Manchester’s becoming a hotspot for U.K. city breaks. Here you’ve got the footie, the legendary music and nights out, a lot of history, and even the cobbled streets of Corrie. In 2023, Manchester welcomed a 21% higher number of visitors in Manchester Central alone, compared to the quarter before.
Our Top Picks For Manchester
Old-world Luxury – Stock Exchange Hotel
Modern Luxury – Dakota
Boutique Hotel – The Cow Hollow Hotel
Don’t ruin your trip by booking into the wrong hotel. I love visiting this city, so here I’ve collated the best hotels in Manchester to help you whittle it down.
1: The Edwardian Manchester
The Edwardian Manchester is a grand yet very stylish establishment – and during my stay I just couldn’t fault it. The lobby displays bold original art, and the whole place is trendy, with class.
My room was plush and super comfortable, and very clean, and the bedding was high-quality. The thoughtful details in the décor and furnishings, especially in communal areas, really stood out.
The location is perfect, central, and therefore walking distance to most of the city’s attractions and restaurants.
The spa here is absolutely amazing. They offer high-end treatments and an immaculate pool area. I found it difficult to believe I was in the middle of busy Manchester, it was such a retreat.
While I didn’t try the hotel’s restaurants myself, other guests seemed to be enjoying the food and the atmosphere. I might give it a go next time. I did stop for a drink in their Champagne bar, and must mention that every staff member I met was polite and attentive.
Location: Free Trade Hall, Peter St, Manchester M2 5GP, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 161 835 9929
2: Dakota Manchester
The Dakota Hotel Manchester is seriously modern and chic in décor. It’s all dark interior with warm notes and lots of quirky furnishings – Insta will love it.
The rooms are lighter and airier, which was nice – it felt luxurious to stay in, with comfortable beds and crisp linen. The rainfall shower was wonderful and the room was impeccably clean.
Having dinner at Dakota Grill is definitely worth it. The food is very good and uses quality, seasonal ingredients, and it had a good atmosphere. The breakfast at the hotel offers lots of variety and was cooked perfectly.
The bar area is lovely for both coffee breaks and evening cocktails. Their outdoor terrace is a relaxing spot for drinks and dining, with amazing views over Manchester.
Private dining spaces are available for special occasions, and you can book meeting rooms if you’re there for work. Being close to Manchester Piccadilly Station made travel simple.
From the hotel, I could walk to places like Etihad Stadium and explore the city’s music and nightlife scene without any trouble.
Location: 29 Ducie St, Manchester
Contact: +44 161 674 9180
3: Stock Exchange Hotel, Manchester
The Stock Exchange Hotel is exceptional in every way. In fact, it was sold out the first time I tried to book, so I’d book in advance if you can. It’s an incredible, grand stone building right in the city centre, and every room is stunning. Despite its splendour, I was made to feel so welcome as soon as I walked in.
My room was also elegantly decorated, comfortable and thoughtfully designed. Attention to detail stood out compared to other hotels I’ve tried in Manchester.
There’s a lovely lounge where I spent my evenings, plus a restaurant called the Bull & Bear which was pricey as expected but absolutely worth it. Breakfast is a must, too.
The service was outstanding here. Unbelievably helpful and professional, I didn’t want to leave. The location is also spot on, within easy reach of attractions in the city.
If you’re wanting a hotel that’s super classy in every aspect, book this place if you can. There was nothing I could pick out as a negative – 10/10.
Location: 4 Norfolk St, Manchester M2 1DW, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 161 470 3901
4: The Lowry Hotel
The Lowry Hotel is a very good option in terms of convenience and quality. I should probably point out first of all that it has a car park, which is a huge benefit so close to the likes of AO Arena and Old Trafford.
The Lowry is set next to the riverside, and has a high-spec yet homely interior. The lobby felt open and inviting, with a clean and stylish look.
My room had big windows with great views of the water. The bed was comfortable, and the whole place was spotless when I arrived.
The bar and restaurant had excellent service and the food and drinks were great, and well-presented. So far in this blog I seem to be a huge fan of breakfasts, and again this place is worth booking a table for it. The spa is worth a visit, too.
The location is great for exploring both Salford and central Manchester. Most main sights are within walking distance, but taxis and good transport links are nearby if you need them.
Location: 50 Dearmans Pl, Salford M3 5LH, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 161 827 4000
5: Kimpton Clocktower
You can spot the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel’s Victorian architecture in the skyline, and it’s highly noticeable from right outside, too. As you can imagine, the tower with a large clockface on it is a special feature.
It’s right next to the Palace Theatre, and it’s also close to the Aviva Studios and O2 Apollo Manchester. In just minutes you can walk to bars, venues and art galleries from here.
The lobby has this cool, industrial-glam look, glossy but vintage. I adored the horse sculpture they had in the lobby. Everything seemed classy but cool. Despite its elegance, it also has an entertainment aspect, with things like a snooker table in front of a large screen.
My room had premium toiletries and a few thoughtful extras, like welcome treats and travel essentials. It was also very clean.
The hotel’s restaurant and bar have a relaxed, welcoming vibe. I saw both locals and visitors stopping in, which always feels like a good sign. The food is diverse and tastes amazing. Staff were fantastic throughout.
