Lesson learnt (Lowry Hotel)

Member Name: funagogo

Product:	Lowry Hotel
Date:	31/03/07 (28 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: 5 star luxury

Disadvantages: Super expensive

I am never going to be able to afford to live like a celebrity so when work offered me a week at the Lowry Hotel in Manchester I jumped at the chance.

I had seen the Lowry in the papers many times - the Man City players had a Christmas party there and David Beckham stays there when he is in Manchester. And not suprising as it is the only 5* hotel in Manchester.

Car Park:
There is a specific built car park for the hotel with barrier that requires a coin from the reception to get out to ensure no one else parks there. It is quite expensive (£12 per day)

Checking In:
As I dragged my suitcase along the car park the concierge was quick to send someone out to help me he was warm and helpful and pointed me in the direction of the beautifully modern reception desk. As I entered the glass fronted building the marble floor and funkily lit area had stairs heading towards the bar and restaurant, the desk on the left and the lifts to the room on the right. The process was quick and easy to sign in and I was shown to my room personally.

The room:
The room was massive. As I got off the lift on my floor there was a huge lobby area with sofas and flowers. My room was not far off this. As I swiped my card in the thick wood door to get in I was greeted my a huge, softly lit area. A walk in wardobe to my left, a marble bathroom to my right and a large bedroom/ living area in front of me.

The huge windows at the end of the room looked out over the river and Manchester. The view was gorgeous.

The sleeping/ living area was incredibly spacious. Too spacious for me on my own. There was a sitting area to enjoy the view, and a desk with fax/ wifi connection for those wanting to work. The bed was so big it could have fit about 8 people in it. It was huge!

The restaurant:
The restaurant was beautiful, and considering the exclusive nature of the hotel was reasonably priced. It had a variety of gastronomic delights and simple foods and the deserts are delicious.

The bar:
Unlike the restaurant the bar was not so reasonably priced. A couple of glasses of wine set me back £10. It was a relaxing and modern environment.

The facilities:
There is a spa facility included in the hotel including a gym and treatment rooms. The room service includes champagne and strawberries of you are planning a romantic night in

Price:
The hotel adds up to around £250 per night. You will receive absolute luxury for this though.

Overall:
I can not speak highly enough about this hotel. It was a lovely break. When I was there Madonna was performing at her Manchester leg of her tour and although I didn't see the lady herself I got to share a lift with a load of her bags!

I went out one night in Manchester and the staff could not have been nicer to me. Despite me arriving back at 3am and being sick all over the steps (whoops - got a nice £50 fine for that) I was escorted up to my room and they arranged a wake up call and a taxi for me so I didn't have to drive the next morning.

This is a beautifully set hotel and if you are a celeb spotter you should definitely go. It is rammed with beautiful stars.

Obviously £250 is a little bit steep but if you are planning a special night out in Manchester (or like me someone else was paying) I would definitely recommend this. Close to the train station and main shopping areas this is in the heart of Manchester.

Contact details:
Website:
www.thelowryhotel.com

Address:
50 Dearmans Place
Chapel Wharf
Manchester
M3 5LH

Telephone:
0161 827 4000
Fax:
0161 827 4001

Summary: If it's good enough for Madonna and David Beckham...