Manchester's BEST Kept Secret: Hampton Inn & Suites Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, because we're about to dive headfirst into the surprisingly amazing world of Manchester's Hampton Inn & Suites. Forget those sterile hotel reviews, this is the real deal. This isn't just a place to crash; it's a… well, it's a Hampton Inn, but a good one. And trust me, that’s saying something.
The Big Picture: Is This Manchester's Best-Kept Secret?
Look, I'm not going to lie. When you think "Hampton Inn," you're picturing… well, a Hampton Inn. Beige walls, predictable breakfast, you know the drill. But this one? This one actually surprised me. It's a solid choice and, in the labyrinth of Manchester hotels, a surprisingly secret one. You know how they say the best things are hidden in plain sight? This place is kinda like that.
Accessibility: Not Just Lip Service
First off, for anyone with accessibility needs, yes, they actually seem to care. The whole place felt thoughtfully designed, not just with a few ramps slapped on at the last minute. Elevators were smooth, and the rooms I poked my head into (because, you know… research!) were spacious and well-equipped. We're talking proper wheelchair accessibility, not just a wider door and a prayer. This is a HUGE plus. They've got the:
- Wheelchair accessible features.
- Facilities for disabled guests.
- Elevator access.
The Room: Comfort and Convenience
Okay, let's talk about the rooms. They are pretty much all the available amenities, a proper room with solid beds, decent air conditioning (key!), and (hallelujah!) free Wi-Fi that actually works. Seriously, I’ve stayed in hotels where the Wi-Fi is about as reliable as a politician's promise. This one? Rock solid. The "Available in all rooms" amenities were all present and working.
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! This is a game changer. No more fighting for bandwidth in the lobby.
- Air conditioning. Because Manchester can get surprisingly hot, and even when it’s not, you want control.
- Desk & Laptop workspace. Gotta get some work done, right?
- Mini Bar. Never underestimate the convenience of a fridge.
- Coffee/tea maker. Essential for morning survival.
- Blackout curtains. Sleep is a precious commodity.
- Soundproof rooms: It's a hotel, not a rave.
Cleanliness and Safety: Breathe Easy
Okay, let's be honest. We're all a little germ-phobic these days. But I was genuinely impressed. The staff seemed fanatical about cleaning. Everything felt fresh and, crucially, clean. They clearly take this seriously, which is a major selling point.
- Rooms sanitized between stays. Puts your mind at ease.
- Anti-viral cleaning products. Good to know.
- Staff trained in safety protocol. Important.
- Hand sanitizer readily available. Everywhere.
- Daily disinfection in common areas. Reassuring.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Adventure
Alright, the breakfast situation is where it gets interesting. It might not be Michelin-star quality, but it's good. Expect the usual Hampton Inn spread: waffles, eggs, sausage, fruit, and coffee. But you know what? It's consistent, it's filling, and it gets you going. There weren't any fancy restaurants or lounges onsite as a down side, although you did have your standard snack shop, and all the standard Dining, drinking, and snacking options.
- Breakfast [buffet]: All you can eat, baby!
- Coffee/tea in restaurant.
- Room service [24-hour]. Late-night cravings? Sorted.
- Snack bar. Perfect for grabbing a quick bite.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
This is where Hampton Inn shines. They have all the standard conveniences, and you will be well taken care of during your stay:
- Daily housekeeping. Your room is magically cleaned while you're out.
- Dry cleaning/Laundry service. If you are in a pinch.
- Concierge. They're there to help but it's a more hands-off approach from my experience.
- ATM/Cash withdrawal.
- Free Car park [on-site]. HUGE plus.
- Luggage storage.
Things to Do and Ways to Relax: Not Exactly a Spa Day, But…
This isn’t a resort, so don’t expect a full-blown spa experience. But they did have the Fitness center, which I glimpsed through the window and it looked pretty standard. Plus, they had a Swimming pool [outdoor] (hello, summer!), which really upped the relaxation factor.
For the Kids: Family Time
Hampton Inn is a "Family/child friendly". They may provide "Kids meal", but you should contact directly for information.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy
Seriously, this is a HUGE plus.
- Car park [free of charge].
- Taxi service. For those who prefer to not drive.
- Airport transfer.
My Verdict and a Crazy-Good Offer
Look, Hampton Inn & Suites in Manchester isn't perfect. It's a Hampton Inn. But it's a damn good Hampton Inn. Clean, comfortable, convenient, and with a surprising level of attention to detail. It’s a reliable option. If you're looking for a no-fuss, affordable, and surprisingly pleasant stay in Manchester, honestly, this is your best-kept secret.
The Offer That'll Make You Book!
Here's the deal: I’ve been told these things don't last so here's an exclusive, limited-time offer just for you, my reader (and whoever stumbles upon this review):
Book directly through the Hampton Inn website (or call them, I'm not getting any commission!) and receive:
- Free upgrade to a suite (subject to availability - but hey, it's worth asking!).