Location: Oxford St, Manchester M60 7HA, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 161 288 1111
6: Hotel Gotham
Now this one is really something special. Hotel Gotham Manchester, as you can imagine, immediately stands out with its Gotham theme and art deco vibe. The vintage décor and chic rooms look and feel luxurious.
It’s clear the designers put a lot of thought into making it comfy as well as impressive. It commits to the dark décor and it really works, lightened with things like a floral design or bold piece of art, or copper. The hotel has a private bar just for guests, which I think is important for those of us who have paid to stay here – an exclusive spot reserved just for us.
The rooms stick with the theme, with tubs almost centre stage and very swanky bathrooms.
There’s also a stylish restaurant onsite. I didn’t use the beauty salon, but it’s there if you want a bit of extra pampering before an event or as a treat.
The staff were attentive, charismatic and professional, and genuinely seemed happy to help. The location on King Street means you can walk to most city centre spots.
If you’re driving, valet parking is available, which honestly makes life a lot easier in busy Manchester.
Location: 100 King St, Manchester M2 4WU, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 161 413 0000
7: King Street Townhouse
King Street Townhouse Hotel is a gorgeous 1800s property, right in the city with a real touch of urban luxury about it.
The rooftop infinity pool has to be on of the best bits about this hotel. It overlooks some amazing views of Manchester, and I watched the sun go down with a drink there.Despite overlooking everything it also felt incredibly private.
The spa here is also very, very good. The treatments were all to a high standard, everything was spotless, and the décor throughout is beautiful. Definitely worth booking in if you have time.
Dining at their restaurant was another standout. The seasonal menu uses local produce, and everything tasted fresh and well-prepared. Afternoon tea is served daily, with both classic and savoury options.
The hotel is clearly geared to those who love fitness and also to relax – even the gym is nice. The service was also fantastic here.
Location: 10 Booth St, Manchester M2 4AW, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 161 667 0707
8: The Midland
The Midland is an Edwardian building that I just have to describe as striking and timeless. It’s a building that has been a Manchester icon for over a century, and it’s full of character.
My room was comfortable and quiet, with classic décor and everything I needed for a restful night. It has over 300 rooms, and I spotted couples, families, solo travellers and even a small corporate gathering, yet it didn’t feel busy – the atmosphere was great.
The room I stayed in was incredibly comfortable, and also very peaceful – which is a significant benefit considering this hotel is right in the middle of everything Manchester has to offer.
The dining here was also superb. The French, one of the UK’s top restaurants, is right here. I had an excellent meal, and the impeccable service made it even better.
There’s also a relaxing bar and the famous Tea Room, and The Rena Spa is definitely worth booking into as well.
I loved this hotel and would certainly want to stay again.
Location: 16 Peter St, Manchester M60 2DS, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 161 236 3333
9: The Cow Hollow Hotel
The Cow Hollow Hotel is a beautiful boutique hotel that’s designed to be unique. It sits inside an old textile mill, but inside, it feels modern, with decorative palm trees and a few high-tech touches.
It still holds its Victorian features, which mix in nicely with the new look and keep things original. The rooms felt comfortable and clean, though they don’t have many and are often fully booked (so book in advance if you can).
Each room had its own design, and they’re all so different to what you’d get anywhere else – exposed brickwork and little nooks, but also rather high-end bathrooms. It’s more personal than your average hotel. The price seemed fair, especially for this area of Manchester.
I spent some time in the cocktail lounge and left impressed. The drinks menu had a solid range of spirits and wines.
In the evening, staff brought out a complimentary tray of prosecco and antipasti, which was a really nice surprise. The Cow Hollow is right in the Northern Quarter, so you can walk to loads of restaurants, bars, and even the train station.
Location: 57 Newton St, Manchester
Contact: +44 161 228 7277
10: Hyatt Regency Manchester
I stayed at the Hyatt Regency Manchester on my last trip to the city. The hotel has a clean, modern design and a calm vibe. If you prefer hotels that are brighter, this one’s a good pick, with its floor-to-ceiling windows and plenty of daylight.
My room was comfortable and well-kept, and it also had large windows which allowed me to a very nice view of Manchester.
You’re a little further out with this hotel, but perhaps that’s why you may prefer it – and it’s still only a short distance away from things; a 15-minute walk to Apollo Manchester, and a 6-minute drive to the AO Arena.
The restaurant and bar made meals easy and pleasant, and you have access to their 24-hour gym, too.
Staff were all very polite and friendly, and quick to help with any questions. This hotel gets booked up, perhaps because it’s such a reliable and affordable choice.
Location: 55 Booth St W, Manchester M15 6PQ, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 161 359 5550
Summary
I genuinely loved each and every one of these stays in Manchester. The city itself has so much to offer, but mostly I love ending the night knowing I can return to a beautiful, comfy hotel that’s easy to get to.
There’s a little something for every taste here. Themes, luxury, dining, exclusivity, elegance, service… all important factors, and all in this list of the best hotels in Manchester. Wherever you stay, I hope you have as good a time as I have had in this sensational city.