Weekend Pass

Published on Sunday 21 October 2007 01:03

Radisson Edwardian Hotel

40 Peter Street, Manchester (0161 835 9929, www.radissonedwardian.com)

Why go there?

The English claim that Manchester is the second city of the Empire. We, obviously, know that to be untrue. As the third city of the Empire, Manchester has certainly changed from the grimy, industrial town that it once was. And now that it has shaken off the Madchester tag, it has emerged as a sleek, cosmopolitan city that has much more than just Coronation Street to offer.

As for the hotel, if you want a bit of history with your five-star service, this is the place for you. Once the old Manchester Free Trade Hall, this building had seen its fair share of the rich and powerful long before the Manchester United team decided to make this their base for home games. The suites are named after famous figures who spoke - or played - here, ranging from Disraeli to Bassey and Dylan.

How do I get there?

Virgin's luxurious Pendolino service travels from Edinburgh and Glasgow to Manchester from 27. There is a free shuttle bus from Piccadilly Station.

What's the food like?

Opus One - the main restaurant - has velvet walls, red chandeliers and crocodile-skin upholstery. And chef David Sharp makes sure the food lives up to the surroundings, with fresh Scarborough lobster and a Cornish goat's cheese salad to die for.

Bed test

Every bed is king-sized, which gave us plenty of room to sleep once Manchester had done its worst with us.

Out and about

The Radisson is smack in the centre of the city - close to Deansgate and Chinatown - and is surrounded by hip bars and restaurants. It is only a few minutes' walk to the Northern Quarter, which has the bulk of Manchester's many shopping opportunities, including Selfridges and Harvey Nichols.

Little extras

The Radisson offers a unique service in its Shopping & Spa package. Martine Alexander - a well-known Manchester stylist - will come to the hotel and discuss your fashion needs. She will then take you around the best shopping that the city has to offer, from secret rooms in some of our better known high-street stores to hidden gems off the beaten track. Then, after an arduous day's shopping, you come back to the hotel's luxury spa for a much-needed massage.

The bottom line

The Shopping & Spa package starts at 309pp (based on two sharing a King deluxe room - with an Al Fresco suite upgrade subject to availability). The Let Loose package gives you a discount booklet for many of Manchester's top attractions and restaurants, for a room rate of 125 for the night (based on double occupancy).