Hotel of the week

Citysuites II Aparthotel Manchester WHERE AND WHY

A “home away from home” is a hotel world cliche –but the Citysuites II Aparthotel in Manchester gets very close. The apartments – in both Citysuites II and its sister building, Citysuites – have all you need for a very comfortable yet luxurious stay.

Our one-bed room came equipped with a slick kitchen including a full-sized oven, fridgefreezer, washing machine and dishwasher.

There’s a dining table, cosy living area, separate bedroom and modern bathroom. Touches like the White Company toiletries, GHD hairdryer and Nespresso coffee machine stand out. You could cook up a storm, put the TV on and chill in your own swanky, city centre flat for the night. But the food at the nearby Embankment Kitchen is too good to miss.

ON THE MENU

There are favourites such as steaks, burgers and pizzas, but the menu also features a dozen tasty small plates ideal for sharing between two at five for £30. We opted for a small plate each for starters – the halloumi fries (£7) and the spicy chicken lollipops (£8.50). Both came with delicious dipping sauces. My partner chose the 8oz sirloin steak (£30) with peppercorn sauce while I went for the pepperoni pizza (£17).

Tip: when the waiter asks if you’d like to upgrade your fries to garlic butter and parmesan, the answer is yes. We just managed to save room to share a sticky toffee pudding with butterscotch sauce and ice cream (£8).

Next morning the Embankment Kitchen felt like another treat. I had a classic, full breakfast while my partner chose the chorizo and sweet potato hash. There’s also a range of veggie dishes, or the continental option.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE

Head down to the pool, spa pool and steam room. There’s also a 24/7 gym. Step outside Citysuites and you’re bang in the city centre.

The Arndale shopping centre and Corn Exchange are a couple of minutes walk one way, while Deansgate with its bars and restaurants is a couple of minutes the other.

Victoria railway station and the Exchange Square Metrolink stop are also in walking distance. Parking is at the Q-park next to the hotel with a 24 hours discount for guests.

WAKE-UP CALL

Citysuites II offers a range of B&B apartments from £120 a night. citysuites.com/en/citysuites-2