Travelodge Manchester Salford Quays

I booked at the last minute for a meeting in Manchester the next morning and arrived around 1am. The front desk staff were decent and got me into the room quickly. But as soon as I opened the door, the smell of urine hit me. It was a foul, unmistakable odour, as if someone had urinated all over the carpet. I couldn’t cover it up, so I slept with the window open all night. Between cars passing outside and other guests in the hallway, with the walls so thin, it wasn’t a peaceful night. The room itself was okay, and I won’t make much of the lack of bathroom toiletries since it’s a budget hotel. Still, a room that smells like that is completely unacceptable. That was the main issue. You also have to pay for nearby parking, which I suppose is expected.

We arrived feeling so stressed, but left much calmer, thanks to the people at this Travelodge. The service was brilliant from arrival to departure, and the staff were engaging and lovely. The man at reception with two earrings, the girl working at the bar and the waitress were all fantastic and deserve an award. Best place to stay. Five stars.

This was my second time staying here for football. Old Trafford is about a 20-minute walk away, though be aware that prices go up quite a bit on matchdays. Breakfast was decent for the cost. The location is good for Salford quays, just off the main road and close to the motorway. Reception staff were really friendly, and Ryan behind the bar in the evening was a lovely chap.

That Guinness pouring contraption behind the bar is brilliant, strangely hypnotic and a bit of a show on its own. The bar was great, and small details like that added to the stay. The rooms were clean and comfortable, and there was a good atmosphere throughout. Everyone I met was friendly and welcoming from the start. One member of staff went particularly far out of her way to help me, and I’m really grateful. She turned what could’ve been a stressful evening into a positive one and made my day. I’d happily stay again.