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The Britannia Hotel Manchester offers great value accommodation in a fantastic Manchester city centre location. The hotel is located in one of Manchester's premier architectural buildings and is grade II listed with outstanding details, such as balconied stairway throughout the building. This Manchester Hotel has two lively bars, where you can dance the night away or have a quiet drink. Jenny's restaurant serves a varied selection of Britain's favourite dishes, whilst the Overstuffed Pizzeria offers freshly cooked pizzas and pastas.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Historic Hotel
Classic
Languages Spoken
English
Location
35 Portland Street, Manchester M1 3LA England
Britannia Manchester Hotel
5,691 reviews
Getting there
Great for walkers
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
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The Britannia Manchester Hotel, nestled in the heart of the city, garners praise for its prime location close to various attractions and amenities. Guests are captivated by the grandeur of its architecture, yet opinions on the hotel's value and amenities vary, with some noting reasonable prices but others frustrated by hidden fees and poor facilities. While the historical charm is appreciated, critiques of outdated rooms and inconsistent cleanliness persist.
The service experience is a mixed bag, with commendable staff occasionally overshadowed by disorganization. Moreover, noise levels have been a significant concern for numerous guests seeking a peaceful stay.
Location
Central
Atmosphere
Outdated
Rooms
Shabby
Value
Reasonable
Cleanliness
Mixed
Noise level
Noisy
Service
Inconsistent
Amenities
Mixed
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It's generally as expected for the price. I've given it two stars but have stayed here more than once.
The hotel itself was presumably once quite grand. Some elements remain, like the large staircase and chandeliers, but on the whole it's not looked after in a way which matches the grandeur of the building and is now tired.
The rooms are ok, it's a bed for the night, but nothing more and the more discerning traveller may not feel they are up to standard. I didn't have any issues with cleanliness - the bed, bathroom, shower and towels etc were clean - but the room and bathroom was tired. There were also no plugs next to the bed.
I booked a room with no windows. It's cheaper and I knew what I was booking but it's not for everyone. I wasn't bothered about not being able to see outside, if anything it made for a good night's sleep as it was very dark with the lights out and no street noise etc, but I did find it quite stuffy which I expect is related to the lack of window.
There was some noise during the night. People getting back to rooms in the middle of the night, talking loudly and slamming doors etc. Again, not ideal but somewhat to be expected. I woke from the noise but I was able to go back to sleep, others may not have been able to go back to sleep so easily.
The information book states that they don't provide any room servicing during stays - I understood that to mean that if I was staying for 3 nights, they wouldn't clean the room, change the bedding or change towels during that time. I think they do say you can request a change of towels though.
Some policies seem to be influenced by the type of customer who may be attracted to stay at one of the cheapest hotels in the city centre. You are asked for photo ID for all guests on arrival. You have to pay by chip and pin even if below the contactless limit, and they do not accept cash. There are door staff on at night who will check your name and room number and confirm your not bringing any additional visitors into the hotel with you. None of this bothered me too much as I suppose it does avoid issues but it's not particularly welcoming either. The reception staff for me were a little blunt. The door staff were fairly polite.
The hotel does state that it is non-smoking, but during my stay there was a strong smell which suggests some residents were smoking something.
There is no parking for the hotel itself. I parked at the NCP around the corner which is quite expensive at £23 a night, although if you arrive after 5pm and leave the car park before 6am, it is only £10. I'm sure there are other car parks and on street parking if you look hard enough or arrive at a quiet time.
Personally, if I can find a premier inn for slightly more cost, I would stay there but, personally I have stayed here before and will stay again. For one night only, when I'm just wanting a bed for the night.
If you have read this review and are OK tolerating the shortcomings then it's a fair price and an excellent location. Alternatively, if any of this makes you think you wouldn't like to stay here then I wouldn't recommend it as you will be disappointed.
