Hotels are opening in Manchester city centre at a rate that’s hard to keep up with, diversifying the overnight offering with every passing minute, and they’re also some of the very best in the UK.
We’ve got plenty of familiar boltholes if you can’t tear yourself away from the familiarity of a Premier Inn purple bedroom, or the reliable comforts of a Hilton, but also plenty of smaller names offering a stylish place to rest your head.
We’ve rounded up a dozen of the very best that Manchester has to offer – expect rooftop pools, riverside terraces, grand architecture and celebrity chefs.
And not all of them come with an eye-watering price tag…
If you want a hotel with loads of atmosphere as well as a grown-up space with a dark, moody interior, then Dakota is absolutely the one for you.
ADVERTISEMENT
This beautiful hotel opened back in 2019; a huge £30m black box on the outskirts of the Northern Quarter that has seen celebrity guests such as Hugh Jackman, Molly Mae-Hague, Mel B and many more.
Formerly Hotel Brooklyn – we all know Manchester has a habit of drawing comparisons to New York, albeit a smaller, soggier version, – voco Manchester still has all the glamour as was originally intended.
ADVERTISEMENT
The hotel first opened at the worst possible time, being thrust in and out of lockdowns within weeks of opening, but since then it’s attracted rave reviews and been named among the top 20 ‘hottest new hotels’ by Traveller’s Choice among many glowing reviews.
Even after being over by IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) in December 2023, the 189-room hotel has taken on a new life, boasting the in-house Runyons Restaurant which still keeps those US connections, as well as an open-plan lobby lounge featuring a big screen for live sport and entertainment.
It may be different from what it was but there’s still plenty of style to be seen here.
Just across the border into Salford is The Lowry Hotel, and a big, sweeping curve of pure class sticking out above the river. It’s got a global reputation and it’s no surprise when its guestbook features some of the biggest celebrities of all time.
ADVERTISEMENT
Remember when Taylor Swift rented out the entire place, or Jose Mourinho decided to just live there, rather than find an apartment, during his time as Manchester United manager? Not to mention Britney Spears, David Beckham, Rihanna, Take That, Lady Gaga, Kylie Minogue and countless others.
Having undergone a £5m bedroom refurb, The Lowry has one of the smartest and brightest interiors in the north of England, one of the region’s most expensive hotel rooms (a casual £4,500 a night for the presidential suite), as well as a super high-tech spa. We also enjoy just heading there for the Lowry bottomless brunch, to be honest.
The Kimpton Clocktower – previously known as the Palace and Principal Hotel, among multiple other monikers – oozes timeless sophistication, a relic of Victorian grandeur but with a boutique hotel feel to it.
The lobby is one of the most impressive spaces in Greater Manchester, all polished tile and marble beneath a glass-domed ceiling, setting the scene for the rooms themselves (high ceilings, big windows, and plenty of historical details).
ADVERTISEMENT
Another big plus when it comes to the Kimpton is its in-house bar and restaurant: The Refuge, which is a cut above the average hotel offering and is very much its own entity with a reputation for fabulous late-night and seasonal events, a divine bottomless brunch and plenty of other distinct draws.
The lobby at Kimpton ClocktowerOne of their many stylish roomsCredit: Kimpton/The Manc Group
5. The Midland
If only walls could talk, The Midland Hotel would have some of the best stories on Earth.
The landmark hotel has been part of the fabric of Manchester for more than 100 years, with 312 luxurious rooms, and it’s storied that it’s where Charles Rolls and Henry Royce (of Rolls Royce fame) were introduced.
Then there are the communal spaces, even fancier now after their £14m refurbishment, including restaurants Adam Reid at The French and Mount Street Dining Room, and the incredible circular champagne bar in the middle of the lobby.
ADVERTISEMENT
It’s also the place to come for a traditional afternoon tea and has a truly cracking spa. This place doesn’t need any kind of sale pitch: it’s unquestionably one of the best hotels in Manchester – if not the best.
The curb appeal of Whitworth Locke is something else, from its decadent bar housed in a Parisian-style conservatory and fine culinary offerings (Peru Perdu and a Foundation Coffee House are both in here), to its incredible location right on the edge of the Gay Village.
Each of the rooms is a self-contained haven, from studio apartments all the way up to two-bedroom duplex suites, decorated in a Pinterest-worthy palette of greens and pinks (a muted sample of the terracotta bricks outside).
There’s a free workspace area that spills into a truly stunning conservatory bar, as well as a packed calendar of events too, so whether you’re an out-of-town guest or a local Manc looking to fill a few hours, you’ll be kept busy enough.
Safe to say we’re big fans of this much-loved Manchester hotel.
7. King Street Townhouse
You have, almost without a doubt, seen photos of the King Street Townhouse before – this is the hotel that introduced the infinity pool to the city centre, with views of the Town Hall (well, currently of scaffolding).
The hotel has its own cinema room, a rooftop terrace bar, a new gym, and incredible afternoon teas.
The smart rooms range in size from ‘snug’ to ‘cosy’ to ‘comfy’ to suites, with suites priced at around £430 a night.
