Manchester, Golden Tulip Hotel

I have just returned from a business trip to Manchester and just couldn't stop myself from reviewing the Golden Tulip Hotel Manchester that I stayed in.

When I was looking to book a room for the night I searched through the list provided by our companies hotel booking company and came across The Golden Tulip, Manchester.

The description read:

"Situated opposite Manchester United Stadium, close to Manchester City Centre and within easy reach of Manchester Airport and national road networks. The hotel is an official hotel of Manchester United and is the ideal base for business and pleasure. The bedrooms are spacious and comfortable and equipped with all modern requirements and accessories. The award winning Rhodes & Co Brassiere and bar is located within the hotel. Meeting rooms we can accommodate up to 200 people. Close to the Lowry, a new arts and conference centre and direct tram link to Manchester City Centre."

I thought that sound OK and arranged with the booking company to reserve a room. I used the online direction finder to plan my route from the office I was visiting to the hotel. Great, within walking distance at only 0.9miles and easy directions.

Was I wrong? I left the office at 6pm and headed for The Golden Tulip. Carefully following the map I made my way. I could actually see Old Trafford and the hotel was just next door. Little did I know I would have to cross a series of extremely busy road, where the pedestrian crossing appeared to be planned in such away to irritate, said pedestrians. Definitely adding at least another mile onto my journey.

Never mind when I arrived at the hotel it looked OK. I was quickly checked in by the receptionist and given my key card. Off I set to the lifts.

The room was spacious and clean and the bathroom was massive. Being of a fuller figure I was a bit dismayed at the width of the twin beds, but they looked comfortable enough.

A personal welcoming message was displayed on the TV, nice touch, but I could not find the remote control for the TV so could not change the channel. I tried contacting reception but there was no answer, so I though I would see them on my way out for a meal.

This is when I sudden realised that the hotel was a bit isolated. As it was getting dark out I became increasing aware that the surrounding building appeared to be offices or warehouse.

Hunger pains nagging I decided to put on a brave face and venture out to look for a meal. After walking for about 15 mins I came across a pub advertising food and thought that would do.

No such luck meals finished at 3pm. When I came out I felt a bit nervous as there appeared to be a lot of foreign men hanging around. That was when it dawned on me the Man U were playing some team from Turkey the next night and these must be some of the Turkish fans. Don't get me wrong it wasn't that they were not English that was bothering me it was that I appeared to be the only woman around.

Relief struck when I spotted a Wetherspoon's pub across the road.

After a scrumpish cheap meal I headed back to the Hotel, but it was really dark by then.

On entering the reception I informed the receptionist of the missing remote and he said he would arrange to have one sent up. However when I returned to the room the TV was off as the key card also worked the electricity. When I turned on the TV, I was able to manually change channels. This is just as well as I'm still waiting for the replacement remote.

After watching Blue Murder, I decided I should get some sleep and so set the wake up call on the TV for 6am. It then dawned on me that I did not know what time breakfast was in the morning. Jumping out of bed I picked up the usual bumph that left in the room. Yes, I could order room service, ask for an iron & ironing board, even put valuables in the manager's safe, but no mention of breakfast times. I rang reception and was told it started a 7am.

So off to sleep. Not a chance. Just as I was dosing off a car alarm was set off right under my window. When I got up to look the back window had been put out. That really made me feel safe.

Checking the door was locked I got into bed and finally went to sleep.

Next morning I was up, power showered, packed and ready for breakfast. As hotel food goes the breakfast was quite good. A selection of fresh fruit and fruit juices, various cereals to choose from and then a good selection to choose from for a full fried breakfast, sausage, bacon, fried eggs, scrambled eggs, beans, hash browns, fried bread, mushrooms, grilled tomatoes and black pudding. But yet again when I looked around the restaurant I was the only woman there. Well after a couple of quick (too strong) coffees I went to check out. The receptionist kindly ordered a taxi for me as I wasn't about to make the same mistake again and walk.

My Opinion of the Golden Tulip

To be honest, I won't be staying there again. Although it was clean and the breakfast was one of the best I'd had, it just a bit remote. Especially if you're a woman by herself.

For men, especially Man U fans, it would probably be great. A view of Old Trafford to kill for and apparently on match nights there is a lounge with a giant screen, plus MUTV is available in your room.