Where to start.... I think the summary is that it's a Premier Inn standard, but nicely decorated rooms? - spacious rooms, tastefully decorated, nice armchair. Egg shaed full size bathtub. - breakfast: pastries are industrial, from a factory individually packed in plastic. Long expiry date. Urgh. Juice is cheap. Cereal is cheap. Yoghurt is cheap. Premier Inn standard, definitely. Disposal cutlery instead of real. - toiletries are good quality, L'occitane. But why no conditioner in the shower? - soundproofing is terrible. Could hear the music from the multiple bars next door. Will be worse on summer weekends, where crowds will be spilling on the road in front, all drunk and shouting. You won't get a good night's sleep here unless you sleep really late. - illy pod coffee machine... Great.... But no milk! Not even the powder stuff. They do have a full minibar of stuff that you can buy though.... - this is part of the WorldHotel loyalty programme. I'm a WorldHotel member. Top tier status. Booked on the WorldHotel site. Zero benefits. So there you have it. If you're a party animal and want to go to the numerous bars on that street, and this room is at a Premier Inn pricing (it won't be) then this is for you! If you're looking for a boutique quality hotel for work/leisure in Manchester, and a good night sleep, quality brekkie... Probably not. Many other better options nearby - I know as I do 40+ nights in Manchester a year and have tried many. read more

I have a secret* to share with my dear, beloved readership. There aren't many people in the world that know this, and it's not something that I disclose without a sense of gravity. Please consider this information quite privileged... I like boys. Ohmigod! Shocker! I totally know, right? Anyway. Velvet Hotel is located in the heart (well, more like the right ventricle) of Manchester's Gay Village. And let me tell you... if you get an upgrade to a street-facing balcony room... you are in for a treat. And by 'treat' I mean 'view of as much luscious man-candy as you could want for.' Reasonable prices, many of which include the cost of breakfast at the Velvet Restaurant downstairs, free and reliable wi-fi throughout the property, and sumptuous, generous quarters all round out to a fabulous** experience. Be forewarned, the front doors lock after a certain time each night. I assume this is to keep drunken riff-raff out. You'll have to use the bell if you're returning from a night of carousing (which, if you love to hang with the menz, happens to be in stumbling distance... literally) or checking in after quasi-curfew. Minor quibble aside, you'll be hard-pressed to find a more convenient, quality temporary abode than the Velvet. ---- * It's 110% true that most of the world isn't aware of this tidbit. There are plenty of people east of the European border that have absolutely no clue. ** Don't think I didn't ponder my word choice here. read more

Velvet Hotel - Possessed nun room - Hotels Near Me - Manchester, XGM

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We booked on a Tuesday, got a free upgrade to the executive suite. Honestly the best room I've ever stayed in. 2 floors, mini bar with prices relative to most bars, huge sofa, comfortable bed. Amazing staff, beautiful interior and obviously very convenient access to canal Street with front and back entrance. Can't complain about anything at all. Wish we could have spent more time in the room it was that nice!! read more

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With glowing reviews for the downstairs bar and restaurant, I hesitantly booked one night in Velvet's bespoke 19 bedroom hotel. It's one thing for a bar/restaurant in Manchester's vibrant gay district to be amazing, but after a great night out, would I really want to wake up there? Answer: Hell Yes. Sultry and luxurious, my experience at Velvet Hotel was absolutely stunning from start to finish. It wasn't just the amenities that made this a 5-star experience (although I'm never one to scoff at friendly staff, plush towels, flat screen TVs, waterfall showers, iPod docks, robes, slippers and über comfy beds), but it was the thoughtful touches that really pushed me over the top. Here are just a few for your consideration (read: jealously). -Free, password-less wifi. That means that as soon as I stepped into the hotel I was connected. No fuss, just fast internet. Thank you! -Five minutes after checking in, I was brought a "welcome tray" with hot tea, freshly sliced lemons and limes, a bucket of ice and a full barrel of biscuits.. -Bio-active Ren toiletries including separate shampoo, vitamin conditioner, nerou body cream and body wash. Plus, a little pot with facial pads and q-tips. Yes. -Not just tea, but hot chocolate, ground coffee and a cafetiere in my room -I wasn't in for my turn-down service, but upon returning to my room, I found two dark chocolates with a note that read: "While you were out, we have turned down your room. Your ice has been replenished, as well as your fruit and milk - which are in your fridge". Are you serious? Can I move in? In fairness, I was not staying over the weekend when I assume the noise on Canal Street might pose an annoyance, but their double pained windows would probably do the trick. And if you're one of those late night revelers along Canal street, consider making your commute home just a set of stairs away! read more

