Portland Hotel by Thistle

The Portland Hotel by Thistle offers comfortable accommodation in the heart of Manchester close to local attractions & transportation links.

Address

3-5 Portland Street
Piccadilly Gardens
Manchester
M1 6DP
Tel: 0871 376 9026 (UK) / +44 845 305 8326 (International)

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Overview


The hotel has been recently refurbished (formerly the Thistle Manchester), the hotel now offers modern, stylish city centre accommodation and facilities. The hotel is housed inside an impressive period building that retains its classical period features adding charm and character to the hotel that overlooks Piccadilly Gardens. The hotel is ideally located for visitors to Manchester located a short distance from the universities, city attractions, conference venues and various entertainment facilities.

Local transport links in the area include Manchester Piccadilly train station located a five minutes walk from the hotel, where there are services to the surrounding areas, other areas in Lancashire, to Manchester Airport and London. Both Manchester Oxford Road and Manchester Victoria train stations are located within one mile of the hotel. There is access to local bus and major roads.

The Manchester Metrolink Tram station Piccadilly Gardens is located a few hundred metres from the hotel and offers good access across Manchester city centre and Sale.

Visitors can expect a warm friendly welcome and good levels of service at the hotel. The hotel is located in Manchester city centre where visitors can find easy access to local amenities. Manchester offers visitors with a choice of shops, cafes, pubs, restaurants and entertainment venues. The closest train stations are located at Manchester Piccadilly, Manchester Oxford Road and Manchester Victoria.


Facilities


There are a total of 204 en-suite guest bedrooms at the hotel. The rooms are well decorated and furnished offering a good standard of accommodation. Guests can choose from standard and deluxe rooms with a choice of suites available for greater luxury and space.

Room facilities include air conditioning, flat screen television, telephone, radio, alarm clock, hairdryer, iron and ironing facilities, trouser press, work desk and tea and coffee making amenities.

Wi-Fi internet access is available at the hotel the approx cost is £10 per day. There are no on-site car parking at the hotel, however there is car parking available at the Chatham Street NCP car park close by to the hotel, the approx cost is £15 per day.

The hotel offers suites and meeting rooms suitable for business meetings, conferences and training events with capacity of up to 300 delegates. There are also facilities for weddings with a choice of packages available; there are banqueting facilities to cater for up to 220 guests.

Leisure facilities include a fully featured gymnasium, sauna, steam room and plunge pool.

Dining


Guests can choose from either a full English breakfast or a Continental breakfast with a choice of breads, pastries, preserves, cereals, yogurts, fruits, juices and hot and cold drinks.

The Portland Street Bar is a place guests can go to enjoy a range of drinks, including a choice of beers, wines, spirits and cocktails. There is a bar menu offering a choice of light bites, snacks and meals serving both British and modern European cuisine. The laid back atmosphere makes it an ideal place to catch up with family and friends.

The Portland Street Restaurant offers diners an enjoyable dining experience serving a range of British and modern European cuisine. There is a choice of meat, fish and vegetable dishes to try along with a variety of tempting desserts. The impressive wine list consists of wines from both the old and new world offering the perfect accompaniment to your meal.

Local Attractions


The hotel is well located for exploring a number of Manchester Attractions and local places of interest.

The hotel’s location in Manchester city centre offers visitors a convenient central location from which to see the various sights and attractions both in the city of Manchester and in the county of Lancashire. The county offers visitors with an interesting coastline, a rich history and culture and some tranquil English countryside making it an interesting destination for a holiday or short break.

There are a number of local attractions and places of interest located in the area. Manchester city centre has a range of attractions for visitors to explore. Manchester Piccadilly Gardens are next to the hotel; here visitors will find a tranquil, open green space in the heart of the city providing a great place to enjoy taking a stroll. There are a number of historic statues and listed buildings in the area.

Deansgate Locks are located approx under one mile from the hotel; the area is synonymous with its choice of popular bar and clubs. The Comedy Store Manchester, Cornerhouse Cinema and the Palace Theatre are located within a 15 minute walk from the hotel. The Wheel of Manchester is located approx 10 minutes walk away; visitors can experience a ride in the capsules and enjoy some stunning views from 60 metres up over Manchester and the surrounding areas.

