THE HOTEl: Literally in the heart of Sheffield’s superbly re-generated city centre adjacent to the modern Winter Gardens, Millennium Gallery, Lyceum and Crucible theatres, St Paul’s Peace Gardens, shops and restaurants. The 163-room/suite four-star hotel is an ideal base for business (or leisure) travellers just a few minutes’ walk from the city rail station. It’s also just steps away from the QPark car park, arguably the poshest car park in the UK, where a 10% discount is available. Valet parking (£21) is also on offer.
THE CHECK-IN: As all check-ins should be, friendly, welcoming and efficient with apologies for making me wait all of 30 seconds! Slight confusion over my booking was instantly resolved and the receptionist was eager to describe the hotel’s amenities. There was a (declined) offer to help with luggage.
THE ROOM: An end of corridor Junior Suite with a bedroom, living area and bathroom. Simply but effectively furnished with a large bed, bedside tables, wardrobe with floor to ceiling mirror door (and, inside, iron/ironing board), wide-screen TV, safe and trouser press. The living area has huge curved floor to ceiling windows overlooking the streets below and comes with work desk, two easy chairs, a table and tea/coffee-making facilities. The spacious bathroom has a corner shower, bath, toilet and basin. Tiny hair and body gel sachets with two or three needed per shower have replaced the more traditional mini bottles. A mini bar can be stocked if required.
THE BUSINESS: Wireless internet is available in all rooms and public areas at a cost of £4 per hour, £9 for 24 hours and £40 for 50 hours. The hotel also has a self-service business centre and seven meeting rooms. Rooms have a work desk.
THE restaurant: The Yard is open for breakfast and dinner offering what’s described as ‘thematic cuisine’. The comprehensive and attractive breakfast buffet offers a range of hot and cold food. The off-lobby Champagne Bar is a popular meeting place. There are lots of other restaurants and coffee shops in the immediate vicinity of the hotel.
THE facilities: The Mercure St Paul’s boasts an extensive spa complex that includes an 18-metre swimming pool, sauna, steam room, ice room and very large gym. It’s adjacent to theatres, the Millennium Gallery, Winter Garden plus nearby restaurants, pubs and clubs galore.
THE VErDICT: An excellent city centre hotel that well reflects the renaissance of an old industrial city into a revitalised and reinvigorated destination. Staff training has clearly been a priority with all staff combining an efficient and friendly approach to guests.
THE DETAILS: Rates are from £74 to £124 in a Classic room, £104 to £154 in a Privilege room, £124 to £174 in a Junior Suite and £174 to £224 in an Executive Suite. The Mercure St Paul’s is at 119 Norfolk Street, Sheffield S1 2JE. Tel: (+44) (0) 114 278 2000; fax: (+44) (0) 114 278 2013; email: H6628@accor.com; www.mercure.com Alan Orbell
