We list the best hotels, hostels, B&Bs and guesthouses in Manchester as recommended by travel experts from CNN, Lonely Planet, Frommer’s, Fodor’s, New York Times and more. All hotel recommendations have been referenced with customer reviews and we only listed places that have at least a 4 out of 5-star customer review rating.
Best cheap hotel in Manchester: Motel One Piccadilly
Best boutique hotel in Manchester: The Cow Hollow Hotel
“This city centre hotel, housed in Manchester’s former Stock Exchange, shows off its heritage with style. Original features such as marble columns, stained glass and fireplaces sparkle, while an excellent restaurant by chef Tom Kerridge is in pride of place in the building’s magnificent dome, formerly the trading floor.”
“You’ll instantly feel relaxed in King Street Townhouse, a charming 40-room boutique hotel. From its infinity spa-pool with a spectacular view of the Town Hall clock, and stylish public areas, to bedrooms you’ll struggle to leave, this is an indulgent retreat in the city centre.”
“All spruced up and fresh from an early-2018 opening, the newest incarnation of the Roomzzz Aparthotel group sits within the iconic and historic restaurant hub known as the Manchester Corn Exchange.”
Featured as Fodor’s Choice in Manchester.
“Its own way this boutique hotel is doing something that feels fresh and honest, true to the Northern Quarter’s historic zest for originality. In the wider context of Manchester city centre, which lacks interesting, independent stays, it is a find.”
“Across from the Piccadilly Rail Station, the sleek design inside Motel One, an outpost of the German budget hotel chain, makes up for the more dingy feel of the street outside.”
Featured in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Manchester.
“In the heart of the city, this elegant option invites you to unwind with its atmospheric spa (complete with a urban subterranean swimming pool, sauna, steam rooms and cutting-edge gym), luxurious afternoon teas, and memorable dining including contemporary Japanese and Mexican small plates in Peter Street Kitchen.”
Featured as Fodor’s Choice in Manchester.
“The original fittings at this converted textile factory have been combined successfully with 61 bedrooms divided into four categories of ever-increasing luxury: Comfortable, Desirable, Enviable and Fabulous on Fifth, the latter being five seriously swanky top-floor suites.”
“The Clocktower Hotel offers contemporary comfort and boutique-hotel chic for history buffs. After a renovation costing more than 25 million pounds, the Clocktower has kept intact the lovely period faience in hallways, and the glass-domed ceiling in the spacious lobby, while converting former clerks’ offices into wood-paneled bedrooms with soaring ceilings and sleek subway-tile bathrooms.”
Featured in New York Times’ 36 hours in Manchester.
“Visiting rock stars and luxury hunters tend to favour this modern, five-star hotel (not to be confused with the arts centre in Salford Quays), where the fabulous bedrooms have enormous beds and ergonomically designed furniture.”
“Nineteen beautiful bespoke rooms each oozing style: there’s the sleigh bed in room 24, the double bath of room 34, the saucy framed photographs of a stripped-down David Beckham (this is Gay Village, after all!). Despite the tantalising decor and location, this is not an exclusive hotel and is as popular with straight visitors as it is with the same-sex crowd.”
Recommended by:
Telegraph
Recommended by:
Telegraph, Lonely Planet
Recommended by:
Fodors, Lonely Planet
Recommended by:
The Guardian, Telegraph
Recommended by:
New York Times
Recommended by:
Fodors, Lonely Planet, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet, Telegraph
Recommended by:
New York Times, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet, Telegraph
The best areas to stay in Manchester are: City Center, Salford Quays, Chinatown, Castlefield and Northern Quarter. Please read our extensive guide about where to stay in Manchester. It gives a great overview about each area, including the museums, attractions and other things, as well as the best place to stay in each neighborhood.
If you’re looking for an affordable hotel, then book Motel One Piccadilly. It’s an excellent budget hotel offering great value for money. It’s in a good location, it’s been recommended by travel experts and the hotel has excellent customer reviews. Also check out our list of the best cheap hotels in Manchester.
You like some luxury but don’t like the famous chain hotels. If you’re looking for the best boutique hotel in Manchester, you should check out The Cow Hollow Hotel. It’s a very cool hotel that has been highly recommended by travelers and experts. For more cool hotels, check out our list of the best boutique hotels in Manchester.
If money isn’t a problem and you’re looking for a luxury hotel in Manchester, then go for the Stock Exchange Hotel. The hotel offers excellent service, it’s in a top location, it has been rated very highly by previous guests and renowned travel critics have recommended it. For more 5-star hotels, check out our list of the best luxury hotels in Manchester.
