Hotel Gotham will relaunch as The Rex Manchester this week, marking a new chapter for one of the city’s most iconic buildings on King Street.
Now owned by Leonardo Limited Edition Hotels, the 60-room hotel will officially reopen under its new name on Wednesday, following a rebrand designed to reposition the venue as a destination for both overnight stays and private members’ experiences.
Set within the former Midland Bank headquarters, the hotel retains many of the architectural features that have defined the site for nearly a century, including its original vaults in the basement. The building was once known as the ‘King of King Street’, a reflection of both its scale and its prominence in Manchester’s former financial district.
A key part of the new concept is the launch of Reserve, a private members’ club located on the seventh floor. Accessed through vault-style doors and an industrial, rivet-cladded stairway, the space boasts three rooftop terraces and is intended to serve as a flexible setting for socialising and events, as well as remote working.
Also to be relaunched is its sixth floor restaurant, Reign. Open to both hotel residents and non-residents alike – it will showcase afternoon teas, live music and private dining, along with a five-course tasting menu in the evenings.
Jenny Oh, general manager of The Rex, said: “While our name has evolved, the hotel our guests know and love remains very much the same. This rebrand is an expressive upgrade, retaining the character, comfort, and connection people cherish, while introducing a more modern, sophisticated expression of who we are today.
“It reflects our commitment to our guests, our team, and the community we’re proud to be part of, while honouring the history that has shaped us.”
Constructed between 1928 and 1932, 100 King Street was designed by architect Edwin Lutyens, built in neoclassical style – with a few art deco flourishes – using Portland stone.
Lutyens also designed a wealth of buildings across the UK and Europe, from the British Medical Association in Tavistock Square in London to the Midland Bank headquarters on Poultry in the City of London, his work helping to shape civic and commercial architecture.
At the time of its completion, the building was considered one of the most advanced bank premises in the country, featuring a vast banking hall and reinforced vaults below ground. It remained in use as a bank until the early 2000s, before later being converted into a hotel.
Nightly rates at The Rex start from £179 on a bed and breakfast basis.
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