The Best Hotels in Manchester

The Stock Exchange Hotel still boasts many of its elegant original features
The Stock Exchange Hotel still boasts many of its elegant original features | © Stock Exchange Hotel / Booking.com
Andrea Henthorn

Historically an industrial stronghold of northern England, Manchester is the hometown of Oasis, the Smiths and two world-famous football teams. The city is an eclectic and vibrant hub of music, art and creativity – so it’s no wonder tourists flock from far and wide to visit. And when they need a place to stay? From the high-class to the boutique, here are the best hotels in Manchester.

1. INNSiDE by Meliá Manchester, for cultural highlights nearby

Hotel

Many cushioned green chairs by tables, plus green booth seating in a tiled dining area at INNSiDE by Meliá Manchester
Courtesy of INNSiDE by Meliá Manchester

If you’re looking for a sleek stay only moments from the best bits of Manchester, look no further than INNSiDE by Meliá Manchester. This contemporary hotel is a five-minute walk from the Deansgate and Oxford Road train stations, and less than 1mi (1.6km) from the Manchester Art Gallery and the Science and Industry Museum. Rooms are spacious and well-appointed, and the hotel restaurant, First Street Bar & Kitchen, serves a menu of international dishes and cocktails. For more food, take a short stroll beside the canal to Ducie Street Warehouse, a great place to grab a drink or a Sunday roast while the resident DJ spins records.

2. The Cow Hollow Hotel, for affordable luxury

Hotel

Sleek bar with lots of mirrors, four stools, greenery and a plush grey sofa at the Cow Hollow Hotel
© Cow Hollow Hotel / Booking.com

This small, boutique hotel was a 1900s textile mill, and you can still feel the history of the place in the exposed brickwork and warehouse windows. Rooms with reclaimed-wood beds and rainfall showers are the affordable end of luxury, with no compromise on comfort. Each morning a breakfast bag arrives at your door with granola, fruit and pastries to set you up for the day – and a glass of prosecco awaits on arrival.

3. Hotel Gotham, for sophisticated opulence

Hotel

Room at Hotel Gotham with grey and plum furnishings, black-and-white carpet and double bed with leather bedhead and fur throw
© Hotel Gotham / Booking.com
Sultry and sophisticated, Hotel Gotham radiates opulence from every nook. Faux-fur blankets adorn sprawling king-size beds, and each room comes with a roll-top bath or marble monsoon shower. The most extravagant suite has its own hammam. The signature food offering, Honey, is a destination restaurant, serving up fine-dining dishes garnished with edible flowers and foraged herbs. The evening tasting menu makes every night an occasion.

5. Stock Exchange Hotel, for a British classic

Boutique Hotel

Opulent Stock Exchange Hotel lobby, with black-and-white check floor, shiny checkin desk, marble pillars and period cornicing
© Stock Exchange Hotel / Booking.com

Marble pillars and towering ceilings whisper of this building’s past as the Manchester Stock Exchange. Now, luxurious lounges sit in the light of the old, arched windows. Celebrity chef Tom Kerridge has even set up shop in the grand hall, serving a menu of refined British classics at the Bull & Bear. Rooms fit in seamlessly with the overall aesthetic, with shining brass fixtures and marble in bathrooms, and a palette of brown and cream tones.

6. Velvet Hotel, for a sleek boutique feel

Hotel

Cosy room at Velvet Hotel with dark furnishings in gold and black, a large four-poster bed and a religious mural on the wall
© The Velvet / Booking.com
The Velvet offers guests an intimate and relaxing experience during their Manchester stay. The rooms here are dark and sleek, with a colour scheme of burnt orange and warm yellows. This is a small hotel with only 19 rooms, guaranteeing guests first-class, personalised service. A highlight is the complimentary tea and coffee trays offered on arrival. The hotel boasts a romantic dining area overlooking the canal, perfect for a relaxing candlelit dinner.

7. Didsbury House, for rustic romance

Boutique Hotel, Hotel

Outdoor terrace at Didsbury House, with wooden canopy, comfy woven chairs by small tables, plus wooden benches
© Didsbury House / Booking.com
Didsbury House is a suburban boutique hotel that offers clean, spacious rooms with elegant freestanding bathtubs. For a luxurious splurge, book the Opus Loft suite, which features exposed beams and twin roll-top baths for a touch of romance. Several lounges, a bar and a walled terrace provide many areas to relax, and the entire hotel can be rented for events or meetings.

8. Roomzzz, for a home-from-home feel

Hotel

The grand exterior of Roomzzz hotel, a converted five-storey bank with a white neon sign at the top
© Roomzzz / Expedia
Roomzzz is a self-proclaimed aparthotel, with rooms incorporating kitchenettes available for long- and short-term stays. A complimentary on-the-go breakfast is available for guests, allowing for quick and tasty meals to be eaten on the way to the Northern Quarter or Piccadilly Gardens. Families or small groups can book the Penthouse suite, which sleeps four and boasts a bathtub with jacuzzi.

9. The Midland, for a touch of class

Hotel

Stylish room in relaxing neutral tones, with taupe armchairs and black-and-white photos at the Midland, Manchester
Courtesy of the Midland / Booking.com

Established in 1903, the Midland is an imposing and ornate hotel. The rooms here are decorated with a mixture of classic wood panelling and modern furnishings, while a brilliant on-site spa offers treatments such as facials and massages. Its close proximity to attractions including the Science and Industry Museum makes it a great base from which to explore Manchester. Consider wearing fine attire when dining at the French restaurant – though times have since changed, the Beatles were once denied entry for being inappropriately dressed.

10. Macdonald Manchester Hotel and Spa, for indulgent treatments

Hotel

Macdonald Manchester Hotel and Spa room with city view, double bed with velvet bedding, and floral curtain behind headboard
© The Macdonald Manchester Hotel and Spa / Expedia
The Macdonald Manchester Hotel and Spa, in the heart of modern Manchester, is dedicated to guest relaxation. The spa offers lavender facials and deep tissue massages, while visitors can also sip cocktails or indulge in afternoon tea at the Lounge Bar. This four-star establishment offers junior suites with panoramic views of the city.

11. Hotel Football, for a sport fan's paradise

Hotel

Double room at Hotel Football, with grey feature wall and modern furnishings, including yellow chair with view of Old Trafford
© Hotel Football, Old Trafford / Booking.com
Hotel Football was established by former football players Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville. The stars decided to open their own hotel drawing on their experiences of different establishments during their international careers. Across from Old Trafford, the home of Manchester United, a football theme runs through every aspect of this hotel – even the cocktails have names such as the Sweeper and Early Shower. Free chocolates are included in the complementary minibar.

Want something a little more special? Read our guides to the top romantic hotels and the most luxurious hotels in Manchester.

Suzy Pope contributed additional reporting to this article.

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