After reading the reviews about how quiet the rooms were and that previous issues with room cleanliness had been resolved, I decided to book 2 nights mid-week in the Townhouse Hotel for business. After a long train journey I arrived at the hotel feeling very tired and looking forward to a good night's sleep, which I shared with the girl on reception. She said that she would put me in one of their quiet rooms on the top floor and wished me a good night's rest. I went to my room and was looking forward to getting some sleep, as I had a full day's training with my company on the following day. Unfortunately, as the night drew on, I was aware that the windows were extremely thin and I was subjected to shouting, sirens, traffic noise and the sound of noisy bars across the way. I got no sleep until 5 am in the morning and had to go to my training feeling extremely tired and unable to concentrate.
There wasn't a 'do not disturb' label in the room, so I was aware on my return that the cleaning staff had been in and had removed the wet towel and made up the bed. I then attempted to get another night's sleep, as I was exhausted and had to travel home the next day. I had another night of noise, including, at one point, the sound of fireworks being set off. I woke up early the next day and starting getting my things packed up. As I spread up the bed I noticed a mark on the duvet. Pulling back the sheets I was horrified to find that the duvet was covered in dried-in stains, that resembled blood droplets. I could not believe that after the cleaning staff had been in the day before, and had made up the bed, that this was remotely acceptable for a 4 star hotel.
I took photos of the bed, as I wanted to make sure that anyone booking this hotel would be aware of the lack of cleanliness and the fact that they have still not resolved the issues with the cleaning staff, as assured after a previous review. When I checked-out, I spoke with the man on reception and told him just how disgusted I was at the lack of cleanliness, and that 'I wouldn't let my dog sleep on a duvet like that'. His response was to wish me a safe trip home and to exhibit a general lack of interest in my complaints.
Overall, I would not recommend that anyone stays at the Townhouse Hotel in Manchester, and to book alternative accommodation that is both clean,...
Read more"The Hotel of Unforgettable Charm: Where the Receptionist’s goal is to shout and argue with guests.!"
Let's start with the highlight of my stay: the receptionist. Picture this – a human version of a thunderstorm, complete with a face that looked like she’d just stepped on the world's sourest lemon. It's a good thing she’s not in the hospitality business for her sparkling personality.
I will mention the bar staff, they were a couple of diamonds in the rough. Drinks we’re great and they seemed extremely happy considering the environment that existed a few feet away in the reception area.
This was the fun bit… I went to the front desk after one of my friends mentioned she didn’t have a hair dryer in her room. Fully prepared for another encounter with miss lemon, I was surprised, she said she’ll endeavour to send one up. Skip 30 minutes and two more drinks from the happy gang at the bar. Still no hair dryer…. Here we go again- wrap up walm and back to reception. After a short scowl from miss lemon and a kind encounter with another receptionist, they explained they were trying to locate one. Fair enough.
It gets better – I head back to the bar area, chatting with the bar staff and here we go! Chaos ensued. Here she comes marching through the bar like a UFC fighter getting ready to challenge for a belt. It was a close call, for a moment I thought this was going to be it for me, they’d write a book ‘’death by receptionist’’ or ‘’hairdryer-gate, a conspiracy of 3 temperatures’’ who knows.
After a 10 minute back and forth about hairdryers and an actual mud tossing session with comments like ‘’you’ve asked 8 times’’ ‘’we don’t have any for you’’ ‘’they’re all out’’ ‘’we’re to busy’’ I actually apologised just so she’s head back to her cave.
Times are tough in the hospitality industry I get it, but arguing and shouting at guests in front of other guest and staff, probably isn’t what to expect from a 4 star hotel.
Thank you to the other receptionist who apologised for her behaviour and of course the bar staff, you...
Read moreArrived at the hotel and was greeted by a lovely lady who was happy and chatty. She welcomed us and gave us our key and room details. Entering the hotel it looked clean and presentable, lifts were clean and corridors were clean and signage was clear so our room was easy to find. On entering the room we were pleasantly surprised, the room was decorated neutral with a large picture about the bed, the room was an executive King and it appeared well cleaned on inspection. The skirtings were clean, the carpets edges were hoovered and clean. The room comprised of a two person table and two chairs, tv on cabinet which included a safe, the bed was a great size. The bathroom was impressive with a small sink, toilet with slow closing seat, full sized bath and seperate waterfall style shower. Towels and complimentary slippers were available. Shower gel, hand soap and body lotion was available to use. Bedtime came and the bed was lovely and comfortable, the pillows were the best. I’m hoping the bed was cleaned as a few hairs were found under the pillows and in the bed. The bed had a mattress topper too. Bedding appeared clean and comfy (apart from the few hairs). |Wardrobe had hangers, plenty of space and iron and ironing board. |All in all I’d recommend and stay again. Restaurant was available but we didn’t use it. Be aware the city charges £1.20 city/tourist tax per room payable only by card. The hotel wasn’t too easy to find, we were asking where it was and it was over the road from us. Signage is small and unclear, a larger clearer sign could help. Hotel took a corner position and is central to all areas. Windows in our room couldn’t be opened, this left the room feeling a little clostraphobic. Room had air conditioning unit and had a working radiator for those who may go at chillier times of the year. Rooms are obviously non smoking and there is no smoking area available so you have to go outside onto the street. Very close to Q Park Piazza so ideal if you want parking...
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