As mentioned in my previous blog, my sister and I had so much fun visiting Manchester Christmas markets over the weekend plus an overnight stay at the 4-Star Mercure Piccadilly, one of their hotels in Manchester. They really looked after us from beginning to end, they definitely kept us fed and watered so I wanted to share some photos with you.
Where To Stay In Manchester
Mercure Piccadilly Hotel in Manchester is a short 5 minutes walk from Manchester Piccadilly train station, so it’s in a very central location. It’s incredibly close to Manchester Arndale shopping centre too, and with all the trendy bars within walking distance, the hotel is in a fantastic location for a weekend city trip.
Upon arriving, I knew exactly where the hotel was located because I walked past it when I was staying at The Midland last year. So we zipped right out of the train station and in to the hotel. On the way there, if you keep looking up, you’ll see a tall building with ‘MERCURE’ in huge writing on the side of it. You can’t miss it, it’s dead easy to find!
We arrived early but since we weren’t checking-in wasn’t until 2pm, we left our little wheelie suitcase with the concierge while we headed out to explore the city and do a spot of Christmas shopping.
Once we checked-in, we entered our hotel room on the 12th floor to find a winning combo of prosecco and cakes – and a lovely handwritten Christmas card, which was an extremely nice touch.
Drinks & Nibbles
As it was technically a blogger event, there were other bloggers there too and it was so nice to meet people who’s blogs I had been following for YEARS. It was also amazing to meet some new faces too, everyone was super nice. I feel so much more at home at blogger events held in the north. We mingled over drinks and nibbles (nothing bonds people like prosecco and cake!) before given a grand tour of Mercure Piccadilly.
If you fancy a treat, the hotel does a unique Manchester themed Afternoon Tea (£38 for 2 people) which includes Coronation (Street) Chicken Sandwiches, Cheshire cheese with Boddingtons chutney, Vimto trifle, and Manchester Tart.
Food At Brasserie
For the convenience, guests can dine at the hotel’s brasserie. I’m glad that this was an option because after a very early start, my energy levels were low by 8pm. We were thinking of going to The Alchemist but I was glad we made the decision to stay at the hotel for dinner after coming in from the Christmas Market.
We enjoyed a 3-course meal in which I ordered prawn cocktail, fish and chips, and a sticky toffee pudding. And sis got pressed ham and black pudding, steak and chips, and a rather handsome looking cheeseboard! We felt so bad but we were so full by the end, we couldn’t finish the cheeseboard – all 3 courses were incredibly generous portions, as you can see!
Looking back at these photos right now makes me wish we could back just for that cheeseboard. Would you look at that cheese!
Just a tip if you’re staying at this lovely, relaxing, 4 Star hotel; there isn’t a mini bar so don’t forget to buy a bottle of water or juice incase you get thirsty during the middle of the night. I *think* the tap water is also fine, and there is a bar on the 3rd floor of the hotel which closes late. There’s also the option of room service option with extra charges, of course. But just incase, buy a bottle from the nearby Tesco around the corner from the hotel.
There’s a kettle in the room to make tea and coffee, which is what we did after dinner. Not exactly a rocking Saturday night but it had been a loooooong day. Although, to be honest, these days I would much prefer a cup of tea than doing shots in the club. I’m usually hangry by 11pm in which all I can think of when I’m on the dancefloor is FOOD.
Breakfast was an add on option and is in a buffet style (music to my ears) so the next day started off extremely well! There was fry up, a selection of fruits, cereal, and yoghurt, plus juices and hot drinks. It was the perfect way to round up the perfect festive weekend!
Don’t forget to check out what we got up to on a city trip to Manchester! 🙂
Disclaimer: Financial compensation was not received for this post, however, the overnight stay and food at Mercure Piccadilly was complimentary. All opinions expressed and photography displayed in this feature are my own.
Share this post:
Sounds like a lovely hotel – such a nice touch with the christmas card!Xx
LUCY | lucy-cole.co.uk