On arriving at the hotel my first impressions were good the reception area was clean, sleak and well attended it was staffed by a very freindly young lady who reeled off the usual scripted hotel speak, nothing unusual there then.

However on completing the formalities she informed me that the Thistle has or was undergoing a refurb and asked if i wanted 'one of the good rooms' for an extra £10. I refused the offer as i didn't expect to be in my room that long, i was watching cricket that evening then going for drinks. The route to my room was interesting and i did wonder wether i should drop some breadcrumbs to find my way back. On opening the door to my room maybe wondered if i should go back and take the receptionist up on the offer, however i didn't have the inclanation to find my way back out.

so the room;
on the small sized, with dated however clean decor and furnishings, the Samsung LCDTV was there as a reminder that you were indeed in 2010. The veiw was into other rooms of the hotel.. and a big air con unit in between, the air con type fan seemed to be warmer than the air in the room and the window was locked open 4 inches.. The bed was very firm luckily how i like it but unsure wether many others would and th bathroom was definately in need of updating. other than that it was as you would expect extra blankets, pillows, tea and coffee, and i seem to recall a trouser press. . the reason i chose the thistle is its location in the city centre. however you are traveling to manchester it is convenient and indeed it was in my case.

Having enjoyed the cricket an having a good if not hot nights sleep i went down for breakfast. Iwas impressedhaving worked in hotels before, i have to say i think it was the most organised and well served hotel breakfast i have had. it was all buffet including the hot food but you could tell it was well rotated and it had not just been left out, the staff brought me plenty of coffee and i went away happy. I also looked into the gym. or fitness suite and pool and although your never gonna train to be Mr Great Britain in it, it has enough equiptment and the pool is just big enough to relax.

my main problem was the room if i booked again i would definately ask for one of the refurbed rooms and if this happens i will update my review.

I should also point out that i booked the room through late rooms and only paid £45, so my perspective of value for money would be different to someone who paid full room tarriff.
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