Heading over to Manchester to attend an event at the stunning inner-city Great John Street Hotel, I marvelled at the stylish décor of this Eclectic Hotels Collection venue. There for a Vionic Shoes blogger brunch, we sipped champagne in the library and lapped up the lavish interiors while drooling over the gorgeous range. Later, I travelled the short four-mile journey across town to sister destination, Didsbury House Hotel, for a very special night’s stay.
Signature touches and an accommodating team being synonymous with each place, I was welcomed with my choice of drink. After a long day so far, that tipple just had to be a Sipsmith G&T, which originated from the bar, an uber cool drinks hub with deli menu as well.
This small luxurious Victorian townhouse hotel is a stylish retreat from the outside hustle and bustle, offering a chilled-out haven. Shown to my home for the night, I was to very happily stay in the Opus Loft Suite. A spacious suite of approximately 720 square ft, it has a lounge overlooking leafy Didsbury below, main room boasting the comfiest king-sized bed ever, plus a bathroom complete with not one, but two cast iron roll top bathtubs.
Add in boutique touches such as Temple Spa goodies in the bathroom, a Nespresso machine and shortbread on arrival, and you have the makings of a deluxe home away from home. Other delights cover a monsoon shower, exposed beams, vibrant yet chic furnishings, mini bar and widescreen TVs in both the lounge and sleeping areas.
After settling in, I was taken on a tour of the entire hotel, getting a sneak peek at lots of different room styles. There are 27 bedrooms in total, including Snug, Cosy and Comfy rooms, plus Luxe Junior, Boudoir and Opus Loft suites. The Luxe Junior for example, is a duplex suite with a seating area and stairs leading up to a gorgeous balcony bedroom. And the piece de resistance is a walk-in wet room and monsoon shower. Pure bliss.
The Cosy room I saw had the most beautiful pale blue and yellow colour scheme with stunning wallpaper and the same deluxe feel. Slightly smaller, you will still find that all-important roll-top bath, however this time- it’s in the bedroom itself. Talk about luxurious.
Within the main guest areas, there is parquet flooring and sophisticated notes such as intricate silver mirrors, a sweeping staircase and huge stained-glass window, with several intriguing spaces to explore. True to its namesake, the hotel has eclectic interiors and treasures throughout. Kick back and relax after a busy day or enjoy your morning coffee in the Lounge. With features like a roaring fire and super comfy sofas, it’s the perfect place to read the paper.
Light, airy and laidback, the Breakfast Room invites you for an informal breakfast spanning across continental and full English early morning cuisine. The Den downstairs is a work and social area, with wooden panelling, Sky TV and enough space for 10-12 delegates.
For larger business events, the Boardroom can hold up to 16 people and this opens up into the Blue Lounge too for weddings or can also be used to host fine dining. Should you be thinking of Didsbury House for a wedding, it’s worth noting you can hire out the entire hotel. Ceremonies take place in the Blue Lounge, an elegant space with period features aplenty.
Outside you’ll stumble across an unexpected extra, a Walled Terrace with lighting and outdoor heating. Take your drink on the terrace and while away your evening in style.
Eleven Didsbury Park is another Eclectic Hotels hotspot, so if you fancy venturing out for dinner, this would be a good call. And the final piece to the Eclectic Hotel Collection jigsaw is King Street Townhouse, which is already on the to-visit list for next time.
The large low-level bed in my suite was adorned with super-soft linen and it felt a lot like sleeping on a cloud. After watching a film, I enjoyed a bubble bath and snuggled down for the night.
When told that room-service breakfast is available at no extra charge, I revelled in the opportunity to enjoy this extreme comfort a little longer and had placed my order just after arrival. So, the next morning, I tucked into avocado and poached eggs on gluten-free toast and coffee with almond milk. Catering for additional dietary requirements, this was another big tick from me.
Checking out, I left Didsbury House Hotel with a happy heart. Having enjoyed impeccable service, scrumptious food and plush surroundings, I couldn’t have wished for a better stay.
Didsbury House Hotel, Didsbury Village, Manchester, M20 5LJ – 0161 448 2200 [email protected]