The Lowry is Manchester’s only 5 star hotel, located a little outside of the centre it is nonetheless easy to reach by foot or taxi from Manchester Piccadilly Station. The dramatic glass exterior is very striking and contemporary against the city backdrop. Walking into the modern building, I felt like I was arriving for a conference, the design is geared towards business rather than leisure.
Staff immediately relieved us of our bags and escorted us upstairs to our room, which was spacious and stylish overlooking the River Irwell. Noticing the quirky, colourful furniture and a trendy assortment of magazines, all thoughts of business were soon banished… I felt completely at home. The combined bedroom and living area boasted an Olga chair and writing desk, and a luxurious super king size bed. The spacious bathroom was finished in Italian porcelain with a big bath and shower, bright white towels, shining mirrors and a selection of REN toiletries. The rooms are very quiet and the soft furnishings have a calming effect on your mood, after a relaxing bath I spent a while flicking through Wallpaper magazine and admiring the impressive views.
It is easy to reach the eateries and bars of central Manchester, and there are plenty. We chose to stay nearby and after a fun evening at nearby cocktail bar, Under New Management (which I highly recommend for masterful mixology) I slept soundly below the Salford skyline. Next morning we enjoyed a sumptuous breakfast in the hotel’s restaurant. All my favourite things were on offer: French toast with berries and crème fraiche, fresh orange juice and a creamy cappuccino. The food was swiftly delivered to us, fresh and flavoursome.
A lovely spa and great dining facilities are available for all guests to enjoy, so if you don’t want to leave the hotel, there is no need to. The Lowry can also cater for business needs. There is a dedicated Conference and Banqueting floor with a wide range of flexible meeting rooms. They can host all kinds of occasions and pride themselves on top quality facilities with exemplary service and attention to detail.
Despite its highly regarded position as part of the Rocco Forte hotel family, the Lowry stands strong with its own individual style and modern features. It is a much loved home from home for tourists and Mancunian celebrities alike.
More information and book here.
Many thanks to Manchester Tourist Board for their help with this trip, more information here.
Thoroughly Modern Milly travelled with Virgin Trains.
Typical journey time between London and Manchester is just 2h 7m on one of the state-of-the-art tilting trains, six days a week. Engineering works slow things down a little on Sunday mornings, but by lunchtime they’re operating services – at 2h15m – just a shade slower than Monday to Saturday. Trains every 20 minutes, six and a half days a week.
Booking in advance and travelling off-peak is the best way to get great deals – including some fantastic First Class bargains. Single fares start at: Advance Standard £12.50 and Advance First £38.00, book here.