From afternoon tea and lunch deals to spa offers, big group events, private screening and so much more, King St Townhouse isn’t just one of the best hotels in Manchester, it’s also one of the most well-rounded in terms of its overall hospitality.
One of the newest hotels to open in Manchester (and they are popping up like daisies) is The Alan, which has stripped the old Princess Street Hotel back to expose and celebrate its original features.
There are 137 bedrooms, each with high ceilings and warm textures, an open-plan kitchen, a restaurant and bar, as well as event spaces.
The devil is in the detail here and the design has been carefully thought-out. The floor is made from a collage of discarded marble, and the dried flowers illuminated beneath the bar were actually foraged by the hotel’s owners at the time they secured plans for The Alan… while they were broken down on the side of the motorway.
It’s gone on to become comfortably one of the best luxury hotels in Manchester since it opened in 2022.
9. Stock Exchange Hotel
Famous names absolutely litter Stock Exchange Hotel, which is easily one of the grandest spaces in all of Greater Manchester.
Not only does it come from Gary Neville’s rapidly-booking hospitality empire, but it’s also backed by world-famous hotelier Winston Zahra, not to mention high-profile chefs and hospitality figures like Tom Kerridge and The Schofield Brothers having run the kitchen.
You could be looking at as much as £1500 for a night in the suites, but the rooms start at a much lower rate – and then there’s ‘The House’, an enormous fully serviced, ultra-exclusive penthouse apartment with its own roof terrace.
The newest addition to Manchester’s ever-growing hotel and resort sector, The Reach has landed just a short walk from Piccadilly Station and is only a few minutes away from the bustling Northern Quarter, meaning that like Dakota, it’s picked a prime logistical and cultural location.
ADVERTISEMENT
But enough about topographical perks, this place is simply sublime, serving exquisite food and drink from its Lock 84 restaurant overlooking the Rochdale Canal, with rooms that are just as spacious as they are luxurious.
Perfect for business or pleasure, The Reach is already becoming a popular choice for those visiting Manchester and has comfortably landed itself on the list of the very best hotels we have to offer here in the city centre.
10 destinations from Manchester Airport where you can enjoy 30ºC temperatures from £46pp in October
Lydia Mastrolonardo
Need one last dose of sunshine, to top up the tan, before accepting that autumn is here? Look no further.
Now it’s getting darker in the evenings and there’s that familiar chill back in the air, it’s got us all feeling a bit nostalgic of the warmer days.
I remember a time this summer where we were practically begging for a slightly cooler climate, well now it’s here, this isn’t quite what we had in mind. Bring back the sweltering heat and suncream, I say.
With that said, it’s not too late to catch the last bits of sunshine.
Lucky for you we’ve got just the remedy – Manchester Airport has just released a list of destinations to make a last minute trip, with returns from £46 per person, this October.
With their route network of over 200 destinations and over 50 airlines to choose from, there’s plenty of options for a ‘shoulder season’ holiday.
Think about it – early to mid October would be perfect for those of you wanting the same famous cities, beaches and balmy temperatures but with fewer crowds – a quieter getaway for cheaper – it’s a no brainer really.
Then late October would be fabulous for families on half-term, needing a cheap little break, before the cold winter months set in.
If you’ve not had a chance to get away this year but find the process of planning a holiday a little daunting – fear not. We’ve carefully compiled this list of the best ten deals below for you to browse:
Malta
You can fly to Malta from Manchester this October. Credit: Unsplash, Calin Stan
During the summer months Malta’s stunning beaches – including its famous Blue Lagoon – are swarmed with holiday-goers, but leaving it a little later could actually be the move.
With October retaining the same high temperatures of up to 25ºC, it’s perfect for beach days, but with less tourists.
Fly direct from Manchester to Malta with Ryanair from £46pp return.
Tenerife
Tenerife offers a sunny holiday in October from Manchester. Credit: Unsplash, @the_bracketeer
Tenerife is always in Manchester’s top five destinations by passenger numbers, and we can see why. Especially since temperatures are reliably in the mid-twenties well into autumn.
From the peaceful mountain retreats in the island’s north to the family beach resorts in Costa Adeje and the nightlife scene around Playa de las Americas, there really is something for everyone.
Average daytime high temperatures remain at 25ºC in October.
Fly direct from Manchester to Tenerife with Ryanair from £58pp return.
Madeira
Madeira is still warm in autumn. Credit: Unsplash, @mickkirch
Another amazing option is Madeira, in the North Atlantic, unique with its volcanic landscapes and dramatic black sand beaches, offering a slightly different kind of beach holiday.
This stunning Portuguese island offers some incredible food and mild temperatures during the autumn – think t-shirts and shorts during the day and a light layer for the evenings.
Fly direct from Manchester to Madeira with Ryanair from £70pp return.
October is arguably the best time to visit, avoiding the blistering heat of midsummer, allowing you to explore cultural sites like the ancient ruins of Kition, whilst still being hot enough to enjoy its blue flag beaches.
Fly direct from Manchester to Larnaca with TUI from £134pp return.