- $10 voucher for the snack bar.
- 10% off your next stay, because who doesn't love a discount?
- And the confidence that you're getting a good deal and a clean room.
Hurry, though! This offer is only valid for bookings made in the next few weeks. Don’t miss out on Manchester’s Best Kept Secret!
Escape to Paradise: Charming Slovak Apartment Nestled Under Linden Trees
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized TripAdvisor itinerary. This is… me, at the Hampton Inn & Suites Manchester, New Hampshire, trying to navigate the existential dread of a business trip (and maybe find a decent slice of pizza).
Day 1: Arrival & "The Incident" (or, Why I'll Never Trust a Vending Machine Again)
- 3:00 PM: Land at Manchester-Boston Regional Airport. Ugh. Smells like opportunity and taxidermy in here. Seriously, those squirrels perched on the welcome sign were judging my airport fashion. (It was a fleece jacket, okay? Comfort is KEY.)
- 3:30 PM: Find the rental car. Blessedly, it's not a clown car. Though, the guy at the counter gave me this look, like I was personally responsible for the 2008 financial crisis. Rude.
- 4:00 PM: Arrive at Hampton Inn & Suites. Check-in. It was a breeze, surprisingly. The desk clerk had this… intense love for cats. Meow-ing at me. We're off to a great start.
- 4:30 PM: Unpack. Room is… fine. Standard Hampton fare. The bed looks comfortable. I'll report back after a nap.
- 5:00 PM: The Vending Machine Incident. I'm suddenly craving a Reese's. Should be easy, right? WRONG. Insert dollar. Select Reese's. Machine makes a sad grinding noise. Nothing. Try again. Grinding. Nothing. Try a different slot. Grinding. Nothing. This stupid machine has stolen my money AND broken my heart. I actually yelled at it. Then I had a small, internal breakdown. Went and sobbed dramatically to my room, with a bag of chips.
- 6:30 PM: Dinner. Walked three blocks to Red Arrow Diner. Classic. Comfort food heaven! The waitress, bless her heart, probably saw the vending machine devastation in my eyes. Offered a free slice of pie. Angels exist.
Day 2: Meetings, Mild Existentialism, & Pizza Quest
- 7:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. The waffle maker is glorious. I may have consumed too many. Regret starts setting in around Waffle #3.
- 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Meetings, meetings, meetings. They were… business-y. I tried to contribute meaningfully, but mostly just thought about pizza. And how to get that Reese's back.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. Chicken salad sandwich. Bland. I think I was feeling slightly more depressed about pizza.
- 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: More meetings. The air conditioning was blasting. I think I felt my soul freeze.
- 4:30 PM: The Great Pizza Hunt Begins. I spent an hour wandering around, staring at Yelp reviews. This is serious business. I settled on a place called "The Puritan Backroom," which, let's be honest, is a pretty intimidating name.
- 5:30 PM: The Puritan Backroom. Place is packed. I'm talking, every single table is taken, and people are lined up outside, like it's a Taylor Swift concert. I started feeling a little bit overwhelmed (and maybe a little hangry).
- 6:00 PM-ish: Finally got a table. The pizza arrived. Oh. My. God. It was… glorious. Crust was crispy, sauce was tangy, cheese was stretchy. I may have shed a tear. All was right in the world. The vending machine? Forgotten.
Day 3: Departure & Lingering Pizza Dreams
- 7:00 AM: Breakfast. The waffle maker and I have reached an understanding. It's a truce, if not a full-blown romance.
- 8:00 AM: Final meetings. Managed to resist the urge to quote pizza reviews during the powerpoint presentation.
- 10:00 AM: Checked out. Gave a very generous tip to the cat-loving desk clerk.
- 10:30 AM: Headed back to the airport. This time, I avoided the vending machines like the plague.
- 1:00 PM: Flight… delayed. Figures. Needed a final goodbye pizza.
- Final Thoughts: Manchester, you had your moments. The pizza saved you. The vending machine… you’re still on my list. This Hampton Inn? Fine. But that pizza… I’ll be back. Until next time, I'm off to dream of crispy crust and melty cheese.
P.s. I still don't have my Reese's. Life is hard.
Stone Mill Inn Canada: Unforgettable Luxury Getaway Awaits!
Hampton Inn & Suites Manchester: The Truth (with a Side of Coffee Stains)
Okay, seriously, "Best Kept Secret"? Is this some kind of marketing trick? Because I've seen some pretty sad "secrets" in my time.
