This review is mainly about the hotel building and it's local amenities (there are some other reviews on here detailing visitors experiences).
If you are looking for affordable accommodation in a perfect location in Manchester City Centre, then the Britannia Hotel in Manchester cit centre seems to fit the bill. Unfortunately however, the rooms, atmosphere and general politeness of staff are somewhat lacking. I would recommend staying somwehere else, such as the Portland Thistle hotel next door, or the Piccadilly Gardens hotel (a short walk away). The Britannia does seem to attract most of the stag do's in town and irish football fans when Manchester United are playing at home. As beer on the hotel premises is so cheap, the hotel is very noisy at weekends into the early hours and there can be occasional bouts of trouble (the hotel has bouncers - enough said)
The building itself is one of Manchester's finest architectural buildings and is Grade II listed and has some outstanding details including a balconied stairway throughout the building.
The Hotel is a famous landmark and a tourist attraction in itself, it was once home to the cotton industry's most famous warehouse. The building dates back to 1858 when it opened as the worlds first "Cash and Carry" (as we know them today).
There are two bars at the Britannia Hotel - WAVE bar and Bar-Rogue, I would reccomend avoiding WAVE bar and Bar Rogue on a weekend night as it does attract a lot of unsavoury characters and trouble is commonplace at weekends, the drinks offers are superb though, with many £1 a pint promotions on throughout the week. Both bars offer food all day long at affordable prices and there is music provided by the in-house DJ's. Also located within the hotel complex is Jenny's Carvery, the restyled Pizzeria and the traditional and comfortable Crompton's French Restaurant and Bar.
Location wise, the Hotel is close to the city's financial sector (Mosley Street, King Streeat), shopping, two theatres and the G-Mex centre. The famous Chinatown and The Gay Village, with their dozens of bars and restaurants are also only a few minutes walk away.
There are excellent transport links right outside the hotel, which can enable any visitors easy access to most of Manchester’s most famous attractions. The City of Manchester Stadium (see my review on this) and Sportcity is only 2 miles from the Hotel. Manchester Airport is only 8 miles away and Piccadilly Station which has a direct line to the airport is a 5 minute walk. Victoria Station which is the hub for most regional trains is about a 15 minute walk away. The Metrolink tram system is right outsideand can transport you, if need to Altrincham, Bury, Old Trafford and Salford Quays. Manchester's main coach station is next door to the hotel and all National Express coaches depart from here. There are numerous multi storey Car Parks within a 5 minute walk if you are visiting by car
The Britannia Hotel has a High-Speed Wireless Internet Access for anyone taking a laptop with them
All in all - a lovely building to visit and look around, but not a very good hotel at all
If you like this review and have the time, a rating would be nice ;-)
thanks
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Bollinger28 - as I stated in the beginning of the review, there are other reviews detailing personal experiences of staying in the hotel and that is not what mis more about the building my review was more about the history and location of the building as a base to stay in Manchester.
I cannot provide a full review on the rooms because I have not been in all the different ones available, some are bound to better than others. The one I went into had rubbish floral wallpaper, rubbish floral carpet, rubbish floral curtains, rubbish floral bedding and was generally dirty and cramped
If you require more, please see the other reviews
Red-blood-Black-heart 15.08.2007 14:41
Good reveiw
Bollinger28 15.08.2007 14:31
What are the rooms like? You haven’t said much about their décor and amenities. Lexy
Location. The Britannia Hotel Manchester is located in Manchester, England. Close ... more
to financial district, shopping and theatres Two miles from City of Manchester Stadium and Sportcity Eight miles from Manchester International Airport Br...
Information:
Price is per double room per night and may vary depending on date booked...
This historic Grade II listed building boasts free Wi-Fi access and superb city transport ... more
links, situated in a prime location for shops, theatres and the former G-MEX exhibition centre.A famous landmark dating back to the mid-19th century, the Britanni...
Information:
Price is per double room per night and may vary depending on date booked...
Location. The Britannia Hotel Manchester is located in Manchester, England. Close ... more
to financial district, shopping and theatres Two miles from City of Manchester Stadium and Sportcity Eight miles from Manchester International Airport Br...
Information:
Price is per double room per night and may vary depending on date booked...
Dating back to 1858 this City Centre grade II listed building has an amazing detailed ... more
balconied stairway throughout the building All 363 bedrooms have recently been tastefully decorated and all furnished with TV Hairdryer Trouser Press and Tea and Co...
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Price is per double room per night and may vary depending on date booked...
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