ibis Manchester Centre (Portland Street)

This hotel has an interesting check-in process. Rather than a proper reception desk, the staff sit around the lounge area wearing t-shirts and check you in in a rather informal manner. That isn’t an issue for most people, but some guests used to more high-end hotels may find it a little off-putting.

The hotel has 127 rooms, each with comfortable beds, a television, a work desk, tea and coffee making facilities and an en suite bathroom. All guests have free Wi-Fi wireless internet access.

There are no ironing facilities in the rooms, although there is an ironing room that all guests can use.

The hotel has seven wheelchair-accessible rooms.

Chill #97 is the hotel’s bar, which has an industrial decor and serves wine and cocktails. However, you’re right in the heart of the city so go out and explore the city as there are plenty of other places nearby to eat and drink.

Like other ibis hotels, there is a certain cookie-cutter approach with identical rooms within the hotel and from one hotel to another. They do a great job at providing a clean and well-maintained room, although it lacks the charm and the extra amenities that you find in some other hotels. Although the rooms may lack character, the common areas have much more atmosphere than most other hotels of the same standard.

Most points of interest in the city centre are within a 10-minute walk including the Arndale Centre, the Central Retail District, the Northern Quarter and Manchester Piccadilly railway station.