Hotel Review: CitySuites Two, Manchester

If it’s good enough for Pep Guardiola, then it is indeed probably good enough.

Manchester City’s notoriously scrupulous manager is not exactly known as someone who leaves the big decisions to chance.

So when it came to one of the biggest calls of all – where to live – he no doubt applied the same logic and deliberation he does when considering how to break down an opposition defence.

But while most of the players under his control chose to live in the leafy suburbs – many in luxurious mansions in Altrincham – he has always chosen to live right in the heart of his adopted city.

And currently, that means an apartment within the CitySuites aparthotel, located a stone’s throw from Manchester Cathedral in the newly developed Embankment West neighbourhood.

I know this mainly because he walked past our table just as I was tucking into a nothing-short-of sensational fish and chips at the CitySuites’ in-house restaurant, Embankment Kitchen.

Oozing the Catalan cool that, as a Manchester United fan, is extremely difficult to type, Guardiola gave the reception staff a knowing smile and disappeared in the lift to his no-doubt expansive apartment.

Although the restaurant is located in CitySuites, its use is shared by its neighbouring sequel, the October 2021-opened CitySuites Two, and this is where our seventh-floor apartment was located.

As previously stated in these pages, I love an aparthotel. To me, it’s like a hotel room but with all the things you usually miss when you stay in an actual hotel room.

The 142 apartments at CitySuites Two range from studio size (33.5 sq m) to three-bedroom (105.8 sq m) and there is almost everything you could want for an overnight stay: oven and fridge freezer, dishwasher, washing machine, Sky Premium package, ultrafast broadband and the obligatory Nespresso coffee maker.

Or if you’re in for the long haul – Guardiola-style – then you can look forward to professional housekeeping, 24-hour concierge, laundry and dry-cleaning services, and residents-only coworking spaces.

Those of a more active mindset can enjoy the 18-metre pool, spa pool and steam room, and there’s also a 24-hour gym.

To my mind, the real appeal of both City Suites towers is the location. You’re a short stroll from Harvey Nichols, Selfridges and Exchange Square, but far enough away from the hustle and bustle to feel on the periphery. You feel well-placed to kick back and admire our great city, rather than get too caught up in it.

Should anyone ask for recommendations about places to stay in Manchester city centre, I just give them the Pep talk: head to City Suites.

City Suites Two, 1 New Kings Head Yard, Manchester, M3 7GF. More info: citysuites.com