If you’re one that will sleep where they land because a hotel is just for sleeping in, then let these wonderful establishments turn your head. Our list of the best hotels in Manchester…
Dakota Hotel
A stylish and sophisticated hotel over on Ducie Street on the edge of the Northern Quarter, Dakota has made a big splash in the 5 months since opening. A deluge of A-listers have stayed here, including Hugh Jackman on his Greatest Showman Tour, who was most likely very impressed with Manchester’s biggest (and most expensive) penthouse suite. Add in some amazing food at the Dakota Grill, a dedicated Champagne Room and even a Cigar Garden and you’ve got one seriously class act indeed.
The Lowry Hotel
I don’t think I’ve ever once walked past the Lowry Hotel without fans or paparazzi waiting outside (once for Justin Bieber as I recall), so you can quite literally rub shoulders with the stars on your stay here. Well, if you don’t mind a screaming fan here or there when you’re trying to sleep, but you can just pretend it’s for you! Jokes aside, this fantastic hotel sits right on the banks of the River Irwell and boasts brilliant, contemporary interiors and the amazing newly refurbished River Restaurant with a menu that is to die for.
The Principal
What was another iconic tower, the Palace, is now home to The Principal and more so, the brilliant Refuge bar and restaurant. It’s recently had a major revamp, so you can expect the rooms to be very modern but still in keeping with the building’s history and aesthetic. Again, in a prime location for whatever you’ve came to Manchester to experience – theatre, gigs, nightlife, football and Archie’s. What more would you want?
Native
Opening up late last year, Native officially showed manchester how to do an aparthotel and do it really well. Firstly, it’s in a Grade-II listed building and everybody knows a building worth talking about starts with those 4 words. There are 166 serviced apartments starting from studio to a palatial two-bedroom duplex penthouse. Native sits above The Restaurant and Bar at Cultureplex, the Mini Cini and the chic fitness studios at BLOK. It is quite literally everything you could ever need under one roof.
Stock Exchange Hotel
Possibly the most opulent hotel in Manchester is the Stock Exchange Hotel. The boutique hotel has just 40 rooms, 2 signature suites and a 3,500 square foot penthouse. For scale, that’s bloody massive. If you’ve got enough friends, the rooms have been designed with the ability to combine int a number of configurations and the ability to hire the whole floor.
Abode Manchester
Just arrived into Piccadilly and need somewhere to stay? Abode couldn’t be closer to take a bit of the edge off your journey with a wealth of bars and nightlife going on around you once you’ve unpacked. Great stuff. The hotel itself has two bars and yet another incredible restaurant in the form of the Brasserie. The rooms are so modern there’s even Nespresso machines in them!
Hotel Indigo
A brand-new offering down near Victoria Station, Hotel Indigo has impressed with its stylish rooms, outstanding service and excellent on-site restaurant Mamucium. Headed up by Executive Head Chef Andrew Green, the restaurant is a lovely space with some truly special dishes – including THAT Beef Wellington – and is certainly well worth a visit even if you’re not staying at the hotel itself. Rooms have great views of the city, great little Mancunian touches and some of the most comfortable beds in the city.
The Midland Hotel
Could you get a more grandiose building in this city? Maybe the Central Library across the road but after that, The Midland. Probably where Rolls met Royce, where Kings, Queens, Presidents and Prime Ministers have all spent the night and recently discovered that in the early 1900’s there was a secret roof garden, this place couldn’t be more of an F. Scott Fitzgerald novel if it tried… but British of course. Fast forward to 2018 and it’s contemporary with an award-winning spa and two fantastic restaurants to choose from.
Whitworth Locke
This aparthotel will hit you in the face with ‘cool’ as you walk into the conservatory bar. It’s bright, simple and chic Scandi design will have you wanting to redesign your whole house too. It is quite honestly an Instagram dream with plants, exposed brick floor and walls and bright bold pops of yellow. It also will successfully transport you to anywhere in the world and is perfect for the ultimate staycation.
King Street Townhouse
Another hotel that is part of Manchester Eclectic Hotels Group, King Street Townhouse will simply take your breath away. And that’s before I’ve even mentioned the views and the infinity pool. Oh, that infinity pool. Stare out over Albert Square in awe of the Town Hall, Piccadilly Gardens and Beetham Tower. It looks truly amazing. I’d book in advance though, as the former 19th Century Salford Trustees Bank building only has 40 rooms.
Great John Street Hotel
Tucked away on a street near the Science and Industry Museum, you probably wouldn’t even realise what you’ve walked past numerous times. A favourite amongst many celebs, the beautiful boutique Great John Street Hotel is a converted school that now boasts some incredibly decorated rooms, a brilliant rooftop bar and afternoon tea with a twist.
Hotel Gotham
We really love a good view don’t we? Expect nothing less at Hotel Gotham. The hotel is nothing short of mind-blowingly glamorous, with a world-famous rooftop club-bar and luxurious rooms with all the faux-fur and brass you can imagine. You won’t go hungry with the stunning restaurant menu either. Haven’t you always wanted to be Bruce Wayne?
The Cow Hollow Hotel
They’ve recently had a bit of a back slapping off the Guardian but it will come as no surprise once you see this former textile warehouse which has been turned into a fabulously chic and trendy hotel right in the centre of the NQ. There’s plenty of cheeky little perks that come with your room including free Netflix, free Prosecco at the bar and a cracking little takeaway brekkie. There is no restaurant but who needs one when you’re in the heart of the NQ?
Velvet Hotel
Right at the top of Canal Street, the Velvet Hotel is a stunningly decorated den of opulence and luxury, with some amazing suites and rooms available. The rooms and service are impeccable and for the price – you can’t get much better in the city centre. To add to this there’s also the newly opened Mr. White’s English Chophouse downstairs, offering a packed menu of British classics from gruff-faced chef Marco Pierre White.
Radisson Blu Edwardian
This one holds a special place in my heart as it resides in the former Free Trade Hall – you know the one where The Sex Pistols played that infamous gig that if everyone who said they went the attendance would have been close to a million people or something? That’s the one. Never mind the b*****ks, this hotel is huge and beautiful and has a champagne bar and two restaurants – you might even see John Lydon pouring over his butter at breakfast in the morning, but probably not.
