Stock Exchange Hotel, Manchester, Autograph Collection

Had an amazing stay at The Stock Exchange Hotel in Manchester! Originally a stock exchange building, it's a masterpiece constructed between 1904 and 1906. The welcome was superb – greeted with a glass of Champagne, and the staff even took care of sending our luggage to the room. Spacious, clean rooms with a huge bathroom. The breakfast venue, with its high ceiling, is spectacular. The basement houses a bar named Sterling, featuring live music every night, and the entrance is still a bank vault, preserving the building's heritage. Every minute here was delightful – from the hotel itself to the exceptional service. Definitely coming back if we return to Manchester!

Ultimately fell below my expectations. Complementory champagne offered upon arrival. Asked to wait in a side lounge. Very nice introduction however it was under the premise we were booking in. We were then asked questions to then have to go to the reception desk to get the room key. I'd rather they make clear what was happening as I don't drink alcohol so would have preferred to just have got my key and gone to the room. Concierge was offered to take bags to the room. Room was no105 on the first floor. Nice decor including an attractive spiral staircase, however it became apparent it was more style over substance once in the bedroom. It took an age to find the tea bags as these were hard to find ontop of the fridge in a cupboard. Ensuite was modest in size. Unfortunately the positioning of the radiator and toilet roll holder meant your cramped if sat on the toilet, why the radiator and loo roll wasn't moved baffles me. The shower tray is on a raised plinth. Considering its a fairly modern hotel conversion I consider this poor design. My wife warned me prior to it's use as she nearly slipped getting out. I also nearly slipped as the shower tray has only a slight profile providing grip. Upon arrival back to the room around 11pm after a concert we were informed they don't do room service at that time. For a small hotel this is understandable. The noise externally I can forgive given its a great location close to the town centre. However the internal wall specification is very poor. We had the pleasure of listening to an adjacent rooms plumbing quite clearly when they used the toilet or shower. Breakfast wasn't included however we chose to eat there. The dining room is very attractive. My wife's pastries were brought out 10 minutes prior to my cooked breakfast. I feel a dining establishment of this proposed quality should have brought all food at a similar time. So we had that awkward time of my wife's food going cold as she waited for mine to arrive. My breakfast was adequate. The sausage was of good quality. However the hash brown appeared to be a generic frozen type. I did choose to omit the black pudding and toast. Upon checking out I passed on my comments, and the 3 ladies on reception simply stood silent. No apology for the aspects of stay that I felt were substandard. I think their response indicated their lack of consideration for their guests. Other than at check out time the staff were very professional. I think the hotel should get the basics right.