The Avenues And Alleyways

We tried to complain and hoped they’d offer some solution, but never got a proper reply. The receptionist suggested contacting their “boss” on WhatsApp. The whole stay felt especially disappointing and frustrating given the 7.6 rating and positive Booking reviews. For the money we paid, it was the worst stay we’ve had. The welcome message in the morning was the only pleasant part. On arrival, we found a pub full of people and loud music directly under our rooms. The accommodation description hadn’t mentioned this, which goes against the booking policy. The room needed urgent refurbishment. The window was open, and the sill was filthy. There were no sockets beside the uncomfortable bed. We hadn’t realized when booking that our double room, at 171€ a night, had a shared bathroom. That might have been all right if the facilities were in decent condition. The pub’s ground-floor bathroom was broken, so its customers used the accommodation bathroom on the first floor. On the second floor, the toilet had a horrible cupboard full of dirt and dust, like something out of a horror movie, and we expected a monster to come out. On Sunday at 7:00, loud, apparently drunk people talking in the street by the pub woke us up. The windows weren’t soundproof at all.

It’s basically a hostel with a few extra steps, but it’s a good option for a cheap, tidy, clean room for a night in central Manchester. The manager was courteous and helpful, and check-in and check-out were easier than ever. There may be too little security, and there are a few odd details, like having the sink in the shower room instead of the toilet.

The rooms weren’t actually too bad, but I didn’t feel comfortable staying overnight. There wasn’t much security, and the rooms’ toilet was connected to the bar’s toilet, so it seemed like anyone could go upstairs. The area felt rough, with men fighting outside, and it was very loud. I went elsewhere because I couldn’t imagine feeling safe while sleeping there.

I liked the self check-in and check-out, and the location was close to the city centre, restaurants, and supermarkets. I met several pleasant people, and the staff member I met was nice. My room was clean and had a TV with a Netflix account. Getting to it softened my initial regret about choosing the place. But the entrance was through a narrow, frightening alley. There was no central heating, and the hallways were cold. I had to share the kitchen and toilet. The heating system clicked loudly, and I worried it could lead to a short circuit or explosion, so I switched it off. Street noise sometimes woke me, and the heating switch gave off a bright light. If you’re thinking of staying here, read the description carefully before booking.