Are you spending a few days in Manchester and wondering what are the best places to stay in Manchester City Centre? We are here to help!
Our beautiful city is a great destination for a city break and carefully choosing where to stay is important.
The best area to stay in Manchester is the city centre. It will make it so much easier for you to explore. You won’t have to take public transport and can do everything on foot.
This means you spend more time exploring and less time just trying to get around.
In this article, we tell you everything about the best places to stay in Manchester City centre. This includes hotels, quirky rentals and more.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost for you!
1 – King Street Townhouse Hotel
⭐ 4-star hotel
❤️ Reviews: 9.1 / 10 – See all reviews here.
📍 Location: Near Albert Square
For one of the best places to stay in Manchester city centre try the King Street Townhouse, which is, ironically, not on King Street.
Tucked away on the quiet Booth Street this is a must visit hotel.
The hotel is just two minutes’ walk from the Manchester Art Gallery and 10 minutes’ walk to Piccadilly Gardens and Northern Quarter.
This four-star hotel is located within a grade two listed building that dates back to 1872.
King Street Townhouse is the antithesis to a boring white wall and white bed sheet hotel.
There are 40 rooms, all decorated in a countryside home style.
Everything in the hotel has been independently sourced and each room has its own unique touches, including local artist work.
From the cellar cinema, to an indoor pool, fitness centre, spa, and a restaurant and bar King Street Townhouse has got everything you need.
2 – The Midland
⭐4-star hotel
❤️ Reviews: 8.4 / 10 – See all reviews here.
📍 Location: St Peter’s Square
The Midland Hotel First opened in 1903 and was built by the Midland Railway Company.
This Grade II listed hotel is on Peter Street and less than five minutes’ walk from the Manchester Art Gallery and Oxford Road train station is less than 10 minutes away.
The Midland Hotel’s exterior grandeur is reflected in the lobby area which is unquestionably magnificent.
There’s no wonder the likes of David and Victoria Beckham have stayed there.
The rooms are just as tasteful as the communal space. Requests a city view room for views of Central Library.
Railway and Rolls Royce (Rolls and Royce were thought to have met at the hotel) inspired artwork can be found throughout the rooms.
This hotel is top class for amenities, there’s a bar, restaurant (The French), spa, fitness centre, sauna and steam room.
3 – Stock Exchange Hotel
⭐ 5-star hotel
❤️ Reviews: 9.4 / 10 – See all reviews here.
📍 Location: Between St Peter’s Square and Deansgate
As the name suggests this hotel is housed within Manchester former Stock Exchange.
The building dates back to 1906 and you can learn about the building’s history via pictures and artefacts inside.
The Stock Exchange Hotel is on the busy central Norfolk Street.
Popular nearby attractions include the Royal Exchange Theatre, the John Rylands Library and Albert Square.
There are 40 rooms which are all decorated with classic colours like creams, greens, browns and greys.
Everything in the rooms ooze high end luxury from the marble sinks to the stand-alone bathtubs in the more luxurious suites.
The service and facilities are top tier. At check in take advantage of the complimentary tea and cake.
There’s no gym but there is a deal with a local gym so hotel guests can use their facilities.
One of the highlights of this hotel is the restaurant, Tom Kerridge’s highly acclaimed Bull & Bear! Be sure to book a table in advance.
4 – BrewDog DogHouse Manchester Hotel
⭐ 4 star hotel
❤️ Reviews: 9.4 / 10 – See all reviews here.
📍 Location: Market Street Area
Another of the best hotels in Manchester City centre is BrewDog DogHouse.
Located on Fountain Street close to Northern Quarter and the Arndale Centre this is a top location for exploring all different parts of the city centre.
One of the awesome and underrated things about this hotel is that it’s carbon negative.
The BrewDog beer company brings Manchester a really unique hotel.
This feels like the ultimate lad hotel with 18 rooms which are complete with in room beer taps and beer shower fridges.
To those who don’t appreciate the craftsmanship of a great beer, a beer shower might feel a little over the top but it’s what the hotel is all about.
This hotel wouldn’t be complete without a bar and of course they have one.
Their taproom serves 30 craft beers and some excellent underrated non-alcoholic beverages.
The rooftop bar also serves classic American style food that’s just made for complimenting a good beer.
5 – Kimpton Clocktower
⭐ 5-star hotel
❤️ Reviews: 8.9 / 10 – See all reviews here.
📍 Location: Oxford Road
The beautiful Kimpton Clocktower Hotel is located within a Grade II listed building that dates back to 1890.
Back when it was first opened this terracotta building was known as The Refuge Assurance Company headquarters.
