Today’s article is by regular contributor Graham.
Opened in February 2024, the new Malmaison Manchester Deansgate (Malmaison’s second hotel in the city) is ideally placed in central Manchester, opposite the Town Hall with the bustling thoroughfare of Deansgate nearby. The 4-star property offers 70 rooms and suites many with views over the picturesque Albert Square. There is currently renovation work going on around the square; however, this did not cause us any disruption during our stay.
Interiors take inspiration from the city’s industrial heritage and contributions to art and music, juxtaposed with nods to the building’s brutalist façade to create an experience that is as bold and diverse as the city of Manchester itself.
In this post:
Arrival
The hotel’s entrance is at the side of the building, not on the front, which can be a little confusing. The receptionist welcomed us with a friendly Northern welcome and guided us through the hotel facilities. Our first impression of the hotel was that the décor was bright and slightly retro, but it set the mood for a good stay in Manchester.
Rooms and Suites
The rooms start with the entry-level Standard Double, rising to the Club Deluxe. We stayed in the Standard Double room which came with views over Albert Square and onto to Princess Street. The first thing you will notice when entering your room is the colourful canopies over the bed. Adorned with either birds, flowers, or Manchester’s symbol, the Bee, they added a distinctive feel to the room. The rooms also pay homage to the retro designs of the 60’s and 70’s referencing the iconic G Plan furniture of this era.
The wooden bureau was a novel touch – far superior to having the normal desk that most hotels seem to prefer. Fashioned with enough power sockets and USB ports for even the most demanding visitor the bureau also came with an economical chair too – although castors on the chair stand might have been preferable. Business visitors along with leisure visitors will be impressed with the extremely fast and reliable Wi-Fi.
The wardrobe had enough hanging space with a good drop for ladies dresses (something that many hotels seem to ignore) and housed the iron, ironing board, safe and tea and coffee making facilities. No Nespresso coffee machine at this level or bathroom robes and slippers – these are found in rooms at the next standard up.
A small fridge was provided though surprisingly there was no bottles of water provided. Reception will gladly provide filtered water though it might have been a good idea to have the water placed in the fridge in the first place. Only a small gesture – but it does create a more welcoming feeling.
The king-size bed provided a good night’s sleep, though some might not like the plastic-backed mattress protector, which might cause you to heat up, as opposed to having a cotton-backed one as a mattress topper.
The flat-screen television had an array of TV channels, including most Sky ones, although the exclusion of any foreign European channels might not appeal to a continental visitor.
Bathroom
Bold and jazzy, with a bird motif adoring one of the shower walls, the powerful rain shower was excellent. Toiletries are provided, though the omission of hand cream might seem an anomaly considering this is a 4-star hotel. Good set of mirrors that are steam protected.
Dining
The seventh floor plays host to Malmaison’s second Sora rooftop bar and restaurant in the UK. Seating up to 116 guests across its restaurant and intimate terrace that overlooks the historic Town Hall. Guests can mix and match small plates from a selection of sushi, Robatayaki, and Pan-Asian fusion-style tapas dishes and sip signature cocktails while taking in the striking view of the city. Service was friendly, polite, and not intrusive. Even on a Sunday evening the atmosphere felt buzzing, trendy yet respectful set against a backdrop of soothing music.
A continental and full English breakfast can be enjoyed in the ground floor bar and grill. One of the best continental spreads I have witnessed in a Manchester hotel, the quality and range of products was excellent – with the full English cooked to order along with other made to order hot meals including grilled kippers.
Conclusion
Surrounded by restaurants and bars and the shopping area, the new Malmaison Manchester Deansgate is an excellent choice for a stay in the centre of the city. There is no gym or spa (unlike Manchester’s other Malmaison), but the hotel is in a good position to explore the city centre. There are plenty of car parks nearby, and one has a special discount for hotel residents. The tram stop is a few yards away from the hotel which connects with the airport and both Manchester Victoria and Piccadilly railways stations. A quality hotel where good standards of service and a quality product meet in harmony.
Prices start from around £100 a night which is very reasonable.
You can check prices and find more information here.
