Manchester Boutique Apartments

A design junkie's dream: a trio of stylish apartments in Manchester city centre

If you're fed up with bland hotels and soulless serviced apartments, here is something altogether more colourful and cool. Run by Tracey and Paul, a dynamic design duo, it's a selection of groovy crash pads filled with all manner of gadgets and gorgeous furniture. Set in the hip Manchester districts of Deansgate and Castlefield, they allow you to 'live' in the city centre: spend the day (or night) in town and come home to a slick loft or dazzling penthouse complete with a parking space, Mac, espresso maker and an array of designer furnishings. You feel as if you're living in one of those covetable urban homes from a Taschen design guide.

You can choose from 3 one- or two-bedroom apartments in 2 locations, both of them within easy range of the conference quarter and the main shopping drags. And whether you're staying for business or pleasure, you get all the best bits of a trendy hotel but way more space and value for money. No more early check outs or snooty reception staff; instead you get a super-comfy bed, a cool living space and a gourmet breakfast in your fridge. Plus you can order in meals from excellent restaurants. It's an easy and fun way to pretend you live in one of England's most happening cities; we loved it.

Highs

• Funky urban living which is perfect for work or play: share with colleagues or treat friends to a shopping, theatre or spa weekend
• Top quality designer fittings, from Bertoia chairs to funky juicers for the fresh oranges
• Free WiFi and a Mac to work on, so you can leave yours at home
• Flexible check in and check out times are handy
• We loved the hand-blended aromatherapy bathroom products (in large bottles to minimise waste)

Lows

• Both one-bed apartments (The Loft and Fresh) are open-plan, so noise can carry from one area to another; only two-bedroomed Woody has a totally separate living room
• The restaurant delivery service is more expensive than most takeaways, and breakfasts pricier than your average hotel
• Each apartment has its minor drawbacks: the bedroom in The Loft is quite small, Fresh lacks views, Woody is in a rather charmless building (but is wonderful inside)
• Rates rise for shorter stays, but are still good value