The Renaissance Manchester City Centre Hotel is pretty much a landmark in the city. Despite not being pretty on the outside (hey, I know how it feels!) it’s well known in the local area for it’s regular functions, city centre location and it’s recent refurbishment. Situated on Deansgate within walking distance to Harvey Nichols, Selfridges, Manchester Arena, it’s quite literally right in the middle of everything, so when I was invited along to explore it for myself on Saturday, I couldn’t wait to see what it had to offer…

Shooting with The Marriot Renaissance Hotel Manchester! 

A video posted by lilykitten1 (@lilykitten1) on Jan 24, 2015 at 3:51am PST

Plus, does anyone else get really intriguied by the going’s on inside hotels? Like a secret little world? No, just me then!

Outfit 1: The 13th Floor


Upon arriving at the hotel, I was given a little guided tour of it’s main offerings. For a city centre hotel, it is HUGE and considering I was told it was fully booked, it was surprisingly quiet inside. My first stop was a guest room – mine was on the top floor, number 13! Wow, the view was incredible, with views all over the city centre, looking over Manchester Arndale, the Big Wheel, Manchester Cathedral and the buzzing city below. Situated on Deansgate within walking distance to Harvey Nichols, Selfridges, Manchester Arena, I honestly doubt the location could be better.

 

 

 

The room itself was a pretty decent size, with all the amendities you would want for a comfortable stay, including a desk, seating area, ensuite bathroom and King Size bed. Newly refurbished, I absolutely loved the decor, especially the huge greyscale statement wall of Manchester – such a lovely touch. The bed was HUGE and looked so comfortable; gutted I couldn’t stay for myself!

In fact, it would make the perfect setting for a glam girl’s weekend away (imagine getting ready for a night out with all your girlfriends on the top floor with so much space!). So, that’s exactly what I did.

 

 

 

 

After playing the princess on the 13th floor, I had a quick outfit change in order to explore the rest of the hotel in comfort. I was given pretty much unlimited access to the hotel and was told to explore to my heart’s content – and that I did! Eveywhere I went, the staff were SO friendly and welcoming, and didn’t mind that I was mooching around with a camera at all; in fact, they were ever so interested in my blog, which was really nice!

Ironically, I popped on a casual outfit to explore The Ballroom, one of the main function rooms that The Renaissance Hotel Manchester has – I’ve actually been to a couple of charity balls here myself so to see it with only a couple of tables in was so surreal, and really shows what a huge room it is!

After a hop, skip and a jump around the ballroom (quite literally – it’s not often I’m left in such a large space unattended!) I had a little mooch around the reception area. I really love this part of the hotel – the decor as you enter is beautiful and I love the quirky ‘living room’ type areas that have been created. Perfect for posing!

 Lunch Break

After an eventful morning dashing around the hotel and making myself at home (pretty sure I spoke to most of the staff who I’m now on a BFF basis with), it was time for lunch. My partner and I dined at The Blackfriers Restaurant, which I was surprised to find out was the only place to eat at the hotel. Considering it’s such a big place, I was expecting perhaps a couple of bars and a restaurant, but The Blackfriers was all of these rolled into one.

Located opposite reception, it could easily have been busy, but when we arrived for a late lunch at 2ish it was surprisingly quiet – aside from a couple having drinks at the bar, we were the only two dining. However, after a couple of hours chatting and eating away (we were made to feel SO at home by Restaurant Manager, German, that we didn’t want to leave!), when 4pm ticked around there was suddenly a mad rush at the bar and it was packed!

Now, to be totally honest I wasn’t asked to review the food here at all so I didn’t take that many pictures, but I just had to include it after having such incredible service. As I mentioned, German was so friendly and couldn’t do enough for us! He even made my partner a special Rib Eye steak which technically wasn’t even on the menu (shh, don’t tell anyone!) and went out of his way to make sure we were happy. We even had a couple of visits from Sous Chef, Jorge, who recommend and created an incredible Portuguese dessert for us; homemade ice cream (I am 100% not selling it enough here), with a cinnamon custard and homemade honeycomb at the side. It was AMAZING and I want to eat it every day of my life. Seriously.

Incredible service and delicious food in a quiet city centre location. I like.

 Outfit 3: The Balcony

After a long, leisurely lunch, I got into my third and final outfit of the day just as the sun was setting. To make the most of it, we headed out to the balcony at the side of the hotel, which overlooks Manchester Cathedral, Harvey Nichols (oh, posh!) and looks out onto the far side of Deansgate. It’s a busy area, but surprisingly sheltered and quiet, which is lovely considering I was told that they often hold BBQ’s here in the summer. I’d be up for that

 OUTFIT DETAILS: camel coloured coat: REISS* via Styloco // leopard print handbag: REISS* via Styloco //  dark blue skinny jeans: Dorothy Perkins via Outfit Fashion // wide brim hat: old – similar here // studded ankle boots: old – similar here // black turtle neck: Primark //

The End

Over all, I had a fantastic day exploring the hotel and indulging myself. Despite not staying over, and it being in my hometown, it felt like a little mini holiday day out and I really enjoyed myself. Every member of staff I spoke to (and there were lots, FYI) were absolutely delightful and I felt very much at home. I would absolutely love to return for a weekend break; I can imagine it’s the perfect base for a weekend away exploring Manchester, and the perfect setting to do it in.

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