It’s been a long time coming… but the first images of Manchester’s newest hotel have finally been released ahead of its grand opening next month.
And it looks like a perfect place for a luxury city centre staycation, if you ask us.
Anyone walking down Princess Street in the heart of Manchester city centre over the past couple of years is likely to have seen the newest addition to lifestyle hotel brand, Malmaison’s, collection slowly taking shape – and now, the time has finally come for Malmaison Manchester Deansgate to officially open its doors at the start of next month.
Ahead of its grand opening on 1 February 2024, a selection of sneak-peak images of the new hotel have been shared, and they give the public a glimpse of what to expect once it’s up and running.
Manchester’s newest luxury hotel is finally set to open its doors next month / Credit: Malmaison Manchester Deansgate
Sat just a stone’s throw from the bustling Deansgate thoroughfare, which connects many of the city’s exciting neighbourhoods, despite its name, this four-star hotel isn’t actually on Deansgate itself, but it will, however, offer 70 rooms and suites – many of which boast views over Albert Square.
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All the interiors have been given the so-called ‘Mal Treatment’, and have taken inspiration from the city’s industrial heritage and contributions to art and music, which is aiming to “create an experience that is as bold and diverse as the city of Manchester itself”.
The bedrooms are said to pay homage to the retro designs of the 60s and 70s, and feature loads of illustrative murals with an “artistic fusion of nature motifs”.
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Malmaison Manchester Deansgate is the second Malmaison hotel in our city / Credit: Malmaison Manchester Deansgate
“Malmaison Manchester Deansgate translates themes that are so intrinsic to the story of Manchester into its design,” explained Jonathan Livesey, who is the Group Development Director at Malmaison & Hotel du Vin ahead of the hotel’s opening in a couple of weeks time.
Hungry for more?
As well as the stunning rooms and suites, the brand-new signature restaurant, Malmaison Bar & Grill, will also be able to seat 114 guests, and is set to serve a stylish fusion grill menu that offers contemporary takes on classic and seasonal dishes, alongside a curated wine list and bar menu.
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Manchester Deansgate will also be home to Malmaison’s second SORA rooftop bar and restaurant in the UK, with an intimate terrace that overlooks the historic Manchester Town Hall.
The new four-star hotel looks like the perfect place for a luxury staycation / Credit: Malmaison Manchester Deansgate
Hotel guests and diners can mix and match small plates from a selection of sushi, Robatayaki, and Pan-Asian fusion style tapas dishes, all while sipping signature cocktails and taking in the striking views of the city as the sun sets.
Manchester Deansgate will be Malmaison’s 18th hotel in its ever-expanding UK portfolio, and the second here in Manchester city centre itself.
Rooms are now available to book, and you can find out prices and more information about the new hotel ahead of its opening on the Malmaison Manchester Deansgate website here.
Featured Image – The Manc Group
Travel & Tourism
Andy Burnham calls for ‘efficient and reliable’ public transport as he slams Northern rail services
Emily Sergeant
Andy Burnham has called for an ‘efficient and reliable’ public transport system as he slams Northern’s rail services for being ‘not good enough’.
The Mayor of Greater Manchester has been vocal about his condemning views of rail travel across Greater Manchester and the North West over the past couple of years, notably calling for widespread reforms across the board, and particularly taking aim at Avanti’s running of the West Coast Main Line – especially as regular delays and cancellations have become commonplace for many.
But now, Mr Burnham, along with a handful of other Mayors across the North, have written to the Government to highlight poor performance by Northern.
This comes after Mr Burnham called an emergency meeting of the Rail North Committee last Wednesday, which saw regional mayors and leaders seek “immediate assurances” from Northern after a spate of cancellations, overcrowding of services, and ‘Do Not Travel’ warnings on Sundays.
Greater Manchester now regularly sees between 30% and 40% of its services cancelled on Sundays, and in many cases, no replacement bus services or alternative travel methods have been provided.
