Hotel Review: The Lowry Hotel, Manchester

Despite being over the border in Salford, The Lowry Hotel is only around a five-minute walk from Deansgate in Manchester's city centre. Set on the River Irwell, you get to Manchester's centre over a Calatrava-designed bridge. The People's History Museum, around a five-minute walk away, tells the history of democracy in Britain and is close to the bars and restaurants in Spinningfields.

By car: around 4 hours and 15 minutes from London, 1 hour 45 minutes from Birmingham. There is parking at the hotel at £24 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 20-minute taxi ride from the hotel. Book trains to Manchester.

The Lowry Hotel offers modern luxury with a curved glass building and chic, shiny interiors such as an enormous honeycomb-effect light in the lobby and gleaming gold reception desks. The River Restaurant has floor-to-ceiling windows to emphasise the natural light and river view, and geometric partitions between tables give the space a more intimate feel.

Used to dealing with high-profile guests, staff are friendly and full of recommendations on everything from cocktails to marshmallow-alternatives in the afternoon tea. There's a spa with six treatment rooms, a relaxation room and sauna, a small gym and hairdressers.

• Bar

• Restaurant

• Spa and wellness centre

• Gym

• Library

• Terrace

• Hair salon

• Paid parking
• Free Wi-Fi

Spacious rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows framed by spotlights, comfy leather chaise longues to recline on, walk-in wardrobes and enormous statement lamps. Colour schemes are neutral but are livened up by pops of orange and turquoise on curtains, cushions and chaise longues.

Room types: Deluxe King, Superior King, Business Executive, Riverside Suite, Junior Suite, Presidental Suite

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with bath and shower, Elemis toiletries, smart TV, free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities

The hotel's River Restaurant overlooks the River Irwell and offers a menu of British classics - think Cheshire farm steak and beef wellington - as well as an interesting selection of vegan and vegetarian options. Afternoon tea is popular with locals as well as guests. Lighter options and a good range of cocktails are served in the bar next door.

The River Restaurant: Two-AA-rosettes, modern British cuisine, vegan and vegatarian options avaliable. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Three course set menu £24.95.