The Midland Hotel… did I see Hercule Poirot behind a potted palm?

Going to Manchester recently I had to stay over and as two friends had booked into the Midland Hotel I decided to do the same.

We arrived to leave our bags and entered an opulent and beautiful vestibule with wonderful features from a bygone time; it was like being in a film! The lady at reception was pleasant and friendly, courteous and efficient and not at all grand; she welcomed us with a smile and we went to leave our luggage in our rooms.

Exiting the lift we strolled along wide elegant corridors with interesting pictures on the walls, photographs, newspaper cuttings, old post cards, memorabilia, past occasional tables with lamps, easy chairs, low chaises longues, plants… were we in a film?

We arrived at my friends’ room, absolutely beautiful, charming, comfortable, with everything a guest could need.

We went up to my room which if anything was even grander, and yet really comfortable.

There was a beautiful picture above the bed, a padded cushion against the headboard so I could sit up in bed and read, and again there was everything that I could possibly want on an over-night stay or longer (yes, please, I would love that!) The bathroom was fabulous, the thickest towels, huge mirrors, lovely toiletries… and my particular favourite, tiles… I have a thing about tiles, and these were wonderful…

We sat up late in the bar having a drink and reminiscing about the fantastic evening we had, and then happily went back to our comfortable, beautiful rooms… I wish I had taken some photos in the bar area to share to show our elegant surroundings but we were too busy enjoying just being there.