You’ll find this hotel just two minutes’ walk away from Manchester Oxford Road train station.
This hotel is the perfect blend of luxury and hand craftsmanship.
The dome lobby is instantly impressive and you should take note of the tall bronze horse sculpture which was created by Charles Dickens’ granddaughter Sophie Dickens!
For dining, head to the hotel’s restaurant, The Refuge by Volta.
It’s a popular spot so be sure to book in advance. Public Bar is also at the hotel, it’s a laid back joint which has been enjoyed by locals for a long time.
The rooms at Kimpton Clocktower are as stylish and tasteful as the rest of the hotel and no two rooms are the same.
6 – Hotel Gotham
⭐ 5-star hotel
❤️ Reviews: 8.9 / 10 – See all reviews here.
📍 Location: King Street
Head to King Street to find the five-star Hotel Gotham. This hotel is in a fantastic central location and its art deco style is instantly noticeable from the street.
The hotel is 400 metres from Deansgate, 500 metres from Bridgewater Hall, and just three minutes’ walk from the Arndale shopping centre.
From the feel of the theatre, to much appreciated luxury this hotel is well worth checking out when visiting Manchester.
The building was designed by Edwin Lutyens in 1928 in the era’s style.
This style is reflected in the rooms with their dark colour palette, luxurious fur throws and black and white photographs.
The hotel’s restaurant, Honey, serves up some delicious dishes and an excellent breakfast is offered each morning.
There’s also a bar and a private members club called Brass which is open to hotel guests and has some excellent views from the terrace.
7 – The Edwardian Manchester, A Radisson Collection Hotel
⭐ 5-star hotel
❤️ Reviews: 8.9 / 10 – See all reviews here.
📍 Location: Between St Peter’s Square and Deansgate
The Edwardian is located in the former Free Trade Hall which is a Grade II listed building dating back to 1856.
You’ll find this five-star hotel on Peter Street in a central area of Manchester.
Attractions like the Science and Industry Museum and the Bridgewater Canal are just 10 minutes’ walk away.
The hotel has 263 bedrooms decorated with chocolate tones and cappuccino-like colours.
Super comfy king-size beds can be found in the rooms and there is an almost Scandinavian vibe to the bathroom spaces.
One of the reasons this hotel has been afforded a five-star rating is its superb amenities.
Down in the basement is The Spa & Gym which offers a range of services and 10% off treatments between Monday and Thursday for hotel guests.
There’s also a 12-metre swimming pool, steam room, sauna and whirlpool hot tub.
At the front of the hotel there’s the Peter Street Kitchen restaurant and bar which serves up a mixture of Mexican and Japanese food (an odd but delightful combination).
8 – Roomzzz Manchester Victoria
⭐ 4-star hotel
❤️ Reviews: 8.9 / 10 – See all reviews here.
📍 Location: Exchange Square
Roomzzz is part of the new trend of “aparthotels” which offer homely comforts and hotel style convenience.
This four-star hotel is located at 37 Hanging Ditch, just 2 minute’s walk from the National Football Museum and the Manchester Cathedral.
Manchester Victoria station is also only 900 metres away.
This apartment is located in the Corn Exchange building which was completed in 1837.
Downstairs there are a variety of restaurants and a 24-hour convenience store as well as the concierge desk.
Though this is an apartment style hotel guests can still enjoy a grab and go breakfast which includes pastries, fruit and hot drinks.
The apartment units are pristinely clean and stylish and include a fully equipped kitchenette, a dishwasher, microwave,fridge and a stove.
The bedrooms are decked out with one of the squishiest chunkiest mattresses you’ll find.
Some of the rooms offer great views of Manchester.
9 – Leven Manchester
❤️ Reviews: 9.4 / 10 – See all reviews here.
📍 Location: Gay Village
Another of the best hotels in Manchester city centre is Leven Manchester.
You’ll find this hotel in a trendy 20th century red brick former cotton warehouse on Chorlton Street and next to Canal Street.
Its location in the Gay Village area of Manchester is perfect for those wanting a vibrant place to stay and explore whilst being close to other popular places like Oxford Road, the Arndale Centre and Northern Quarter.
Guests love the hotel’s trendy yet practical style. Rooms are large which isn’t always easy to find in Manchester.
Funky tiles in the bathrooms, statement sofas, they’ve got all the room amenities needed for a comfortable sleep. You cannot go wrong with Leven Manchester.
Though there is no restaurant, there are fantastic places to eat nearby, including the Richmond Tea Rooms which is a famous spot for afternoon tea in Manchester.