Alright, let's be real. "Best Kept Secret" is, admittedly, a bit of a cliche. But hear me out. I stumbled upon the Hampton Inn & Suites in Manchester purely by accident. I was supposed to be at a conference, and well... let's just say the original hotel was a disaster. The air conditioning was on the fritz, the coffee tasted like battery acid, and the elevator sounded like a dying walrus. Pure. Nightmare. So, desperate, I Googled. And BAM! Hampton Inn popped up with surprisingly decent reviews. Honestly, I was expecting another chain hotel yawn-fest. I went in with low expectations, and that low bar was BLEW AWAY. So, maybe not a "secret" in the strictest sense, but definitely a hidden gem. And for me it was a true lifesaver, that conference was rough!
What are the rooms actually like? Are we talking sterile, cookie-cutter, or something with character? Asking for a friend... who is me.
Listen, I'm not going to lie. It's not like staying in a quirky boutique hotel. You're not going to find exposed brick or artisan soaps. But... and this is a big but... the rooms are clean, comfortable, and surprisingly spacious. I actually had a suite one time (I don't know HOW I got so lucky), and it was HUGE. A separate living area! I practically did cartwheels (okay, maybe not cartwheels, but I did a little happy dance). The beds? Heavenly. Seriously, I slept like a baby. And the pillows? Perfectly fluffy. I'm a pillow snob, so trust me on this. They've got those crisp white sheets, you know? The good stuff. I was so comfortable, I almost missed my alarm the next day! Almost. Don’t worry, I had to stumble out of bed eventually….
The free breakfast... Is it the usual sad continental spread of stale pastries and lukewarm coffee? My stomach is already grumbling.
Okay, this is where Hampton Inn really shines. The breakfast is actually *good*. Really, really good. I'm talking waffles you make yourself (and yes, I always make two), scrambled eggs, sausage or bacon (a crucial debate), fresh fruit, oatmeal, bagels... the WORKS. And the coffee? Actually drinkable! Sometimes they even have flavored creamers. Heavenly! Now, it's not Michelin-star quality, obviously, but for a free breakfast, it's a total game-changer. I will admit: I may have gone back for a second plate...and maybe a third. Don't judge me, I get hungry!
Parking? Because, let's face it, downtown parking can be a nightmare. And I hate nightmares.
Parking is free! And usually, you'll be alright finding a spot. It’s not always *perfect*—I have seen a few moments of mild parking lot anxiety—but generally, you're good. It’s definitely a major perk compared to some of the other hotels around there. The stress alone is worth it. You know how stressful parking can be! I've spent hours circling before.
Are the staff friendly? Because a grumpy front desk person can ruin the whole experience.
The staff are genuinely friendly and helpful. Seriously, the front desk folks? Always smiling, always willing to help. They're not just going through the motions; they actually seem to care. I remember one time I was stuck at the front desk for like an hour (my fault, I had a billing issue), and they were still incredibly polite and patient, even though I was probably being a bit of a pain. That was the best. Great people. Another great experience. And the cleaning staff too, always professional and polite.
Location, location, location! Is it actually convenient to... anything? Or am I going to be stuck in the boonies?
The Hampton Inn & Suites is in a great location. It's close to everything. Close to the airport, it has easy access to the highway (which can be a blessing and a curse, but mostly a blessing!), and it's not too far from downtown. Restaurants, shops, attractions... you're set. I even walked to a really good diner one morning. I mean, I'm not a marathon runner, but it was doable. So yeah, convenience? Absolutely. But also, it’s not *right in the middle* of everything, which, in my book, is a good thing. It can be a bit noisy depending on your specific room (ask for one away from the road!), but in general, it's pretty peaceful.
Any downsides? Because nothing is perfect. Even my perfect hair isn't perfect all the time. (Okay, it's never perfect).
Okay, let's be honest. No place is perfect. I've had a few minor issues. The Wi-Fi can be a little spotty sometimes (but hey, when isn't it?), and the pool area is a little on the small side. It’s not a huge resort, that's for sure. One time, the elevator was out of service for a hot minute. Minor inconveniences, really. But that's life! And honestly, I'd take those minor inconveniences over a truly disastrous hotel experience any day. Maybe the gym is a bit... well, it has machines, and they work. But it's not a luxury fitness center. You get what I mean. Overall though, the pros *far* outweigh the cons. The value for the price is just exceptional.
Okay, one more question... Would you *actually* recommend it? Be brutally honest.
Yes. Absolutely. One hundred percent. I've stayed there multiple times now, and every time, I've been pleasantly surprised. It's not the fanciest hotel in the world, but it's clean, comfortable, convenient, and the staff are amazing. And the free breakfast? Seriously worth the price of admission (which, by the way, is a great price!). I'm not saying it's a life-altering experience, but it's a solid, reliable, and genuinely enjoyable place to stay. Definitely try it, you probably won't regret it. I know *I* can't wait to go back. And hey, maybe I'll see you there. Just don't take *my* waffle maker!