Looking for a good and affordable private room or cozy dorm in Manchester? Check out YHA Manchester. The hostel has been highly rated by backpackers. Also check out our shortlist of the best hostels in Manchester, it’s based on thousands of reviews from backpackers.
For a 3-star hotel, you have to pay around $160 per night and for a 4-star hotel, you would be looking at $250 per night. If you’re after a luxury 5-star Manchester hotel then you can expect to pay around $400 per night.
Let’s start the day with some good food. The Kimpton Clocktower Hotel is an excellent option if you’re looking for a Manchester hotel offering a great breakfast. Recent guests have given great ratings for the breakfast service at this hotel.
Planning a holiday trip to Manchester with your family? Guests who traveled to Manchester with their families rated The Cow Hollow Hotel very highly.
There are a lot of things to do in Manchester and surrounding areas, including day trips, attractions, museums, sightseeing tours and many other activities. Here’s our list of 3 things you should definitely do when you’re in and around Manchester.
Manchester United Museum and Stadium Tour
Immerse yourself in the history of Manchester United. Get behind the scenes access to the dressing room, tunnel, players' dugout and exclusive areas. Price: $35. More info.
60-Minute River Cruise in Manchester
Take a 60 to 70-minute cruise along Manchester's historic Ship Canal and River Irwell on board a boat from central Manchester. Venture through the industrial heartland of the north of England and see historic monuments such as Stephenson's railway bridge. Price: $13. More info.
From Manchester: Lake District, Windermere, and Lancaster
Take a journey through the exciting landscapes of the Lake District. Learn the tales of Windermere, the largest lake in England. Admire Wordsworth’s cozy Dove Cottage. Marvel at the medieval architecture of Lancaster. Price: $72. More info.
More things to do in Manchester
As the most populous city in North West England, Manchester is a shining star in almost every category, from architecture and culture to sports clubs and scientific output. While this city used to be a grim industrial landscape, its redevelopment that started in the 1980s has kept Manchester evolving into a cosmopolitan oasis, which has pushed the skyline even higher, created incredible contemporary architecture, and converted dull factories into trendy loft apartments. In 2020, a 300 million euro investment expanded this city even further, expanding prominent museums and music venues, allowing numerous city projects, and refurbishing the exquisite town hall, which is scheduled to be finished in 2024.
Manchester’s history dates all the way back to AD 79, but the Industrial Revolution is what really put this city on the map. During this period, Manchester became the world’s leading marketplace for cotton goods, and was even nicknamed “Cottonopolis.” As people flocked to this city for work in the many factories, Manchester began expanding exponentially around the turn of the 19th century. By 1835, Manchester was one of the most significant industrial cities in the world.
Because of the growing population, Manchester expanded its existing canal system, which is today one of the shining jewels of the area. While the canals were formerly very functional, allowing ships to carry freight, they are now used more for leisure, creating a beautiful atmosphere for strolling around the city and enjoying boat rides and river cruises.
In the 1980s, the Hacienda Club, no longer operating, debuted the rock band New Order, which resulted in Manchester becoming the center of clubbing and nightlife. Throughout the 70s, 80s, and 90s, other rock bands like the Smiths, Stone Roses, Oasis, Happy Mondays, and Joy Division rose to the top of the charts, creating a sort of musical renaissance. Today, some Manchester-based bands still receive critical acclaim, like The Verve, James, and The Fall.
Besides music, Manchester has plenty of other cultural attractions that make it worth a visit, like the Manchester Cathedral. The stunning architecture of this church dates back to 1215, and it is surprisingly well-preserved. Another incredible structure is the John Rylands Library, named after a cotton merchant during the Industrial Revolution. Perfect for bookworms, the quiet reading room and gothic architecture make this a truly spectacular library.
Lovers of art are guaranteed to enjoy the Manchester Art Gallery, situated in the heart of the city. Here, you can enjoy both pre-Raphaelite artwork and contemporary local art. The Lowry is another unique art museum celebrating the work and life of Lowry, Manchester’s most notable artist.
While Manchester is filled to the brim with cultural highlights, it is likely best known for its sports clubs, including Manchester United and Manchester City football clubs. Take a stadium tour, or better yet, snag some tickets to a game; it wouldn’t be a trip to Manchester without football.
Whether you love sports, art, music, or architecture, Manchester wins in every category. One thing is sure: you will never run out of things to do in this vibrant and historic city!
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or revisiting, we hope this guide helps you get the most out of your visit to the city. Please do read our guide on where to stay in Manchester, so you get an even better idea about the city.
If you like our list of best places to stay in Manchester, then you should also check out our selection of recommended hotels in Dublin or the best hotels in Glasgow.