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Date of stay: October 2024Trip type: Travelled solo
Room Tip:Read the reviews before booking. Don't expect too much.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stayed here for 2 nights (just home now) Although we arrived early and didn’t expect the room so early (we wanted to drop the luggage) We were blatantly told check in was at 3pm. Didn’t even look to see if a room was available already as most Hotels do. When we did manage to check in (close to 3pm) the room was large but it was very dated. For a room that size, I would expect at least a superking bed rather than a standard double which looks lost in the room also just the one pillow with no extras.
In 2024 I would consider it standard to have access to log into Netflix. Also not to have to pay for WiFi in the hotel.
The towels were very small and there was a rubber bath mat for the bathroom floor instead of a small towel. It meant the floor was wetter than it would be with a towel (there is also one for the actual bath)
I had to visit reception twice to reactivate the key fob as it stopped working. It Was nowhere near my phone so that wasn’t the cause and the first time happened after 5 mins of arriving.
The outdoor bins outside the lift are very unattractive (these bins are all over Ireland outside on the street)
I gave 3 out of 5 mainly for the location, it’s very central and close to everything I needed. It really needs a revamp and some rethinking.
Would I stay here again? If I couldn’t find anywhere else maybe.
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Date of stay: October 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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The email I received after booking said check in from 3pm until anytime. I checked in at 11:40pm only to be told that I should have been there at 3pm and at sometime between 3 and 11, they had re-sold my room. They found me a smaller room than the one I had booked and offered late check-out (12pm instead of 11am) and complementary breakfast but no partial refund for the room downgrade. Alternatively I could ask for a full refund and find somewhere else to stay. At 11:40 and on my own, obviously I had to take the alternative room offered.
The room was ok for one night. It was clean enough but very worn and it looked like at some point there had been a chain on the door which was no longer there. I was just grateful I had a room at that point and that I had running water and power since there were people at reception complaining they didn’t have these things!
I took them up on their offer of late checkout but was disturbed three times between 11 and 11:30 by housekeeping who wanted me to leave.
The complementary breakfast was edible but I would definitely not have wanted to pay for it.
The hotel does not feel welcoming at all. There are bright yellow signs all over the place telling you what you can and can’t do. The reception staff were not unfriendly as such but it did feel as though the hotel is “out to get you” in some way rather than being helpful and welcoming. I spoke very politely with them on the evening at check in and again in the morning about the room booking and check in times and they didn’t ever apologise, just kept repeating that it was the hotel policy to re-sell rooms at any point they choose after 3pm.
I would definitely not go back but I’m not scarred for life or anything. If this is the only place you can afford to stay I’m sure you’ll be fine as long as you check in at 3! A very bizarre experience.
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Date of stay: January 2025
Value
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Location
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Service
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Trip type: Travelled solo
Room Tip:Make sure to check in early. Don’t expect a warm welcome. Don’t pay for the breakfast.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
After reading previous reviews, this very quick stop over before heading to Manchester Airport was one filled with nerves - however, overall - nothing to complain about!
Yes the security guard upon entry is slightly intimidating, but it's nice to see someone actually checking who is staying in the hotel.
The check-in was quick and courteous - and despite booking a double without windows, I was upgraded to an executive double room - which I must say, was very well worth the £40 spent on the original booking and levels above a Travelodge.
The room had clearly been refitted recently, and apart from the bathroom which didn't really need renovating - was very modern including USB plugs, a brand new desk/chair and a very comfy new bed - with one of the better night's sleeps I've had in a hotel for a long while.
I would book again - but only for a room of this quality, which means paying a little more. The location is literally 5 mins away from Piccadilly Station so perfect for those needing to get to Manchester Airport.
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Date of stay: October 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled solo
Room Tip:Book upwards - don't hope for an upgrade, make sure you book an executive double or higher.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This hotel could be so amazing as it is a historically beautiful building. However it's obvious that the management won't spend a penny on it and it reflects in the service.
