First, this is a good hotel for a single woman - an attractive location in the heart of the city only 5 minutes walk from the rail station and with plenty of unthreatening eating and drinking options on your doorstep. I mention those because the room service menu, which I often resort to when travelling alone, didn't really appeal and seemed eye-wateringly expensive for what was on offer.

The room and bathroom (a good-sized separate shower was a bonus) were quiet, spacious and well kept but I don't think it would affect their profit margin too much to give some bottled water and a shower cap.

Breakfast amused me: to read the hyperbolic descriptions on the menu you would think that a veritable feast would be on offer - but it was the usual buffet with a minimalist twist. The lamps that kept the cooked food warm were so fierce that the scrambled egg seemed still to be cooking...not nice.

The concierge was warm and helpful - other staff seemed a bit distant.

All in all, although it's hard to put a finger on it, the hotel is nowhere near as good as it could be. But it was a pleasant enough stay.

The hotel is in a great central position for shopping and shows with The Lyceum and Crucible on the doorstep and City Hall just a block away. Sheffield is a much improved city over a few years ago and becoming very stylish and European in outlook and this Hotel is certainly part of it.
The Mercure is beautifully appointed and the bedrooms and bathrooms are up to business class. The staff were pleasant and helpful. Parking is £5.60 overnight in the adjacent NCP and valet parking available for a surcharge of £10.
A couple of gripes (well, perfection is hard to attain)
Unless you are on expenses I would suggest you don't drink here. A standard bottle of wine and two glasses £18.
Breakfast was good, virtually everything you could want but the coffee was dreadful. Tasted as if it had been made in a dirty ashtray. Suggest you step over the road to Starbucks.
Also we had to complain about one of the bathtowels which was frayed, worn out and thin, so watch the housekeeping.
But otherwise very good and a reasonable price

We stayed for 2 nights, the hotel is fantastic and in a great location. The rooms are a good size and our room over looked the winter gardens. The pool and spa facilities are a real bonus. The only downside is the drinks in the bar are quite expensive.

We booked this room at the last minute a week before the Easter weekend, having read the reviews on TA. We had a great time, the room was huge and very clean (and I'm fussy!). A really good sized bathroom with separate shower was a lovely surprise.

Highly recommended and we will stay again.