I picked up the gin bottle and tipped it towards to my glass. A veritable waterfall of Bombay’s finest cascaded into my glass, splashing onto the bar. Ohhhh … At home our gin bottle has one of those plastic things that meters the amount that comes out (Spanish Duty Free special offer) and – this one didn’t. The extremely elegant lady beside me looked ever so slightly horrified, though I wasn’t sure if it was because I had committed a cardinal sin by spilling the gin, or wasting it.
Hurriedly grabbing a bottle of tonic and adding a slice of lime, I wandered over to the Snack Stand. Tempting little canapes called out to the hungry traveller. Smoked salmon crostini, crispy spring rolls, lilliputian cheese burgers, fluted flans, and tiny ham baguettes – hat to choose? One of each I think. I returned to my seat and caught up with a bit of work before relaxing properly.
I was on the 9th floor of the Radisson Blu Hotel Manchester Airport in their luxurious Business Class Lounge. The following morning I had an early flight to Malta, and I’d decided to stay overnight at this hotel, the only one actually within the airport. Instead of a really early start from Carnforth, I got an extra 90 minutes in bed but even more importantly, no worry about traffic jams, cars breaking down and oversleeping. Judging by the number of people that gradually filled up the Lounge during the evening, many others think the same.
A very helpful woman at the Business Class reception ensured that my wakeup call was scheduled correctly and advised me that if I wanted to check in first, I could then return to the hotel for my breakfast. Then it was bedtime. The large bedroom had a complimentary bowl of fresh fruit, a coffee maker as well as the usual tea-making facilities, classy toiletries and a heavenly rainforest shower. Big sound-proofed windows gave a great view out at the planes just outside the window. A huge bed and marshmallow soft pillows guaranteed a great night’s sleep and I woke up well-rested and ready to get my flight.
Unfortunately I didn’t have time to try the pool, health club, spa facilities or restaurants available to all guests, so next time I’ll have to arrive a bit earlier. My car was safely parked outside the hotel so all I had to do was check out, turn right and walk down the corridor straight into the terminal to get my flight. The hotel website advocates guests ‘Park, Dream and Fly’ to which I’d add ‘Eat, Drink and Sleep Really Well’. It may not be the cheapest option on site but without a shadow of a doubt, it’s the most luxurious and a great way to start your holiday or business trip in style.
Many thanks to Jens and everyone at Radisson Blu HotelManchester Airport for arranging this stay and ensuring I had such a relaxing time.
While my last stay with Radisson Blu Edwardian hotel in Heathrow is really nice. While booking return taxi from hotel to Heathrow airport from Totally Driven, we ask the driver to come inside but the driver refused to come inside because he don't have space to park the car. At last, the hotel staffs are helped with my luggage. Definitely, used for my next trip and it would be recommended.
Hi Ben – that’s a shame. Seems a bit short-sighted not to have a drop-off point for cars and taxis. The Manchester one does have a turning circle for drop-offs and space for a quick nip into hotel with luggage. Glad the staff were helpful 🙂 I seldom ever stay at a hotel overnight but would certainly consider it again now.
In the end I didn’t return for my breakfast – I was flying from T1 and though it is only 10 minutes’ walk through the station to the terminal I couldn’t face the walk back! Wish I had as it was a long wait til I ate on the plane …
What a great way to start a holiday or work trip. The idea of staying in a hotel inside the airport is very tempting. Maybe we will do that next time we fly from Manchester. And if we can afford the extra, treat ourselves to Business Class!
I can highly recommend it John. If only every trip could start that way …
looks lovely and definitely good way to start a holiday or business trip off.
Sandra
Certainly is Sandra. I am off on trip this week flying from Gatwick and having to stay in accommodation a fair distance away which means a very early start. It makes a big difference to be able to kick off the trip without the added stress of getting to the airport on time.
Accommodation In Manchester
If you wish to stay in Manchester for longer than one night you will need to find a suitable place to stay. Manchester offers a broad range of facilities to sleep these consist of hotels at the high end of the star range to lower end hotels, bed and breakfasts and hostels. If you are visiting the city on business ensure that the hotel you pick has suitable facilities and is in the right area for your meetings as the traffic in Manchester can cause problems at certain times of the day. If you are looking for a prestigious hotel to stay at there is a selection of top independent and chain hotels. Manchester also offers an excellent array of lower star hotel options that provide simple but functional facilities for visitors to the city. If you do not have a huge accommodation budget there is a number of hostels and guest houses in the city which are a good place to rest your head. Whichever type of accommodation you select in Manchester try and make time to see if any bargains exists on a wide array of travel web sites, often when there is a big event on in town.
Recommended Hotels In Manchester
1. Velvet
2. Didsbury House
3. Premier Inn Manchester City (Piccadilly)
4. Great John Street Hotel
5. Radisson Blu Edwardian Manchester
Thanks very much for this listing of places to stay in Manchester. I stayed at the Velvet Hotel on Canal Street – wonderfully camp and divinely OTT 😉
This looks like a fabulous place to stay when in Manchester. I’ll try to get myself booked here when I am in town next time. Fatima
Thanks Fatima – it is very comfortable and certainly handy for Manchester Airport.
Thanks very much for this awesome article here in the Guardian. For other options of places to stay in Manchester feel free to check out other sites as they have plenty of amazing deals going on and you can do either a regular search or some nifty little extra filters which will help narrow down hotels in specific areas depending on your exact location
Thanks for suggestions Gloria 🙂