Heraklion, Crete
Beautiful Crete offers October sunshine from Manchester, Credit: Unsplash, Elena Dimaki
Why not try out Heraklion in Crete, Greece’s largest island.
October is perfect for exploring the Old Town and storied Venetian fortress.
It is also conveniently peak grape harvesting season at many of the region’s wineries, which often host festivals, with tours and stays available – the perfect couples get away if you ask me.
Fly direct from Manchester to Heraklion with TUI from £113pp return.
Along the North African coast temperatures remain high well into autumn – which means weather reminiscent of Europe in summer, but without the flocks of tourists.
Away from the seafront, visitors to the Moroccan city of Agadir enjoy exploring its gardens, art museums, and shopping for handmade souvenirs at the Souk El Had market.
Fly direct from Manchester to Agadir with Ryanair from £61pp return.
Fuerteventura
Fuerteventura is a popular destination for an October holiday from Manchester. Credit: Unsplash, Paul Treubrodt
Fuerteventura is the least-visited of the four major Canary Islands but by no means falling short in any way.
This island has endless white sand beaches, warm year-round sunshine and conditions perfect for water sports, like windsurfing and kitesurfing.
Not to mention, it will be even quieter during shoulder season.
Fly direct from Manchester to Fuerteventura with Ryanair from £58pp return.
Fancy a city break on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast? Well, now you can for £111.
Here, you will find more than 600 miles of coastline with sandy beaches, ancient historical sites like the ruins of Side, and rugged mountainous terrain.
Antalya’s natural beauty can be better enjoyed during the cooler climate of autumn, including more comfortable exploration along the Lycian Way hiking trail.
Fly direct from Manchester to Antalya with Sunexpress from £111pp return.
Palermo, Sicily
You can fly direct to Palermo in Sicily from Manchester. Credit: Unsplash, Michele Bitetto
Palermo is one of Italy’s and Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities.
Its history greets you at every winding turn, from its centuries-old Cathedral and Norman Palace to its harbour, museums and galleries.
A short drive down the coast in either direction, will reveal some of Sicily’s best beaches, with crystal clear water and breathtaking views.
Fly direct from Manchester to Palermo with Jet2.com from £110pp return.
Cape Verde
Cape Verde offers great out-of-season weather. Credit: Unsplash, Martin Widenka
The West African island nation of Cape Verde is the place to be following its national team’s huge achievements at this summer’s World Cup.
Sal is one of its most popular tourist spots, with straw umbrellas, beach bars serving up local beer, caipirinhas and fresh grilled seafood.
It also has a lovely relaxed feel to its cobbled streets and markets, perfect for a peaceful getaway somewhere new.
Fly direct from Manchester to Sal with easyJet from £172pp return.
Manchester has been named one of the most ‘affordable’ cities in the UK – this is why
Emily Sergeant
A list of the top 10 most affordable cities in the UK has been revealed, and Manchester has made the cut for one very specific reason.
On a bit of a budget? Aren’t we all.
The cost of living crisis has been raging on for quite a few years now, and unfortunately, despite how much we all wish for it to, it doesn’t appear to be slowing down – with prices for everyday items, especially typical fridge and cupboard stables, shooting up by the day, even though supermarkets are showing efforts to prevent it.
And it’s the noticeable price increases in groceries that led delivery insurance provider, Street Cover, to uncover which UK cities don’t strain your food shopping budgets too much just yet.
As it was found that food and non-alcoholic drinks inflation reached 1.3% this past summer, a new study has revealed that Sheffield is officially the most affordable city in the UK, with several other northern locations on the list.
Manchester has been named one of the most ‘affordable’ cities in the UK / Credit: MCC | Aldi
The study compared the 2026 Grocery Index for the largest UK cities with the UK average, as well as available 2025 Grocery Indices, to track the changes in food affordability.
The cities are ranked by the index difference from the national average – which is 67.3 – but the report also uses direct monetary values for a grocery basket to provide some additional context too.
Manchester took sixth place on the list, with an average grocery basket price of £23.08, while some of the other northern cities in the top 10, besides Sheffield at number one, include Liverpool, Leeds, and Newcastle.
Top 10 Most Affordable UK Cities For Groceries
Sheffield
Milton Keynes
Liverpool
Reading
Newcastle
Manchester
Leeds
Bristol
Cardiff
Southampton
As the only other North West city in the top 10, Liverpool may have come in third place overall, but the study found that the grocery bill here is the smallest in terms of actual monetary numbers – with it setting shoppers back £22.08 for a regular supermarket basket, which is a whole £1 cheaper than in Manchester.
“Data shows households in the North East of England have the lowest average food spend in the country, around 11% below the UK average, while Yorkshire sits 6.6% below,” Al Taylor, who is the Head of Street Cover, commented on the study’s findings.
“Sheffield’s position at the top reflects lower property costs for retailers, less competition from premium chains, and a supermarket landscape dominated by value-led options.
“The practical implication for household budgets is significant – the difference between budget and premium shopping can easily be £1,000 or more per year for a family, which can be spent on other things or saved for future plans.”
Daisy Jackson -
9th November 2024 
