Holiday Inn Manchester - Oldham

Edit: after several good stays, this last visit has put me off coming back. I left a jacket and jumper in the room, which was my own mistake, but it took four calls before anyone could tell me they hadn’t been found. I find it hard to believe someone would steal used clothes, and I got the feeling that following up was a chore for the staff. They were lovely in person again, but the customer service around this was lacking. On the earlier part of the stay, the room was cosy, though there was a banging noise outside the back of the building until around midnight. The bathroom floor flooded because the rubber strip from the shower screen had been left on the side, and I didn’t spot it in time. Restaurant staff were friendly, but the food wasn’t great and I had to send it back. They offered a free dessert, though it was too late to order anything else because they were closing. Breakfast was nice, and the woman who greeted me that morning was welcoming. There were a few small issues, but at the time I thought I’d stay again because it was good value.

Sheep in the field made a lovely view in the morning, and the breakfast and bar area was clean, with plenty of food choices and a Starbucks too. The staff were amazing, from getting me checked in quickly to the new supervisor going above and beyond. I really appreciated it. Lovely stay, and I’ll definitely be back.

I had a really nice upgraded room, Room 308, with a Queen sized bed as an IHG member during my stay on 31 October 2025. But breakfast and checkout both exposed confusing staff procedures. Although I’d paid for breakfast, two different staff members questioned me about it, and Reception had to confirm my payment. The chef kindly made fresh porridge when I asked, but it was stodgy. There wasn’t much breakfast choice, and it looked like the eggs, hash browns, sausages and mushrooms may have been cooked together. That could be an issue for guests who need pork products kept separate from other food. I didn’t raise it because I didn’t want to cause more fuss. The other breakfast staff were helpful. I had a wedding later that day and went back to shower and get ready. At about 11:30am, someone knocked to say I should have checked out at 11. She explained the hotel was fully booked for 1 November and they needed time to clean rooms and change the bedsheets. I politely said I was an IHG member entitled to late checkout until 2pm, and nobody had told me at check-in the night before that I had to leave at 11. I said I’d be out by 11:45 anyway, and she left me to get ready. She clearly hadn’t known about my late checkout and said she’d need to check with Reception. These two incidents suggest the systems for paid breakfasts and IHG checkout times aren’t working, leaving staff confused and affecting guest service. That’s below what I’d expect from an international hotel brand, which should have processes for smooth service, including for IHG members.

We had a great evening in the Filament lounge. The staff were attentive and friendly, especially Migel & Anandhu, and the food was excellent. They even adjusted the spice to suit personal preference. 10/10. The reception staff were also extremely professional and welcoming.