The Alan Manchester 18 Princess Street, Manchester M1 4LG

"Style over substance. First impressions were positive - a smart and inviting lobby, bar and restaurant area. However, this is where the industrial chic aesthetic and positive experience ended. The room wasn’t as advertised. Although only staying in a ‘standard room’, The Alan’s website suggested the room was a modern, high-spec oasis. However, instead of an industrial chic paradise with an emperor-sized bed, a 50” smart TV and a rainfall shower; I found a tired hotel room with a small, dated TV and a temperamental over-the-bath shower. But most frustrating was the old rattling air con unit that, instead of cooling the room, kept me awake most of the night. The disappointment didn’t stop there. After a poor night’s sleep I was looking forward to a decent breakfast. However, on arrival at the restaurant, I was told I’d have to wait 20 minutes for a table - something I’ve never experienced at a hotel breakfast. Given I was staying for a business trip and on a tight schedule, I wasn’t able to wait that long. Despite a number of vacant tables, I faced a range of excuses, was told that the restaurant couldn’t accommodate me sooner and was offered a take-out coffee and pastry instead. I left hungry and had to find breakfast elsewhere; hugely disappointing given I’d already paid for breakfast in my room rate. So, in summary, a basic hotel that oversells its aesthetic and under-delivers on the fundamentals of good hospitality."

"The Alan was clean, courteous, and centrally located. I appreciated the work they put into the look and feel of the space. I did not expect to see a coworking conference room right across from my room, and the main entrance stairs were difficult to get up with luggage. However, the housekeeping was very good and the food on the ground floor was also very good. Thank you for offering a gluten free option for our party."

"Thought the Alan a modern hotel with the rooms sporting a contemporary pink finish plastered wall (unpainted) and the services not hidden by a suspended ceiling. Room and bathroom was satisfyingly large and the bed comfortable. The TV allowed you to pair a device so you can watch your subscription channels on the large screen. WiFi was free and open so no messing about with passwords but I can't speak about the data rates as I didn't really test it. Service and staff were helpful but the open reception that had the dual function of dealing with the restaurant was different. Centrally located so it's a short walk to anywhere you need to get to."

"As soon as you enter the venue you are welcomed by a lovely relaxing smell which is throughout the building to the rooms. The staff greeted us and let us store our luggage until check in time. We came back after getting lunch at a spot around the corner, early check in was not available. The room was really big - we booked the standard room - and decor was 10/10. Really chic and industrial. Love that you have a fridge in your room and given nice water and coffee/tea selections. We did not dine in the restaurant unfortunately, however it looked and smelled great with a really chilled atmosphere. The only thing I could suggest to enhance our stay would be if there was a 2nd mirror in the room as it was a struggle for us both to get ready together. Also, the kettle was quite an odd choice for the rest of the room being so well decorated... it was just an old black plastic one (just a small point to make but it didn't effect our stay). Will be back. The location was perfectly handy for getting around the city. Right beside China Town and the Gay Village."