Muriel Muirden
send me back to: Zanzibar. Historic Stone Town is a magical place, eclectic and atmospheric, and the people are wonderful. top overseas landmark: petra in Jordan. The beauty and splendour of this ancient pink city really took my breath away.
Room FOR IMPROVEMENT
one thing that would improve business travel: removing baths from all hotel bathrooms and installing huge walk-in showers that do not flood the bathroom floor but do pack a punch in terms of water pressure. biggest business travel irritation: complex in-room lighting. you spend an hour trying to work out how to switch all the lights off sometimes! Pack light or go prepared? Despite 20 years of extensive travel, I still struggle to pare down my luggage to nearly nothing – men are significantly better at this. never leave home without: a great book. endless hours spent at airports can be swallowed up by immersing yourself in a fabulous piece of fiction. My ipad and a bottle of Jo Malone Grapefruit scent are also compulsory.
crank up the ( shower) Pressure
THE LOWDOWN
The building is around 150 years old and was once a key part of Manchester’s ‘Cottonopolis’. Original features from its illustrious past have been retained, with huge exposed oak beams, Carrara marble fireplaces, wrought iron machinery and original textile factory doors.
THEY said it “The perfect spot for hustling through business deals or in which to spend a romantic weekend, the hotel is located just a five-minute stroll from Manchester’s Piccadilly Station and the city’s hippest bars and restaurants.”
RATES Rates at the Cow Hollow Hotel start from £120 per night with suites from £150.
01482 613902 / hcandl.co.uk/ferens
The gallery is home to a magnificent collection including paintings, sculptures and works by European Old Masters. Gallery 2 and 4 have capacity for up to 150 and 140 people respectively, theatre style or reception and classroom style. The gallery’s café with a pay bar can be hired for evening events and The Live Arts Space can be used for conferences and exhibitions. Rates available on request.