Abel Heywood Boutique Hotel

This hotel offers a unique and memorable experience, distinguished by its boutique accommodation above a traditional pub, which has been recently modernized to a very high standard. Its prime location makes it an excellent choice for city explorers, sightseers, and concert-goers due to its proximity to major attractions and entertainment venues. Guests consistently highlight the hotel's exceptional cleanliness, comfortable rooms, and the outstanding service provided by the staff. For couples and friends seeking a vibrant yet comfortable base, the hotel's blend of lively pub atmosphere and quiet, well-appointed rooms is ideal. To ensure the most peaceful stay, guests sensitive to noise might consider requesting a room not directly adjacent to the kitchen area.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides a range of modern amenities, with guests frequently praising the newly refurbished and stylish decor throughout both the rooms and common areas. While there isn't a dedicated fitness center or pool, the hotel offers essential conveniences such as lifts for easy access to upper floors. In-room amenities are well-regarded, including high-quality coffee bags for a superior hot beverage experience, along with standard provisions like irons and hairdryers. Some guests expressed a desire for a mini-fridge in the rooms to keep drinks chilled. The integrated pub on the ground floor serves as a lively social hub, offering a wide selection of drinks and contributing to the hotel's unique character.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently commend the hotel's high standards of cleanliness, describing rooms as spotless and well-maintained. The comfortable beds and high-quality linens contribute to a restful night's sleep, with many guests noting the surprising quietness of their rooms despite the bustling pub downstairs. The modern bathrooms are a highlight, particularly the amazing showers with good pressure. While most rooms are considered functional and well-designed, some guests found them to be on the small or snug side. A recurring issue for a few guests was the air conditioning not functioning optimally, leading to warm rooms, especially as windows cannot be opened. Isolated reports mentioned minor cleanliness issues like a dirty desk or uncleaned toilet, and some noted a slippery shower/bath surface.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining options receive widespread acclaim, particularly the breakfast, which is frequently described as delicious, fantastic, and plentiful, with options like freshly cooked full English breakfasts and various pastries. However, a few guests found the breakfast quality to be inconsistent, with some items like black pudding and bacon being dry or inedible, and the breakfast coffee receiving negative feedback. The pub food served in the hotel's bar is highly praised for its quality, taste, and value, with guests enjoying traditional pub grub, pies, and shared roast platters. The bar itself is noted for its great atmosphere and excellent selection of drinks and cocktails, making it a popular spot for both hotel guests and locals.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent central location in Manchester's vibrant Northern Quarter, making it incredibly convenient for exploring the city. Guests appreciate being within easy walking distance of major attractions such as Market Street, the Arndale shopping center, the AO Arena, and various bars and restaurants. Its proximity to key transport hubs like Victoria Station and Piccadilly Station provides easy access to other parts of the city and beyond. While the immediate surrounding area is described by some as a bit "shabby," the hotel's central position outweighs this for most. Parking is available nearby, with an NCP car park literally next door, though some guests opted for more affordable options a short walk away.

Staff & Service
The hotel's staff consistently receives glowing reviews for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Guests frequently highlight the welcoming demeanor of the team from check-in to departure. The quick check-in process and the staff's willingness to accommodate requests, such as early check-in or resolving room issues like a broken key card or lighting problems, are often mentioned. Many guests felt that the staff went "above and beyond" to ensure a pleasant stay, contributing significantly to the positive overall experience. Their professional and personable approach is a recurring theme, making guests feel valued and well-cared for throughout their visit.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel has undergone ongoing refurbishment in some areas, which has resulted in beautifully updated rooms, though some minor finishing touches might still be in progress. A few guests reported issues with key card access to their rooms, requiring staff assistance. A specific concern for some guests staying in room 103 was the significant noise from the kitchen during peak hours and early mornings, as the room's bed is against the kitchen wall. The hotel is noted for its dog-friendly policy within the pub area, which is a welcome feature for pet owners. The unique integration of a lively pub with boutique hotel rooms provides a distinct character that many guests find appealing.