HOTELS OF MANCHESTER - the definitive guide to hotels in Manchester - the rock'n'goal capital of the world!
Hotels Of Manchester
 
Lonely Planet's Cities Book - The best cities in the world - featuring Manchester
Hotels in Manchester - The Bridgewater Hall

Where To Stay in Manchester

Is it your first time in Manchester? Do you need to know how to travel around the city? Are you confused and don't know where to stay? Don't dispair! Let Hotels Of Manchester, use our local knowledge to give you the best travel and hotel tips...

Read down the page for all our tips, or use these quick links:

getting the right location
staying central, shopping, nightlife & the nicest area
choosing the right hotel
normal prices, car parking, swimming pools & family rooms
staying near your destination
old trafford, men arena, c.o.m. stadium, apollo, uni's & more
travelling around
trains, trams, taxis, coaches, cars, buses, boats, flights & foot
Manchester Town Hall
The Peveril of the Peak
Manchester Arndale shopping centre
Castlefield Manchester

Where to stay in Manchester city centre

Manchester has a very small city centre

it's possible to walk around Manchester city centre by foot. It only takes 1 hour to walk the full perimeter of the city centre (from Piccadilly Station to the MEN Arena and Victoria Station, down Deansgate to Castlefield, upto Oxford Road Station and back to Piccadilly once more). [See our map of Manchester city centre]
Manchester Town Hall is the centre point
The amazing Town Hall and Albert's Square is the centre point of the city. The rest of the city centre is only a short walk from here (G-Mex & MICC - 2 mins, the main shopping district - 5 mins, Palace Theatre - 5 mins, Opera House - 6 mins, MEN Arena - 10 mins, Castlefield and Deansgate Locks - 12 mins, Piccadilly Station - 15 mins). St Peters Square tram stop is also next to The Town Hall, connecting Old Trafford in 7 mins and The Lowry in 14 mins). [Hotels near Manchester Town Hall]
Nightlife is spread all over the city centre
Manchester is famed the world over for it's party atmosphere and it's not surprising why. There is no particular hub for nightlife, with almost every area of the city centre offering it's own unique experience and many bars. Areas like The Gay Village, The Printworks, Deansgate Locks, Peter Street and the Northern Quarter are currently the most popular. For a description of each area, hotels nearby and a list of the best bars in Manchester see ManchesterBars.com
Market Street & King Street are the main shopping streets
North of the town hall, and close to Piccadilly Gardens, you'll find Market Street, the busiest shopping street in Manchester. This is also home to the recently refurbished Manchester Arndale shopping centre. At the bottom of Market Street, the huge flagship department stores of Marks & Spencer and Next, as well as Harvey Nichols and Selfridges, surround Manchester Cathedral and The Triangle designer shopping centre, next to the MEN Arena. On the 5 minute walk between here and the town hall you'll find King Street and St Annes Square, home to the expensive designer bouteque stores. [Hotels near Manchester Town Hall]
The Northern Quarter, at the other end of Market Street, boasts independent shops selling everything from t-shirts to tatoos. It's also where the city's famous collectors record stores can be found [Hotels near The Northern Quarter]
The massive Trafford Centre, boasting almost 250 stores, is 9 miles (14.5km), 25 mins drive south of the city centre. Shuttle buses run from Stretford tram stop (35 mins total journey time from St Peters Square on the Altrincham line) [hotels near The Trafford Centre]
The Lowry Outlet Mall is much smaller in comparism but still offers 80 stores offering massive discounts on normal High Street prices. Just 3 miles (5km), 10 mins drive from the city centre and accessible by tram from all city centre stops (14 mins from St Peter's Square on the Eccles line)
Castlefield is the most picturesque area in Manchester city centre
Castlefield is the best place in the city centre to stay if you're looking for a bit of history. Just 15 mins walk to the Town Hall, Manchester's industrial past can be seen all around this Heritage Zone. The amazing Science & Industry Museum encases Liverpool Street Station (the first ever railway station in the world), whilst the Castlefield canal basin offers plenty of photographic opportunities with the Rochdale Canal and Bridgewater Canal coming together under some spectacular railway bridges. The remains of the Roman fortress are here too, surrounded by some superb bars, restaurants & traditional pubs. [hotels near Castlefield]
A room at The Campanile
a room at The Lowry
The pool at the Radisson Edwardian
Arora Hotel Manchester
The Midland Hotel