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I can't really add anything to Laura's glowing review of Velvet, other than the fact that I was lucky enough to bear witness to the sheer wonderment of her room when I called for her during her trip to Manchester. What can I say? I want that bed. It was one of those leather behemoths that screams luxury and comfort in the most appealing manner possible. It's the centrepiece of the room, but the little work desk and the armchair in the corner are equally welcome furniture. With plenty of wardrobe space, a superbly shiny and new bathroom suite and beautiful finishes to everything (including heart-achingly stylish decor) as well as bare brick walls, I'd happily spend a weekend here despite living a only brisk walk away. The flat screen TV is wall-mounted and there's a DVD player too. I took advantage of the free, instant wifi when we returned with our bubble tea for our conference calls, and the moody colours are very relaxing. I'd seriously recommend this place to any friend looking to stay somewhere unique in Manchester - even the price was reasonable during the week. Now, I wonder if I could get away with checking myself into one of those chambers to use as my personal office and bedroom while I'm in the process of moving house... thankless, stressful tasks like organising drawers and labelling boxes would be far less irritating if I had one of those massive leather beds and all those lovely perks to return to at the end of the day! read more

What a great hotel! Not only is it beautiful, clean and in the middle or amazing nightlife but the staff is as friendly as it can be. Keith and Louise were the main staff we dealt with and both were extremely nice. With great sightseeing and food recommendations, they were so pleasant to see everyday. The rooms are awesome - we requested a switch after two days just so we could see a different room. We stayed in room 12 which is huge, with an amazingly comfortable bed and has some great decor. Then moved to room 24 which has the biggest bath tub I've ever seen. Their rooms are clean and the toiletries are luxurious. They do a welcome tray and have a turndown service which is just first class. Highly recommend a visit to Manchester and a stay in the Velvet. read more

We came across the Velvet Hotel on Trip Advisor and decided to stay there whilst visiting my stepson, who attends the University of Manchester. We were highly impressed. Upon arriving at the hotel, the staff greeted us warmly, and gave us a complimentary upgrade for booking the reservation directly with the hotel. We immediately ordered a pot of tea, and it arrived within minutes, along with a pint of milk and some shortbread cookies, which were very much appreciated! The upgraded room was a two-story loft-style room, and I must say, we found it very comfortable and well-appointed! The first level included a full bathroom, kitchenette, and seating area, while the second level included a bedroom, open to the first level, and half-bath. The furniture was all very modern. I was quite surprised by some of the small details around the room. For instance, the walls, which were covered in velour wallpaper, featured photographs of Mancunians and iPod docking stations were available on both levels. My favorite touch, however, was the rubber ducky in the bathroom! We really enjoyed our stay at the Velvet Hotel, and will likely stay there again when we return to Manchester next year. read more

Elegant, opulent and wonderfully atmospheric, Velvet has been a mainstay of the Gay Village since the early 1990s, and a wonderful place to lounge around in sipping cocktails and giggling with a bunch of friends. With a stylish (almost kitsch) decor, a fine range of booze and toilets which show QVC in each cubicle, it has long been one of my favourite places to spend a leisurely Friday evening. For me, the stand out thing about Velvet is their food. Their range is simple, yet eclectic - I particularly like their excellent range of steaks - and I can definitely recommend their puddings which are so sumptuous, you'll practically be licking the bowl clean. Best of all, they do some excellent lunch and Happy Hour deals, where you can two courses for a set price, and half price cocktails, buckets of beer and bottles of house wine, making the perfect place for a post-work night out. And if that wasn't enough to wet your appetite, the staircase leading to their restaurant contains a fishtank - something which definitely has to be seen to be believed! All in all, Velvet's is a lovely little bar-cum-restaurant, and is, without a shadow of a doubt, the jewel in Canal Street's crown. read more

This is a fantastic bar on Canal Street in Manchester that's quirky, fun, modern and flirts with your sense of humour. In warmer evenings you can sit outside by the canal and absorb the vibrant buzz of the area as they have seating outside (also more ideal if you're a smoker too) When you venture in the stairs are transparent and have goldfish in them, yes real ones! The bar is eccentrically designed regarding it's interior and the toilets have leopard print furry seats near the sinks and tv's in the cubicles! The staff are absolutely charming and the prices are what you'd expect in Manchester City Centre. I'd highly recommend this bar be it for a few drinks or even some food too. read more

