This Mancunian hotel has a way of luring savvy shoppers.
So when we were invited on a press trip to the elegant Lowry, we packed our best flats and made sure the bank account was in order.
Led by fashion expert and boutique owner Brix Smith-Start, we took the quickest train out Friday evening.
THE HOTEL
Overlooking the River Irwill, the five-star Lowry Hotel boasts a spectacular view of the city and a stylish interior. A lavish king-size bed, dressed in all shades of autumn, stood at the centre of my spacious suite, complemented by a swanky chaise in the corner.
There were few chances to enjoy the floor-to-ceiling picture windows and modern decor of the room, however, as we quickly got to work familiarising ourselves with the lay of the hotel (read: the most important parts - bar, restaurant and spa, in that order) and the shopping districts of Manchester.
Over specially prepared apple-pear martinis, we started quizzing Brix about her East London mecca of style, Start, as well as her stint as Gok Wan's nemesis on TV's Fashion Fix. After deciding a switch to the hotel's River Bar & Restaurant was probably best, considering there were only a couple of hours left before midnight, we dined on the city's finest and tastiest dishes: Lancashire fillet, grilled scallops, plump handmade lobster raviloi.
Although we had planned to explore the city, after venturing through the various levels of bar and banquet options on offer at the Lowry we soon realised that our night had been consumed by our grand meal and champagne-fuelled fun. I only wish the memory of my bed was more clear.
THE SHOPPING
"The city has changed so much since I first lived here," Brix explains. "At the time there was hardly any choice, but today having spawned talents such as Matthew Williamson, Henry Holland and designer of 'that dress’, Sarah Burton at Alexander McQueen, Manchester features high on my list as one of the most fashionable and vibrant places to shop in the UK."
We're officially converts.
Over a breakfast tapas of fruit skewers and smoked salmon, we pored over the Manchester Shopping Guide, edited by Brix herself, packed with sartorial tips and trivia - not to mention plenty of deals. The Lowry has flexed its fashion muscles, securing a bevvy of retailers offering anything from discounts to drinks and even lunch at House of Fraser with proof of a Lowry room key.
Our first stop was Elite, a fairly priced dress agency offering pleated Hermes scarves, an Alexander Wang mac and too many shoe designers to name. At the Avenue, a collection of swanky top-notch labels, we browsed straight from the runway treats at Flannels and ogled Mulberry's new mahogany-coloured handbags.
Then it was on to the Northern Quarter, where we combed through all the vintage we could find before heading back to the hotel for lunch.
THE TREATMENT
We were welcomed to the Lowry's spa with lemonade and apple mojitos, and split to try out our different treatments. I selected the Elemis facial to correct my dehydrated skin.
Let's be clear: this was the most relaxing facial I've ever had - dozing off became a very real possibility. I reclined for 60 minutes as the therapist, Nicola, took to correcting my dry dermis. Afterwards, we chatted about my skincare regime and she explained why she'd used each product.
Twice during the massage she patted on Elemis' Visible Brilliance with her fingers to brighten up my skin, but the Fruit Active Rejuvenating Mask was the deluxe finale to the treatment. I could feel it fully coating my face before it was gently scrubbed off with a warm towel. Before I left Nicola handed me a sheet detailing all the products she'd used so I could recreate the silky-smooth feeling at home.
THE VERDICT
I wish I'd had more time to take in both the Lowry and Manchester, because this fashion-inspired stay was a treat! The hotel itself guaranteed a luxurious, secluded stay and the staff were warm and very friendly throughout.
Britney Spears was among the guests at the Lowry looking for a piece of privacy in a crowded city - and while we didn't catch a glimpse of her (we only saw her other half), we're not surprised she chose this posh palace to unwind.
THE INFO
The Manchester Fashion Package starts at £179 a night for a deluxe king bedroom and breakfast. The offer includes Brix Smith-Start's Guide to Fashionable Manchester and Fashionistas cocktails for two in the River bar. For more information contact 0870 460 5040, quoting Fashion Manchester.
By Dana Karlson
