First luxe: we check out The Lowry Hotel’s revamped penthouse

WE’VE had a tip-off that the city’s ‘luxury stakes’ have been raised, as Manchester’s premier five-star place to stay The Lowry Hotel prepares to open the doors to its newly renovated Presidential Suite following a £700,000 overhaul.

The luxurious penthouse suite, the largest both currently available or planned in the city at a spacious 2,228 square feet, costs a cool £4,000 per night and is famous for hosting VIP guests, including some of the world’s top celebrities and heads of state. Prime ministers and royalty frequently stay in the suite, and it’s the only Presidential Suite in a Manchester hotel where a president has actually stayed.

The world’s top celebrities and heads of state frequently stay in the suite, and it’s the only Presidential Suite in a Manchester hotel where a president has actually stayed.

The suite is not just for A-listers. One guest booked it out for his children to revise for their A-levels; another family for their wannabe footballing stars to attend Manchester United’s soccer school – living there for two months, making them the suite’s longest residents. 

With a baby grand piano and floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic views across the river Irwell and Manchester’s skyline, over 20 television shoots have taken place there, from Cold Feet in 2001 to the refurbished apartment being the location for a yet titled Netflix series. Chart-topping songs have even been penned in the suite.

Newly released images reveal the first glimpse of the stunning makeover, which has been designed by renowned interior designers Goddard Littlefair and includes a complete reconfiguration and redesign of the space. The suite has a fully equipped kitchen and a luxury bespoke marble bathroom with a free-standing bath and a new double steam shower, at the request of many of the suite’s VIP guests. 

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It also features a super king-size bedroom, an enlarged walk-in dressing room, a lounge, a plush dining room for up to eight people, two in-room bars, two smart TVs and an Amazon Alexa. There is also an additional bedroom and adjoining bathroom – perfect for family, friends or even a personal assistant, security, stylist or chef, or even for use as a private gym or yoga studio.

In homage to the hotel’s namesake, the artist LS Lowry, a selection of art has also been chosen especially for the room by ARTIQ. The rich collection takes inspiration from Manchester’s industrial architecture as well as abstracted figures that draw on Lowry’s matchstick men. Every detail has been considered in the new suite design, for example the geometry of the nearby Trinity Bridge is mirrored in the bespoke fretwork panelling and even the glassware and crockery. The stunning dressing room, with a large, anthracite velvet ottoman at its centre, is dominated by a tiered feature light made of threads and inspired by Manchester’s cotton production history.

As well as complimentary valet, luggage management, personalised welcome drinks and in-suite check-in, guests staying in the luxury suite can take advantage of a butler, on-site hairdresser, beauty treatments, Tesla hire, private chef and personal trainer while.

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Adrian Ellis, General Manager of The Lowry Hotel, said: “I’m thrilled to reveal the first look of our Charles Forte Presidential Suite. The refurbishment has been taking place for three months and we are looking forward to the reaction of both our regular guests and new visitors. The renovation is the first of many for the hotel, with more exciting developments to be announced throughout the year.

“We pride ourselves on our five-star service, especially in our Presidential Suite where we’ve focused on the little details to make sure this is the most luxurious stay in the city. We’ve picked out bespoke cutlery and tableware especially for the suite and can offer guests a turndown service of their choice. Whether they want a delicious patisserie platter, their favourite champagne or a local delicacy from their home country, we’ll do our best to get it for them.”

The luxury Lowry Hotel also boasts six Riverside suites, an additional 164 guest bedrooms, a spa, bar and The River Restaurant.

 Find out more here.

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