Located just a two minute walk from the City Centre, CitySuites II looks to offer an elevated customer experience in the ‘home away from home’ aparthotel space, and wow – do they deliver.
I haven’t previously stayed in an aparthotel, having been under the impression – thanks namely to that unlikeable portmanteau – that it indicated something rather more practical than premium. In reality, it actually exceeds the best of both worlds; it has all the services and amenities you’d expect from a high end hotel in Manchester, coupled with spacious living quarters and the flexibility you’d usually get from an apartment, but with an added level of luxury.
There are premium The White Company toiletries waiting for you, a GHD hairdryer, plus fluffy robes and slippers to lounge around in, all whilst taking in the 10th floor Manchester views. The cityscape can be fully appreciated from the floor to ceiling windows which stretch around the suite’s main living space and within the two spacious bedrooms. This is a real highlight, that makes you feel like you’re the main character in a fun American sitcom (and who doesn’t want that?!).
Our suite had a view across to Harvey Nichols, which we enjoyed whilst sipping our complementary Prosecco (served with a personalised note) – a lovely touch, indicative of the great service we enjoyed throughout.
A fully fitted kitchen boasts a Nespresso coffee machine as standard in all apartments, as well as superfast Wi-Fi. The décor throughout was sleek and contemporary, the bathrooms spacious with amazing showers, with two en-suites, one accompanying each double bedroom. Space, space and more space!
The aparthotel also boasts spa facilities including an 18m pool – which seems small but is perfectly formed – and a 24-hour gym. After a morning relaxing in the steam room and jacuzzi we felt revitalised and ready to take in the sights of Manchester.
Embankment Kitchen is their stylish on-site restaurant with seasonally-focused menus, using produce at its peak, headed up by Josh Singleton. We enjoyed Seabass Fillet for our evening meal from the seasonal menu, which was pan-fried to perfection. Complimented by a selection of cocktails inspired by the industrious heritage of Manchester. The service was impeccable, the staff knowledgeable and the food delicious.
For breakfast the next morning, we enjoyed the Eggs Florentine with poached eggs, smashed avocado, spinach, toasted sourdough and homemade hollandaise sauce. This was equally delicious, served with great coffee, despite being rather delayed in being served to the table. Albeit we did book in at peak breakfast time and the staff were apologetic and communicative throughout. It is worth checking with reception on the peak times as it was quite a wait.
Essentially, CitySuites II offers everything you could possibly need for a premium Manchester city centre stay.
Despite being a self-confessed fan of traditional luxury hotel stays, CitySuites II has changed my perception. I will no longer be happy with purely a luxurious hotel room, I will be hankering after the space and reliability of a full apartment hotel suite, as this delivers on so many levels; space, luxury and experience.
This is a great choice is you are after a more definitive living experience in this fantastic city.
To book, visit https://www.citysuites.com/en/citysuites-2/
Review and images by Victoria Reddington @vic_reddington
Some images supplied by CitySuites II. Feature image courtesy of unsplash.com