I love Velvet. Wonderful in the summer, where you can sit outside by the canal for food and drink; warm and cosy in the winter for intimate meals in the downstairs restaurant. Velvet always used to be a favourite of mine for dinner, and since they expanded upstairs (a couple of years ago) to create a bar, it is now one of my favourite places for an after-work drink or as a precursor to a night out. The decoration is somewhat eclectic: the restaurant downstairs normally has art for sale on the walls by a local artist or two, and does indeed have a fish tank in the stairs and tellies in the loo! The restaurant serves modern dishes served promptly by friendly staff. Pizzas and sandwiches also feature on the daytime and early evening menu. Upstairs in the bar, the décor is more on the decadent side. Flock wallpaper, a chaise longue or two, comfortable armchairs and a chandalier in the disabled loo all make for a warm, although sometimes a little dark, atmosphere. I have always found the bar staff friendly and attentive, and the door staff are some of the friendliest in the Village. Thankfully this end of Canal Street doesn't seem to feature the binge-drinking teenagers that the other end of the street seems to attract. In all, Velvet provides a very comfortable and grown-up night out. Brilliant by day, fantastic by night. read more

Velvet is gorgeous. The furnishings and decor are opulent and relaxing and it's very easy to spend far longer there than you ever intended to. The fish tank built into the stairs is also pretty special. The food is utterly lovely and they have some incredible offers on most of the time (currently Mon-Sat 4pm-7pm Sun 8pm-10pm, two courses for £12.95). The menu is extensive and includes pizzas, steaks, small plates and hot sandwiches, amongst numerous others. I can highly recommend the sirloin steak (and they happily brought me extra chips in place of the mushrooms and tomatoes. Yes, I'm a fussy eater) and the hot fudge spring rolls for dessert are TO DIE FOR. I could happily spend many an hour sunk into the booth by the bar, glass of wine in hand. read more

Located in the heart of the gay village, Velvet is very very camp but as a straight male I found it added to the fun of the place. The staff were very friendly and what can you say about the food? We had a two for one offer which we had seen online and it was delicious, we had two courses each and drinks and the bill was less than £35. Really good night out, makes a change to go down to that end of town, the staff are very friendly and I'd say Velvet comes highly recommended. read more

I love Velvet. Just make sure if you're visiting on a busy time that you book a table as whenever I go it always seems to be busy. That's because the food and the atmosphere are brilliant. You enter off Canal Street by going downstairs and the decor doesn't disappoint. It feels cosy yet contemporary. And the food matches up as well. I can't recommend a specific meal because every one I have had from there has been great. Equally suited for large parties or dinner for two velvet is an essential part of Gay Manchester - and well worth visiting if you're not gay. They also do an early bird deal where you get two course for about £12. Bargain for the quality of the food read more

I have been going to Velvet for years. I always feel welcomed there, the staff, both waiting staff and bar staff are some of the best in Manchester, along with the staff of Taurus next door. The food in Velvet is always clean, fresh, well prepared and well presented. And tasty. There is a real mixture of food on the menu and something that will suit everybody. Very reasonably priced too. As the previous reviewer David said, this end of Canal Street is a real treat to sit and enjoy on those long summer afternoons and evenings without the hassle of binge drinkers and stags and hens that seem to be attracted to the other end. read more

Velvet is in the heart of the Gay village and is a great place to eat out day or night. The food is reasonably priced and they have a great selection on the menu. The decor is very cosy but stylish and modern at the same time. It is a good place to go in the daytime for a quiet meal but gets busy at night. The music they play is mellow and the atmosphere is chilled out. This is a great place to go before hitting the brash clubs and bars of the gay village. They have great wine and a wide selection of drinks that are reasonably priced and the staff are very quick and helpful. Recommended. read more

Velvet is on canal street in the gay village in Manchester. There is a comfortable bar upstairs in a kind of baroque style with sofas and comfortable seats. The bar is well stocked with reasonable prices. In the basement there is a fabulous restaurant which is reached by a staircase and stepping on a fish tank!! The menu is modern in taste with something for most people at a good price for the quality. The only gripe that I had was some of the portion sizes are small while others are big. The staff are pleasant and it has a cosy comfortable feel in which to eat. Well worth a visit. read more

Dark lush and opulentv atmospheric. Lovely welcome, fitted us in despite no booking. Friendly servicesuper food, can recommend the belly pork! Had two course menu for £12.95.fantastic valuewill be returning. read more

