Stock Exchange Hotel, Manchester, Autograph Collection — Hotel in Manchester

Ultimately fell below my expectations. Complementory champagne offered upon arrival. Asked to wait in a side lounge. Very nice introduction however it was under the premise we were booking in. We were then asked questions to then have to go to the reception desk to get the room key. I'd rather they make clear what was happening as I don't drink alcohol so would have preferred to just have got my key and gone to the room. Concierge was offered to take bags to the room. Room was no105 on the first floor. Nice decor including an attractive spiral staircase, however it became apparent it was more style over substance once in the bedroom. It took an age to find the tea bags as these were hard to find ontop of the fridge in a cupboard.

Ensuite was modest in size. Unfortunately the positioning of the radiator and toilet roll holder meant your cramped if sat on the toilet, why the radiator and loo roll wasn't moved baffles me.

The shower tray is on a raised plinth. Considering its a fairly modern hotel conversion I consider this poor design. My wife warned me prior to it's use as she nearly slipped getting out. I also nearly slipped as the shower tray has only a slight profile providing grip.

Upon arrival back to the room around 11pm after a concert we were informed they don't do room service at that time. For a small hotel this is understandable.

The noise externally I can forgive given its a great location close to the town centre. However the internal wall specification is very poor. We had the pleasure of listening to an adjacent rooms plumbing quite clearly when they used the toilet or shower.

Breakfast wasn't included however we chose to eat there. The dining room is very attractive. My wife's pastries were brought out 10 minutes prior to my cooked breakfast. I feel a dining establishment of this proposed quality should have brought all food at a similar time. So we had that awkward time of my wife's food going cold as she waited for mine to arrive.

My breakfast was adequate. The sausage was of good quality. However the hash brown appeared to be a generic frozen type. I did choose to omit the black pudding and toast.

Upon checking out I passed on my comments, and the 3 ladies on reception simply stood silent. No apology for the aspects of stay that I felt were substandard. I think their response indicated their lack of consideration for their guests. Other than at check out time the staff were very professional.

I think the hotel should get the...

I stayed here from Sunday through to Tuesday. It did not rain. I did not hear or see an emergency vehicle. There was a fair bit of banter.

I found this hotel's staff brilliantly individuals who work together to give great service when the curtain goes up. Photographs of my room show a clean well thought through offer, outstanding bed and bathroom linen. I love the modern take on the doormans chair , a sort of arm chair with a hood. I have seen a similar one near Exeter at chef Michael Caines manor house hotel. They originated from a Scottish design , I think. Plenty of marble and marble effect in the bathrooms. My room only had a shower, a very effective one too. I am too old to skid about in a bath.

I thouroghly enjoyed a cooked breakfast here and Sunday lunch.

I can find minor faults in certain aspects, but overall I really enjoyed my stay. It's in a great part of the city, great shopping and many very good places to eat and drink. I also went to Browns bistro round the corner, and to Moose cafe also nearby on York street.

Manchester is untouristy on Monday and less so Tuesday. Museums are shut , the hop on hop off buses don't run. There are a few exceptions, the Central Library is open, Science and industry museum is open , though with a limited offer at the moment. On Mondays they both resemble creches with many running riot and having fun.

It's a lovely diverse city, and has very much to offer. There are two free city bus routes. 1 and 2. Linking railway stations and the best parts of the city for a visitor And they run 7 days a week.

The concierge at the hotel are fun, know their stuff , but perhaps not brilliant at imparting what you need to know. But jolly and kind and helpful. They will have to work on mind reading. I appreciated Nigel's help he is on the apprenticeship scheme.

To me this is a perfect boutique hotel, small, private, genuine, authentic quality, with some brilliant dashes and sprinkles of passion and magic. I ate well , slept well, drank well and repeated that...

I've stayed at many hotels, as I work and live in Saudi Arabia, traveling back to see family in the UK and unfortunately, this hotel which I booked thinking it would be the best I would stay in left me quite disappointed. Vaule for money very low.

Positives:

The cleanliness of the hotel was excellent. The female staff at reception were outstanding. The accessibility was good, with both a lift and steps. The restaurant was easily accessible, and although I didn't dine there, I've been informed it serves high-quality food. Location: Situated in the heart of Manchester, providing easy access to all the city's top restaurants.

Negatives:

The cost for two nights was £680 without bed and breakfast, which was exorbitant for a standard double bed and an en-suite shower without a bath. Floor -Level 1, looking onto a white wall street. My wife and I were rudely stopped by an elderly concierge who questioned if we were guests. He later apologised, explaining he had been off work for the past two days, but the experience was extremely embarrassing. I hope he learns from his mistakes! The layout of the shower room was poorly designed. The glass shower door could swing open and hit the toilet seat. The towel rail was above the toilet and had caps missing. My wife slipped in the shower due to the insufficient grip surface. The single clothing storage was occupied by the teapot, leaving no room for a suit or dress (see picture). Additionally, we were woken up in the morning by the noise of glass bottles being collected from bins.

As someone who has traveled the world and stayed in luxury hotels, I don't mind paying more, but I expect to receive more than a standard experience. Unfortunately, this hotel did not meet those expectations. I would consider booking else where next time and compare what I get for the...