Soho Sanctum Hotel, London

You'd imagine a hotel owned by the management of the rock group Iron Maiden is going to be a bit different and the Soho Sanctum doesn't disappoint. With a basement boutique cinema and a really cool rooftop garden/lounge/bar- including hot tub - as part of the offering, it's a hotel with celebrities in mind.

I pretty much took the place over for a launch event, which meant I ended up in one of the loft suites, which go for around £400 per night. Comfortable, nicely designed, high quality of furnishings and fitments, the room was nice - however I wasn't blown away. There just seemed to be something lacking and I just couldn't put my finger on what. It had a stunning stand along hot tub nearby the bed, a disappointingly small bathroom for a room of this cost, a cool speaker which housed the mini-bar and a large, comfortable, king-size bed. Lot's of plus points, however the sum part of them all, didn't add up to something bigger if that makes sense.

The room was located the other side of the door into the rooftop lounge, which was great for accessing my event, however I'm sure it would be noisy if you had booked the room and a function went on a bit late, next door. I had a good look round all the rooms on a pre-inspection visit, they are a mix of crash pads and larger rooms, some with a heavy boudoir theme to them, which may not appeal to everyone, so check before you book.

Staff are welcoming and the intimate reception area, gives a nice feel to the place. The restaurant/bar is combined with the restaurant occupying the bulk of the available space, to accomodate all the Soho luvvies who'll be stopping by for lunch/dinner. It didn't feel like somewhere you could sit all night working on your laptop whilst having a beer, I guess the roof garden is where that should be at, providing there isn't a function on (again check before you book as access is limited).

Location wise, it's very good for the West End, being only a stones throw from Piccadilly Circus and Regent Street. Ideal for London meetings or sightseeing.

My Rating - 4P's. Mainly due to not feeling the WOW appeal from the room that I was hoping for. It's a great hotel, well worth a visit to make your own judgment and to have a beer or two in the roof garden and see if you can spot a celeb.

Hoxton Hotel, London E1.

Sat in the heart of Hoxton, the uber cool area of E1, the Hoxton Hotel has been open around 3 years. It was my first stay. Public areas are lovely, really cool, nicely designed and a real feeling of spaciousness. At night, it came alive with lots of diners, people having drinks and talking. Checking in, I felt the front desk could have done better, all my attempts at starting a conversation were cut pretty well dead. It felt very cold and matter of fact, one of the basics that so many hotels get wrong. Everyone is dressed very casually, part of the overall "image" of the hotel and that contributes to the look/feel the hotel is trying to create. My room (number 624) was at the end of a corridor and looked out onto the back of an office block where they could see right into the room (I pulled the curtains over most of the time). Overall it was comfortable enough, however I felt it lacked a bit of character. Classic concrete coloured wall, wenge coloured furniture and fittings. Bathroom was modern, with shower (no bath) and Aveda toiletries, my shower leaked which flooded the bathroom floor (I reported it the following morning, so will no doubt be sorted). Plus points are free wireless, free safe and the cute breakfast bag that you hang outside your door for the morning. I hired a meeting room too, which I found to be really good. No noise. Good facilities and plenty of refreshments on hand whenever you want them. Parking is a bit of a challenge, outside the hotel is a red zone, so you'll need to go round the back if dropping off. Tube wise, Old Street is only a short walk away. There are plenty of nice restaurants around the hotel, I booked a table at The Rivington Grill round the corner, which was really nice, no real complaints other than the "non personality" staff, that's London for you. Overall the Hoxton Hotel is a nice hotel, they've thought through conceptually what they stand for, the public areas are lovely and the rooms comfortable. I liked their quirky signs in the room, the bills that said "here's the damage" at the top. If they sort the welcome out, I'd go back.

Official Rating 5*

My Rating 4P

Yang Sing Oriental, Manchester (Now Closed)

This new boutique hotel is the latest business from the Yeung brothers, next door to their famous restaurant on Princess Street, Manchester. You'll probably see Gerry Yeung patrolling the hotel during your stay, a personable fellow, so say hello if you get the opportunity.

