Chic and cheerful? Yotel-ing me
WALKING into the cool Yotel foyer it takes a minute to take in the clashing colours, bright lights and foliage on the wall. The pink neon sign comes into focus and the edgy artwork and quirky decor soon become obvious in the urban chic lobby.
Somehow, despite its garishness, it is welcoming and relaxing. It might be only three-and-a-half hours from Glasgow but it feels like a world away.
With exposed pipework and ducting combined with bare bulbs and spotlights, the hotel setting is modern and stylish. Dark colours are complemented with lamps and splashes of neon.
The boutique rooms in the heart of Manchester’s Deansgate – the fourth city to host a Yotel – is the ideal stop for a weekend escape surrounded by sights, restaurants and shops. It is even dog-friendly.
Check-in can be contactless, with guests simply able to scan the QR code on their booking confirmation at the kiosks by the door. However, staff are on hand for those who prefer a warm welcome.
Modelled on a train cabin, the rooms feature comfortable king beds and a television. In keeping with this theme, the premium king room has a ceiling-high luggage rack with a table and chair set within it.
A hotel brand that prides itself on its sustainability, Yotel boasts energy-efficient LED lighting which automatically turns off when not needed, solar panels to generate electricity and eco-friendly showers that reduce water usage.
Near to the hotel, there is no shortage of pubs for those on a budget but equally a string of highend bars offering champagne cocktails, a range of beers and a selection of spirits.
For those who want to make the most of the day if the sun isn’t shining there is plenty to do. Guests can use the fitness suite to work up an appetite before trying one of the many restaurants in Manchester, a lively city with a rich industrial heritage.
Residents who want to make the most of the facilities can enjoy a meal at Motley, the contemporary restaurant in the hotel which incorporates the same ultra-modern decor. With foods to cater for every dietary want and need – including a Sunday roast option – nobody will go hungry.
Day-trippers who really want to splash their cash can spend hours, and many pounds, at the worldrenowned Trafford Centre.
The shopping and leisure centre boasts a plethora of shops, restaurants and entertainment for all ages, even including a Sea Life aquarium.
The hotel is in a great location for exploring the vibrant city – whether visiting the Manchester Art Gallery or enjoying a gig at the Band on the Wall, one of the city’s oldest music venues.
Each morning a buffet style breakfast is served, running from 7.30am to 10.30am midweek and from 8am until 11am on the weekends. With a range of options including pastries and cereal to a full English and unlimited drinks, it is the best way to start the day.
For a weekend break that is a world away from home, to enjoy cool bars, trendy boutiques or the local culture, Manchester offers something for everyone and the Yotel is the ideal base at a reasonable price.
Rooms at the Yotel in Deansgate cost from around £92 to £300, www.yotel.com.