AC Hotel Manchester Salford Quays

AC Hotel is a smallish hotel that has a bit more modern polish than some of its Marriott-owned sister properties. Decor is sharp, and the large open-plan lobby is divided into a lounge, bar, and dining room, with seating spread all around. One end has a pleasant curved bay with floor-to-ceiling windows. A staircase leads up to a chilled library lounge area above with the same lookout -- though it's a shame that the view is of the road and buildings. All in all, it's a modern hotel with a stylish finish and plenty of space to kick back. It's packed with football (soccer) fans on home-game days, and favored by corporate guests at other times. 

AC Hotel is located outside of the city center and across the river in Salford Quays. There's not much locally -- it's surrounded by business and residential buildings, though there's a collection of restaurants opposite the property. Old Trafford football stadium is a 15-minute walk from the hotel, and there's an outlet shopping center on the end of the Quays, about the same distance away. Buses from Ordsall Lane to Trafford Centre for shopping, as well as Sealife Manchester, take about 25 minutes. Exchange Quays tram stop is a three-minute walk from the hotel and is the easiest way to get into town, with a journey time of about 10 minutes to Deansgate for nightlife and entertainment. It's about 20 minutes by tram to reach Market Street and the trendy Northern Quarter for shopping and dining. Trams also stop at Manchester Piccadilly for connections out of the city, including the airport -- with a journey time of about an hour. Otherwise, it's about a 30-minute drive. 

Rooms are smart, and done in a contemporary style that's a nice step up for a Marriott property. Views across the city are generally nice and an added bonus. Neutral tones of brown and cream are warm, with wood-effect walls adding a modern home-like dynamic to the look. All rooms are spacious, and there's plenty of storage, but no proper closet doors. Amenities include mini-fridges, flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, electric kettles, irons, safes, and free Wi-Fi, though this can be patchy. Superior Rooms are the same size, but add a few homey touches like Nespresso coffee machines, waffle bathrobes, minibars, and extra toiletries in the bathrooms. Bathrooms are compact, with striking modern artwork plus simple white tiling. They have a decent amount of counter space, shower/tub combos, and toiletries.

AC Hotel has a large open-plan lobby which serves as a bar, restaurant, and meeting space. At one end, there's a dining area, where a daily buffet breakfast is served (fee). There's a bar in the middle with sofa seating, and a decent range of food is available for lunch and dinner, including main meals, bar snacks, and a selection of well-liked tapas. Room service is also offered all day, and there's a variety of snacks and drinks to buy at reception. A bright lounge area includes a guest PC and printer, plus meeting table at the other end of the lobby. Directly above, a chilled lounge has books, games, and hot drinks. There's a small gym with a good selection of both cardio and weights, and access is available 24/7. Three meeting rooms cater for groups of up to 100. Despite being outside of the city center, parking isn't included, which is disappointing. However, Wi-Fi is free.