Hotel Brooklyn opened in the centre of Manchester just three short weeks ago. I went along unsure of what to expect. More to the point I wanted to view the meeting facilities - and to see if the tag ‘Manc-hattan’ to describe its New York/Manhattan theming was justified.
The guest is greeted in the lobby by a huge cinema screen in place for the hotel’s movie nights. There are touches of New York throughout the hotel with comic books in the toilets and a selection of American novels in the bedrooms.
However, it is from the meeting rooms that you get a real sense of New York. Brooklyn Heights, the main events and banqueting space, is located on the ninth floor with terrific views across the Manchester skyline – OK so it is not New York but from this height you do get an excellent impression of the modern, vibrant city that is modern day Manchester.
Brooklyn Heights is a versatile space which will accommodate up to 220 guests in total. The events space can be subdivided into three separate rooms with flexible room dividers and all with natural daylight: The Montague Suite is the largest seating 60 delegates theatre style with the Grace & Hicks Suites each seating up to 18 delegates boardroom style. Each room is equipped with the latest technology.
Hotel Brooklyn has 189 bedrooms in all shapes and sizes. All are air-conditioned with a flat screen television, tea and coffee making facilities, free wi-fi , USB charge-points and a DAB radio - plus the American novels.
Executive Rooms have floor to ceiling windows. The showcase Governor Room features a king-sized bed and a slipper bath inside the room so the guest can soak and watch television at the same time. The Terrace Suite comes with its own outdoor terrace area.
Runyon’s Bar & Restaurant serves an authentic Brooklyn menu – so I am told.
I didn’t know what to expect from Hotel Brooklyn. I have viewed ‘themed’ hotels in the past and usually been disappointed. But, I must confess I loved Hotel Brooklyn as much for its excellent facilities as for its delicate ‘New York' touches which are in evidence throughout the hotel.
Hotel Brooklyn is located in Portland Street in the centre of Manchester. If you are travelling by train it is a maximum ten-minute walk from Manchester Piccadilly station.