Manchester United’s new star signing Alexis Sanchez has dodged a dog ban while staying at a £816-a-night luxury hotel.
The £600,000-a-week winger was allowed to bring his two pet Labradors with him while he finds somewhere to live with his girlfriend – Chilean actress Mayte Rodriguez – having recently switched from North London rivals Arsenal.
And despite the zero tolerance policy on dogs, Sanchez shared a picture of the two pooches Atom and Humber, donning the famous red strip from inside the Lowry Hotel.
But one regular hotel guest was left unamused at the special treatment afforded to The Special One – Jose Mourinho’s – latest big money buy.
‘If he was an average Joe they wouldn’t allow it. They can’t change the rules just because a celeb is staying,’ the guest told The Sun.
The Chilean checked in to one of the five-star hotel’s luxury Riverside Suites, similar to the room Mourinho has been living in since his appointment at Old Trafford 18 months ago.
Sanchez is expected to earn £600,000 a week after image rights and bonuses taking home £27m annually before tax.
The Lowry has recently refurbished their half-a-dozen Riverside suites, which typically cost guests an average of £816 a night.
The hotel’s website states only guide dogs are allowed and staff at reception say no exceptions can be made.
Sanchez offered his Instagram followers a glimpse inside his room on Tuesday night and had dressed up his beloved dogs
Atom and Humber in United shirts with ‘Alexis 7’ on the back.
Given that the suites are 90 square metres – the largest in the city, according to the hotel – Sanchez’s pooches will have plenty of room.
The spacious suites feature a large bedroom, lounge and dining area, bathroom, kitchenette and walk-in wardrobe, plus can be connected to an adjoining room for more space
There is a Riverside Suite on each floor of the hotel, all overlooking the adjacent River Irwell, and each is described as having ‘the feeling of a stylish private apartment.’
Five of the six rooms can be connected to a deluxe room next door, meaning others can stay. Sanchez’s mother is also staying at the hotel as he settles into life at United.
The suites also boast a separate lounge and dining area for four people, bathroom, walk-in wardrobe and a kitchenette for preparing meals.
The recent upgrades have been inspired by the artworks of the painter Alan Rankle, who was born in nearby Oldham.
The bed headboards are a replica of one of Rankle’s works and the rest of the decor is styled accordingly to blend in with it.
Tea and coffee making facilities are included, along with a fridge and coffee machine.
All six of the rooms are packed with technology, including two Smart TVs, high-speed broadband and two direct-dial telephones with voice messaging. There is also an ethernet dataport and a connection for a fax machine, with guests given the machine itself on request.
Within the hotel itself guests have access to a gym and spa area, 24-hour room service and a concierge, while all Riverside Suite guests are offered in-suite check in, a bag packing service, valet and a full English breakfast.
If guests so choose, they can enhance their stay with six chocolate-dipped strawberries for £12 or a bottle of champagne for £100.
Much was made of Mourinho’s decision to continue staying in the Lowry, located just under three miles from Old Trafford and 12 miles from the Carrington training ground, rather than look for a house.
But the manager’s family are still living in London and Mourinho makes regular trips south to visit them.
Sanchez, having completed his move from Arsenal this week, is expected to look for more permanent accommodation but is well-situated for the time being, seeing as United meet up at the Lowry before every match.
