Disclaimer: We received a free stay and meal for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.
Manchester has always held a special place in my heart. My husband spent his university years there, and I visited often, falling in love with the city’s energy and charm. Returning after so many years and exploring our old haunts, we couldn’t help but marvel at how much Manchester has evolved whilst the warmth and friendliness that define the North remain beautifully intact.
This time, our base wasn’t the humble student digs of our youth but the splendid 4 star Hyatt Hotel Manchester, tucked just behind the home to Manchester’s universities – Oxford Road. The hotel offers two hotels under one roof, the Hyatt Regency with 212 rooms, and Hyatt House, a 116-room aparthotel making it the ideal base for a city break. One challenge we often encounter when visiting cities is finding convenient car parking but thankfully, this wasn’t an issue during our stay, as the hotel is perfectly located next to the secure university car park, providing 24-hour parking for £16.50. For those arriving by train, it’s also conveniently located, a 10-minute walk from Manchester Oxford Road Station or a 20-minute stroll from Manchester Piccadilly.
Opening the door to our room, we were greeted by a spacious room that struck the perfect balance between modern design and comfort. A king-sized bed occupied pride of place and there was also a comfortable chair and sleek, modern desk, perfectly suited for guests visiting the city on business.The pièce de résistance, however, was undoubtedly the floor-to-ceiling windows, offering a stunning view of Manchester at night, with the city’s twinkling lights creating a striking contrast against the dark sky.
The room was spotlessly clean and furnished with everything you might need for a restful retreat. It was tastefully decorated in neutral tones and contemporary textures that whispered rather than shouted sophistication. The spacious bathroom was a pleasant surprise, featuring both a generous shower and a bath, along with luxury toiletries. It was the perfect retreat for unwinding after a day of exploring the city.
The central location is perfect for exploring Manchester, with Oxford Road’s Dutch-style cycle lanes making it a cyclist’s dream and with city bike’s to hire nearby there’s no need to bring your own. For those seeking adventure, the Fallowfield Loop, Britain’s longest urban cycleway, provides a largely traffic-free track for walking or cycling, following the path of a former railway line. Though we plan to return and explore this scenic route on two wheels, our short visit called for a gentler approach and we opted for a leisurely stroll. As we wandered, the streets conjured memories of nightclub queues, post-pub kebabs, and the carefree energy of youth. While Manchester has transformed in many ways, its vibrancy and unmistakable spirit remain as captivating as ever – a city that embraces its evolution while honouring its past.
Back at the hotel, we ate at The Laureate Restaurant with the à la carte menu offering an array of choices at reasonable prices. We began with Calamari Ringsand ChickenWings, the calamari was tender, encased in a light, crispy coating, while the chicken wings had just the right level of spice and succulence to keep us reaching for more. For our main courses, we indulged in two favourites: a richly spiced Chicken Tikka Masala and a beautifully golden Fish and Chips, coated in crispy batter and served with chunky chips and mushy peas. Each dish was perfect and was satisfying without being overwhelming. Despite feeling pleasantly full, we couldn’t resist a dessert. My Lemon Tart was a zesty delight with the raspberry sorbet perfectly complementing the tart. The cheeseboard offered a selection of fine cheeses and rounded off the meal beautifully.
For guests who prefer the comfort of dining in their room, the In-Room Dining Menu offers a variety of options, available from 10:30 AM to 11:00 PM. The menu includes starters, mains, pizzas, and side dishes, alongside a couple of indulgent treats – a cheeseboard and ice cream. There is a charge of £5 for delivery.
Whilst not for me, fitness enthusiasts will find the onsite gym a dream, equipped with Peloton® bikes, treadmills, weights, and more. A perfect way to offset the fine dining and no excuse to miss a gym session whilst away from home!
The following morning, breakfast was nothing short of a feast catering for all tastes and appetites. For those who prefer a lighter start to their day there were cheeses and cold meats, cereals and a wide selection of fruits plus juices and yoghurt. When I’m on holiday I like to indulge in a cooked breakfast so the help-yourself buffet was just what I needed with eggs cooked to perfection, sizzling sausages and delcious bacon as well as other traditional favourites, all washed down with freshly brewed coffee. Had I wanted something that was not on offer, the chef was on hand to create dishes on request.
We really enjoyed our night at the Hyatt Regency Manchester, from the warm welcome we received to the wonderful food and the location which was the perfect base to rediscover Manchester, and we’ve promised ourselves we won’t let so much time pass before our next visit.
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