There are so many places in the UK I would love to visit and explore. I have to admit to only recently getting around to exploring London even more as you might have seen over on my Instagram page. One place I wanted to visit was Manchester. I had a quick visit in 2017 to the Blog On Conference with Tracey from One Frazzled Mum but I didn’t really get to see much of the city due to it being a quick overnight trip. When we were invited to stay at Staybridge Suites Manchester on Oxford Road in the heart of Manchester I was so excited to go and be able to check out the city as a family.
Staybridge Suites Manchester
The suites, located two minutes from Oxford Road are nestled in between The University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University Campuses. A place to live rather than a place to stay, Crowne Plaza and Staybridge Suites are one of the UK’s first dual-branded ‘double-decker’ hotels.
Around the hotel
With Studio and One-Bedroom suites to choose from when staying at Staybridge Suites Manchester, you can enjoy home comforts and features such as a fully equipped kitchen and a fireplace with free Wi-Fi throughout.
You can also take advantage of the following during your stay too:
EQUIPPED KITCHEN
- Stove
- Microwave Oven
- Toaster
- Refrigerator (Full)
- Icemaker In Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Pots/Pans/Serving Dishes
- Plates/Glassware
- Silverware
Kitchen
FLEXIBLE WORKSPACE
- Work Desk With Lamp
- Desk Level Electrical Outlet
- Spare Electrical Outlet at Desk
STAY CONNECTED
- Wireless Internet Available in Rooms, Suites, Business Center, Public Areas and Meeting Convention Spaces.
- Standard Wireless Internet service is free for all members
- Phone with Voicemail
Living Room
SUITE COMFORTS
- Flat Screen TV
Our Stay At Staybridge Suites Manchester
Seating Area
We travelled to Manchester by train after stopping off to visit Nick’s parents first. Sienna was very ill on the journey up and was being sick quite a lot. Luckily on the day we were getting the train, Sienna felt much better, it was like she had never been ill at all! This was such a relief as it meant she would be able to enjoy the trip with us and not worry about being ill during our visit.
When we were on the train, Bella then started having the same symptoms that Sienna had. I was so worried she would get it but there was nothing we could do. She had already got it and she ended up vomiting on the train. This was our worst nightmare. Poor Bella was feeling awful! I felt so bad for her. Luckily, the hotel isn’t far from Picadilly station so we took an Uber to make it easier and quicker for Bella.
When we arrived at Staybridge Suites Manchester, I explained the situation and they were so understanding and caring. Bella only wanted to be in the room lying down. She definitely seemed to be suffering a lot more than Sienna did bless her.
Reception on the 18th Floor
Views
The reception was located on the 18th floor and it was amazing. It was so big and the views out across Manchester were stunning. Of course, having Bella unwell, we didn’t hang around and quickly got checked into our room. We had a one bedroom suite which was 2 rooms with an adjoining door to open them up into one big suite. This is perfect for families.
Girls’ Room
Our Room
I think having a super comfortable suite at their 15th floor really helped Bella to feel comfortable. It was like being at home because the suite had a kitchen and a living area with a tv, 2 big bathrooms and huge beds. It was definitely a good first impression. And the views were spectacular from the room too.
That night, we were booked in to see a pantomime but we couldn’t make it due to Bella being unwell. It was a shame but these things happen and it couldn’t be helped.
Pantry
Due to us staying in our room with Bella, Nick took Sienna to the shop. The Pantry is open for groceries 24 hours which is so handy to have within the hotel. Luckily, like Sienna, Bella was fine the next day so it seems they both had a 24-hour bug. This meant we could enjoy Manchester without the girls being ill.
Exploring Manchester And Experiencing Staybridge Suites Manchester
We started our day off by having breakfast. It was delicious. We went to the restaurant The Laureate which has a lot of great reviews. They had a buffet with everything you need. We loved it.
Because Bella had dirtied her coat on Friday when she was unwell we tried using the laundry room to wash it and it was great! We didn’t use the drier so we left the coat air drying and bought a new one from H&M so she had something to wear as it was pretty cold and wet whilst we were in Manchester. However, we got some sunny spells during the afternoon on Saturday.
Floor 18th Views
We wanted to explore Manchester on Saturday but before we left the hotel we went to the 18th Floor where the check-in is located as well as an amenity room with tv, family games as well as drinks. The girls loved this floor and we stayed there for a few hours before we went out walking around Manchester.
We came back a little bit too late to sit down at their restaurant so we ordered food to the room. We ate some crackers with a selection of cheeses and ice creams for all. It was really nice. We decided to get comfy in bed and watch the TV. It really felt like we were back at home and not staying in a hotel.
Sunday Breakfast
On Sunday we went to have breakfast which was lovely again. We took our time and enjoyed the views before heading back to our room to pack before checking out. We spent time on the 18th floor again before we headed back to the station to head home.
