Rhyia Clark reviews Marriott’s new Tribute Portfolio Hotel: The Reach at Piccadilly – Inspired by the world’s first industrial city.
After a long drive, it made for a good start to my stay when greeted by a warm and friendly reception, who had complementary melt-in-your-mouth raspberry macarons and fresh fruit juice waiting for us.
Marriott’s new Tribute Portfolio Hotel: The Reach at Piccadilly was inspired by Manchester being the world’s first industrial city. The interior is chic with copper decor for that rustic vibe. Floor to ceiling windows in Lock 84, the hotel’s restaurant, offers calming views of The Rochdale Canal; a reminder of how differently the waterways were used 200 years ago. The The Reach at Picadilly is a symbol of the old canalside inns, where boaters would drop in for a warm dinner and rest. You can really sense that homely atmosphere, but with touches of luxury to make you feel special.
The Reach at Picadilly opened on the 9th of July 2024, so you’re guaranteed fresh and modern rooms. On entering my Deluxe Twin, ‘Welcome to The Reach!’ was drizzled in chocolate sauce accompanied by moreish chocolate chip brownies and strawberries.
The room is a comfortable space with a flat screen TV, usb-c charging ports, air-conditioning, a hairdryer, iron, mini fridge and always my favourite hotel amenity; a deluxe espresso coffee machine. There’s something so satisfying about popping the little coloured pods into the machine and eagerly waiting to try a new flavour of coffee.
There’s free wifi of course, but If you’re hoping to work remotely you might find sitting in the hotel lounge better, as there’s only a small coffee table in a cosy corner of your room.
Two single beds take up the majority of the room. If you’re going to be out exploring most of the day and your main priority is a comfortable night’s sleep, then this room is ideal.
Manchester is nicknamed ‘Cottonopolis’ as it was once a flourishing centre of textile production. I reckon that’s good reasoning for how snug I was in the thick, puffed out duvet, soft blanket and two lavender-infused pillows.
In the morning you could hit the fitness suite, which is equipped with a few of your main machines. Or you could opt for a rain shower in the hotel bathroom, which had charcoal themed toiletries, a symbol of the days when Manchester was a hub for transporting coal.
The Reach at Picadilly is located on Ducie Street, a short walk from Manchester Piccadilly Station. It’s right in the centre of Manchester, where all the popular restaurants, shops, and main attractions are at your doorstep.
Manchester’s Gay Village, a buzzing street lined with gay bars, vibrant nightclubs and colourful cafes, is a 10 minute walk away, making an easy night-out for you and your friends. But before heading out for a boogie, enjoy a seasonal cocktail at Lock 84’s bar. The Pineapplerol signature cocktail (£12), a tropical blend of Aperol, pineapple, lime and Havana 3 year old rum, is especially lively. Perhaps the culprit for my groovy moves on the dancefloor.
There’s nothing that a full English breakfast after a night out can’t fix. I was delighted to see a plant-based alternative on the a la carte menu. It was my first time trying vegan black pudding (or beetroot pudding) and it was scrumptious. Scrambled tofu, meatless sausage, crispy hash brown, large roasted tomatoes, juicy Portobello mushrooms and baked beans (£14 for Full Plant-Based Breakfast) were the perfect fuel to my day.
But before that, I was asked to select a breakfast starter! I went with the Slow Overnight Oats (£5), a popping combination of coconut, cacao, orange and mixed seeds. My companion chose the Seasonal Fruit Salad, with mint compote (£4).
The Lock Keepers Breakfast Table (£10 if not included in your stay), offers a choice of quality cereals, yoghurts, whole fruits, fresh juices, Ancoats coffee or Brew Tea Co. teas, kombuchas, artisan breads and soft pastries. There are options for everyone.
The Reach at Picadilly offers a space to unwind while giving you easy access to embrace everything that Manchester has to offer.
Feature image (C) Louis Photography.
Tell Me More About The Reach At Piccadilly
The Reach at Piccadilly, 7 Ducie St, Manchester, M1 2JB
T: 01613 830033
Rooms from £118. Book a room here for the special Romance package £150 for two people.
