This hotel's name is, strictly speaking, wrong. Although the Ramada is in the
city of Salford, “Manchester” appears first in its title.
Why? If a hotel is in Coventry, it's not described as being in “Birmingham,
Coventry”. A hotel in Glasgow is not called “Edinburgh, Glasgow”.
I looked at the names of other hotels in Salford, a city with a population of
about 220,000. There was the “Marriott Worsley Park Hotel and Country Club
Manchester” and the “Express by Holiday Inn Manchester-Salford Quays”.
How many Manchester hotels boast about being in Salford? The answer,
predictably: none.
Salford has long lived in the shadow of its neighbour and is still coming to
terms with the shift from manufacturing to service-sector. Although crime is
rife in some of the tougher parts of the city, recent regeneration schemes
have transformed the old docks, with the opening of the Lowry arts and
entertainment centre, endless apartment blocks and new BBC offices in
Media-City that will bring 2,500 jobs - many broadcasting folk are due to
relocate from London - when it opens in 2011.
The Ramada, which opened in May, clearly using Manchester in its title to
attract more guests (Manchester is, in fact, a few hundred yards away across
the River Irwell), is part of this up-and-coming feel.
The hotel offers good value, with decent rooms. Mine was on the eighth (top)
floor and had sweeping views across a housing estate to the centre of
Manchester. The bed was comfortable. I had a smart leather sofa.
There was a desk with a cream-leather swivel chair. A slick flat-screen TV was
attached to a wall.
Sure, there was the occasional siren and I could look down on a security guard
in a neighbouring building who seemed agitated by passing youths, but the
hotel was a safe 15-minute walk to the Lowry - one of the finest venues in
the North of England, regularly attracting the Bolshoi and Kirov ballets and
major theatrical productions.
My visit was on a sunny weekend. Swans paddled in Ontario Basin as I strolled
along the waterfront to the silvery abstract structure of the Lowry, which
is connected by a bridge to the Imperial War Museum North, across the way in
Manchester.
I took in the matchstick men in the permanent exhibition of Lowry's works -
and learnt about the artist's introverted life in a film shown next to the
free exhibition rooms. Then I went back for dinner at the hotel.
This was a disappointment. I was the only diner in the long green-orange room.
My food, a tomato bruschetta followed by seared tuna, was below par (and
pricey).
But the Ramada, I decided, was OK overall: cheap (if you dine elsewhere),
cheerful, good for the Lowry... and absolutely definitely in Salford.
20 questions for the Ramada Manchester
1. Do rooms have kettles/coffee makers? And is there fresh milk?
Kettles and milk cartons.
2. Is there a hairdryer, and is it fixed to a wall?
Handheld hairdryer provided.
3. Are coathangers metal, wooden, removable?
Wooden coathangers with bobbles.
4. Complimentary bottle of water?
No.
5. Sheets and blankets or duvets?
Duvets.
6. What about a 'pillow menu'?
Anti-allergy pillows and duck-feather pillows.
7. Is lighting good enough for reading?
Yes.
8. Is there a shaving/make up mirror? And is it well lit?
No magnified shaving/make-up mirror.
9. What about the in-room entertainment system?
Tv with internet and computer games.
10. Is there a temperature control panel?
Yes.
11. Do the windows open?
Yes.
12. Is there good sound-proofing?
Yes.
13. Is there wi-fi internet access?
Free wi-fi.
14. Is there a good place to go jogging nearby?
Around Salford Quays.
15. What is the vegetarian food selection like?
Reasonable.
16. Is there baby listening/babysitting? And are children welcome at
adults’ evening meals?
No and no, but children welcome at meals.
17. Is there wheelchair access to all areas?
Yes.
18. Do you get a free paper in the morning?
Yes.
19. Is there a pub round the corner?
The Exchange Bar and Grill is across the street.
20. Is there free car parking? And is it secure?
Car parking is £6.50 a day and is secure.
Having spent an enjoyable time at The Lowry the mystery guest should have eaten there instead of returning to the Ramada. The Terrace Restaurant serves excellent food in a comfortable setting overlooking the water. 2 courses £17.99, £2 extra for dessert, with a good wine list. My favourite eatery
Valerie Ivison, Salford, UK