Whether it's a trip to Piccadilly Train Station or fighting your way through the crowds and pigeons at Piccadilly Gardens, neither make for a relaxing experience.

Yet just minutes away from the Station Approach on a rather fresh Friday in March, I found myself being pampered like a princess.

That's because the new Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly, previously known as the Manchester Macdonald Hotel and the Manchester Piccadilly Hotel, has launched a new Afternoon Tea with Spa Treatments package.

Arriving at the main hotel reception, we soon discovered there's a separate entrance for The Spa and Fitness Suite a couple of minutes down the road.

In my giddiness for a girly day with one of my oldest friends, we'd walked straight past it without even noticing.

Once inside we were invited to fill out the usual forms declaring any medical conditions and what have you. We had no hesitation in confirming we were indeed fit and well, if not a little........

© Manchester Evening News