AC Hotel by Marriott Manchester Salford Quays

The AC Hotel chain is a more modern alternative to a conventional hotel and it is aimed at younger business travellers, particularly those involved in creative industries. It seems to be going after the same market as the INNSIDE hotel near Deansgate; and like INNSIDE, AC Hotels is a Spanish chain (although it is now part of the US-based Marriott group) with a strong focus on a sleek minimalist design.

The hotel’s sleek design extends across the hotel including the reception area, the bar and restaurant and into the rooms.

The 142 guest bedrooms all feature comfortable beds, a 42-inch flat-screen television with Netflix, a work desk, ironing facilities, mini-fridge, tea and coffee making facilities and en-suite bathrooms. Superior rooms cost a little more and have better views, a free minibar, Sky television channels and a bathrobe. Rooms are 23m² (248 sq ft).

Eight of the rooms are wheelchair-accessible.

The AC Lounge near the reception area is a co-working space by day, bar by night. It is a reasonably-priced place to eat with small tapas plates, pizza and more substantial meals. The bar has both local and Spanish beer.

The hotel also features the AC Library (with a bar) on the first floor plus a fitness centre.

There is free Wi-Fi wireless internet access throughout the hotel.

The hotel has a suburban location on busy Trafford Road in the Salford Quays. Despite it being located among a cluster of other hotels, there really isn’t much within the immediate vicinity, although there are some pleasant spots around a five-minute walk from the hotel. It is a 15-minute walk to IWM North, The Lowry, The Lowry Outlet Centre and the Old Trafford football stadium and MediaCityUK is a 20-minute walk from the hotel. It is only a three-minute walk to Salford Quays Metrolink tram stop, which has frequent trams into central Manchester including direct tram services to Manchester Piccadilly railway station.