Hyatt House Manchester

2022-06-01 -

BACKGROUND The new-build Crowne Plaza and Staybridge Suites property was rebranded as a Hyatt Regency and Hyatt House in 2020. This marked the debut of the extended-stay Hyatt House brand in the UK. It offers studio or one-bedroom suites with fully equipped kitchens and living space.

WHERE IS IT? In the city’s ‘The Lume’ building on a landscaped square just off Oxford Road. It is a 20-minute walk from Manchester Piccadilly station or a 10-minute walk from Oxford Road station. The area is known as Manchester’s Innovation District due to its academic institutions. The Alliance Manchester Business School is also connected to the hotel, and professors and researchers often use the facilities.

WHAT’S IT LIKE? The lobby is a beautiful open-plan area which has sleek furnishings, high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling glass windows which flood the space with natural light. It feels airy, with pops of colour to brighten the white interiors. The ground floor houses an atrium, bar and restaurant, while a commanding staircase leads up to the events spaces on the second floor.

Guests check in at the Hyatt Regency counter and access the Hyatt House apartments through a room to the right of reception which has separate lifts – there is also a separate side entrance. Hyatt House’s 116 apartments are on floors 12-18. Guests must swipe their keycards in the lift. I arrived early so my room was not yet ready, but I enjoyed working in the lobby. I used the express check-out on my last day which was simple and speedy – I dropped off my keycard in a box by the exit.

A small courtyard facing University Green features the colourful Beejing sculpture by Jessica Perrin at its centre, celebrating Chinese design and Manchester’s emblem.

ROOMS My 45 sqm one-bedroom suite on the 14th floor was spacious, with an attractive lounge area featuring an L-shaped sofa and floor-to-ceiling windows offering beautiful views over Manchester. My visit coincided with sunny weather, meaning

I was lucky enough to enjoy some gorgeous views of the sun setting amid high-rises in the city centre.

The kitchen has a white-tiled backsplash and high-tech appliances – an induction hob, microwave oven and a Nespresso machine – with a dining table for four guests. There was a basket of fruit – a nice touch, as well as a kettle, Twinings tea and bottles of still and sparkling water.

I used the dining table as a desk during my stay and was able to charge my laptop at the same time due to well-located USB and plug sockets. Guests can request printing services from the front desk.

The bedroom, which can be shut off from the living area, is sleek and includes a comfortable king bed with side tables featuring lamps, and USB and plug sockets. There is a Smart TV facing the bed (there’s also one in the living area), a full-length mirror and two large wardrobes with a small safe, bathrobes and slippers. The bathroom has a powerful shower over a bathtub and full-sized toiletries.

The only downside was the apartment was very cold on arrival due to the air conditioning, and it took a while to warm up.

There are 24-hour laundry facilities on the 17th floor. Rooms are cleaned every three days, though daily housekeeping can be requested at reception.

FOOD AND DRINK The ground-floor The Laureate restaurant and The Graduate bar both take their names from the city’s academic legacy. The former features burgundy leather banquettes, an open kitchen and floor-to-ceiling windows. The Graduate has a more informal feel, with high-top bars and smaller tables.

The complimentary breakfast buffet at The Laureate is excellent, offering a huge variety of both hot and cold dishes. During my stay, dinner was served at The Graduate, with the football on in the background. The à la carte menu includes sandwiches, pizzas, burgers and salads.

LEISURE There’s a 24-hour gym on the first floor with framed football shirts.

MEETINGS There are seven meeting rooms on the second floor and an events space on the 18th floor.

My 45 sqm one-bedroom suite was spacious, with an attractive lounge area

VERDICT This is an excellent property. The light-filled public spaces are inviting, and the room was comfortable. I was impressed with the modern fittings and appliances. Hannah Brandler