Built just off St Peter's Square and with views of some of Manchester's most historic buildings as well as Big Santa in the run up to Christmas, this new hotel block has become in high demand with tourists. Motel One is based in the first eight floors of the new hotel building, while floors 9 to 20 are taken by the Wilde aparthotel above it.
And both hotels have been given high praise by visitors on Tripadvisor who rave about the "amazing" central location and stylish, modern interiors of both new hotels. And for those with rooms on the west side of the building, there's stunning views looking out on one of Manchester's most iconic focal points.
Looking out across St Peter's Square, the view takes in the distinctive round building of the city's Central Library, as well as the rear of the Town Hall. In the background is Manchester's historic Midland Hotel, while in the foreground is the newly-installed statue honouring Suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst.
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And of course in the run up to Christmas St Peter's Square is also one of the most popular festive locations thanks to it hosting the Giant Santa who sparkles to life with thousands of lights, sitting atop a Christmas present, outside the Central Library. He is joined by a series of light sculptures here, including a towering Christmas tree, giant bumble bee, and the festive MCR sign that is popular for selfies.
Motel One is the more budget option of the two hotels here for travellers - with rooms starting from just £75 a night. At Wilde, apartments studios start from £125 and one-bed apartments from £250, although there are bigger discounts for those planning longer stays in Manchester.
The St Peter's Square Motel One is now the third for the brand in the city centre - as it also has hotels at Piccadilly and at the Royal Exchange on Cross Street.
So to see what their newest offering is like we checked in to Motel One to check it all out - walking past the iconic Emmeline Pankhurst Statue to get to the main entrance just off St Peter's Square. The entrance for the Wilde Aparthotel is on the other side of the hotel, with a lift in the lobby taking you up to their main reception which is on the eighth floor.
After a smooth check-in at Motel One we were given the rather ominous room number of 6.66 up on the sixth floor. But it turns out it's one of the best rooms you can get at the hotel - with stunning views out to St Peter's Square and the glittering lights of Big Santa.
It was also rather hypnotising watching the distinctive yellow trams sliding in and out of the St Peter's Square tram stop right outside. But despite being in one of Manchester's iconic locations, none of the hustle and bustle of the street below could be heard during my stay - thanks presumably to all the modern sound-proofing in the brand new build hotel.
I stayed in a double room, with a large bed dominating the room and large floor to ceiling windows making the most of the view. The room itself was not all that large, and the modern shower room was definitely on the bijou side of sizing.
But it was all sleek, modern and super-clean which was perfect for my one night stay in the city centre. And it was great to be so close to the tram stop, as well as just a five minute walk up to Piccadilly Gardens and the main Market Street shopping run.
Breakfast was included in my stay - you need to check when booking if it is included in your deal price - or you can also pay on the day for £10.50. It is a continental buffet style breakfast, served in the very stylish ground floor bar.
I was surprised by how quiet and calm the hotel was on my Friday night stay, again, I guess down to the sound-proofing in the new build of the hotel. The double bed was also supremely comfortable, and I had a rare eight-hour solid sleep without waking once.
Waking the next day, it was a joy to peek out of the window and see Giant Santa looking back at me. With beautiful blue skies as a backdrop, the view really was stunning with some of Manchester's most iconic buildings to look out at and really showing the city in its finest light.
You can book to stay at Motel One St Peter's Square on Booking.com, where visitor reviews have given it a "fabulous" 8.9 rating out of ten. The adjoining Wilde Aparthotels is rated "superb" on the site with 9 out of 10 and you can find it here on Booking.com
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