Treehouse Hotel, Manchester – Review
By Graham Clark, July 2025
The adage “we do things differently here”, as famously used by TV presenter Tony Wilson when describing Manchester, could easily be applied to the city’s newest hotel – Treehouse.
Conventional it is not – quirky and certainly not of the corporate style, the former Renaissance Hotel has been transformed into a 200-room, treehouse-themed residence. Conveniently situated within easy walking distance of Victoria railway station and just minutes from the main shopping areas of Deansgate and the Arndale Centre, the hotel looks much the same on the outside. This Manchester outpost is the second Treehouse Hotel in the country – the original opened in London a few years ago.
Step inside, and the traveller enters another world. Walking through to the reception area feels like traversing a wooden path, as sunlight glistens through fully leafed trees. Wood is the dominant ingredient here – from bird boxes hung on the walls to the bamboo canes that act as partitions. A small seating area includes a selection of old 45s, some with a Manchester connection such as the Bee Gees and Simply Red – though latter-day heroes like the Stone Roses and Oasis were conspicuously absent, if you know what I mean.
The denim-shirted reception staff offer a real Northern welcome, with uniforms inspired by the local area. Attentive, informative, and friendly are the key words to describe the service I received throughout my stay.
Rooms with a View
Rooms range from King and Queen formats to Studio Suites, some with views over the River Irwell and the Manchester skyline. All feature, as standard, an HD Smart TV, minibar, air conditioning, tea and coffee-making facilities, custom bath products – and all are pet-friendly.
Upon entering my Studio Suite, I found that although the décor was unconventional, it felt homely. The king-size bed came with a multi-patterned quilt and a huge log lying in front – the perfect spot to place your in-house slippers before a good night’s sleep. The TV was thoughtfully mounted on a swivel, allowing it to be viewed from either the bed or the settee – a clever touch. A retro-style telephone sat on the high table alongside a collection of second-hand books, bought from charity shops – the hotel’s recyclable and reusable theme running throughout.
The refillable glass water bottle, placed by the bedside, could be topped up at the dispenser at the end of the corridor.
The wardrobe provided plenty of storage space – ideal for longer stays. A cuckoo clock on the wall added a quirky detail, though it may not be to everyone’s taste – especially if it chimes at 3am (fortunately, it can be switched off). The bare grey concrete ceiling gave the impression the room was unfinished – somewhat at odds with the otherwise warm and well-furnished feel.
The bathroom featured a powerful walk-in shower, complete with a rubber duck sitting lonely on a stool. How many of those ducks will remain in place after a few months is debatable – many guests may take them as souvenirs from this unusual hotel.
The Restaurant
Named Pip, the hotel’s restaurant is led by chef Mary-Ellen McTague, who brings an innovative and conscientious approach to cooking, crafting inventive new flavours. Daytime offerings range from the Grilled Cheese Sandwich of the Day (the Winchester Cheese is a signature) served with triple-cooked chips, to Lancashire Hotpot with pickled cabbage.
The evening menu includes an 8oz rib-eye steak with garlic buttered greens and bone marrow sauce, as well as grilled dayboat fish, alongside a range of small plates.
Breakfast is made to order, with both full English and meat-free options available, as well as pastries from local craft bakeries and a continental spread. The honey served comes from the hotel’s own beehives.
The wooden theme continues into the restaurant décor. Expect attentive yet unobtrusive service.
More Features
The hotel includes a well-equipped gym with a novel touch – a fruit basket, offering a refreshing change from the usual water fountain.
A soundproofed mini movie theatre, Flix, screens blockbuster films and also doubles as a venue for business launches, complementing the on-site meeting rooms.
If you’re looking for something a little different on your next visit to Manchester, Treehouse ticks all the (bird) boxes – and is somewhere I’d definitely return to.
Treehouse Hotel Manchester
Blackfriars Street, Manchester, M3 2EQ
treehousehotels.com/manchester
Graham was born and raised in Keighley. A dedicated live music enthusiast, he has attended hundreds of concerts across the North and feels fortunate to have Bradford, Leeds, Sheffield and Manchester within easy reach — all key stops on major touring circuits. He has also supported Bradford Live, the upcoming 4,000-capacity venue opening in autumn 2025, helping to secure backing from some of the biggest names in live entertainment. Passionate about food, Graham draws on his background in hospitality to offer honest, experience-led insights in his reviews. He’s also a keen traveller, having explored extensively throughout Europe, America and Asia.
