Innside by Melia Manchester

The staff were pleasant and the hotel looked nice, but for the price I wouldn't call it a four-star stay. The bed felt like a slab of stone, the pillows were very thin, and I've slept more comfortably at a Premier Inn for half the cost. The towels were hard and scratchy, and we didn't get the bathrobe or slippers that were advertised. The open-plan bathroom left almost no privacy. The lighting was odd too: switching on the toilet light turned on the whole bathroom, and the lamp only worked when the main room light was on. I wouldn't stay again, as there are better and cheaper options.

The room was the main letdown. It looked nothing like the online pictures, and the extra wall between the bathroom and bedroom made it feel basic, dull and less pleasant than we'd expected. There was a strong coffee smell from the bed, which made us wonder if something had spilled on the mattress or duvet, and the carpet had visible stains. There was plenty to like elsewhere. The location was ideal, with food nearby and parking available. Staff were always friendly when we passed Reception. Gino’s restaurant gave the hotel a nice atmosphere and was handy for coffee or a quick drink. The gym had a decent range of equipment, and we enjoyed the steam and sauna rooms. The shower not working took away from that, though. We had to use the disabled shower, where the water was freezing and the temperature control didn't seem to work. The room condition and maintenance problems need attention so the stay matches what is advertised.

The room layout is unusual, with an open-plan bathroom. The toilet feels a little like a cupboard, but that didn't really take away from the stay. The sauna could've been hotter, and the steam room wasn't working for some reason. Still, I loved it here. It's a modern, comfortable, trendy hotel in a great central spot, especially for the convention centre. Having the fitness centre, sauna and steam room included feels almost too good to be true, and the price is great for what you get. This'll be my go-to place in Manchester from now on.

Ian greeted me on Wednesday evening and made a lovely first impression. He was warm, welcoming and helpful, and I really appreciated it. Thanks, Ian. The room was spacious and well equipped. The food at Gino Di Campo restaurant was lovely and well presented, with fantastic hospitality from the staff. Breakfast was good too. Thanks, guys 😎🤛