1844 was an interesting year for Manchester, one which saw the birth of the Rochdale Pioneers (Co-op) movement, and the death of chemist and physicist, and Manchester resident John Dalton. It was also the year that Mersey & Irwell Navigation Company built a new, grand warehouse on the banks of the River Irwell, next to the Salford and Manchester Junction Lock. Skip forward 174 years, and the now Grade II listed Victoria & Albert warehouses still stand proudly on the banks of Irwell, looking over two great cities, Salford and Manchester; both of which have changed immensely since the industrial revolution. The warehouses themselves have changed, too. Taken from almost near dereliction and renovated into a grand hotel in Manchester City Centre by Granada Plc. Over the years the hotel has changed ownership, and is now part of Marriott International. And changes are still being made.
Manchester Marriott Victoria & Albert Hotel are injecting new life into the property’s welcome experience. Renovating, and refurbishing the hotel’s lobby, reception, and lounge areas to greet guests with a touch of modern class, whilst complementing and retaining original features.
The work, which is expected to last 13 weeks, will see the hotel’s fixed reception desk replaced with ultramodern reception podiums where guests can check-in with the friendly reception team, or even use the Marriott Check-in App before they arrive.
Greeted by exposed, original brickwork, cast iron columns, and vintage wooden beams, guests can easily navigate their way from the main entrance to the newly installed “Power-Up Pod”, home to 12 laptop or phone charging points, with complimentary WiFi. Ideal for business guests who need to catch up on work whilst waiting for a coffee, or for leisure guests who need to check updates on their flights home.
Our guests will be delighted by the striking new features, and complimentary mix of old-and-new the renovation will bring to this classic hotel, and they are looking forward to welcoming regular guests, as well as some new faces, through the doors when the work is complete in Spring 2018.
General Manager, Peter Hill, said of the renovation:
“The V&A Hotel has been a great hotel since it was opened by Granada in 1989, and we’ve seen plenty of guests come through the doors over the years. We’re really excited to be having this investment, and I’ve worked closely with the design team, ensuring we keep the character of the hotel that people know and love, whilst also moving with the times, and attracting new guests, who I know will immediately love what we have to offer. There’s not many hotels in Manchester City Centre with a history like ours, and we’re looking forward to writing the next chapter”.
With 148 bedrooms and a Victorian-inspired Gin Bar, Manchester Marriott Victoria & Albert Hotel is located in Spinningfields, near Granada Studios.
