The 5-star Hotel Gotham is swish, sexy and fun. Be swept away by the opulence and sensual moodiness of Batman’s fictional Gotham City at one of the few truly boutique hotels in modern Manchester. By Tess de Klerk
Housed in a remarkable Edward Lutyens-designed Art Deco building, this former bank marries luxury and fantasy to perfection. Choosing to ‘theme’ a hotel is always risky but Bespoke Hotel Group created lavish grown-up whimsy without tackiness and added perfect service to the mix.
Location
Centrally located in King Street, at the heart of Manchester’s business district and shopping hub, makes for an excellent location. It’s a 10-minute walk to Piccadilly railway station, and less than five to the Manchester Art Gallery with the hustle and bustle of the trendy Northern Quarter, as well as Arndale Shopping Centre around the corner. Despite this, the area is fairly quiet at night.
Accommodation
Book the Gotham Suite to admire cityscape views while soaking in its brass roll-top bath, champagne in hand. All 60 rooms and suites are luxurious, with fine linen, plush throws to nuzzle into and amusing touches such as ‘The Gotham Bugle’ and piggybank-shaped shortbread adding character. No detail is overlooked with fresh milk, decent sized mugs and ‘sleep kits’ at hand. Bathrooms are sleek and spacious, laid out in marble, with monsoon showers to boot.
Five sexy, swanky windowless Inner Sanctum suites have leather-clad black walls with huge ‘wonderwall’ projections of the city skyline or a film about the hotel’s characters. It may seem a bit out there but it works.
Wining & dining
Swanky, laid back Club Brass’s decor lends itself to indulgence and boozy afternoons. It is a private members club but open to hotel residents too. Enjoy a cocktail on the outdoor terraces if the Mancunian weather allows, or cocoon yourself in a corner and just enjoy the vibe.
Honey restaurant has an intimate atmosphere, ideal for those looking for a romantic evening meal. It is also an oenophile’s dream with the encyclopaedic wine menu, while the dining menu is slightly limited but with some creative offerings such as Hispi cabbage with wild mushroom, potatoes, spinach, teriyaki and truffle.
Facilities
Hotel Gotham comes without a spa or gym, instead offering a ‘digital beauty concierge’ for massages, facials and the like. Guests can book luxury concierge services as well as a chauffeured Bentley for airport pickups and darting around the city.
Auto Vivendi, the exclusive supercar club operates from the hotel, allowing members access to the world’s most impressive supercars.
Our favourite bits...
The Art Deco building itself, New York’s alter-ego Gotham theme aimed at discerning adults, attentive staff and fun touches throughout.
Accessibility: Two bedrooms on the first floor are wheelchair-friendly. Unfortunately Club Brass on the seventh floor is inaccessible due to the lack of elevator access.
Business Friendly: Yes. Corporate events are welcomed.
Family Friendly: Yes.
Pet Friendly: Small dogs are allowed for an additional £35 per night.
Parking: Valet service.
