As a footballer he was used to being top of the league - now Man United legend Gary Neville is celebrating a huge achievement for his plush Stock Exchange Hotel in Manchester city centre. The ex-Reds captain has shared his delight at news that the luxury hotel is now ranked number one on reviews site Tripadvisor.
The Stock Exchange Hotel is placed at number one in a list of 138 hotels in Manchester, with an impressive 333 "excellent" reviews from guests. The hotel is based inside the former Stock Exchange financial buildings on Norfolk Street and was subject to a huge refurbishment from Gary's GG Hospitality company before formally opening to the public in November 2019.
The opulent design inside the venue swiftly gained accolades after opening, including being named one of the World's Best New Luxury Hotels for 2020. Now a clutch of rave reviews from customers on Tripadvisor has seen it soar to the top of the best-rated venues on the website.
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Reviewers praised the "central yet tucked away" location on Norfolk Street, attentive staff and luxury details at the hotel. Reviewer Ceri866 said: "Very special hotel, quality in every detail".
While reviewer Matthew H wrote: "Gorgeous facilities, premium location and a 5 star feel to this 4 star hotel. If anything this only goes to show how unfair the star application system is as this hotel feels more upmarket than many of the 5 star country estates that litter the north of England."
Footballer-turned-pundit Gary was quick to praise his entire team for getting the hotel to achieve the top ranking. He took to Instagram to praise his colleagues, who during lockdown continued to staff the hotel to look after NHS employees.
He said: "The aim when you set up any business is to get to number 1 with your fans, customers or guests. Our team at the @Stockexhotel led by Jacqui Griffiths are amazing.
"You deserve to be there. We opened, you looked after the NHS and then you excelled and do what you do. My love to you all."
The post swiftly racked up the likes, with a host of fans of the hotel chipping in to agree, including TV star Eamonn Holmes who said: "hear, hear" while Helen Housby said: "best place".
Jon Dunn added: "Stayed there in December. Top drawer from the moment we got there. Great hotel."
The hotel boasts 40 rooms including luxurious signature suites and a spectacular penthouse apartment "The House" that recently returned to the market for bookings having had a long-term resident over the past year. The penthouse features three bedrooms and a stunning rooftop terrace with beautiful views across Manchester city centre.
Standard bedrooms start from £160 for room only, while the Norfolk Suite starts from £360 for room only.
The former trading floor, with its spectacular domed ceiling, is now home to celebrity chef Tom Kerridge's Bull and Bear restaurant, named after stock market terms in a nod to the building's heritage. There's also a bar and private events space in the basement where the old banking vault doors are still in use.
The Stock Exchange is one of a number of major developments owned by former England star Neville. He also co-owns Hotel Football at Old Trafford, while major plans are under way on the St Michael's development in Manchester city centre.
That site, on Jackson's Row, will include a large apartment block as well as a huge restaurant and rooftop bar announced earlier this month. Peruvian Japanese restaurant Chotto Matte will take over the rooftop space.
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