Mollie’s Hotel Manchester Review: A Stylish Stay Near the Opera House
We recently stayed at Mollie’s Manchester as a birthday treat whilst heading into the city to catch a show at the Opera House.
Although this was a couples’ trip rather than a family getaway, it’s impossible not to look at places through a Family On The Go lens. Throughout our stay I kept noticing things that would make this a great option for families too.
From family rooms with bunk beds to a dedicated children’s breakfast menu and a location within easy reach of some of Manchester’s most popular attractions, Mollie’s feels like a hotel that genuinely works for everyone.
What we loved
- Fantastic location close to the Opera House and Manchester city centre
- Stylish rooms with thoughtful design touches
- Dyson hair dryer and GHD straighteners in the room
- Cow Shed toiletries including shampoo, conditioner, hand wash and hand cream
- Family rooms with bunk beds available
- Dedicated children’s breakfast menu
- The famous hash browns at breakfast
- Within walking distance of the Science and Industry Museum, Crystal Maze LIVE Experience and PAC-MAN LIVE Experience
The location
One of the main reasons we booked Mollie’s was its location. Situated in the St John’s area of Manchester, it’s just a short walk from the Opera House, which meant we could enjoy our evening without worrying about taxis or navigating public transport afterwards.
If you’re visiting Manchester with children, there are plenty of attractions nearby too. The Science and Industry Museum is within walking distance and is always one of our favourite family days out in the city. Families with older children and teenagers might also enjoy the Crystal Maze LIVE Experience or the PAC-MAN LIVE Experience, both of which are close by.
It’s also perfectly placed for exploring Spinningfields, Deansgate and the city centre, making it an excellent base whether you’re visiting for a family weekend, a theatre break or a shopping trip.
First impressions
First impressions count and Mollie’s certainly makes a good one.
The hotel has a stylish, modern feel throughout without ever feeling intimidating or overly trendy. The reception area is bright and welcoming, with plenty of comfortable seating and a relaxed atmosphere that immediately puts you at ease.
It feels more boutique hotel than chain hotel whilst still being approachable and comfortable.
Our room
The rooms strike a lovely balance between stylish and practical.
Everything felt thoughtfully designed, with comfortable beds, plenty of storage and all the essentials you’d expect for a city break.
Tea and coffee are provided in the room and whilst there isn’t a kettle as standard, you can request one if needed. Instead, there are hot water taps located on each floor, which is a more sustainable approach and means you can grab hot water whenever you need it.
One of my favourite parts of the room was the bathroom. Alongside the rainfall shower, guests have access to a Dyson hair dryer and GHD straighteners. It’s not something you expect to find in a hotel room and it definitely added a little luxury to our stay and great if you want to pack light.
The Cow Shed toiletries were another lovely touch. Shampoo, conditioner, hand wash and hand cream are all provided and felt a step above the standard hotel offerings.
The Smart TV is another feature families will appreciate. If you’re travelling with teenagers, having somewhere to relax and stream their favourite programmes after a busy day exploring is always a bonus.
Family-friendly features
Although we didn’t stay in one of the family rooms, I couldn’t help noticing the bunk bed rooms.
They’re a great option for families wanting to stay in the city centre without booking multiple rooms and I can already imagine my own children arguing over who gets the top bunk.
The hotel also offers a dedicated children’s breakfast menu which is always useful when travelling with younger guests.
The whole hotel has a relaxed feel too. Sometimes city centre hotels can feel a little formal, but that definitely wasn’t the case here. Families would feel completely comfortable staying .
Breakfast at Mollie’s
Breakfast was one of the highlights of our stay.
My husband opted for the Full English whilst I chose the avocado toast topped with bacon and perfectly poached eggs.
Of course, we couldn’t visit Mollie’s without ordering their famous hash browns on the side.
They absolutely lived up to the hype.
Everything was freshly cooked, beautifully presented and the perfect start to the day. The menu offers plenty of choice whether you’re after something hearty or something a little lighter.
I was also pleased to see a dedicated children’s menu available, making breakfast easier for families with younger diners.
You also pay for what your order rather in being a set price that you can add on to your hotel stay offering a flexibility not always offered.
What about dinner?
We didn’t get chance to try dinner on this visit, but it’s already on our list for next time.
We’re already planning another trip to the Opera House and fully intend to book a table in the diner before the show. Having somewhere good to eat within the hotel is always a bonus, especially when you’re trying to make the most of a city break.
Value for money
Manchester has plenty of hotels to choose from, but Mollie’s feels like it offers something a little different.
Whilst it isn’t the cheapest hotel in the city, the combination of a fantastic location, stylish rooms, thoughtful touches such as the Dyson hair dryer, GHD straighteners and Cow Shed toiletries, meant we felt it offered good value for money. Plus you can find offers on certain nights.
For a special occasion, theatre break or city getaway, it’s the sort of hotel that feels like a treat without venturing into luxury hotel prices.
Would we stay again?
Absolutely.
Mollie’s Manchester managed to feel stylish without being pretentious and luxurious without being unaffordable.
The location was perfect for our theatre trip, the breakfast was excellent and little touches like the Dyson hair dryer, GHD straighteners and Cow Shed toiletries made the stay feel that bit more special.
Whilst we visited as a couple, I’d happily return with the family and can see why it’s becoming such a popular choice for visitors to Manchester.
If you’re looking for a stylish Manchester hotel close to the Opera House, the Science and Industry Museum, Crystal Maze LIVE Experience and the city centre, Mollie’s is well worth considering.
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