There is no free WIFI in the rooms but the rooms do not have signal to use your own data. I complained at reception about this where they said I could pay £7.50 to get WIFI. This is 2024, it's hard to even find a hotel without free WIFI let alone a massive central hotel in Manchester. very disappointing.
I was then told another room may have better signal for my phone. I was left waiting for 15 minutes for a man to take me up and show me another room. He proceeded to knock on a wrong door and disturb the guest there. We then went into the new room which seem to have very slightly better signal (I found out later that this was not the case). In changing rooms I actually managed to downgrade myself as it was a much smaller room at a round 50%.
Both rooms I was in would had no lights in the ceiling you believe. The only lights in the room were bedside lamps. It was crazy and as a consequence very dark in most areas of the room. I asked at reception if this was normal and I was told yes. Most rooms don't have lights in the ceiling. Despite having a switch on the wall for them and obvious signs they that lights had been there originally. I was told it is because it is a "budget" hotel. What nonsense. The receptionist told me that they had spent the money on carpets???? I've attached pictures so I'll let you decide.
The wallpaper was hanging off the walls and mould was behind it.
The downstairs main toilets were locked so you had to get a 4digit code to use them.
Tehe doormen/security were also not very friendly
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Date of stay: June 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I’ve stayed at this hotel on several work trips now, and it’s honestly not as bad as people make out!
I remember the first time I stayed, I heard a customer speaking so awfully to one of the staff, saying things like, “this is place is a joke” “should be closed” and she handled it so well. I felt sorry for her!
The only bad points I’d say are that the only plug sockets are far away from your bed. They're under the tv which means if you want to charge your phone and lay in bed you can’t really. I easily got by this by packing an extension lead in my suitcase. Problem solved.
The Wi-Fi issue is also easily worked around because you can hotspot your phone and get internet through that.
Overall the staff are friendly. I’ve been to several events and clocked out early but then gone back to the hotel later in the day after my work event to wait for my train. Security have happily let me leave my suitcase there or even leave my suitcase there all day if I didn’t want to carry some of my belongings to my work event.
I’ve never had food there so can’t comment on that but drinks are great and bar staff friendly. Wall does shake when doors are slammed but aside from literally knocking down the walls and re building them, what can they do?
If you pay for a cheap and cheerful hotel, you can’t expect the ritz. I’d say it’s pretty reasonable value for money as these days £40 a night doesn’t really even get you a cardboard box! Like I say, I regularly use the hotel for work and have never seen any dust or had any reports of bad smells or problems with staff, stains on carpets etc like any of these pictures have stated.
Rooms are a decent size, beds are comfortable, there’s tea, coffee, lots of towels, you can also request a hairdryer for the room too.
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Date of stay: August 2024Trip type: Travelled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This hotel is worth going to just for the building - which is immense. It originally housed a wholesale business, back in Victorian times when they put a bit of effort even into utility buildings. Its a full five stories, and you can look down from the fifth floor through all the levels which are supported by graceful cast iron pillars. The huge chandeliers which light the reception area are hanging from the fifth floor ceiling, their chains going down five whole floors. Enough about the architecture. This is a budget hotel, so manage your expectations. My room was on the sixth floor, that is a few steps up from the fifth floor - basically in the attics. That's OK - because it was really quiet and on the Saturday night I was there, the hotel felt like it was a bit of party venue. I was a woman on my own, so wanted to eat in the hotel. The only option was a pizza, delivered - in its box, to the bar. No cutlery, but there was a glass of free wine! The bar is really a sports bar with multiple screens showing boxing from Madison Square Gardens! Very loud! The pizza was not available on the Sunday night - the second night of my stay. I understand why full meal catering is not financially feasible. There is a heavy and visible security presence. Is that a good thing or a bad thing? Not sure. Contrary to what other reviews say I found the staff delightfully polite. The staff manning the buffet breakfast are formally dressed with proper long aprons. The breakfast is OK.
