Places to stay
The Lowry Hotel
50 Dearmans Place, Chapel Wharf M3 5LH
T: 0161 827 4000; thelowryhotel.com
Located on the Salford side of the river Irwell, where the clean white exterior of one of Rocco Forte’s landmark hotels fits perfectly against the curves of Santiago Calatrava’s Trinity Bridge. All the comfort and mod cons you’d expect, plus an on-site luxury spa.
Radisson Edwardian
Free Trade Hall, Peter Street M2 5GP
T: 0161 835 9929; radisson.com
Built originally as a paean to free trade and democracy, the Free Trade Hall spent most of its life as a concert venue, primarily as the home of the Hallé Orchestra. Its reincarnation as a five-star luxury hotel has been handled sensitively, with the musical theme pervading its suites, restaurants and bars.
The Midland Hotel
Peter Street M60 2DS
T: 0161 236 3333; qhotels.co.uk
This imposing red brick edifice is the granddaddy of the Manchester hotel scene, dating back to 1903. The Grade II-listed building has been tastefully and extensively refurbished for the 21st century, ensuring that every luxury is readily available, whilst still keeping its stately sense of history.
Hilton Manchester
303 Deansgate M3 4LQ
T: 0161 870 1600; hilton.co.uk/manchester
Set in the bottom half of Beetham Tower, the gleaming glass edifice that punctuates the city skyline, the Hilton Manchester is cool, Scandinavian-esque and has views to die for. Take the trip up to the lush cocktail bar on the 23rd floor for giddying panoramic views over the city and the countryside beyond.
Velvet Manchester
2 Canal Street M1 3HE
T: 0161 236 9003; velvetmanchester.com
Situated at the chilled end of Manchester’s gay village, Velvet has been one of Canal Street’s best destinations for food and drink for over a decade. With nineteen New York loft-style bedrooms in the adjacent Velvet Hotel means you don’t have far to walk home.
ABode Manchester
107 Piccadilly M1 2DB
T: 0161 247 7744; abodehotels.co.uk/manchester
Chic, contemporary refurbishment of a Victorian cotton merchant’s warehouse and part of chef Michael Caines’ hotel empire. The eponymous MC restaurant on the hotel’s lower floor has upped the city’s dining ante with its sublime modern British cooking.
Malmaison Manchester
Piccadilly M1 1LZ
T: 0161 278 1000; malmaison.com
Smart and somewhat theatrical hotel with all the touches you’d expect from a Mal. Well located near Piccadilly station and close to Canal Street, the interior is all rich colours, plush carpets and velvet cushions, producing a suitably seductive mood for cocktail hour.
City Inn Manchester
1 Piccadilly Place, 1 Auburn Street M1 3DG
T: 0161 228 0008; cityinn.com
If you like your hotels simple, stylish and contemporary then the City Inn is an ideal choice. In a very handy location, connected by a curving footbridge to Piccadilly station.
Crowne Plaza
70 Shudehill M4 4AP
T: 0161 828 8600; cpmanchester.com
Shiny modern hotel in a great location, right on the edge of the Northern Quarter. Ideal if you’re going to an event at the Arena.
Castlefield, Manchester Central and Cathedral Quarter
70 Shudehill M4 4AP
T: 0161 832 4060; stayingcool.com
Chic and über-stylish serviced apartments in good locations across the city centre that combine boutique standard self-catering accommodation with top hotel-type services.
