Cow Hollow Hotel, Manchester, UK

Posted in Projects on 31 May, 2018

This quirky and charming boutique hotel is owned by husband and wife, Muj and Amelia, and has all the characteristics you would expect from a small, independent hotel. Features Editor Tonje looks at the interiors…

Located on Newton Street in Manchester’s trendy Northern Quarter, the Cow Hollow Hotel opened in January in a former textile warehouse. Having undergone extensive refurbishment over the past three years, it has been transformed into an eclectic and inspired boutique hotel.

Husband and wife Muj and Amelia Rana have painstakingly designed the hotel themselves, and the result is a reflection of their affection for the old townhouse. The couple’s focal point has been to ensure the hotel would be affordable and luxurious.

Named after the chic neighbourhood in San Francisco, the hotel encompasses the easy-breezy vibes of San Fran with a touch of the soul found in old warehouses from London’s Shoreditch to New York’s Manhattan meatpacking district.

From start to finish, the hotel has been designed to tell the story of its rich history – the building is said to be around 150 years old, and once played a key role in Manchester’s ‘Cottonpolis’. Original features from its illustrious past have been retained, for instance the huge exposed oak beams, the Carrara marble fireplaces, wrought iron machinery and original textile factory doors. A nod to the future, contemporary artwork from local Mancunian artists adorn the walls of the rooms, combining old and new to create something spectacularly different to other hotels in the city.

The bespoke design in the townhouse building is funky and fun – the Brazilian stepped-slated and Italian porcelain tiling in each room also add another level of luxury.

Public spaces

With a neighbourhood feel, the Cow Hollow Hotel has tied-up with selected restaurants in the Northern Quarter offering guests exclusive discounts, as the restaurant doesn’t houses its our dining outlet. For drinks however, the hotel has the sophisticated and cool Plantation lobby cocktail bar.

The lobby really is an interesting space. Though small, it packs lots of character and inspiring design features. An Art Deco palm lounge has been created with lush plants, mirrored arched French windows (which further enlarge the room) and golden design accents. This meets the industrial and raw look of exposed brick, hardwood floors and wooden beams. The juxtaposition makes for a fascinating combo.

There is a lovely, comfortable couch as well as cool bar stools and lots of antiques. The marble bar top adds that luxurious feel to the place, which transports you to the golden age of Deco partying.

Accommodation

With the hotel only housing 16 rooms (nine standard rooms and seven suites), the design in each room is thoughtful and artistic. King-size beds handmade from railway sleepers, beautiful antique brass bathrooms, lashings of walnut and copper and all the latest technology help create a stylish and authentic atmosphere.

The warm wooden floors are covered in gently-patterned rugs, which compliment the marble fireplaces. Earthy tones of brown, beige, cream and grey work perfectly with the natural materials of stone and brick.

It oozes of comfort with plush pillows, inviting fabrics, chesterfield sofas and elegant bathroom with indulgent, big walk-in showers. The design in distinctly residential, but have those luxury touches that remind you that you’re staying somewhere special.

The effort put into every little details of this hotel clearly demonstrates Muj and Amelia’s dedication. They should be very proud of the big impact this little hotel makes.