Clayton Hotel Manchester City Centre | A Modern Retreat in Manchester City Centre

We chose the Clayton Hotel City Centre for our Manchester stay, a 4-star property that opened in 2022 with a prime location just steps from the city’s main attractions. Although we usually gravitate toward more character-filled properties, we also love a sleek modern high-rise, and this stay was far from a disappointment. 

Here’s what we thought.

Location

The Clayton Hotel City Centre is set on Portland Street, right in the middle of Manchester. It’s just a 10-minute walk from Piccadilly Station, ideal if you’re arriving from elsewhere in the UK or on the train from Manchester Airport — and only steps from Chinatown, the Gay Village, and the Northern Quarter. The business district, St Peter’s Square, and Albert Square are only a few minutes away, with Spinningfields about a 10-minute walk.

Staying here really does put you at the heart of the city. We loved that nothing felt too far and that the lively Gay Village and creative Northern Quarter were practically on our doorstep.

First impressions

The building itself felt fresh and modern, with its recent 2022 build still in excellent condition and clearly well maintained. One feature we really appreciated was the option for online check-in — available up to 24 hours before arrival through the Dalata Hotel Group system. As an introvert, I loved being able to skip the front desk and simply collect my key card from the kiosk.

When we did interact with the staff, everyone was warm and welcoming. Karen, the general manager, went out of her way to ensure our stay was pleasant, which made a lasting impression.

Rooms and vibe

We stayed on the 17th floor — the very top — and the views from our corner room were the beginning of us falling in love with Manchester. With dual-aspect, floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking different parts of the city and stretching out to the surrounding countryside, it was hard to pull ourselves away.

Inside, the room was spotless and thoughtfully designed. The bed was extremely comfortable, and I loved that the hotel provided two pillows with different levels of firmness. The additional seating area was another highlight, perfect for relaxing with a coffee from the in-room espresso machine while taking in the skyline.

The bathroom continued the theme of comfort and detail: a spacious shower stocked with Rituals toiletries, which added a real touch of luxury. Combined with the modern finishes, the space felt like a true home away from home.

Dining

Since the city has so many incredible restaurants and cafés, we didn’t eat at the hotel beyond breakfast, but room service is offered, and the onsite restaurant seemed to have a pretty good variety of choices.

The hotel’s “Vitality Breakfast” had plenty of options, from fresh pastries, and cakes, to classic continental breakfast options, and even hot choices to serve up your own English breakfast (something that I appreciate when I’ve been away from the UK!). Hotel coffee can also usually disappoint, but the espresso machines served up an up to standard brew! 

Overall, the Clayton Hotel, City Centre proved to be an excellent base for our time in Manchester. Its central location made it easy to explore the city on foot, while the modern rooms, thoughtful details, and welcoming staff made the hotel feel more than just a place to sleep. We’d recommend it to anyone looking for a convenient, comfortable stay in the heart of Manchester — whether you’re visiting for a weekend break, business, or passing through on a longer trip around the UK.

To book your next stay in Manchester at Clayton Hotel Manchester City Centre, visit here.

AD / Our stay was hosted by Clayton Hotels and Marketing Manchester, but as always, all opinions are our own.

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