The Reach at Piccadilly, Manchester – Hotel Review
By Karl Hornsey, August 2024
There’s a new addition to the hotel landscape in central Manchester, and it’s one that looks set to go from strength to strength based on our one-night stay at The Reach at Piccadilly. And when I say central, then it could hardly be more conveniently located, just 90 seconds walk from the train station and with such easy access to so many of the city’s most popular locations and attractions.
The 215-room Reach has only been open a few weeks, but is part of the Tribute Portfolio under the Marriott International brand – the premise being that each Tribute hotel is distinct in its own setting and offers a unique experience depending on where you are. In an area as rich in history and culture as Manchester, this seems to matter even more, and the hotel and restaurant tap nicely into the city’s heritage in everything they do. Being situated along the historic Rochdale Canal certainly helps, and the hotel décor is tastefully done, spotlessly clean and feels spacious.
“In the heart of the action”
We were greeted by very friendly check-in staff and stayed in a room that offered everything you would want for a short break, with a stylish en-suite bathroom, king-size bed, enormous TV and a balcony with something of a view of the city among the features included. Despite the central location, there’s peace and quiet to be found, as the outside world could easily be shut out and we didn’t hear any noise either in or outside during our stay. But then, step outside the door, and you’re immediately in the heart of the action.
As well as offering excellent accommodation, the hotel includes the Lock 84 Bar & Restaurant, and we sampled the evening menu there, which involves several innovative and varied ‘small plate’ options. There are also ‘large plate’ options, and I must admit to finding this concept a little tricky as, while there is a guide as to how much to order, I’m never sure that my definition of small or large matches that of our hosts.
“Friendly and efficient”
The food was excellent, though, with a salmon dish with burnt sweetcorn being the highlight, along with some tender cod cheeks, excellent tempura veg, mushroom gnocchi and a BBQ pork belly that just needed toning down a little to prevent it from overpowering the rest. The staff were again very friendly and efficient, and sought feedback from diners as to what worked and what didn’t, which was great to see. As this is still a work in progress, then even if the quality ‘only’ remains at this level, it’s a very good starting point, and it’ll be interesting to see what other dishes make it onto the menu.
Breakfast offerings suitably alluded to the location, and I enjoyed a Manchester Muffin, with plenty of hot and cold options to be had, again to be eaten in pleasant and spacious surroundings. There are hotels aplenty in this area, dominating as they do the Manchester skyline, but The Reach will surely flourish and become one of the go-to places to stay in the city. And, on this experience, it certainly deserves to be.
With 215 Bedrooms, and eight suites, The Reach at Piccadilly gives you nautical, nostalgic interiors, with quality craftsmanship. The 11-storey building houses Lock 84 restaurant and bar, and is just a 90 second walk from Manchester Picadilly Station.
The Reach at Piccadilly
7 Ducie St, Manchester M1 2JB
thereachmcr.com
