Hotel Review: King Street Townhouse, Manchester

On quiet Booth Street in the city centre, King Street Townhouse is just a couple of minute's walk from the shops, bars and restaurants on King Street in one direction and the Town Hall, Albert Square and Central Library in the other. The impressive neo-Gothic John Ryland's Library is a five-minute walk away, as is Tom Kerridge's The Bull & Bear restaurant in the Stock Exchange Hotel.

By car: around 1 hour 20 minutes from Leeds, 2 hours from Birmingham and 4 hours 15 minutes from London. There is some free parking available on nearby streets.

By train: Manchester Piccadilly from Birmingham New Street is 1 hour 30 minutes, and London Euston is 2 hours 10 minutes. Manchester Piccadilly station is a 15-minute walk from the hotel. Book trains to Manchester.

The interiors of King Street Townhouse were lovingly put together by the former owner, Sally O'Loughlin. Expect classic touches such as parquet flooring and panelled walls, complemented by statement lighting, locally-commissioned artwork and comfy velvet furniture. It's the kind of place that will inspire you to re-decorate when you get home.

The staff are friendly and welcoming. While waiting for a (late) friend, I'm checked on but not hassled to order. The infinity spa pool is a reason many people book this hotel, and next to it is a steam room and small relaxation area. There's also a small gym and a cinema.

• Restaurant

• Bar

• Fitness centre
• Swimming pool
• Spa
• Cinema
• Parking

• Free Wi-Fi

Comfortable rooms are hard to leave with calming cream, pale blue, sage green and grey colour schemes, Nespresso machines, and robes and slippers as standard. Signature freestanding baths are in all but the entry-level Snug rooms, which have walk-in rain showers. Every room is different but expect quirky lighting, velvet fabrics and tasteful artwork throughout.

Room types: Snug, Cosy, Comfy, Luxe JS, Suite

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with ESPA toiletries, luxury goose down pillows, TV, DAB radio, tea and coffee-making facilities, free Wi-Fi

The hotel's restaurant, King Street Tavern, serves classic dishes such as steaks, burgers and salmon, as well as breakfast and bottomless brunch. There's also an afternoon tea lounge with traditional and more imaginative menus available. For drinks, there's a bar area in King Street Tavern - buy a pre-dinner drink and slip away to the mezzanine area to people-watch.

King Street Tavern: relaxed, luxuriously appointed, all-day dining, modern British cuisine. Open daily 7-10pm. Mains from £17.