Background:
This serviced apartment complex opened in February 2017. It is a new building with the name emblazoned on the top and close to the new Swinton offices on Embankment. The whole area is being redeveloped, and is a good spot to stay for both business and leisure. Also nearby are Grindsmith Pod for coffee and breakfast, Proper Tea for a contemporary take on traditional British tea room, Another Heart to Feed (for breakfast and lunch); and Cosy Club for drinks and food.
What’s it like?
The exterior is a high triangular building next to the river and looking down on Manchester Cathedral. Reception is brightly lit, and manned 24-hours per day (access by key card during the night). There is a small sitting area here and also outside the two lifts. Also on this floor is the leisure club, and in time there will be a separate restaurant (independently run) and a Club Lounge for guests (possibly opening in 2018).
Where is it?
On Chapel Street just over the River Irwell from Manchester Cathedral and a very short walk from the city centre. There is a Sainsbury’s supermarket about 200 metres from the front door, and car parking is also available very nearby. Victoria train station is a five minute walk away, but if you are coming in from Manchester Piccadilly you’d get a taxi which takes about ten minutes and costs around £8.
Rooms
There are 237 rooms over 16 floors. There are three sizes: studios (35sqm), one bedroom (40sqm) and two bedroom apartments (67sqm). The apartments have a minimum four-night stay, though at the moment this has been reduced to two-nights. The average stay is 11 nights however. Decoration is wood floors, rugs and enough comforts to make it seem less sterile than many apartments, without having a design that grates after the first week or so. Small touches impress.
In my one-bedroom apartment there was a combined microwave, grill and oven, as well as an electric hob, a large fridge and freezer and toaster, kettle and magimix coffee machine. You’d expect a safe and ironing board and iron, but there are good size hangers in the wardrobe (and they aren’t fixed to the rail) and White Company products in the bathrooms.
There is also a full Sky + package including entertainment and sport to make it seem more homely (or if your home doesn’t have those things, more luxurious).The ability to stream endless boxsets or host video conferences also comes with unlimited free 100MB wifi.
Meetings
The apartments will soon (first quarter 2018) have a club lounge for use of those booking an upgraded club package.
Leisure
There is a 18 metre swimming pool and also a 24-hour gym with up to date fitness equipment and free weights.
Verdict
Really impressive, and with a perfect location for the centre of town. Good value, high specification accommodation and very comfortable and quiet.
Fact file
- Best for Large spacious apartments with great views and very comfortable beds
- Don’t miss Using the gym and swimming pool, then crossing the river Irwel to see the Central Retail District.
- Price Internet rates for a two-night stay in a studio apartment start from
- Contact 16 Chapel Street, Manchester, M3 7NH; [email protected]; +44 161 302 02 02; citysuites.com
