Travel Diary: The Principal Hotel, Manchester

Last week, I traveled from London to Manchester for my work's end of year party - a belated Christmas party, if you will. Hosted at The Principal Hotel, I thought I'd give you a sneaky look inside and it's amazing luxury decor and design.

Located just a short walk from Manchester Piccadilly Station is the architectural dream that is the Principal Hotel. As soon as you walk in, it's pretty hard not to be impressed by the Victorian stone archways and giant clock tower that make up this Grade II building. But whilst this 4* hotel might pride itself on heritage design, the building recently underwent a £25 million refurb to create 271 loft-style bedrooms and suites with a modern, luxury finish. Including a ballroom for weddings and events, which was to be the setting of our 1920s themed Gatsy party.

If size matters to you then you're sure to love this place. It took me a little while to get my bearings on the place as it was just huge and reminded me very much of The Overlook Hotel (in a good way). I really love how they've tried to maintain as much of the original Victorian features of the place, whilst also incorporating some modern assets such as the monochrome tiling and palm print sofas. Major decor goals. 

We didn't have a whole heap of time before our party started and so I headed up to my room pretty much immediately. Since we were each given our own room, I had a whole Superior Room (31 square feet) to myself - that's two large double beds to choose from. Being such an old building, the ceilings are super high meaning the windows go from floor to ceiling and let in so much light. I was far more impressed, however, by my bathroom which was pretty much the same size as my own living room, complete with glorious white tiles and an echo.  

I would have happily spent the entire night in room but it was time to get glammed up for our Gatsy-do. The thought of a room full of hundreds of people at a fancy event would usually make me feel pretty nervous but, rather surprisingly, I felt really good about the evening ahead. It may have had something to do with my glitzy dress which, despite being rather heavy, made me feel like a million bucks. You can't really see it very clearly in the photo but it's almond coloured and absolutely covered in bronze and gun-mental coloured sequins. I admit it's not quite on theme but I felt pretty special all the same. And we certainly got a few confused looks when we rocked up in black-tie in McDonalds at 2am. 

As it was a work function, I didn't get to spend as much time exploring Manchester as I would have liked but I'd absolutely love to come back again soon. I know so many people who have moved to Manchester over the past few years and just seem to love it so I think myself and Jack are way overdue for a weekend trip. If we do get to go back, I will certainly be coming back to The Principal as the staff could not have done enough for us and the bar and restaurant served fantastic food and drink. 

Well, that's it for another lifestyle review. But tell me, have you visited The Principal Hotel in yet? What are some of your favourite places to visit in Manchester? As always, I love reading your comments so please do leave me lots of lovely ones below. 

Until next time,