The Lowry Hotel, though officially in Salford, is one of Manchester city centre’s most luxurious hotels. The best way to approach and see the hotel in its full glory is over the footbridge suspended over the River Irwell that leads directly to it.
The Lowry Hotel is sleek and resembles in many ways a contemporary art gallery which is sort of fitting given its artist namesake. Though what the painter of industrial landscapes with their armies of workers would make of a 5 star luxury hotel being named after him is anyone’s guess.
We were here to experience the Family Affair Treat with our two little ones. It’s designed as something special for families and is available across Rocco Forte’s twelve luxury hotels. If you can afford it then it’s actually a good offer with some great little touches that really help turn a hotel stay into something a little bit more. The best bit and the part we and the kids loved most of all was the that they and we had our own rooms with an adjoining door. The kids had their own space to explore and they each found a teddy on their beds for good measure. This was a hit and lots of cuddling and defining of spaces followed. The walk in wardrobe became a den and the teddies became wrapped up in an epic adventure. They also had a token to get a complimentary alco-free cocktail and so all in all they felt pretty special. Great for us too and we had the real luxury of space and our own room to retire too once the children had been settled to sleep.
Breakfast in the River Restaurant was all you’d expect from such a top quality hotel. All the usual offerings plus a few that took the experience out of the ordinary. I chose from the a la carte menu an omelette made from egg whites with herbs and spinach. There’s lots of fresh fruit on offer alongside orange juice which is freshly squeezed as is the pink grapefruit and carrot, apple and ginger. There’s also the all-important fresh pastries and warm homemade muffins. The service was fast, friendly and relaxed resulting in a laid back but spoilt experience. The Lowry is a great location – a quick hop across the footbridge bring you right out into the heart of the action amongst the shops, and eateries if Manchester city centre and close to art galleries and museums. Overall we came away feeling quite cosseted and for the kids it had all been an adventurous treat. And if they are happy it usually follows that mum and dad are smiling too.
