Thistle Hotels' Manchester Property Re-launches as The Portland

LONDON, Nov. 19, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Thistle Hotels is celebrating the completion of its refurbishment of The Portland by Thistle, formerly Thistle Manchester.

From this significant investment, the hotel has been transformed into a contemporary, relaxing and stylish base - ideal for business and leisure guests wanting a comfortable, quality experience in the heart of the city.

The enhancement project, that saw the hotel revert to its original name of The Portland as a mark to its heritage which dates back to its warehouse beginnings in 1851, has taken eight months to complete across seven floors and includes: 204 new look bedrooms with air conditioning units, two new lifts, and a refurbished front hall, as well as a refreshed Portland St. Restaurant and Bar.

First established as a hotel in 1973, The Portland hotel is a popular hub for local businesses as well as attracting both domestic and international guests, thanks to its central location nestled within the city centre - with easy access to the Airport and Manchester Piccadilly station.

Already ranked as a top business hotel, the hotel's management will continue to invest in growing its meetings and events offering, following the refurbishment of The Portland's Riley Suites, named collectively in honour of popular local artist Harold Riley, but separately known as the: Sir Bobby Charlton, Sir Matt Busby, Dennis Law and Mercer; honouring the local football legends.

Ian Corner, general manager of The Portland by Thistle commented: "The hotel lies at the very heart of the city and its heritage within Manchester, from its former years as a working warehouse, makes it a unique part of the city's history. 

"We're proud that we can reveal the latest chapter in the property's existence following our investment and are confident the refurbishment will re-establish The Portland, as it will now be known, as one of the city's most fondly-regarded hotels.  The transformation of The Portland will place Thistle as a major force in Manchester's business and leisure sector - a welcome stay for business and leisure guests travelling into the city."

The recent refurbishment of The Portland by Thistle is further evidence of Thistle's ongoing and significant investment in its properties. Since 2008, Thistle has invested 100 million pounds, transforming its entire portfolio into modernised, individual properties with a contemporary look and feel.

About Thistle

Thistle Hotels is part of Guoman Hotel Management (UK) Limited which operates hotels throughout the UK. Thistle has 33 UK hotels many in superb city centre locations, including hotels in Covent Garden, UK hotels 5 star London hotels, luxury London hotels, hotels near Hyde Park and hotels in Kensington.

With a selection of restaurants, a choice of excellent health and leisure facilities, and a choice of wedding venues in Manchester, Thistle has something to offer everyone.

Thistle Hotels is the first hotel group to achieve Hospitality Assured accreditation, across its entire UK portfolio. Created by the Institute of Hospitality, the Hospitality Assured standard measures the quality within customer facing businesses across the hospitality, tourism and leisure industry.

SOURCE Thistle Hotels