Britannia Manchester

We felt really safe there, and the room was lovely. My friend and I got a free upgrade, and the beds were very comfortable. The shower was warm with good pressure. It’s right in the city, opposite a gym group, and was affordable. Just what we wanted and expected.

The breakfast was nice, with a good range of choices in a lovely dining area, and the WiFi worked well. Staff were polite. I liked the hotel’s central location near transport and its striking Art Deco style. My room had no windows, which was fine for a two-night stay, and the bedding looked clean. But the bath and its seals looked dirty and mouldy, so I didn’t use the bath or shower. I couldn’t work out the shower anyway, and made do with a quick rinse under the running bath tap. The facilities and room felt dated, there was no safe, and the door had no inside bolt, just the main lock. I wouldn’t stay again because of the bath’s cleanliness.

The staff were helpful and polite, and checking in and out was easy. My room had everything I needed, and the bar was spacious, relaxed, and full of interesting details. The hotel was very clean, warm, and inviting. I was lucky to see it dressed up for Christmas, with Nutcracker soldiers guarding the stairs. The lobby chandelier, ornate staircases and bridges, and the old building’s detailed design really captivated me. There are bits of history to discover around the hotel too. I can’t understand why it only has three stars. I’d definitely recommend it and stay again.

For £43 for one night as a solo traveller, I can’t complain too much about the slow service, but I definitely wouldn’t stay again. The location is great for getting around during the day, and the outside and reception are beautiful. I was disappointed to get a ground-floor room, since I’d hoped to walk up and down the lovely stairs. My room was tucked away in a far corner, very cold, and lit only by two lamps. It was outdated, with a portable fan and heater. Traffic came through the paper-thin walls, as did two guests slamming doors on one side and three or four Indian guys talking and laughing loudly on the other. On a weekend night, loud music, police cars, and drunks shouting kept me awake until 3am. The bed was noisy and uncomfortable too.