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Date of stay: October 2024
Value
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Location
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Trip type: Travelled solo
Room Tip:The attic rooms (6th floor) have skylights. If it's raining - it's quite noisy.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Absolutely atrocious. We were woken up at 08:30am by incredibly loud banging as they fit new carpet directly outside our room. We complained and were told "there's not much we can do about it." Paid for a 12pm check out and a cleaner walked into our room without knocking at 10:15am! The breakfast was disgusting, it genuinely came straight back up ten minutes after eating.
Spend the extra £20 and go to a premier inn if you need a cheap night.
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Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Swerve the place at all costs
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
On check-in, the receptionist said they had not received any notification and we were allocated a room on the 3rd floor. On entry, it was obvious standards had dropped. Unlike your website, we would have to pay for Wi-Fi, there was no iron in the rooms and we were told that we had to go to the luggage room to iron any clothes. When we did this, there was no facility to hang ironed clothes whilst you continued, so we had to drape them over a counter top.
There was only one bath towel in the room, and when we requested another one reception said they will bring it up to us. It is now 06:41 in the morning and we have still not received the towel.
At 05:45 the fire alarm sounded. Whilst we are grateful that the fire alarm system works and we can hear it, It continued to sound on and off for 35 minutes. At this point, we realised that there was a problem and that reception was trying to sort the issue out.
It was only when we heard sirens and watched the fire engines turn up that we decided to get ready and leave the room.
There were many people waiting around and wondering what to do so we continue down to reception. When we got to reception there were quite a few heated discussions with the Night Porters about the disturbances and what we are now expected to do.
We approached the Night Porter and handed in our breakfast card and asked for a refund as we have decided at this point to check out. There was no point going back to our room having had our night sleep disturbed.
Night Porter explained that we could not get a refund and that we were to email customer services for an explanation and a refund.
The room was very dated and clearly gone very much down hill since our previous stays. I would not stay here again.
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Date of stay: June 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
You might be surprised at my rating but I only go off what my experience was. I have done a full video on my YouTube page Russell Dant. Reception were warm and welcoming! The hotel shocked me, its so beautiful! They had a lounge area where you can relax, this was clean and welcoming, they had a bar area even though no one was there, it was lively and welcoming! My room was clean! I was shocked after reading reviews how bad this place was but I could not understand as my experience on the day was so good.
Breakfast was very tasty! Mushrooms in water lol i loved them! Welcomed by a lady with a smile was unreal, so so nice! Breakfast was well worth £9.95! My room was only £36.00, i spoke to a worker in the lift who said the hotel is being refurbed and you could tell that as they had new carpets everywhere and my floor and room looked refurbed. Britannia are making a change for the better!
Wood i stay again? YES!
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Date of stay: June 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled solo
Room Tip:DONT FORGET YOUR ID as you maybe refused
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
As far as I’m aware, there’s only a central Britannia contact centre (phone and online) …
Phone 0333 323 1574 and ask to be put through to the Manchester Hotel
Probably best to phone as I got straight through .. I didn’t get a response on the form
I have stayed twice in this hotel in Manchester, l personly would not recommend it to a human being, its absolutely filthy. And its getting worse. Book somewhere else, please.
Bolton, United Kingdom111 contributions831 helpful votes
I’m not sure but must say the morals of what goes on then not sure it would be the best choice. Google murder at the Manchester Britannia hotel last couple of year I think
I would strongly recommend that you find a different place to stay.
Highly unlikely you will be getting either a window, any sleep or a clean place to stay at the Britannia Hotel Manchester.
I suspect the place is being used as a homeless refuge at the moment.
Please read the tripadvisor reviews.
There are more places to choose from in the Manchester area.
PRICE RANGE
AU$73 - AU$162 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
britannia hotel manchester, manchester britannia hotel
LOCATION
United KingdomEnglandGreater ManchesterManchester
NUMBER OF ROOMS
363
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