Premier Inn Manchester Salford Central Hotel

The Premier Inn Manchester Salford Central is a modern outpost for the brand, and the small lobby entrance has automated check-in desks beside a seating area. There's an unfussy, contemporary finish here, with touches of signature purple found throughout the sharp interiors. Features are few, and this property is not the kind of place where you'd while away the days, but the bar/restaurant is a fine space to kick back after a day of sightseeing. It overlooks the river and has pleasantly bright decor. There's a variety of seating, from more formal window-side tables to cozy nooks. It's a large hotel, and higher level rooms offer great views down the River Irwell and across the city itself. Guests tend to be business travelers during the week, with tourists and city-breakers arriving on the weekends. It's also popular for those in town for concerts or events.

Premier Inn Manchester Salford Central is located just across the River Irwell from the heart of the city. The newly reinvented Spinningfields neighborhood is just a five-minute walk across the river, and is home to the beautiful John Ryland Library, as well as a good spread of bars and restaurants. Some top designer stores can be found there too. The free Metro Shuttle bus leaves from Hardman Square in the area, with stops at the major train stations, plus the trendy Northern Quarter and Chinatown. It's less than a five minute drive to concerts and events at Manchester Arena from the hotel. Salford Central Station is a seven-minute walk from the hotel and connections from there to the airport take about an hour. The trip is about 25 minutes by car. 

Rooms are generously sized -- especially for a city hotel -- and decor has a simple, but modern, look. The hotel pays attention to the little details that are key in city hotels. There are illuminated mirrors and hairdryers in the bedrooms for getting ready, large 40-inch flat-screen TVs, electric kettles, media sockets, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and a small amount of hanging space. The Hypnos beds are exceptional for a hotel in this category, and include a choice of pillows. Blackout blinds are further sleep-enhancing additions in all rooms. Most rooms have sofa beds, and Family Rooms can accommodate up to four. Connecting rooms and accessible rooms are also available. The bathrooms are fresh and modern, with wood floors, white tiling, shower/tub combos, and pump-dispensed bath products.

Like almost every Premier Inn across the U.K., features here are few. The hotel has a restaurant that offers a varied menu of British pub classics in the evening -- including pizzas, kids' meals, and salads. It also serves a decent buffet breakfast featuring hot and cold items that's free for children when dining with an adult. There's no gym or meeting rooms. Wi-Fi is free throughout and parking is available nearby -- hotel guests receive a discount.