The Travel Critic

Manchester, they say, is trendy. Far too trendy for me, of course, which is a word I’ve now used twice and which, in itself, demonstrates how deeply untrendy I am. “Trendy” is surely not the word du jour. Nor, I suspect, is “cool,” which I’ve just used to underline how hopelessly adrift I am from the youth culture that pulses through this city like an electric current. And yet, here I am, desperate to cling to the last scraps of my youthful credibility, because Manchester — even for old cynics like me — is exhilarating.

The energy here is infectious, a swaggering, unselfconscious vibrance that most cities would kill for. And right in the thick of it all is The Alan, a hotel that perfectly captures the city’s irresistible blend of grit and glamour.

Housed in a handsome old building, The Alan is a masterclass in modern design with a nod to the past. The original facade remains proudly intact, while the interiors have been transformed into an Instagrammer’s dream of exposed piping, raw finishes, and clever lighting. Yes, the ceiling pipes pay homage to Manchester’s industrial heritage, but this isn’t some gritty warehouse vibe — it’s all polished edges and minimalistic charm. The rooms balance sleek modernity with actual functionality, which is rarer than you might think. USB sockets at arm’s reach? A light switch you can find without a manual? Bliss.

Then there’s the food. The open kitchen is a revelation, offering guests the kind of culinary voyeurism that makes you feel far more sophisticated than you are. It’s not just the performance, though — the food is genuinely excellent, executed with the precision of a well-rehearsed symphony.

But here’s the thing that sets The Alan apart from all those other “trendy” hotels: the staff. Where many chic establishments seem to recruit their front-of-house teams from a school for standoffish mannequins, The Alan’s team are, well, human. Warm, friendly, and engaging. They make you feel like a regular, even if it’s your first visit. There’s no aloofness here, no air of superiority — just good old-fashioned hospitality wrapped in modern cool.

For anyone looking to feel young, vibrant, and part of the cultural heartbeat of Manchester, The Alan is an absolute gem. And for those of us who are less trendy and more… well, tired, it’s still a wonderful place to soak in the city’s energy.