Loved this hotel!!!! Stayed for two nights during a trip to the Manchester International Festival and can't sing it's praises more. The decor was amazing and there were so many small touches that really tickled me - the rubber duck in the bathroom, the ceramic milk carton in the fridge and especially the monkey-shaped lamp!!! But enough about the novelties - the room was big and the bathroom (with it's double sinks and shower area) was too. The skylight windows stopped the room seeming dark despite the rather opulent decor and the bed was REALLY comfy. Real coffee & cafetiere in the room was another bonus. At breakfast I had eggs benedict on one day and then the full breakfast on the next and both were great (and I'm fussy about my poached eggs) I loved the vibrant atmosphere in the bar and outside area (however - if that's not your thing and you're a light sleeper, I would recommend earplugs on Saturday night) The staff were all very friendly and professional. Will definitely be back!!!!!!!!!! read more

I'm still yet to dine at Velvet, so my opinion is presently limited to the bar area. Even so, I'm short of superlatives to describe it. It is opulent, majestic, luxurious, and incredibly cool. The first time I visited the place, there was an Ottoman by the window, which was very exciting. Since then, the Ottoman has been moved somewhere, but the window seat is still my favourite. I like their cocktails and gin&tonic. read more

set on canal street this lovely restaurant boasts a great menu full of variety. The food is lush. drinks are average city centre price. Staff are a bit stuck up but nothing to off putting. read more

Dark, lush decor and a good mix of customers makes this a good choice for meeting up with friends. One negative is that the ladies toilets are not clearly marked and you can end up wandering into the gents, like I did. When I was visiting the mix was about 80% men 20% women read more

A cosy little place on Canal Street, Velvet is lovely for an intimate meal. Its quirky with TVs in the toilets and live fish in the stairs, and the food is always up to scratch. Upstairs is a pub I think - I watched England get kicked out of the World Cup in the bar area and it all became a little vague...... (ps its not really a football watching bar, think this was a one-off!) read more

Velvet is my fave bar in Canal Street. The atmosphere and fabulous clientele always make for a good night. I'm straight and we sometimes have problems getting into the bars on canal Street but I've never enountered a problem here. I seriously want the interior designer who did this place to come and give my house a makeover. The fish in the stairs is just the tip of the iceburg! It looks amazing. Velvet is a bar so let me get back to the important thing, the drinks. It has a fab selection of drinks and the bar staff will mix you up some interesting concotions if you let them. I've never eaten in here but I've never heard anything bad about the food here. read more

Unfriendly front desk staff refused to let me checkin to my already paid for room at the hotel without the 50 pound security deposit. After explaining I had no other place to go, it was late at night, and my bank card was blocked, the staff seemed not to care and asked me to leave the hotel. Spent the night sleeping on the street. Worst travel experience ever. Look elsewhere for a boutique hotel with good service. read more

Velvet is a well knows little night stop right into eh centre of the Manchester village along Canal street. If you have ever been here before you will know that there are tones of different bars, I have friend that work here so I go quite often on a Friday or Saturday night. The bar is full of red velvet so this is where it gets its name from. It is a very intimate bad, probably one of the smallest in the area but they lay great dance music with a live DJ so it always popular. Under the bar (underground) they have a restaurant that you can eat at during the day/early evening. This place does great food and I know lots of people that go there every week. The selling point for me is the fish under the stairs, you always find yourself creeping across the step so it wont break loll. Nice novelty read more

Delicious food and plenty of choice to suit everyone, (not sure about vegans, but defo for veggies). I recommend the Sunday lunch but I'd book or go early as it is very popular! read more

Located on canal street, velvet has something different to offer from the other neighbouring bars on the street. Although not that big inside the decor makes it up for it, dark purples and deep rich colours, comfy seating makes it a joy to drink in. The crowd is usually the proffessional crowd, can seem a bit stuffy at times but mostly has a great atmosphere. Downstairs is the restaurant which is very nice, the staircase has fish inside which is quite quirky. The food is good although some of it is a bit overpriced for what it actually is read more

My wife and I stopped for one night.It was Fantastic!!,very friendly staff,food superb,Room amaizing!!!.We are going back next year!!

a great bar! love the food , so tasty, and beer isnt oo expensive either

i ate here in May/June 2011 with my Aunty, the service was good but not as quick as id of liked it to be but that was probably because it was summer & everyone was eating/drinking outside in the lovely weather, the gay waiter was charming, food quite pricey but get a good quantity! read more

Food below average, over priced and it was damp and cold when I went there for a meal.

Genuinely good food, nice atmosphere and reasonable prices BUT, and this is a big one, there have been two occasions where I've waited over 45 minutes to get my food. One of these times, I was in a large group of 12; however, the other time there were just two of us. No apologies either time nor even an acknowledgement of the long time spent waiting. If they sorted this out, they'd certainly have more of my business. read more