Andy Burnham has called for ‘efficient and reliable’ public transport across the north / Credit: TfGM
The Committee members said they fear that, without intervention, the situation could get worse, and ultimately affect confidence amongst shoppers and travellers as we head into the busiest time of year.
“The situation must be reversed in the interest of passengers and the region’s businesses, especially those in the retail and hospital sectors,” the Committee concluded.
Some of the topics discussed in the Committee meeting were the fact that, within the past week alone, with it being half term for many in the region, a total of 1,600 trains were cancelled across the network, and there was a lack of mitigations in place, such as ticket acceptance with other operators, when this happened.
Infrastructure challenges, high staff sickness levels, and Northern’s reliance on staff working on rest days was also discussed.
Last night, there were widespread cancellations of @northernassist services causing chaos at stations.
It can’t go on.
Following a special Rail North Committee, I have written to the Chancellor to ask that a pending agreement on rest day working is approved as soon as possible.
“Efficient and reliable public transport is a critical enabler of economic growth,” Mr Burnham said.
“What we heard from Northern at the meeting of the Rail North Committee was not good enough for residents and businesses across the north. That is why, on behalf of the Rail North Committee, I have written to the Chancellor and the Secretary of State to urge them to support us to bring the service back to an acceptable level.”
Mr Burnham concluded that “significant modernisation” is needed by Northern if they are to match the Committee’s ambitions for growth.
Featured Image – Northern
Travel & Tourism
This Manchester hotel has a Bonfire Night ‘escape’ package for pets to help keep them calm
Emily Sergeant
One of Manchester’s most luxurious hotels is transforming into the ultimate pet refuge again over the firework season.
Bonfire Night is loved across the UK for the spectacular firework displays and all the festive-themed activities that go along with it, but the November annual event isn’t so fun for our four-legged friends, as fireworks can be frightening to pets due to loud bangs, flashing lights, and the unpleasant strong smell of spent explosives.
With multiple bangs occurring from numerous displays too, pets are rarely able to pinpoint where the booming explosions are coming from, only making it more terrifying for them.
This is why, after becoming a huge success following its launch last year, Kimpton Clocktower Hotel in the heart of the city centre has brought back its special ‘Bonfire Night Escape’ escape package, turning the already pet-friendly hotel into a firework-free sanctuary.
The hotel‘s year-round ‘PAWfect Stay’ package includes any dog staying at no extra cost, plus a pet tuckbox, a guide to the best dog-friendly places in the city, and a toy waiting for them in the room, but this fireworks season, pet owners will also get a luxury hamper including Pet Remedy’s ‘Party Season Survival Kit’
The kit comes together with a range of fast-acting products to help immediately in stressful situations such as fireworks, and includes calming spray, a plug diffuser, and some calming wipes too.
On top of that, dog owners can also take advantage of the hotel’s Music Concierge service, which allows guests to request a record player and vinyls to be placed in the room ahead of check in – with lots of classical and relaxing music records available to distract anxious pets from the noise of Bonfire Night celebrations.
Kimpton Clocktower Hotel has a Bonfire Night ‘escape’ package to help keep pets calm / Credit: Elisha Terada (via Unsplash)
The award-winning The Refuge Bar and Restaurant inside the hotel also offers a menu of carefully-curated dog treats throughout the week, as well as doggy Sunday roasts all Sunday.
David Lockhart, who is the General Manager at Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, said he likes to think of the hotel as a “home-away-from-home for our guests”.
“Our top priority is making sure everyone is feeling safe and comfortable,” he added. “We can’t wait to welcome our November guests and help them care for their four-legged family members, giving them everything they need.”
The Bonfire Night Escape package at Kimpton Clocktower Hotel is available to book from Friday 1 November, subject to availability, and you can request the package via the hotel concierge or by emailing [email protected] to book.
Emily Sergeant -
11th January 2024 
