The first extended stay aparthotel in Northern England has opened right in the heart of Manchester.

Residence Inn by Marriott Manchester Piccadilly has 155 studios and one-bedroom apartments available to book for city breaks and long stays.

Each room has a fully functional kitchen - including a microwave, two ring hobs, utensils, a fridge, and a dishwasher.

There's also a gym and laundry facilities available onsite and open at all times - perfect for all travellers staying for extended periods.

The hotel is 12 storeys high and is the fifth Marriott Residence Inn property in the UK, with the other four open in London and Scotland.

The property is pet-friendly, so visitors are welcome to bring their furry friends along for their stay.

The 'home away from home' concept is intended to cater to all guests' needs during an extended stay, and it is in a prime city centre location just a few minutes walk away from the city's main transport hub - Manchester Piccadilly Station.

We were invited down to the launch party and to stay the night in this new hotel.