Late on a Friday evening, I step off the train at Manchester Piccadilly and walk to the city centre. I usually book hostels for short city breaks, but this time I'm checking into the Midland Hotel in Manchester. Dubbed the 'poshest' hotel in the city by a Mancunian friend, it opened in 1903 and has hosted celebrities and prime ministers for over a century, including Winston Churchill, John Major, and David Cameron.
Gorgeous interiors with food to match
The hotel's history is told through framed letters from guests, including Charles Rolls and Henry Royce, who first met here to discuss what became the Rolls-Royce company. A rumour claims the hotel was spared bombing during World War II because Adolf Hitler admired its architecture. The lobby features sumptuous leather couches, real trees, chandeliers, and marble pillars, with a piano playing softly.
My executive room has a king-sized bed, couch, TV, wardrobe, and desk—standard but elevated in every detail, from fabrics to furniture. I have a dinner reservation at The French Restaurant, hidden behind an unassuming door in the lobby, at 7.30pm. It's rumoured to be where David and Victoria Beckham had their first date, and The Beatles were allegedly turned away for improper dress.
A 10-course meal and spa relaxation
The French's chef Adam Reid has curated a 10-course menu celebrating local flavours—modern and daring yet traditional. Starting with broth and moving through northern favourites like pie, pudding, tarts, and custards, the experience is unforgettable. After a brief venture into the city centre for a pint, my favourite part was returning to the cushiest bed I've slept on in ages.
Around 8am, the Mount Street Dining Room serves a buffet-style breakfast with everything from Nutella pancakes to bacon and cheese. I then used the facilities on the lower level: the Rena Spa has saunas, steam rooms, a heated pool, hot tubs, and treatment rooms for extra-cost massages and skin treatments. Spa access costs £10 per adult for hotel guests, and treatments should be booked in advance.
My honest review
After a back and shoulder massage—my first ever—I rested in the 'recovery' room with swing chairs and herbal tea. A quick shower and blow-dry later, I used the free high-end skincare for spa members before checking out. Manchester's poshest hotel delivers an experience that shows why it's still revered after more than a century. History lovers will delight in the building's past, while those seeking luxury can enjoy the spa, spacious rooms, and top-notch service. For food lovers, dinner at The French is unmatched. I'll be back one day, hopefully for longer.
