Places to Stay
For a full selection of places to stay in Manchester go to
www.visitmanchester.com. Here
is a selection of some of the best.
Hilton Manchester
One of the best places to observe Manchester’s Metamorphoses is
from the New Beetham Tower, the gleaming new glass edifice that
punctures the Manchester skyline. The bottom half of the tower is
given over to the Hilton, a chic modern take on the large-scale
city centre hotel. It’s Cool Scandinavian-esqu look and top notch
facilities bagged it a place on Conde Nast Travellers hotlist
2007.
Take a trip to the lush cocktail bar on the 23rd floor with its
giddying panoramic views over the city an countryside beyond.
The Lowry Hotel
50 Dearmans Place, Chapel Wharf M3 5LH
T: 0161 827 4000
Manchester’s first 5-star hotel and for a lot of people still
the best. Actually located on the Salford side of the river Irwell,
the clean white exterior of one of Rocco Forte’s landmark hotels
fits perfectly against the sweeping curves of Santiago Calatrava’s
Trinity bridge. All the comfort and mod cons you’d expect, plus a
luxury spa and the opportunity to spot the celebs who’ve been
performing at the nearby MEN Arena as they hang out in the chic
riverside bar after their gigs.
www.thelowryhotel.com
Radisson Edwardian
Free Trade Hall, Peter Street, M2 5GP
T: 0161 835 9929
Four star deluxe luxury in one of Manchester’s landmark historic
buildings. Built originally as a paean to the principals of free
trade and democracy, the Free Trade Hall spent most of its life as
a concert venue, being both the home of the Hallé Orchestra and the
place where the Sex Pistols played a memorable gig. Its
reincarnation as a contemporary hotel has been handled sensitively,
with the musical theme pervading its suites, restaurants and
bars.
www.radisson.com
The Midland Hotel
Peter Street, M60 2DS
T: 0161 236 3333
Dating from 1903, the Midland has been Manchester’s traditional
landmark hotel – it was where Mr Rolls first met Mr Royce and is
the favoured afternoon tea spot for the Cheshire ‘ladies who
lunch’. A recent refurb has brought it bang up to date, whilst
still keeping its stately sense of history. The Midland and the
Radisson Edwardian are both right opposite the site of the special
Manchester International Festival Pavilion, so are ideal choices if
you want to be where the action is come festival time.
www.qhotels.co.uk
Malmaison Manchester
Piccadilly, M1 1LZ
T: 0161 278 1000
Chic, modern hotel, housed in a Grade 1- listed Edwardian
warehouse, with everything you’d expect from a Mal – relaxed yet
attentive, smart and stylish with those extra little design
touches. Well located near Piccadilly station and close to Canal
Street and the Northern Quarter, the interior is all rich colours,
plushy carpets and velvet cushions, producing a suitably seductive
mood for cocktail hour. The Brasserie on the ground floor serves
classic bistro fare with a local twist.
www.malmaison.com
Great John Street Hotel
Great John Street, Castlefield, M3 4FD
T: 0161 831 3211
This renovated Victorian schoolhouse has been given the full
boutique hotel treatment, with every luxury catered for in its 30
suite-style rooms. Not only is it at the heart of Manchester’s
theatre and shopping district but its showpiece rooftop garden,
complete with hot tub and hammocks, has a bird’s eye view of the
comings and going on the hallowed cobbles of the Coronation Street
set. Winner in the best small hotel category in the 2007 Manchester
Tourism awards.
www.greatjohnstreet.co.uk
City Inn Manchester
1 Piccadilly Place, 1 Auburn Street M1 3DG
T: 0161 228 0008
Newly-opened contemporary-styled hotel connected to Piccadilly
station by a new footbridge, called the Manchester Curve. Weather
permitting, you can dine al-fresco in the City Café and there’s an
impressive cocktail list to work through too.
www.cityinn.com
The Place
1 Ducie Street, Piccadilly M1 2TP
T: 0161 778 750007
Conveniently located apartment-hotel, next to Piccadilly railway
station. A conversion of one of Manchester’s typical red-brick
warehouses, it has retained many original Victorian features
although not at the expense of comfort and contemporary style. The
Cotton House restaurant on the ground floor and its associated
Champagne cocktail bar are also definite ‘places to be seen’.
www.theplacehotel.com
Staying Cool
Castlefield and Cathedral Quarter
T: 0161 832 4060
These chic, individually-designed apartments in several locations
across the city provide stylish accommodation with hotel-type
services. Available for one night, one month and everything
in-between.
www.stayingcool.com