, and free Wi-Fi, while playful touches include a rubber duck in every bathroom (as well as luxury REN toiletries). Penthouse suites have separate seating areas, freestanding roll-top bathtubs, and loft-level beds.
Features
Exuberant basement restaurant and bar with weekly DJ nights
The Velvet serves a la carte breakfasts, classic British cuisine, and Sunday roasts in its stylish basement restaurant, while the exuberant Velvet Lounge Bar has live DJs on weekends and offers a range of drinks in trendy, chilled surroundings. There's also an outdoor seating area overlooking the canal that's open when weather permits.