Choosing the right hotel in Manchester

Average price of a budget hotel is £57

The average normal price for a budget hotel in Manchester (Campanile, Days Inn, Ibis Manchester, Ibis Portland Street, Premier Travel Inn, Travelodge, Stay Inn) is £57 during the week, room only and usually without parking. Weekends, match days or concert nights are usually more expensive. We offer most hotels cheaper than their normal advertised rate
You should bear in mind that the average price of 2 people in a dormitory in a youth hostel in Manchester (YHA, Hatters, Hilton Chambers) would even cost you £36 on most nights (£42 on match days and concert nights). [See all budget hotels in Manchester]

Average price of a 5 star hotel is £263

The average normal price for a standard room in a 5 star hotel in Manchester (Radisson Edwardian, The Lowry, Great John Street Hotel) is £263 during the week, room only and without parking. Weekends, match days or concert nights are usually more expensive. On many nights, we offer these hotels for almost half their normal advertised rate. [See all luxury hotels in Manchester]
Booking online is nearly always cheaper
Nearly all our hotels are sold via agents who either negotiate massive discounts for selling in bulk or buy the rooms in advance. The booking pages usually highlight the saving from the hotel's own advertised rate, in some cases over half the price. Where we link to a hotel directly, they normally offer special discounted Internet rates. Don't believe us? Try calling the hotel
There's a limited number of Manchester hotels with car parking
There's only a handful of hotels offering on site car parking in the city centre. The Campanile and Stay Inn on the edge of the city centre offer free parking, whilst there is a charge to park at the Marriott Renaissance, Jarvis Piccadilly, Place Apartment Hotel, Marriott Victoria & Albert, Castlefield Hotel and The Lowry. The Midland Hotel also have their own car park at the G-Mex next door, whilst many of the self-catering serviced apartments offer secure parking
There's only a few Manchester hotels with a swimming pool
The only hotels with a swimming pool are the 5 star Radisson Edwardian, 4 star Hilton Deansgate and Midland Hotel, 3 star Castlefield Hotel and Britannia Sachas. The 4 star Thistle Hotel offers a small plunge pool and surprisingly, the 5 star Lowry Hotel has no pool
There's quite a few Manchester hotels with family rooms
There are many hotels with family rooms are the Arora, Novotel, Jurys Inn, Renaissance, Marriott Victoria & Albert, Britannia, Sachas, Travelodge and Place Apartment Hotel (all allowing upto 4 people in one room) and the Midland, Palace, Mitre, Stay Inn (all max 3 people). Many of the self-catering serviced apartments offer more luxurious accomodation for families.
Don't be influenced by how many stars a hotel has
Many people ask us for for at least a 4 star hotel in Manchester. The star system is misleading however as, unlike many countries, hotels in the UK do not have to be assessed on standards. They are awarded stars for different aspects (ie, they offer a restaurant, conference facilities, multi-lingual staff, or 24 hour concierge, etc). Some hotels are self-accredited too and we find that certain 2 star hotels in Manchester are far superior to hotels boasting 4 stars. Instead, you're probably better checking out our guide to the best hotels in Manchester.
We can sometimes find available rooms in fully booked hotels
As we're an independent website, we link to most online agents as well as the hotels directly. As a result we can often find available rooms for you at a hotel which may be advertised as fully booked elsewhere. If you're struggling to find a room in the hotel you want, let us know and we'll see if we can help.

