Travel: The magic of Manchester

Mar 7 2009 By Gina Sykes

A HOTEL in Manchester is flying high.

When we stayed at the Jurys Inn on a two-day break it was full of airline pilots.

As pilots work in the travel industry this seemed to be a clear sign that the hotel has a good reputation.

Situated in the city centre at Great Bridgewater Street, the 265-bedroom Jurys Inn is an ideal place to stay whatever your reason for visiting Manchester.

It is popular with business people and is near to theatre and concert venues as well, so is ideal for those wanting a touch of culture. Old Trafford, the home of Manchester United, is a 10-minute journey by Metrolink and a station is just outside the Jurys Inn.

The stylish hotel is also close to the main shopping area, with the Arndale Centre and Kendals department store only a 10-minute walk away.

So the Jurys Inn is a good place to stay if you are looking for a little retail therapy.

Manchester is a shopping heaven with designer and high street names in close proximity, and many of the shops stay open until 8pm.

We were on a mission during our visit.

The imminent arrival of our new baby meant we had a long shopping list.

And rather than trying to cram everything into one day, we decided that staying two nights in a hotel would be the best option.

We had never booked into a hotel so close to home before, but our plan turned out to be a good one.

Normally our shopping expeditions involve rushing from one shop to another before we run out of time and return home to slump on the sofa at about 8pm. We are hungry, tired and have aching feet.