The Museum of Science and Industry is located approx 1 mile from the hotel; the museum is housed inside five historic listed buildings. The museum houses a number of galleries, collections and exhibitions outlining the significant contribution Manchester has made to the areas of science, industry and technology. Visitors can explore a number of exhibitions relating to aircrafts, locomotives and computing.

Manchester Art Gallery is located a few minutes walk away, the gallery includes the civic art collection of Manchester and includes a number of impressive collections of international importance. The collection consists of both art and decorative art works; the gallery has art works covering all periods and has a diverse, changing programme of exhibitions. There are workshops, activities and tours available.

Shopping facilities include the Manchester Arndale Shopping Centre located a 5 minute walk from the hotel; there is a varied collection of over 240 stores including a number of famous high street names and includes a choice of cafes, bars and restaurants. The Printworks is an entertainment complex located close by to the Arndale Centre, facilities here include a variety of bars, clubs, restaurants and gym. There is a multiplex Odeon cinema that includes an IMAX screen.

Manchester Cathedral is located 15 minutes walk away; the impressive 15th century building is renowned for its stunning architecture, stained glass and carvings. Visitors can explore the historic cathedral in one of the tours available and many walking tours of the city include a visit to the cathedral.

The Northern Quarter is located a 0.5 miles from the hotel; there are a number of fashionable, unusual and quirky shops to see with a choice of bars and restaurants. The area has become well known as the ‘creative quarter’ and is home to many art galleries and fashion designers and offers something a bit different for visitors to experience.

Manchester Chinatown is located in the city centre; a few minutes walk from the hotel; here visitors can find a fine choice of Chinese and Oriental restaurants, shops, supermarkets and amenities.

Salford Quays is located 3 miles away from the hotel; the area has undergone an extensive re-development in recent years and now has a choice of leisure and entertainment facilities. Fans of water sports can try the Salford Watersports Centre where you can row, canoe, sail and windsurf. There are theatres such as the Lowry that has a full programme of drama, opera, comedy, ballet, dance, musicals, shows for children and gallery spaces. Shoppers have the Lowry Outlet Mall where top designer brands are on offer at discounted prices. There is also a cinema, making for a great day out.

The Imperial War Museum North is located 3.5 miles from the hotel; the museum showcases how lives have been affected by various conflicts. Visitors can view a number of exhibitions and displays and there are a variety of tours, talks and presentations available.

The Trafford Centre is a large shopping and entertainment complex located approx 7 miles away. There are over 280 stores including many famous high street names. The large food court offers a range of eateries including cafes and restaurants; entertainment facilities include the multiplex Odeon cinema.

The area includes the iconic Old Trafford stadium, home of Manchester United is located 3 miles away and Old Trafford cricket ground is located 3 miles away. The City of Manchester stadium home of Manchester City is located less than 2 miles away to the east of the city centre.

Whilst the city of Manchester is no longer officially regarded as part of Lancashire, it is part of the Greater Manchester metropolitan borough; it is the main centre in the region. Manchester is the third largest city in the England and has gained a fine reputation in the fields of the arts and culture in addition to its reputation in music and sport.

The city has become a popular holiday and short breaks destination for both overseas visitors and visitors from within the UK attracted by the shopping facilities, arts and culture venues, entertainment venues and famous sporting teams including Manchester United and Manchester City.

Lancashire is a county that offers a range of attractions for visitors. From towns and cities that played a prominent role during the industrial revolution that have a wealth of history and heritage to seaside resorts to the tranquil English countryside, the county has a varied landscape.

The seaside resort of Blackpool is located 53 miles to the north and is well known for its pleasure beach, exciting rides and roller coasters and entertainment facilities. Blackpool Zoo is located in 32 acres of parkland and lakes and contains many species of animals for all over the world. The Sea Life Centre is located on Blackpool’s golden mile and has a large collection of sea life including 50 displays. Visitors can view the main attraction, the Ocean tank to see a variety of tropical sea life including sharks and reef fish.