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Hotels near Old Trafford
Hotels near the MEN Arena
Manchester Apollo
Manchester Opera House

Staying near your destination

Hotels near Old Trafford Football Stadium & Cricket Ground

Whilst there are many hotels near Old Trafford, it's just as easy to stay in the city centre. Trams run from all over the city centre (on the Altrincham line) to the gates of Lancashire Cricket Club's Old Trafford Cricket Ground (only 7 mins from St Peter's Square).
It's only a further 10 minute walk along Warwick Road and Sir Matt Busby Way to Manchester United's Old Trafford Football Stadium. As trams can get quite busy on match days, a great alternative is taking the less busy tram to Harbour Quay at The Lowry (14 mins from St Peter's Square on the Eccles line). It's only 10 mins walk over the footbridge from here, with the magnificent Lowry Arts Centre, Imperial War Museum and the bars and restaurants at The Lowry Outlet Mall offering a great detour and photo opportunity.
Taxis only take 5 mins on the 2 mile (3km) journey to Old Trafford, and the 35 minute walk is also pleasant on dry days if you follow the canal towpath from Castlefield to Throstle Nest Bridge (rather than the hazardous but quicker dual carriageway, which bizaarely doesn't have a footpath). [Hotels in Manchester city centre]
Hotels near the Manchester Evening News Arena
The MEN Arena is on the edge of the city centre, next to Victoria Station. There are a number of hotels near the MEN Arena however, with trams running to Victoria Station (Bury line), you can virtually stay anywhere on the tram route. The Town Hall, in the city centre, is only 10 mins walk away too. [Hotels near Manchester Town Hall]
Hotels near the City Of Manchester Stadium
There are not too many hotels near the City of Manchester Stadium in Eastlands, or Sportcity as it's also known, however the city centre is only a 20 minute, mile (1.6km) stroll away. The walking path is clearly marked from Piccadilly Station where you can also catch trains to Ashburys Station (10 mins journey time and a further 15 minute walk to the satdium). [Hotels near Manchester Piccadilly Station]
Hotels near Manchester Apollo Theatre
There are no hotels near Manchester Apollo in Ardwick, however Piccadilly Station in the city centre is only a 1 mile (1.6km), 20 minute walk away. Whilst the walk back is popular with the crowds, before the gig it's more advisable to travel by taxi or catch the train to Ardwick Station (4 mins journey), which is only a half mile (0.8 km), 10 minute walk to the Apollo. [Hotels near Manchester Piccadilly Station]
Hotels near Manchester Academy & University of Manchester
There are a handful of hotels near Manchester Academy at the University of Manchester on Oxford Road, however most people stay in the city centre, with the Town Hall only a 1 mile (1.6km), 25 minute walk or 5 minute taxi journey away.
Hotels near The Palace Theatre & Manchester Opera House
There are many hotels near The Opera House and even more hotels near The Palace Theatre across town. The Town Hall and St Peter's Square tram stop being only 5 mins walk from both. [Hotels near Manchester Town Hall]
click here for hotels near other locations in Manchester
Deansgate Locks
Central Library next to St Peters Square
Albert Square Manchester
Manchester Hotels near the G-Mex
Manchester Cathedral
The Gay Village
Castlefield

