The first great thing you find out about the Macdonald Manchester Hotel & Spa is that it is located in the City Centre close to Manchester Piccadilly Train Station. A good thing if you’ve left the car at home.

After being met at reception by a friendly member of staff we headed to our very clean and sizeable room where we were greeted with a bottle of Champagne in an ice bucket. Fantastic! The bed was huge and the décor bright and modern. Our view spanned across Manchester City and looked fantastic in the clear dusk evening.

Our bathroom was filled with all the usual skin care products (which smelt delicious) and facilities we all expect in a hotel. However, the bath was enormous and the shower – one of the best hotel showers I have encountered. Separate and very powerful – just what the doctor ordered!

The bar was, as expected, rather expensive. But, unlike many hotel bars, it did actually have a good atmosphere and we enjoyed our time there. The two late night bar staff (two young women) were very friendly and efficient. I got the feeling that they genuinely enjoy working at the Macdonald.

Our stay was highly enjoyable and my only (small) complaint comes with breakfast. I suspect that the hotel was understaffed in the morning and that they were busy. As we were sitting down we were asked what we wanted with our breakfast – tea or coffee etc. It was only after I had settled down that I realised I could have ordered kippers or haddock, which I’d have much preferred. My eggs were hard and I noticed that the table next to mine had fried bread, which I love – I was never even offered it!

Aside from the breakfast, which was fine, I had a very comfortable and enjoyable stay. I highly recommend the Macdonald Manchester Hotel & Spa. By the way, I never even made it to the Spa, but it looked lovely – I was too intent on getting into the City Centre to experience the nightlife!