Best Places and Hotels to Stay in Manchester

Manchester is one of the most visited cities in the UK, known for football, music and its industrial history, but also for shopping, food and culture. Where you stay shapes how easily you can reach the things to do in Manchester that brought you here in the first place.

Best Areas to Stay in Manchester

City Centre. Best for first-time visitors. Close to the main attractions, shopping streets and transport links, with hotels ranging from budget to luxury.

Northern Quarter. Best for art, creativity and unique shops. Boutique hotels and apartments here offer a more relaxed, independent feel than the City Centre.

Deansgate. Known for nightlife, restaurants and entertainment, with hotels well placed for evenings out.

Salford Quays. A quieter, modern area home to MediaCityUK and The Lowry, with waterfront hotels and a good fit for families.

Old Trafford. Convenient for football fans, with several hotels and apartments within easy reach of the stadium.

Airport Area. Useful for short stays or early flights, with several hotels offering shuttle services.

Luxury Hotels in Manchester

The Edwardian Manchester. A five-star hotel in the heart of the city with a spa, swimming pool and stylish rooms.

The Lowry Hotel. One of Manchester's most recognised hotels, known for modern design and a strong reputation with visiting sports and entertainment guests.

Hotel Gotham. Set in a former bank building, this boutique-style luxury hotel has a distinctive design and a well-regarded rooftop bar.

Kimpton Clocktower Hotel. A grand hotel combining historic architecture with a modern interior, centrally located for exploring the city.

Mid-Range Hotels in Manchester

Leonardo Hotel Manchester Central. Comfortable and affordable, well suited to both business and leisure trips.

Holiday Inn Manchester City Centre. A reliable option with modern rooms and easy access to transport.

Motel One Manchester-Royal Exchange. Known for its modern design and central location at a mid-range price point.

Budget-Friendly Hotels in Manchester

Ibis Manchester Centre. Simple, clean rooms in a central location at a lower price point.

YHA Manchester. A hostel with shared and private rooms, well suited to backpackers and younger travellers.

EasyHotel Manchester. Compact rooms at very low prices, with a central location that makes up for the smaller footprint.

Boutique Hotels and Unique Stays

Abel Heywood Boutique Hotel. Located in the Northern Quarter, with stylish rooms and a cosy pub attached.

Velvet Hotel. Known for glamorous design near Canal Street, well placed for nightlife.

King Street Townhouse. A boutique hotel with a rooftop infinity pool and strong city views.

Family-Friendly Hotels in Manchester

Staycity Aparthotels. Serviced apartments with extra space and the option to cook, useful for longer family stays.

Premier Inn Manchester Central. Affordable and reliable, with a central location that works well for families.

Novotel Manchester Centre. Offers family rooms, a play area and child-friendly dining.

Hotels for Business Travellers

Hilton Manchester Deansgate. Conference rooms and a business centre alongside strong transport connections.

Clayton Hotel Manchester City Centre. Modern and well-equipped, centrally located for meetings.

Crowne Plaza Manchester City Centre. Comfortable rooms with meeting facilities, a solid choice for work trips.

Hotels Near Manchester's Main Attractions

Near Old Trafford: Hotel Football, owned by former Manchester United players, sits right next to the stadium and suits football fans specifically.

Near Manchester Arena: Park Inn by Radisson is close enough for concerts and events without a late walk back.

Near Manchester Piccadilly Station: DoubleTree by Hilton sits next to the station, useful if you're arriving or leaving by train.

Choosing Hotels by Area in Manchester

The right hotel often comes down to which area suits your trip:

• City Centre: best for first-time visitors wanting to be near attractions, shopping and transport.
• Northern Quarter: best for creativity, street art and boutique stays.
• Deansgate: best for nightlife and restaurants.
• Salford Quays: best for MediaCity, The Lowry and waterfront views.
• Old Trafford: best for football fans prioritising matchday convenience.

FAQs About Hotels in Manchester

Q1. What area is best to stay in Manchester?

The City Centre suits first-time visitors best. The Northern Quarter suits art and culture lovers, and Salford Quays is quieter and works well for families.

Q2. Are there cheap hotels in Manchester?

Yes. Ibis, EasyHotel and YHA Manchester all offer affordable options close to the city's main attractions.

Q3. Do hotels in Manchester offer family rooms?

Yes, Novotel and Staycity Aparthotels both provide family-friendly rooms and facilities.

Q4. Which hotels are best for football fans?

Hotel Football sits right next to Old Trafford for Manchester United fans, while several hotels near the Etihad Stadium suit Manchester City fans.

Q5. Can I find luxury hotels in Manchester?

Yes. The Lowry, Hotel Gotham and The Edwardian are among the city's most well regarded luxury options.

Conclusion

Manchester has a hotel for every type of trip, from five-star stays with spas to hostels built for backpackers. Choosing well usually comes down to matching the area to your plans: City Centre for convenience, Northern Quarter for character, Salford Quays for quiet, or Old Trafford if football is the whole point of the trip. Once you've settled where to stay, our Manchester attractions guide and food in Manchester guide cover the rest of the trip.