The mill towns of Blackburn and Burnley were once at the centre of the textile industry that played an important role in Lancashire's history. The Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery outlines the long history of the textile industry and its wide ranging effect on all aspects of Lancashire life. The museum is housed in a beautiful building in the town centre and features a number of fascinating exhibitions including the history of Blackburn, the Egyptian Mummy and Fine and Decorative Art among others.

Lancaster Castle, located in Lancaster is a historic Norman castle that dates back to the 11th century; the castle has been altered and subsequently rebuilt over the years. The castle has been a prison for many years and has an interesting history; it was attacked by Robert the Bruce in 1322, but later impressively rebuilt by John of Gaunt. Visitors can look out for the Gateway Tower, that is considered to be among the finest in England, and the site is regarded as has great historical and archaeological importance.

The Lancaster Priory & Parish Church is centrally located in the town and boasts a long history and tradition that dates from the 11th century. Located approx 59 miles from the hotel, the site has been used as a place of worship since 630 A.D. and possibly even earlier. The church is situated next to Lancaster Castle; the church is on a hill overlooking the city. Inside the interior is on the whole medieval and includes some traces of a Saxon church, including a Saxon doorway with Anglican cross fragments, 14th century choir stalls and tapestries.

Martin Mere Lake located 39 miles away is a favourite among nature enthusiasts. The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust offers visitors a chance to explore the county's flora and fauna close-up, the trust is a world authority in the protection of geese, swans, ducks and flamingos and the their habitats in the wetlands. The RSPB Discovery Centre is located at Fairhaven Lake in Lytham St Anns; the centre examines the large number of migratory birds that make the Ribble Estuary their home each year.

Leighton Hall is located 65 miles away in Camforth; it is an impressive historic house and is home to the Gillow family, who are known for their skills in making furniture. Visitors can explore the scenic gardens, gothic towers and witness the trained birds of prey. The house is usually open to the public from May until September each year. Unusually Leighton Hall does not have areas the public cannot go; visitors can sit on the historic chairs. The knowledgeable guides are on hand to help explain more about the history of the family and their habits.

In total the estate is in excess of 1,500 acres, there are landscaped parkland and a number of scenic woodland walks where you can appreciate the tranquillity of the countryside. There is a walled garden that dates back to the 19th century known for its rose covered walls, flowers and herb patch.

Rufford Old Hall is located close to Ormskirk approx 37 miles from the hotel. The historic building dates back to the 16th century and is regarded as among the finest buildings in Lancashire. The highlight is the Great Hall offering a wonderful spectacle and features a dramatic hammer-beam roof. There is evidence to suggest that Shakespeare performed in this hall, the house has a number of fine collections including oak furniture from the 16th and 17th centuries, arms and tapestries.

The grounds are in a styled with Victorian influences and feature orchard, topiary, sculpture and include a scenic woodland and canal walk. The Tudor building belonged to the Hesketh family for over 4 centuries and it is now managed by the National Trust.

The National Football Museum is located in Preston approx 34 miles away and contains one of the world's greatest football collections. The museum is spilt in to two halves, the first deals with a fascinating journey through the history of football. The second half is an exhibition that examines different facets within the football world. There are a range of interactive experiences visitors can take part in, the museum makes for a fascinating visit for football enthusiasts and the Goal striker experience lets you take part in an interactive penalty shooting contest. There is a hall of fame exhibition for the greats of the game over time.

The Leeds & Liverpool Canal is regarded as among the very best in the UK and is known for its stunning Pennine views and the interesting architecture of mills, warehouses and cottages on the canal side. The Lancaster Canal is among the most scenic canals in the UK, the waterway offers some inspiring views of the Silverdale coast, Forest of Bowland and the scenic countryside. The canal is 41 miles in length from Preston to Tewitfield. Both canals offer visitors with some splendid scenery, natural landscapes and a great relaxing way to see many of Lancashire attractions.

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Transport Links



Closest Train Stations:

Manchester Piccadilly: 0.3 Miles

Manchester Oxford Road: 0.7 Miles

Manchester Victoria: 0.8 Miles


Closest Airports:
The closest airport is Manchester Airport located 10 miles away by road via the A5106 and M56. Liverpool Airport is located 34 miles away via the M602, M62 and A5300.

Manchester Airport: 10 Miles

Liverpool Airport: 34 Miles



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