Britannia Hotel Manchester

We felt really safe staying here, just me and my friend. It’s right in the city, opposite a gym group, and the staff were good. We got a free room upgrade, and the room was lovely. The shower was great, with warm water and good pressure, and the beds were very comfortable. It was affordable and exactly what we wanted and expected.

I was lucky to see the hotel dressed up for Christmas, with Nutcracker soldiers guarding the stairs. I’d definitely stay again and recommend it. The place was very clean, warm and inviting, with a lovely atmosphere. My room had everything I needed, and the spacious bar felt relaxed, with unusual features like the rest of the hotel. Staff were helpful and polite, and check-in and checkout were easy. I can’t understand why this stunning place has only 3 stars. I was enchanted just standing outside the very old building, looking at its ornate details and thinking about its interesting history. Inside, the huge lobby chandelier, ornate stairs and stair bridges blew me away. There are several places around the hotel where you can learn about its history, and I was captivated looking around.

The location is great during the day for getting around, but at night on a weekend it becomes a nightmare. I couldn’t sleep until 3am because of loud music, police cars going up and down, and drunks shouting and screaming. The bed was noisy and uncomfortable too. Outside noise came straight through the paper-thin walls, including two guests slamming their doors and a group of 3/4 Indian guys talking and laughing loudly. I paid £43 for 1 night as a solo traveler, so I can’t complain too much about the slow service. The building is beautiful outside, and the reception area is lovely. I was disappointed to get a ground-floor room, since I’d wanted to go up and down the stairs for the lovely view, but set that aside. My room was in the far corner and extremely cold, with no lights apart from two lamps. It was very dated and had a portable fan and heater. I definitely wouldn’t stay again.

Step outside and turn either way and you’re right by the city nightlife, with shops across the road and Manchester chinatown a short walk away. The hotel looks really authentic inside, and the rooms were extremely clean. The staff were amazing and gave us all the information at the start of our stay. The room key cards were easy to use. Would highly recommend.