My honest review of Manchester’s ‘poshest hotel’ and its old-school charm

The Midland: a dose of old-school charm in the heart of Manchester (Picture: The Midland Manchester)

It’s late Friday evening when I step off the train at Manchester Piccadilly and make my way to the city centre.

I like to travel on the cheap. I usually book hostels for short city breaks, like the one I’m on this weekend. But this time, I’m checking into the Midland Hotel in Manchester.

Dubbed the ‘poshest’ hotel in the city by my Mancunian friend, this place opened in 1903 and has played host to celebrities and prime ministers for more than a century.

Winston Churchill, John Major and David Cameron are just a few of the highbrow politicians who have stayed as guests here.

Metro checked in to see what a stay here is like.

Gorgeous interiors with food to match

The hotel’s history speaks to you through framed letters written by guests, including Charles Rolls and Henry Royce.

The duo first met here to discuss what would become the iconic Rolls-Royce company.

I later learned that the hotel was allegedly spared from bombing during World War II because Adolf Hitler admired its architecture so much. Or so the rumour goes.

Dining at one of Manchester’s most famous hotels was a special experience (Picture: Sarah Hooper)

A well-dressed crowd walks through the lobby as a piano is played quietly.

The space is striking: sumptuous leather couches, real trees, glittering chandeliers, and marble pillars.

I’m staying in an executive room, which has a generous king-sized bed, couch, TV, wardrobe and desk.

Standard, but it wouldn’t be the Midland if each amenity wasn’t elevated.The fabrics, the furniture – everything – is exquisite.

A suite at The Midland (Picture: The Midland Manchester) The history of the building hangs on the walls (Picture: The Midland Manchester)

I have a dinner reservation at The French Restaurant, hidden behind an intentionally unassuming door in the lobby, at 7.30pm.

It’s rumoured to be where David and Victoria Beckham had their first date. The Beatles were also allegedly turned away for not being properly dressed, so I made sure to wear one of my nicest outfits.

After unpacking my bags and freshening up, I’m ushered into the dimly lit room for a 10-course, hours-long meal. Yes, really.

The French

Manchester chef Adam Reid has curated a menu celebrating local flavours that’s modern and daring but traditional enough to cater to some of the hotel’s more refined clientele.

The vibe you can expect from this top-tier dining experience (Picture: The Midland Manchester)

Starting with broth and moving through other northern favourites – pie, pudding, tarts and custards – the experience is one I won’t forget.

The dinner was a far cry from my brief venture into the city centre afterwards, for a pint to catch up with mates.

Giving Gatsby? (Picture: The Midland Manchester)

The hotel’s location in the heart of central Manchester makes it a great base for other adventures.

Though my favourite part of the night was returning to my room and diving into the cushiest bed I’ve slept on in ages.

Massages and buffet-style breakfast

Around 8am, the Mount Street Dining Room is filled with guests eating their breakfast before heading out into the city.

The buffet style offers everything to set you up for the day. I had Nutella pancakes, bacon and a bit of cheese, still full from my 10-course odyssey the night before.

After breakfast, I made sure to take full advantage of the facilities on the lower level of the hotel.

The post-treatment room offers free tea and cucumber water (Picture: The Midland Manchester)

The Rena Spa has saunas, steam rooms, a heated pool, hot tubs, and treatment rooms where you can pay extra for massages and a whole range of skin treatments.

Here, a confession: I’d never had a massage.

So after 26 years, I decided to throw caution to the wind with a back and shoulder treatment before resting in the ‘recovery’ room, a pleasant space with hanging swing chairs and herbal tea.

The heated pool and hot tub are to die for (Picture: The Midland Manchester)

Spa access is only £10 per adult (if you’re staying in the hotel) and treatments should be booked in advance.

A quick shower and blow-dry later (straighteners and hairdryers are available in the women’s locker room), I made use of the free high-end skincare offered for spa members (a lovely touch) before checking out.

My honest review?

Manchester’s poshest hotel delivers an experience that shows why it is still revered after more than a century.

It’s clear why this hotel has remained a staple in the city for more than 100 years (Picture: The Midland Manchester)

History lovers will be delighted with the building’s storied past. Those hoping for a taste of luxury can indulge in the spa, the spacious rooms, and the truly top-notch service.

For food lovers, there is nothing more you could ask for than a dinner at The French.

I’ll be back again one day, hopefully for longer.

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