Game, Set, Manchester: A Courtside Chat

There’s something about padel that just sticks. One swing, one rally, one laugh mid-game, and suddenly you’re hooked. At Treehouse Hotel Manchester, the fun is just a few steps from the lobby thanks to our partnership with The Pollen Club, home to Manchester’s vibrant padel courts. Guests can book a session, grab a racket, and discover why this fast-growing sport is taking the world (and our treehouse) by storm.

To get the inside scoop, we sat down with the club’s manager, whose journey from student to padel pro proves just how contagious the game can be. From beginner-friendly tips to the magic of a zero-commute court, here’s what makes padel at Treehouse Hotel Manchester a playtime essential.

Courtside Connections with Alex, Manager of The Pollen Club 

What first sparked your love of padel, and how did that passion evolve into a career here in Manchester?

My love for Padel came from an old flatmate whilst I was still studying who introduced me to the sport! I had always been a big racket sport enthusiast, particularly coming from tennis but since playing padel nothing comes close! At university I studied sports business management with a masters in finance and business so I think naturally my sporting and academic passions merged into this role!

What is it about this city, and The Pollen Club, feel like the perfect home for you?

After living here for four years I got to know and fell in love with this city. It feels like home and there’s nowhere else I’d rather be right now. The Pollen Club felt like such a natural fit, they want to provide the best padel experience at affordable costs whilst providing unique experiences with our amazing event spaces. Once I stumbled across the club it felt like a no-brainer!

With The Pollen Club just steps from Treehouse Hotel Manchester’s lobby, why does that “zero-commute” access make padel the ideal add-on for every guest, whether they’re flying solo, traveling as a couple, or rallying with friends?

Padel is one of, if not the only sport that almost everyone of all skill levels can play. It’s natural inclusivity I think is why so many people are becoming so addicted, and when you add that to the club’s proximity to Treehouse, and you have a recipe for a good time for any guest(s) staying at the hotel!

Padel has become one of the fastest-growing sports worldwide, with courts popping up from Manchester to Los Angeles.  What's the one piece of advice you always share with beginners stepping onto the court?

The biggest piece of advice I can give to anyone getting into padel is to watch it as much as you can! Padel is just as tactical as it is physical, and watching it will give you a much better understanding of how it should be played, which will in turn make you a better player too!

From the first warm-up drill to the post-session takeaways, what can a guest expect when booking a session at The Pollen Club?

Our coach Juan has 15+ years playing in Spain before moving to England. He’s an incredible coach who has a real passion to get people into padel and improve their level. You can expect the perfect mix of making sessions fun and informative!

Outside the club, where in Manchester do you recharge—maybe a café, a park, or a creative corner that fuels your energy?

I recharge usually by playing padel… as counterintuitive as that sounds! Other than that, spending time with friends and family is how I like to relax and recharge!