10 – Dakota Manchester
⭐ 4 star hotel
❤️ Reviews: 9.4 / 10 – See all reviews here.
📍 Location: Near Piccadilly Station
If you’re thinking about where to stay in Manchester city centre why not try Dakota Manchester.
Dakota is just five minute’s walk to Market Street and 10 minutes to Spinningfields.
The Dakota is seductively glamorous. The dark colour palette found on the building outside is reflected in the lobby, dining room and lounge.
Head to the rooms and grey walls and bathroom tiles make the whole hotel feel cohesive.
A dull colour scheme doesn’t do the rooms any injustice, instead creating a refined vibe.
Whilst there is no gym at the Dakota you can get passes to PureGym which is just nearby.
For a luxurious feel there’s even a champagne room and cigar terrace as well as the Dakota Grill restaurant and bar.
Dakota Manchester is definitely one of the best luxury places to stay in Manchester city centre.
11 – CitySuites Two Aparthotel
⭐ 4 awards
❤️ Reviews: 9.1 / 10 – See all reviews here.
📍 Location: Near Victoria Station
For an ultra modern “aparthotel” try CitySuites. You’ll find this property at New Kings Head Yard which is on the other side of the River Irwell but still less than 10 minutes walk from the National Football Museum.
CitySuites offer a variety of living options from studios to one bed apartments, family rooms and two bed premium apartments.
Whether you are looking for a small individual space or something for the traveling family this is a great option.
Who says you have to spend a ton of money eating out when you’re traveling.
Staying in one of these apartment hotels means you can live more like you would do at home keeping the same routines and cooking the same sort of meals.
Amenities at the hotel include an indoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi, fitness centre, restaurant, bar, and parking.
Rooms are similar from apartment to apartment. The white walls with grey accents create a pristine and clean finish.
12 – Whitworth Locke
⭐ 4-star hotel
❤️ Reviews: 9.0 / 10 – See all reviews here.
📍 Location: Gay Village
This apartment style hotel is set in a 19th century building in Manchester’s Civic Quarter.
If you’ve got a ton of luggage then you’ll be grateful to know that the hotel is just five minute’s walk from Manchester Oxford Road train station.
Whether you’re looking for double room occupancy studios or larger two-bedroom duplex apartments Whitworth Locke has got you covered.
The apartments are beautifully furnished with a light pink colour scheme throughout. Rooms feel light and airy and spacious.
Depending on the room you book the apartments come with a kitchen, bathroom, living room and bedroom.
Whilst you’re in your room there’s the feel of a private apartment but as you venture downstairs it’s more like a hotel.
Their facilities include coworking spaces, a restaurant, and even free yoga classes in the gym.
This is a great apartment hotel for those digital nomads, remote workers or just those who want to travel like a local and utilise cooking from home.
13 – The Vätten Hüs A Luxury / VIP boat
❤️ Reviews: 9.7 / 10 – See all reviews here.
📍 Location: Castlefield
For places to stay in Manchester city centre that are a little different try the Vätten Hüs VIP canal boat.
Yes, a canal boat! There’s no shuffling around each other on this boat.
This “hotel” has not one but two bedrooms and one sofa bed meaning it can sleep six people.
There’s also a lovely living room area with a breakfast bar and TV.
Head outside and there is a beautiful dining terrace perfect for a warm Manchester summer.
Despite the space being relatively small they’ve maximised every inch of the place to make it feel luxurious rather than cramped.
Head to Castle Street and the canal and you’ll see the matte black canalboat which you’ll call home.
The canal boat is less than 10 minutes’ walk from the Science and Industry Museum and around 15 minute’s walk to Spinningfields where you find some of the top bars in Manchester.
14 – Hotel Brooklyn Manchester
⭐ 4 star hotel
❤️ Reviews: 8.9 / 10 – See all reviews here.
📍 Location: Chinatown – Gay Village
Hotel Brooklyn Manchester is on Portland Street between Piccadilly Gardens and Manchester Oxford Road train station.
It’s a great central location and places like Canal Street are just a short stroll away.
If you’re searching for Luxury places to stay in Manchester city centre that also feel trendy and hip this is the place to be.
This is the perfect hotel for experiencing a New York style slice of the Big Apple in the beating heart of Northern England.
Rooms are simply decorated but with subtle nods to NYC.
Right at the heart of their ethos at Hotel Brookyln is fun.
Their hotel bar has a DJ and there’s always a fantastic atmosphere from the restaurant/lounge area too.
They opened back in 2015 but they are still providing excellent service and locals and visitors love heading there for some escapism.
