Review – Park Inn by Radisson Manchester City Centre

When I recently stayed up in Manchester for the Co-operative Christmas Event, I realised it was probably a sensible idea to try to stay somewhere than drive there and back in a day. Having a quick look around, the Park Inn by Radisson Manchester City Centre seemed like an excellent choice, not too cheap, but not to expensive AND you can get Quidco too! Excellent!

The Park Inn by Radisson Manchester City Centre doesn’t have its own car park (which isn’t unusual for a city centre hotel), but there is an NCP car park immediately opposite that Hotel Guests get a 20% discount on. I managed to find a Black Friday deal on the ‘Q Park’ which is a 5-10 minute walk away which allowed me to park for 24 hours for £7 – bargain.

The Hotel is big and easy to find, and is perfect for the Manchester Arena, which is across the road – the City Centre is 500m walk away too, so its lovely and central.

On arriving into reception, the design is lovely and fresh and modern, it was decked out for Christmas already with a tasteful tree that blended in nicely. The lovely staff got me checked in with no fuss, and I found myself with a King Sized room on the 5th Floor with a view over the city. Unfortunately the weather was particularly ‘Northern’ so the pouring rain dampened what could be a nice view across the city.

The room itself was nicely appointed, walking in on the right you had the bathroom, and past that a hanging rail with an iron and ironing board (perfect for a pre-event press of the shirt!). Into the room on the left you have a luggage stand and a desk/dressing table with the TV, Lamp and TCMF (Tea and coffee-making facility). On the other wall is the bed, which feels HUGE, and weirdly it had a light up headboard that could be made ANY colour (or switched off completely). It looks very flash, and is fun to play with, but ultimately is a bit daft. I had fun making it change colours, and DEFINITELY didn’t make it go red and sing ‘Roxanne’ whilst doing so (I did!). The room had a small table and comfortable chair to relax in too. Free WiFi is included with the room too, which I feel *SHOULD* be standard but sadly isn’t in so many places!

The bathroom was decent enough, no actual bath – but a lovely sized walk-in shower, and lots of surfaces for toiletries to go on, I think that the layout could have been improved, the door opened onto the toilet. I suppose mostly the door will be shut and locked while someone is using it, but it just seemed a bit badly thought out having it crash against the pan as you walk in. BUT that was my only gripe with the Hotel, and considering how reasonably priced it is – is no real problem.

Thankfully the room has the much needed plugs by the bed, which are essential these days for charging gadgets and gizmos overnight, and all the sockets and switches are finished in a swish brushed metal effect. The room had climate control, so I wasn’t too hot or cold during the night. Speaking of which, obviously the major requirement of a hotel is to sleep, and sleep I most certainly did! Considering I was in the middle of Manchester next to a busy road, I heard NOTHING from outside – and the bed – WOW – it was lovely and comfy, not too soft, or too firm – just nicely in the middle. I had an excellent night’s sleep, so much so I NEARLY missed breakfast.

Breakfast is served in the RBG restaurant which is just off the main reception area, it’s bright and airy – perfect for a slightly hungover breakfast (I *may* have had one). It’s a traditional Hotel ‘buffet’ style, which offers a good choice of hot and chilled food. I didn’t eat much, but the coffee, toast and scrambled egg I managed were lovely. I had intended to try the PACE Health Club & Nu Spa at the Park Inn by Radisson Manchester City Centre, but I wasn’t feeling particularly up for a swim in the pool, or a run, so I just lolloped in my room and took advantage of the 12pm check out!

All the staff I met were very friendly and helpful, smiles all round – all consistently good which is nice to see.

I would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending the Park Inn by Radisson Manchester City Centre to anyone, it’s excellent value for money and offers a mid range hotel stay at a fair price, especially considering how close to the City centre you are. I’d say if you’re heading to Blog on MOSI 2016 – it’s definitely worth booking.