Marriott Manchester Airport Hotel

Last September we had to catch an early Friday morning flight from Manchester airport. The traffic on the M62 and M60 around Manchester during the early morning rush hour nearly caused us to miss our flight, even with allowing 3 hours to get to the airport on time. Not a good start to a holiday.

After thinking that this was not an experience to be repeated again it seemed logical to stay overnight next time and not go through all that stress again.

The Marriott Manchester Airport hotel is not actually on site although it is just a 5 minute drive from the airport, being just off the next junction from the airport. You can park your car there when away and they will arrange for a taxi to take you to the airport.

We stayed in an Executive room which also gives you free access to the Executive Lounge where there are hot drinks, soft drinks, water and snacks available.

A selection of hot food such as Chicken Fajitas, Rice with Butter Beans, soup along with cheeses and salads are served from Sunday to Thursday between 6pm and 8pm. Wine and beer are also available between 5.30pm and 9.30pm. It was good to get away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the hotel and relax and eat in a civilised atmosphere.

The Executive room was very spacious and well appointed with a large comfortable bed that ensured a good night's sleep. We did not hear any aircraft noise as the rooms are well insulated. The bathroom had everything you could wish for and if you had forgotten your toothbrush then reception would arrange for housekeeping to bring you a complimentary one to your room.

WiFi is available free of charge in the Executive Lounge and public areas of the hotel, but if you want to access the Internet in your room this comes at an extra charge. When even budget hotels in the UK offer 30 minutes of free Wi Fi maybe this is a service which should be available free in this prestigious hotel.

Breakfast was taken in the main restaurant, although we could have taken it in the Executive Lounge. Service was friendly and quick with the cooked buffet breakfast setting you up for the day ahead.

There is a leisure club on site too that is open to guests and non-resident guests. It seemed to be very popular as the swimming pool was big and the gym had all the usual equipment.

It was good to find that the check out was fast, which is ideal when time is not on your side.

After a good night's sleep, a fantastic breakfast we left the hotel refreshed, relaxed and ready for our flight.

On turning on the radio as we drove out of the car park a traffic announcement came on saying that the M62 had been closed since 7am at Rochdale in both directions due to a "police incident". We drove off with the satisfaction that we had not been stuck again on the M62 and would have probably missed our 10am flight had we not stayed overnight near the airport.

I know which option we will take next time we fly on an early morning flight as staying overnight added to our holiday, but most importantly it is a stress free way to start your holiday or business trip and you will be at the boarding gate in time!

Marriott Manchester Airport, Hale Road, Hale Barns, Manchester WA15 8XW
Telephone 0161 904 0301
www.marriott.co.uk