Travelling around

Walking around Manchester without getting lost

As mentioned above, Manchester has a small city centre and it's easy to explore by foot. Click here to buy the best map of Manchester city centre. Alternatively pick up a map at Tourist Information (behind the Town Hall, next to the Central Library in St Peter's Square) or print off our map. Signposts and maps highlight the tourist attractions on most major junctions. Whilst the whole of the city centre is safe for walking around at both day and night, don't be advertising your camera or phone blantantly in the quieter areas around Piccadilly, Oxford Road and the Northern Quarter.
Car hire and car parks in Manchester
You can hire cars at Manchester Airport and also Manchester Piccadilly Station. There are a number of car parks in the city centre servicing each hotel, theatre, station and department store. [Car parks in Manchester]
Travelling around Manchester by tram
The Metrolink tram system runs from Bury to Manchester city centre and onwards to Altrincham and Eccles. The G-Mex, Piccadilly Station, Market Street shops, MEN Arena and Victoria Station all boast their own stops, with St Peter's Square servicing the Town Hall and Piccadilly Gardens being the stop for China Town and the Gay Village. Old Trafford cricket ground has it's own stop (a 10 minute walk to the football stadium), 5 mins from the city centre on the Altrincham line, and The Lowry is serviced by Harbour City, 12 mins from the city centre on the Eccles line. Buying a day ticket is often the cheapest way to travel. [more details]
Travelling around Manchester by bus
Buses run all over the city centre and the local region, with Piccadilly Gardens (near the main shopping area) and Shudehill Interchange (near the MEN Arena, Printworks and Northern Quarter) being the main stations. [bus routes, timetables & more details]
Travelling around Manchester by taxi or minibus
Taxis currently charge approx. £2.50 (daytime) and £3 (evenings) per mile (1.6km) within Manchester (you'll also pay approx. 15p per passenger and approx. 25p for every minute the taxi is not moving). There are a number of designated taxi ranks with the busiest being Manchester Town Hall, Piccadilly Station, Victoria Station, Piccadilly Gardens and Deansgate Locks. Only the traditional London Black cabs are allowed to pick you up on the street. Unless you've booked in advance, NEVER get into a private hire taxi. [book a taxi in advance] [minibus with driver]
Travelling to Manchester by train
Manchester is serviced by five railway stations. Piccadilly Station is the main station, with trains going to most UK cities and Manchester Airport. It's only a short walk from Piccadilly Gardens, the Gay Village, Northern Quarter and the main shopping area. [Hotels near Manchester Piccadilly Station] [train tickets]
Oxford Road Station is on the same route and the best place to get off if you're going to the area around the Town Hall, Palace Theatre, Manchester University or China Town. [Hotels near Oxford Road Station] [train tickets]
Deansgate Station is the stop before Oxford Road and is the best place to get off for Deansgate Locks, G-Mex and Castlefield. Not all trains stop here so you may have to make the 10 mins walk along Whitworth Street from Oxford Road. [Hotels near Deansgate Station] [train tickets]
At the other side of town, Victoria Station is next to the MEN Arena, The Printworks, designer department stores and Northern Quarter. Trains run from here to many cities and towns in the North of England. Trams join Victoria and Piccadilly Stations. [Hotels near Victoria Station] [train tickets]
Salford Central Station is opposite the 5 star Lowry Hotel and a good place to get off for Manchester Crown Court, House of Fraser and King Street. Trains run from here to many Northern cities and towns. [train tickets]
Travelling to Manchester by plane
Manchester Airport is 9 miles (14.5km) outside the city centre and trains run direct 24 hours a day from Terminal 1 to Manchester Piccadilly (taking just 15 mins). Oxford Road and Deansgate stations are also serviced. [Hotels near Manchester Airport] [Hotels near Manchester Piccadilly Station] [train tickets]
Liverpool John Lennon Airport is 30 miles from Manchester and regular coaches run from Piccadilly Station, Shudehill Interchange and Sackville Street in the Gay Village direct to the airport, taking only 50 mins (from only £5 return). [Hotels near Liverpool Airport] [Hotels near Manchester Piccadilly Station] [Hotels near Sackville Street] [coach times]
Travelling to Manchester by coach
National Express coaches run from most UK cities to Manchester, stopping at Chorlton Street bus station in the Gay Village. [Hotels near Chorlton Street] [coach tickets]
Travelling to Manchester by boat
The nearest ferries to Manchester travel from Ireland and the Isle of Man to both Liverpool (35 miles / 56 km / 50 mins away) and Heysham (65 miles / 104 km / 1 hr 20 mins away). You can travel from Rotterdam and Zeebrugge to Hull (100 miles / 160 km / 2 hrs away) [ferry routes & tickets]
Canal boats can moor in the Castlefield canal basin.

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Disclaimer: All information correct 01/02/2007. HotelsOfManchester.com can not be held responsible for any differences experienced at the premises listed. All images and information copyright 2006 HotelsForEurope.com