Great John Street, Manchester, England

A Victorian townhouse hotel that's bursting with character

Eclectic Hotels’ Great John Street townhouse hotel is a beautiful former Victorian schoolhouse constructed with traditional red brick that’s brimming with original features from a bygone era.
 
Positioned perfectly in the heart of Manchester, Great John Street is conveniently located near the canal waterways and bars of Castlefield, a trendy area in Manchester’s city centre.  Fans of Coronation Street will be pleased to learn that the hotel sits opposite the original Granada Studios, where Coronation Street was filmed for more than 30 years until 2013.

​The hotel has recently been refurbished with exceptional high-quality furnishings and unique touches throughout, which add to its character. Its sophisticated yet relaxed charm is evident throughout the hotel, while the aubergine and olive-green colour palette add a contemporary luxe feel to the décor.

​Great John Street is well designed to cater to a variety of guests thanks to a wealth of room options and facilities for guests to enjoy including the Oyster Bar and The Library and Penthouse Terrace, which can be hired for private events. So, whether its locals looking to treat someone special to an afternoon tea, business executives seeking a stylish hotel or couples looking for a romantic weekend escape, Great John Street doesn’t disappoint.

The Oyster Bar
The gorgeous Oyster Bar with its dramatic chandelier, which serves as a key focal point of the room, and the ornate wrought iron railings that frame the mezzanine area above the bar, help to create a sumptuous environment where guests can unwind in style with a sophisticated cocktail or two. 

​The Rooftop Lounge
For me, the standout feature of Great John Street is its rooftop terrace lounge and function suite. Originally the school’s playground – complete with separate boys and girls’ staircases at either end of the building - the space has been perfectly designed to accommodate weddings and private functions as well as serving as the perfect place for residents who fancy a tipple to drink in the views of Manchester’s skyline.

Gorgeous and unique rooms
Each room within the hotel is individually designed, providing its own unique personality. Original features such as exposed steel girders remind guests of the historic nature of where they are staying and the exquisite attention to detail makes guests feel right at home.
 
Upon entering the room guests are welcomed by serene classical music, a unique touch that sets the tone for a lovely stay. 

Enjoy a spacious suite spread over two floors
​
I stayed in one of the spacious duplex suites, which is spread over two floors, making it more akin to an apartment than your typical boutique hotel accommodation. 

​Downstairs, the room was equipped with a deluxe king size bed with a brass studded leather headboard, mirrored bedside tables, an illuminated wardrobe and desk, a bookcase filled with complimentary hardcover classic books and a TV and CD/digital radio docking station. Additional facilities include an iron and ironing board, bedroom slippers and a matching bathrobe to help guests feel at home.
 
Upstairs, there was a cosy lounge area complete with a corner sofa, a complimentary butler tray with delicious biscuits and chocolate, and a fridge and hot drink-making facilities.
 
The piece de résistance was the magnificent Victoriana tiled bathroom with its freestanding heritage enamel bath and huge monsoon-shower wet room. 

Enjoy dinner in your bathrobe – should you so choose

As I wanted to take full advantage of spending as much time as possible in my fabulous room, I ordered the fish and chips from room service, which was exactly as you want it -  white flaky fish with light and crispy batter, accompanied with lovely tartar sauce and mushy peas. Heavenly.
 
The lady at the end of the phone from whom I ordered my dinner was funny too, which made the experience even more memorable. Splendid banter as an aperitif to my main course!

The details
Rooms from £120 (rates dependent on season).
 
Great John Street
Didsbury House
Eleven Didsbury Park
King Street Townhouse

​http://www.eclectichotels.co.uk/great-john-street

The verdict
Great John Street is a sophisticated shabby chic, converted Victorian schoolhouse for cool cats who want to kick back over a cocktail, business people who want to pop by to enjoy a latte, brides looking for a memorable place for their special day or couples looking to immerse themselves in luxury.

We love this place. It’s definitely the cat’s pyjamas! 

*During this visit I was hosted by the team at Great John Street. All views, opinions and photographs are my own. 
​
Ben Ricci

Our experience overall
 
Location ★★★★★
Food/drink ★★★★★
​Ambiance: ★★★★★
Staff attentiveness / friendliness: ★★★★★