The Palace Hotel Manchester

Terrible place, arrived and had to wait to check in, no porter to carry luggage, had booked an upgraded room, it was large, but smelt, bed covers stained, curtains obviously dirty, no minibar, bathroom mouldy, no airconditioning. When I asked for another room, they were very unhelpful, so we decided to leave, and moved to eleven didsbury park.

The Lobby/ Bar area had very old carpets, that were torn, and sellotaped down. Really rundown, with staff who don't care, shame as is very nice building.

Only stayed the one night but would investigate other options next time. The hotel is somewhat awe inspiring initially. It will appeal very much to admirers of architecture with the marble staircases, tiled walls and ornate pillars. These features, however, continue into the rooms themselves which give a sense of 'institution' about the place. I got the impression there is a cheap wing which is adjacent to Oxford Road station and the bedrooms nearest the station and railway bridge could do with some massive soundproofing. My heating did not work and was upgraded with no fuss to the more expensive Excalibur wing. Rooms much better but somehow for me, the buidling did not work as a hotel.

Worth a look round for the architecture though.

The bedroom was cold and noisy. There was no heating apart from a small blow-heater. The bathroom was in need of attention and had no shower.

We stayed in february 2004 and had a glorious stay. The classical & elegant feel of the hotel, backed up by superb customer care made me feel like we were staying in a five star hotel. I would definitly recommend this hotel if staying in Manchester.

We booked an 'executive' room which was not available. They told us we were be given a suite! The room was at the top of the building, had peeling wallpaper, a window which could not be closed but was nailed!!

and the train platform was right outside.We refused to accept it but it took major complaints to get a move(we travel a lot in North America so we know to assert yourself) Eventually we got a decent room and a reduction but I got the opinion it was only because we refused to take no. There are many better hotels in Manchester. Enjoy the public rooms but avoid staying here!D.G.

We ended up at the Palace because it was the only place we could find with availabilty at the time - now I know why. The rooms were stifling hot (this was in late November) and all the eindows were sealed shut.

The shower was broken which didn't matter as there was little hot water anyway. We were also kept awake most of the night by the party in the ballroom next door. Grim.

We stayed at the Palace on the 15th November 2003 and were disappointed. Before we arrived at the hotel I called the hotel to enquire about parking and concierge were sullen and unhelpful. The reception and lounge areas of the hotel were immaculate but the carpet around the edge of our room looked filthy and the bath was full of unpleasant marks. The curtain was ripped from its lining and was not thick enough to keep street light out and the windows vibrated loudly when large vehicles passed by.

At breakfast, there were no available cleared tables and we were not offered tea or coffee. The food was good in general but the staff were not as pleasant and friendly as they should have been.

Overall, a disappointment and we won't be staying there again.

We stayed at this hotel in August 2002 and were somewhat disappointed by the quality of our bedroom. Indeed, the first room we were offered had sprung a leak, with water damage to the inside of the window and curtains. The second room was spartan and a bit grubby, but at least habitable.

The public rooms are mightily impressive, and I have heard nothing but good reports from colleagues who have stayed, so are going to give it a second chance (early December), to see if the whole operation has been brought up to the 4-star standards that Le Meridien claim.

Expect a full (and hopefully glowing) report in due course.

This hotel shows clear signs of decay in quality and service. Our double room was small, plainly furnished, generally grubby with poor decor, old peeling paint (complete with some graffiti), defective floor tiles and a generous collection of cigarette ends outside on the window sill! The heater was stuck on and the room was like an oven, with only one tiny restricted window for ventilation. Reception staff put on a display of indifference when we mentioned these problems and declined to change our room. We didn't give up, so they eventually produced one small electric fan. Not the most comfortable of nights.

Shame, because last time we stayed (about 2 years ago) we thought this hotel was great. That's why we came back.

Never Again!

I have nothing but great memories from this fantastic hotel, whose building used to be an assurance company in Manchester. The hall with the safes is still there, and serveral bathrooms are octagonal, with hardwood flooring and a clawfoot bath, easily big enough for two.

Very relaxed, oppulent hotel, with friendly staff and great service.

Can't wait for the oppportunity to be in Manchester again just to stay at the Palace Hotel.