There’s even a rooftop private members bar which is one of the most sought after joints in town.
For a more relaxed evening head to their tiered seating movie theatre near the lobby.
15 – The Abel Heywood Pub
⭐ 4-star hotel
❤️ Reviews: 8.7 / 10 – See all reviews here.
📍 Location: Northern Quarter
The Abel Heywood Boutique Hotel is on Northern Quarter’s busy Turner Street.
Upon first glance you mightthink the Heywood is a corner pub but head upstairs and there’s a trendy hotel.
It’s also just a couple of minute’s walk to the Arndale Centre and less than 10 minutes to the National Football Museum.
Abel Heywood was a Manchester publisher responsible for producing the “Poor Man’s Guardian” books which were basically mini guides to holiday destinations around the UK.
Rooms are named after his guide books and there’s even a hotel newspaper called “The Abel News”. Rooms are clean, homely and beautifully decorated.
Hydes, the Manchester brewery, actually own the hotel so you can find their craft beer stocked at the bar.
16 – INNSiDE by Meliá Manchester
⭐ 4-star hotel
❤️ Reviews: 8.8 / 10 – See all reviews here.
📍 Location: Between Oxford Road and Deansgate
INNSiDE is between Manchester Oxford Road and Deansgate train stations on First Street.
You are super close to the Rochdale Canal Tow Path which offers some great walks to the Bridgewater Canal.
This is a stylish and lively hotel, there’s even a resident DJ in the restaurant and bar area.
This is one of those relatable hotels, where staff enjoy dress down Friday everyday.
Other hotel amenities include a small gym, steam room, sauna and a treatment room.
There’s also a lovely outdoor terrace space with comfy sofas and armchairs, perfect for having morning coffee or a fruit juice.
Every room at INNSiDE is spacious, even the most affordable room.
Comfy king-sized beds will send you to sleep in minutes and there are complimentary soft drinks in the hotel room minibar.
The décor feels more like a traditional chain hotel but with the added splashes of purple.
17 – Manchester Marriott Victoria & Albert Hotel
⭐ 4-star hotel
❤️ Reviews: 8.6 / 10 – See all reviews here.
📍 Location: Spinningfields
If you want to be in the heart of Manchester yet still feel like you’re away from the hustle and bustle then the Manchester Marriott Victoria and Albert Hotel (V&A) is the perfect location for you.
Though the hotel is in Spinningfields it backs onto the River Irwell on the aptly named Water Street.
Step inside the lobby of this hotel and you almost feel like you’re in an American barn conversion.
That’s probably because this 4-star hotel was originally a 19th century warehouse.
The hotel rooms are characterful, yet modern.
You may not wish to stay here if you are a Manchester City fan though as the V&A is Manchester United’s official hotel sponsor and there are subtle nods to the footy team around the hotel.
Wake up in the morning to an amazing breakfast and be sure to make use of the hotel’s other facilities like the fitness centre, restaurant, bar, garden and BBQ space.
18 – Cove Minshull Street
⭐ 4-star
❤️ Reviews: 9.2 / 10 – See all reviews here.
📍 Location: Between Piccadilly Gardens and the Gay Village
Another apartment style hotel is Cove Minshull Street. This aparthotel is behind Piccadilly Gardens and five minutes’ walk from Piccadilly Station.
Great eateries like Nell’s Pizza and the Richmond Tea Rooms are just a few minutes away.
You can choose to book a one-bedroom apartment that comes with a private kitchen, bathroom, dishwasher, washing machine, living room and dining area.
Alternatively, there is the two-bedroom apartment which has two bedrooms with double beds and one living room sofa bed and is able to sleep six people.
The apartments are beautifully decorated making it feel much more like a home than a hotel.
If you arrive early before check in, they’ve got a handy luggage storage where you can leave your belongings.
The property also has a small gym so you can keep up with your fitness goals.
19 – High Street Town House
⭐ 4 awards
❤️ Reviews: 9.2 / 10 – See all reviews here.
📍 Location: Between Shudehill and Market Street
As aparthotels are all the rage now, let’s check out another of the best places to stay in Manchester city centre. High Street Town House is on High Street.
These apartments are just 600 metres from the Greater Manchester Police Museum and right by all the main shops.
To say these apartments are beautiful would be an understatement.
A lot of thought and care has gone into every room making it feel like a stylish modern home.
Wooden panelling and elongated fireplaces make this spot feel slightly Scandinavian in style.
The apartments come with an equipped kitchen which includes an oven if you want to cook your own meals instead of eating out.
These studio apartments are great if you are looking for a longer stay in Manchester or if you are travelling with a group.
