Radisson Hotel Manchester City Centre, A Verified Net Zero Hotel

The rooms were spotless and had everything we needed. We booked two standard rooms for a concert at AO Arena on April 25th, just a minute away. Since the hotel became Net Zero, the changes have been subtle but noticeable. We’d stayed in a suite a couple of years ago when it was Park Inn and had been happy then too. Reception staff were attentive, polite and approachable; the bar and waiting staff were just as lovely. The cleaning team worked hard, and the whole place felt relaxing. The Arndale centre and Printworks are a short walk away, as is Victoria train station. Thanks for a really excellent stay. We’ll definitely stay again on our next Manchester visit and absolutely recommend it.

The mattress was comfortable, the TV worked, and the shower was fine. We got a good rate of £170 for two nights. I’ve stayed here many times when it was The Park Inn, but this was my first visit as Radisson. I hate leaving fewer than four stars, but I can’t give four this time. Noise from neighbouring guests opening and closing doors was really bad. The pillows were so thin and soft that it felt like sleeping with nothing under my head. I ended up using a soft backpack for support under the pillow. Check-in staff seemed not to give out any information, so you have to scan a QR code on the key wallet. Breakfast pricing needs sorting out. I was offered it for £18 per person about two weeks before check-in, accepted, and was quoted £72 for two people over two mornings, with confirmation that it was “approved.” The in-room QR code showed £16, but on the morning they said we weren’t booked for breakfast and charged £22 per person. There were three different prices, and it needs to be streamlined, maybe with two at most for last-minute bookings. I’ve attached a screenshot showing the £16 QR price and that the hotel was supposed to assign us the £18 deal, which wasn’t honoured. I think the GM should ask check-in staff to give guests information, replace the pillows, look into soft-close hinges, and sort out breakfast prices. We visit Manchester often, but may stay elsewhere next time until reviews show improvement.

For a one-night shopping trip, it was decent enough. The rooms were spacious, the location was handy, and it’s a 5-10 minute walk to the Arndale main centre. Our booking included the pool, though I’m not sure if that applies to other rooms. The sauna and steam room were good, and the spa staff were really nice. The rest left me unsure what to think. There’s no parking on site, so we crossed to a multi-storey in pouring rain and paid £13, which we thought was included. At check-in they offered breakfast at £16 each, far too much for what it was, and we’d thought that was included too because that’s what the website said. My wife had stomach trouble overnight and ordered something on Uber to help. Neither the receptionist nor the driver could bring it to the room, so I went down to collect it at 1:30 in the morning. Maybe it was just an off day given the circumstances, but the hotel felt a bit like a money grab. Staff could be more helpful and lenient, apart from the spa team.

The decor was nice, the heating and air conditioning worked well, and we slept fine. The beds were comfortable enough, and the location is useful for an event at AO Arena. Still, apart from the location, I can’t recommend this hotel. It feels like a two-star place with a decor makeover, and the recent change from Park Inn to Radisson shows. There were several front desk mix-ups. I arrived before my wife and checked in, but my key was later deactivated when she got hers, so I couldn’t get into the room after returning late. It would have made more sense to activate both cards together. We were told we’d been upgraded to a city view room and given free breakfast, but that was what we’d paid for. On departure day, reception gave us a late checkout, then called the room asking why we were still there. The pull-out bed for our child had one of the main bed’s pillows, leaving me with just one of the already thin, flimsy pillows. I had to ask for more. The shower head and screen seal were broken. Maintenance fixed them quickly after we reported it, though water still leaked across the floor. There was also an occasional urine smell from the bathroom, which I assume was a drain issue, not caused by us. Breakfast was dire. The food was basic and off-putting, and there was little left after 9 a.m. We went to a local cafe on our last morning because there was nothing left and we didn’t want the poor-quality food. The pain au chocolats were doughy and undercooked in the middle, which raised food safety concerns. The hotel may work for an overnight event, but beyond that I’d avoid it.