Address: 107 Piccadilly, Manchester, M1 2DB.

Telephone: 0161-247 7744.

Website: aliasrossetti.com

First impressions: This imposing red sandstone Victorian building is a couple of minutes' walk from Piccadilly, the mainline train station, and the centre of the city. Some clues as to the building's industrial past remain (it was once the HQ of a textiles company), and are made into features, such as exposed steel beams and structural iron columns. After the shock of thinking that the mannequins in the lobby were real people, I was greeted by trendy staff. The artwork and colour schemes (opulent gold and pink) make for a very kitsch feel. This is the newest offering from the group that brought you the Hotel Barcelona in Exeter and the Kandinsky in Cheltenham.

What are the rooms like? The 61 bedrooms are large and light. In rich, dark reds and browns, the soft furnishings are lavish against the minimalist furniture and wood floors. The huge double beds dominate the rooms, which all have a DVD, digital TV and a Roberts radio for a burst of nostalgia.

The bed test: By far the biggest bed I have ever slept in, and the duvet is soft goose feather.

The bathroom: Over the bath is an impressive power shower with a shower head the size of a dinner plate. A floor-to-ceiling heated towel rail keeps the towels or bathrobe warm while you soak.

The restaurant: Cafe Paradiso is the hotel's Mediterranean bistro and cafe, serving light lunches (sandwiches from £4.95), pizza (from £7.50) and pasta dishes (£5.75). There is also a nightclub - The Basement - with a plush brown and gold decor, creating a casino or jazz lounge atmosphere (open 5pm-2am).

How much? From £209 for two nights for two people, B&B, with £40 to spend in Cafe Paradiso.