The northwest’s bustling metropolis is one of the fastest-growing cities in Europe. Home to premiership footballers, TV personalities and social media celebs, it’s also known as a place of innovation for art and theatre. Glitzy skyscrapers pepper the skyline, with designer boutiques, trendy cafes and fine dining restaurants on ground level. Whether you’re here to shop, soak up some culture, party, or for work, there are plenty of interesting places to stay. Visitors will find some of the UK’s best hotels in Manchester – from quirky themed establishments to vintage buildings with an illustrious history. Here is a selection of our favourites.
The Edwardian Manchester, A Radisson Collection Hotel
This grand establishment is no stranger to a famous face. It occupies the iconic Free Trade Hall, a Grade II listed building, just 15 minutes’ walk from Picadilly. While there are some stunning original features, the bedrooms are housed in a modern wing (book one with a private terrace if you want some outdoor space). The Edwardian’s wellness suite offers ESPA treatments, a relaxation room in a former vault, a 12-metre swimming pool, a sauna, a steam room, an experience shower and a jacuzzi. And there’s a Japanese-Mexican fusion restaurant with a DJ playing at the weekends.
Kimpton Clocktower Hotel
Another Grade II listed property, this one dates back to the 19th century. Ascend its grand marble staircase and marvel at the stained-glass cupola ceiling in the lobby. And relax in your bedroom, equipped with all the vintage-meets-cool-contemporary features, trendy amenities and funky artwork you’d expect from a Kimpton. Drink cocktails in the leafy and light-filled Winter Garden; eat in The Refuge Dining Room and have a nightcap in the Refuge Bar (so named as the building once served as HQ for The Refuge Assurance Company). Kimpton Clocktower has the largest ballroom in the northwest and is pet-friendly.
Dakota Manchester
Steps from the Northern Quarter and adjacent to the Rochdale Canal, Manchester’s Dakota oozes the brand’s signature sultry vibe with an industrial chic that befits the location. The colour palette is dark and masculine, with ambient lighting and candles, creating a sense of very grown-up sophistication. Dakota’s Grill restaurants are renowned for their excellent steaks and this one is no different; grab a booth and tuck into some juicy beef or seafood. The Grill is also the setting for a continental breakfast buffet, with cooked options available to order. There are 137 bedrooms on the accessible property, as well as a Champagne Room and Cigar Terrace.
Stock Exchange Hotel
As the name implies, this Grade II listed building used to be the city’s Stock Exchange (between 1904 and 1906). Tom Kerridge has since taken up culinary residence, with his new in-house restaurant and bar, The Bull & Bear. Here guests can experience grand, yet informal all-day dining under the impressive domed ceiling. Tom has two further dining options in the hotel – The Vault and The Bank Private Dining. The Stock Exchange Hotel’s architecture is fitting with an Edwardian Baroque style, and sleek, contemporary interiors hint at the hotel’s heritage. Push the boat out by booking The Residence, a fully serviced apartment complete with its own roof terrace.
Hotel Brooklyn
You can step back in time to mid-century New York when you enter through the doors of Hotel Brooklyn (past an iconic yellow cab). The nearest you’ll get to the Big Apple without boarding a plane, everything here is reminiscent of the city’s heyday. As such the room decor is quite unique and decidedly cosy. Some rooms are pet friendly, with pricier suites providing a balcony or terrace and freestanding bath. After a day on the town, return to sip manhattans in the bar before bed, mixed by bartenders wearing braces and caps. And you can expect a hearty US-style morning feast when it comes to breakfast time
The Lowry Hotel
A fashionable address and celebrity haunt, The Lowry has an Elemis spa with eight treatment rooms, a relaxation area and a sauna, plus a hair salon. Rooms also have the wellness brand’s toiletries, along with huge windows, walk-in wardrobes, baths and fine artwork. The Hotel is named after one of Manchester’s most famed artists and hosts revolving art and photography exhibitions. Head to the first floor River Restaurant and Bar for hearty a la carte dishes, or lighter bites – kids can select from a mini gourmet menu (toddlers eat for free, with those under 12 at half price).
Hotel Gotham
If you’re a fan of Batman, be it the cartoons or movies, you absolutely must put this on your bucket list. Subtly themed on the superhero, with nods to the character here and there in the form of some classy memorabilia, the identity of this hotel is opulent and sophisticated. Dark colours reign, especially in the mysterious corridors, creating a moody, dramatic atmosphere. The restaurant, Honey, has a menu designed to ‘get you thinking sweet thoughts’ and stunning half-moon feature windows proffering city views. This was once a bank, and now is a grade II listed building overlaid with funky contemporary furnishings.
Hilton Manchester Deansgate
Soaring 47 floors from the ground in the Beetham Tower, this is the place for bird’s eye views. Super central, this Hilton is handy for those preferring to explore on foot and a stay here provides ample opportunity to dress up for the evening.. The aptly named Cloud 23 cocktail bar and Podium restaurant (serving British cuisine) are situated on the 23rd floor; visit in the evening to see Manchester’s dazzling array of lights, as you drink and dine. And if you’d like a touch of VIP hospitality, stay in an Executive Guest bedroom for access to the Executive Lounge.
King Street Townhouse
King Street Townhouse is a contemporary hotel conveniently located within the upper King Street conservation area of Manchester city centre. The elegant and impressive Italian renaissance building dates back to 1872 and was designed by Edward Salomons, a local architect. Now, a modern ‘baby grand’ hotel and part of the Eclectic Hotel Collection, King Street Townhouse, comprises 40 bedrooms and suites – with a good choice of room type (from snug to Luxe suites) to suit every type of visitor. For those in need of some relaxation, indulge in some time in the unique infinity pool located on the seventh floor and offering stunning views across the city. For those who enjoy a little more activity, there is a small but well-equipped gymnasium for residents to use. From the rooftop terrace to the wine cellar there are exclusive spaces for residents to enjoy cocktails and grazing platters through to tasting menus with a sommelier service. Brunch, Afternoon Tea, wine tasting and all day dining options are available for residents and non-residents to enjoy at The Tavern at King Street – the stylish onsite restaurant. Seasonal menus showcase the finest British cuisine with tasty dishes created from local ingredients. This really is the place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and eat, sip and socialise!
Abode Manchester
Choose from ABode’s trademark room categories: Comfortable, Desirable, Enviable and Fabulous, where parquet flooring, ironwork columns and high Victorian ceilings provide lashings of character. Modern touches such as Marshall Blue tooth speakers, blackout curtains, air conditioning and Nespresso machines (the latter featured in higher-end rooms) make your stay extra comfortable. Themed fifth floor suites are akin to mini apartments and include tuck boxes, mezzanines and spiral staircases. Drinks can be brought to your room and you have the option to order takeout from local delivery services. Brasserie ABode serves guests a ‘Breakfast of Champions’. The hotel is just across the road from Picadilly Station.
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