Our Thoughts
We had a wonderful time despite the girls being unwell. We loved our stay at Staybridge Suites Manchester and really recommend it. It’s perfect when travelling with kids. We really felt like it was home from home.
Have you been to Manchester? Have you stayed at the Staybridge Suites?
*Disclosure: We were invited to stay at the Staybridge Suites for a couple of days for the purpose of this review. However, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thanks for stopping by,
Love you all ❤️
Franca 💋
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I have heard great things about Staybridge Suites, I will keep them in mind for our next family trip away x
We really liked it! It was very comfortable and we didn’t feel we were at a hotel but handy to have the service of a hotel! 🙂 x
Love Manchester as it’s not far from where I live
Can see why you say staybridge is PERFECT for families
Great views
Yes it was perfect for us! We couldn’t be more comfortable specially after having Bella unwell. 🙂 x
We don’t live far from Manchester, I took my kids to Manchester a couple of days ago for a treat day (cinema & Pizza). They both love Manchester. The staybridge looks lovely and perfect for families.
Ahh that is lovely that you are not far from Manchester and that the kids like to spend the day there. My girls liked it too 🙂
This looks brilliant! I love Manchester, ive never taken my children there so ill add to my bucket list xx
Sure it will be a lovely family trip! We had a great time! 🙂 x
Wow, these look fabulous!! I went to the University if Manchester but these weren’t around back then! We love Manchester…you need to return at Christmas time for the Christmas markets! #KCACOLS
We were there during Christmas time but we didn’t see Christmas markets but that could be because it was just after Christmas and we missed them. But thank you for the tip! Will look for them next time 🙂 xx
Great that its equipped with so much! #KACOALS
Yes it was perfect really! We couldn’t ask for more comfort 🙂 x
The suites look perfect for families, it’s so hard to find suitable accommodation for a few days away as a family, hotels often can’t cater to it well.
Yes I was very pleased with what they offered. It didn’t feel like a hotel but yet it was as you had all the comforts that comes with one so it was a great combination of services! 🙂
The Pantry is a genius idea. Looks like a great place! #KCACOLS
Yes I agree, the pantry was great! 🙂 x
The suites look lovely and so perfect for families.
Glad you all had a wonderful time despite the girls being unwell.
#kcacols
Thank you Veronica. Yes at the end all went well thank god. The place was perfect for us 🙂 x
It does look like a perfect place to stay, will check it out if I am ever visiting Manchester#kcacols@_karendennis
I hope you try it out if you can. It is perfect for Families 🙂 x
I’ve been once but I was staying with someone and we didn’t really go anywhere
Ah ok hopefully next time you manage to explore more! 🙂
Hotels rooms with kitchens are definitely the way forward for family hotels. Just much easier when you’ve got tired little ones after exploring a city. #kcacols
Exactly! It makes things much easier amd for us was perfect after my daughter was unwell.
never heard of staybridge estates but looks like a lovely stay and ill deffo keep them in mind in future
Sure it will be handy for a future trip! 🙂
Looks like a great place to stay with so many things to do
Yes we were very impressed with all! 🙂
Oooh! I’ve never been to Manchester but it looks gorgeous in that suite! #KCACOLS
The views were mesmerising! 🙂 x
Oh wow!! I love the suite, the decor looks fresh and it looks very clean and modern, with everything you need, wifi is always a must for me my partner is more the “you can go without if for a few days” lol, I’ve never heard of a double decker hotel before reading this xx
The suite was lovely! I was so impressed! We all felt very comfortable there! I haven’t heard about it either until I went to this hotel lol 🙂 xx
I have heard of this location before but it looks all someone’s inviting for the family and a great location X #kcacols
Yes it is definitely family orientated which make it even mors wonderful to stay there 🙂 x
Love Manchester – especially at Christmas for the markets. This place looks amazing – the views WOW! #KCACOLS
Yes the views were amazing! I was so impressed! 🙂 x
This looks like a lovely place to stay. We always try to find somewhere with a kitchen when we go on holiday now because it makes things so much easier and you can be so much more flexible. Poor Bella and Sienna, but great that it was just a 24 hour bug and they could still enjoy some of the trip #kcacols
This looks like an amazing place to stay. I love the rooms. The grey floors are so pretty and the views are unbelievable. #KCACOLS
The suites look absolutely stunning, so modern with every amenity you would want! I kind of want to just travel to stay there! The kitchen option is fab for us with children! I don’t think I have ever stayed anywhere as high! I’m sad the girls were unwell but glad the staff where kind #KCACOLS
This place looks lovely! To have a kitchen etc so that it works almost as a “home away from home” would be brilliant for us, especially as our son has a very irregular body clock and can suddenly be hungry in the middle of the night etc. He’s also a very selective eater. So having a kitchen is fantastic, and everything else about the place looks really nice and stylish too xx #KCACOLS