Like it or not, the name David Beckham would always be associated with Manchester. Manchester is much greater than Beckham, however. The capital of the north of England, Manchester is the second best place in the United Kingdom - after London - to do business in. It is also one of the most frequently visited. It has two premiere football teams, the legendary Manchester United and the not so legendary Manchester City. With its relatively damp climate, a good strong roof over one's head is a must. The Hotel Manchester Renaissance offers just that.

Good Hotel Feature #1: An Escape Route

The Hotel Manchester Renaissance is located on Deansgate, right at the heart of Manchester's city center, which is notably as stylish as Beckham himself. It's just a hop and a skip away from the Victoria Station. So, if you ever get tired of all the football talk, you can always jump on a train and head to another British city that is not as football crazy as Manchester. Good luck finding one, though.

Good Hotel Feature #2: A Link to the World through Cyberspace

Whatever your function needs are, the Hotel Manchester Renaissance rises to the occasion --- from weddings to dinner parties to conferences. Conference rooms are not only spacious; they also offer high-speed Internet connection, allowing executives to pretend to work with relative ease and comfort. WIFI Internet access is also available in the Hotel Manchester Renaissance's elegant lounge so executives can pretend to work there, too, while discreetly observing the local women. They can even feign work in the comfort of their own bedrooms, as each room is provided with Internet connection and an interactive television.

Good Hotel Feature #3: The Comforts of Home with a Slightly Larger Price Tag

All guest rooms of the Hotel Manchester Renaissance are individually climate-controlled, a welcome respite after being caught outside in one of those Manchester drizzles. Of course, bathrooms are en suite. Hair dryers and flat irons are available in each room. The Hotel Manchester Renaissance even goes the extra mile - you are provided with your ironing board. No more gargantuan hotel ironing bills and no more burning bed sheets! Hotel Manchester Renaissance guest rooms are also bigger than most hotel rooms by a cool 20 to 30 percent! All rooms offer spectacular views of Manchester City, even if it's just the building next door.

Good Hotel Feature #4: Good Food, Even Better Bar Patrons

Manchester has a score of fine restaurants and bars scattered all over the city, and one of them is just a ride on the lift away from your guest room at the Hotel Manchester Renaissance. Robbie's Restaurant and Bar serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The bar is a favorite haunt of the cr'me de la cr'me of Manchester. If you're lucky, you might even end up having a drink with a chap from Manchester United or at least Manchester City. For the football novice, have a drink with Robbie himself. That is, if he actually exists. If he doesn't, you can always have one with the bartender.

The Hotel Manchester Renaissance might be everything that Manchester is and more. But even with all the creature comforts that the Hotel Manchester Renaissance offers, there's no better way to experience Manchester than to actually explore Manchester. So, grab an umbrella or a good raincoat and go watch a football game!