My microbreak in Manchester Marriott Victoria & Albert Hotel

Since I started working from home, I am busier than when I was working in an office. It’s hard to maintain a routine and find that time for myself just to relax. We skipped this year holidays because neither of us had time for it. My boyfriend just started a new job and I have been focused on so many things, and literally there is not a week or two in our schedule. Not this year.

Instead, we decided to take the very popular lately microbreak at the Manchester Mariott Albert and victoria Hotel.

I first came across this term last year, when a friend of mine decided to stay at the hotel near her. At first, I was little sceptical and instantly had the question bubbles above my head; ‘why is she just not going somewhere nice?’, ‘Why not just go to another city at least’. I didn’t much understand the concept. Until now. When I became extremely busy with my work, and we don’t have the time or the extravagance to book ourselves off for more than one night- I instantly understood.

Manchester Marriott Hotel Castelfied Victoria and albert

Microbreaks are for people who just need that one or two nights to relax and pause without the exclusivity of having a whole week off or being able to travel far. I have 2 cats at home and some people have small children or businesses to care for. I didn’t want to give my cats to kennels nor do I have anyone who would be able to look after them for more than 1 night. I am one of those with trust issues and I won’t allow strangers like cat sitters in my home. Leaving my cats for 1 night on their own is absolutely fine, with plenty of food and water. Mariott Weekends are perfect for it.

When we decided to take our microbreak in Manchester Marriott Victoria & Albert Hotel we made some plans to finally visit the places we never had time to before. For me as an interior designer, it is important to educate myself and keep myself inspired so we first thought of visiting Manchester Art Gallery. I used to visit this place always on my lunch breaks while working in the city centre. At that time there was a Vogue exhibition as well, so definitely something to see. They have a new theme every few months so definitely worth going to check them out. John Rylands Library was second on my list of things to do, I love wandering around this place. It’s so relaxing and inspiring.

Now, let’s chat more about our stay. Our first idea was to check in to the hotel, go to the swimming pool and then once we had our dinner hit the town and have some fun. Our plans changed as soon as we checked in and let me tell you why. As soon as we walked into our king sized bedroom suite, we just gasped. It looked insanely beautiful. This typical Mancunian red brick, combined with soft fabrics and neutral tones of this rather large room with a separate living room and TV area is a great combination of colours and tastefully picked furniture. I am usually quite sceptical of the style of hospitality interior but this room was definitely designed with a wow factor without tacky chintz. The whole hotel interior is beautiful. It’s full of Manchester’s finest features from red bricks, steel beams to a whole book library near reception. I loved the rich and bold colour scheme, soft velvets and elegant leather finishes.

Manchester Marriott Hotel Castelfied Victoria and albert entrance

Manchester Marriott Hotel Castelfied reception

We decided to stay in and ditched the idea of going out as soon as we hit the bar. It looked so lovely and we really wanted to enjoy it for a little longer. We ordered our pre-dinner drinks and just relaxed on a sofa with an evening view of River Irwell. It was so nice to finally be able to catch up with my boyfriend. When it came to dinner time, we ordered a bottle of pink prosecco (of course!) and we ordered our starters. We both went for a fish terrine with the difference that mine was salmon. I loved the texture and the accompanied brioche was a great addition to the taste. As my main, I decided to go for a fillet steak with mushrooms and mashed potatoes. It was cooked to perfection and how I like it, medium rare. The mashed potato was smooth and the jus of beef and mushrooms gave it really nice flavour overall. Honestly, best fillet steak I had in ages. When it came to dessert time I was already full but I couldn’t resist the sound of earl-grey pannacotta! It was served with a sweet bread on top and I must say, it was a very surprising taste. I am a huge fan of earl-grey tea- so I instantly knew I am going to love it, and I wasn’t disappointed.

We also liked our waitress, she was very attentive, extremely polite and quite funny. I love when people stay people and you can just have a normal chat and jokes rather than pretentious conversation and playing ‘’hey we are at a posh hotel we have to play posh’. We had the same experience in the bar while chatting to the staff there and wait for our pink prosecco. This is what I really loved about Mariott hotel, it was the staff who was very friendly, yet really cared if we enjoy our stay.

Next morning, we ordered breakfast to bed rather than going to a bar. I wanted to try that for a change. I am often on press trips and away, staying in various places where we usually have to meet up in a restaurant for a breakfast, therefore I thought it would be a good idea to stay in my room. I wasn’t wrong. I ordered a rather healthier choice with fruit and cornflakes instead of full-English (the other half wasn’t so happy about the choice though-meat eater, you know….lad ) The breakfast arrived bang on time, despite we had a 15min window which was nice. It was fresh, delicious and left me full of energy. I needed that after that prosecco a day earlier. We had a nice long shower and we got ready to check out. We also had an amazing window view of Manchester Deansgate’s Beetham tower and the main road as well.

Despite me being quite sceptical about microbreaks in past I must admit this was the surprisingly best weekend I had so far. I was away from my laptop, switched off social media for the evening and just truly enjoyed myself and the company of my boyfriend. I didn’t have to worry about my cats, as I knew they are just fine and I will see them in a few hours. I was finally able to explore Castlefield area and go to galleries and Manchester museums without feeling guilty. I didn’t have to cook that night, and I could truly relax and recharge my batteries to get ready for a busy week ahead. Manchester Marriott Victoria & Albert Hotel was the perfect choice for it. Who knows, maybe next time I will end up in Paris for my microbreak? I wish! Book you stay with booking.com amd enjoy!