Hotel Review: Hilton Manchester Deansgate

Hilton Manchester Deansgate is on a busy main road in the city centre with the canalside Castlefield area over the road, which is home to a Roman fort as well as bars and restaurants. The Science and Industry Museum, and canalside Dukes 92, which is a pleasant place to eat and drink, are both a five-minute walk away.

By car: 1 hour 20 minutes from Leeds, 2 hours from Birmingham and 4 hours from London. Private parking is available at £19 per day.

By train: There are regular trains to Manchester Piccadilly from Birmingham New Street (1 hour 30 minutes) and London Euston (2 hours 10 minutes). Manchester Piccadilly station is a 10-minute taxi ride from the hotel. Book trains to Manchester.

The 47-storey Beetham Tower skyscraper is a local landmark on the edge of the city centre. Hilton Manchester Deansgate occupies the bottom 23 floors, with apartments above, and modern interiors are bathed in natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows. Public areas are modern and minimalist with a neutral colour scheme.

The reception team are smiley and welcoming, while waiting staff in Cloud 23 are keen to recommend drinks. As well as a swimming pool, there's a whirlpool tub, sauna and steam room, plus a decent-sized gym which accepts local members as well as those staying in the hotel. An independently-run spa offers treatments.

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Spa
• Indoor swimming pool
• Gym
• Parking (£19)
• Free Wi-Fi

Bedrooms are light, spacious and modern with floor-to-ceiling windows, pale wooden furniture, desks, taupe and brown walls, sunflower yellow lampshades, and artwork over beds - either red and yellow flowers or a black and white image of Manchester. Bathrooms are simple and most have baths.

Room types: Queen Guest, King Deluxe, Queen Deluxe,Twin Deluxe, King Executive rooms, King Executive Plus, King Executive Suite, Presidential Suite

Key amenities: stunning views, ensuite room with bath/shower, TV, free Wi-Fi

Cloud 23 is the star of the show and is popular with outside guests as well as those staying - so book at peak times. Visit for cocktails, afternoon tea, brunch or a small bar menu. The ground-floor Podium restaurant feels less special and serves classic dishes such as grills.

Cloud 23: sophisticated, dramatic views, inventive cocktails from £9. Open Mon-Wed 12pm-12am, Thursday til 1am, weekends til 2am.

Podium Restaurant: intimate vibe, modern international cuisine. Open all day. À la carte menu £12.50 - £30.