We stayed in room 407, which was a stunning room, especially when you consider the current special offer rate of £128 via their website. No doubt the best value hotel in Manchester for the quality you get.

A beautiful hallway led you through to a stunning double aspect bedroom, looking over Manchester. Everything about the room furnishings has been looked at in great detail, from the stunning blinds, to the super comfortable bed and pillows. This place has been thought about, with nothing being overlooked.

What impressed me about this place was that pretty much everything in the room is free. The mini bar, which was stocked with four bottles of water, fizzy drinks, a couple of cans of Tiger, Red and White wine, Jelly beans and peanuts was all complimentary. In any other hotel, this would cost you a merry fortune and you should take this into consideration when comparing hotels.

The bathroom was wetroom style (which I'm not a massive fan of) however everything about it was quality, right the way from the Clarins miniatures to the quality of the towels, bathrobes and slippers.

Breakfast was included and was of a good quality with the English breakfast being cooked to order. It felt a bit disorganised in the dining room however the choice was good, including the freshly squeezed orange juice and thick toast. At weekends, they serve up to 11am, which is great if you want a lie in.

Location wise, it's spot on. Car parking, like all Manchester hotels is not in the hotel, you're best to pre-park in the underground car park alongside the Yang Sing restaurant (St. James Street) and then walk up with your bags, overnight it was about sixteen pounds. You'll need a big de-tour to get back to the car park if you pass it.

Pulling up outside the hotel isn't easy as it sits on a major set of lights. However, there are some spaces alongside the hotel, which may be free.

The room was quiet during the night, however, we were woken by bottles being emptied into bins in the early morning, this is the downside of being in a City centre and close to Chinatown, however, I'm a light sleeper. The only other bug bear was that the lift seemed to take ages.

In summary, I think the Yang Sing Oriental is a super hotel and full worthy of a 5p recommendation. We will definitely stay again. Having stayed at St. John Street (the other boutique hotel in the city which I haven't written my review for yet), I would say the Yang Sing is the better bet if you're coming to the City, both in terms of value for money and location. Point to note, this picture is not room 407, but it is a room from the hotel, so you can get a feel for the design.

Official Rating - 5*

My Rating - 5P

The Radisson Edwardian, Manchester City Centre

Occupying what was the Free Trade Hall, the Radisson Edwardian is one of Manchesters best placed hotels.

It's centrally located, close to G-Mex, Deansgate and the Town Hall. The hotel itself is modern inside, with comfortable, contemporary design rooms.

The bedrooms are comfortable, with all the refinements you need including flat screen television, decent showers and beds.

The Lowry probably has the edge over it in terms of service, however I wouldn't let that stop you from staying here. I've stayed here many times and also recommended it to international visitors, no-ones been disappointed.

Only major drawback is the parking, that is, the hotel doesn't have any. You'll have to park at the nearby G-mex and then walk to the hotel, which is fine, unless its raining. If you ring ahead, the concierge will park your car for you. However, there can be a wait during busy times.

Overall summary, good value for money, comfortable and well located.

Dinner Recommendations - Gaucho Grill, Bar and Grill, The Grill on the Alley, Numero at Manchester235 Casino which are all within walking distance.

Official Rating - 5*
My Rating - 5P's

The Lowry Hotel, Manchester

When you eventually find it, you'll like The Lowry. They've got it right in terms of service, rooms and comfort. Restaurant is very good, breakfast outstanding, however you might consider it expensive relative to other hotels in the City. The bar is busy during the day and evening and a good place to meet contacts. There is a lack of power points in public areas. if you need to use your laptop. Rooms are modern, clean and comfortable. Big tip is to ask for a disabled room if there are two of you, this means you get a room with two bathrooms.

Location wise, it's not as central as many of the other hotels, however you are within reach of all the major restaurants within two or three minutes by walking over the bridge, so it shouldn't stop you staying there.

My major niggle is the parking. OK if you're a guest, but if you are asking a contact to meet you there, they may be refused entry if the hotel is busy. The NCP isn't that close and can take ten minutes each way to locate, park and get back to the hotel.

Official Rating 5*

My Rating - 5P (if you can get over the issue with the parking).