20 – Malmaison Manchester
⭐ 4 star hotel
❤️ Reviews: 8.0 / 10 – See all reviews here.
📍 Location: Piccadilly
Malmaison Manchester is right by the Piccadilly train station. From the hotel it’s just a five minute walk to Market Street.
It is also similarly close to the Northern Quarter for some of the best pubs and bars in town.
There have been many former warehouses on this list of the best places to stay in Manchester City centre but Malmaison was also a Victorian doll hospital!
The dolls have gone but the quirk still remains.
Malmaison’s décor has more than a few splashes of garish colour. There are a variety of rooms on offer each of which is beautifully unique.
The 4-star Malmaison has all the amenities you’d expect from a hotel of its calibre.
There’s a bar, restaurant, gym and a spa. The spa has several treatment rooms, a nail bar and even a zen lounge.
21 – Motel One Manchester-Royal Exchange
⭐ 3-star hotel
❤️ Reviews: 8.6 / 10 – See all reviews here.
📍 Location: St Annes Square
Motel One Manchester is a four-star hotel on Cross Street. Nearby attractions include the G-MEX Centre (600 metres) and Bridgewater Hall (700 metres).
Each room at Motel One Manchester has the most sleep-inducing Egyptian cotton sheets.
Rooms also have lovely spacious bathrooms with rain showers and complimentary toiletries.
There are two room options, the standard double and the standard queen room for something a little bigger.
Hotel guests can enjoy the complimentary breakfast which is a real crowd pleaser and focuses on organic produce and Fairtrade coffee.
Hotel staff are always on hand and alert when guests enter the lobby and are happy to help with everything from room requests to recommendations.
The hotel also offers a wide selection of drinks and snacks at the One Lounge.
22 – Clayton Hotel Manchester City Centre
⭐ 4-star hotel
❤️ Reviews: 8.5 / 10 – See all reviews here.
📍 Location: Between Chinatown and the Gay Village
One of the best places to stay in Manchester city centre is the Clayton Hotel.
This Portland Street hotel is within walking distance of the Manchester Art Gallery, Canal Street and The Palace Theatre.
The hotel feels modern and stylish yet comfortable and friendly.
The front desk staff are extremely accommodating and welcoming which gets your visit off to the start you deserve.
If you arrive early be sure to utilise their luggage storage.
Head up to your room and you can expect a crisp, clean, modern space.
Though some of the rooms are a little on the small side they offer a cosy vibe as opposed to a cramped one.
Though there is no restaurant there is a hotel bar and dining area where they serve up a hearty, healthy and delicious breakfast. Other facilities include a fitness centre and parking.
23 – Leonardo Hotel Manchester Central
⭐ 4-star hotel
❤️ Reviews: 8.4 / 10 – See all reviews here.
📍 Location: Between Deansgate and Oxford Road
Another of the best places to stay in Manchester city centre is the Leonardo Hotel.
Formerly known as the Jurys Inn, you will find this hotel on Great Bridgewater Street next to the Rochdale Canal. Both Deansgate and Oxford Road train stations are five minutes away.
Walk into reception and you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d walked into the genius bar at Apple.
They’ve made the check in experience digital with floating staff to help and greet you.
The hotel is full of cute little corners and decorations. There’s even a bee hotel outside!
The rooms follow a cream and white colour scheme with attractive brick style wallpaper.
These potentially bland rooms have been transformed with vibrant splashes of colour, from the side tables to the desk chairs.
For lunch or dinner be sure to check out the hotels Oddsocks Bar and Kitchen.
They serve up a bunch of British favourites in the form of light bites and snacks.
24 – Maldron Hotel Manchester City Centre
⭐ 4-star hotel
❤️ Reviews: 8.7 / 10 – See all reviews here.
📍 Location: Near Oxford Road
The 278 room Maldron Hotel is on Charles Street.
If you ever have a reason to visit Manchester Metropolitan University, perhaps for a uni tour or someone’s graduation this is a great hotel as it’s just a couple of streets over.
It’s also less than five minutes to the Palace Theatre and Oxford Road station.
The entire hotel has splashes of yellow among the grey tones, the perfect injection of artificial sunshine.There are both single and double occupancy rooms.
Book the Executive King Room to enjoy lovely city views from your comfy double bed.
Guests at the hotel appreciate the above par breakfast and easy car parking.
In the morning head down to the Red Bean Roastery Coffee Shop where you can pick up handcrafted barista coffee.
The hotel’s Grain & Grill Bar & Restaurant has got you covered from breakfast to dinner.
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