The Best and Brightest Manchester Hotels

Boasting a population of well over 500,000 residents, Manchester is one of the largest and most diverse metropolitan centres in the United Kingdom.  While the city is known for its rich industrial heritage, many technology-based corporations now call Manchester home.  As a result, the city itself is also a major tourist attraction within north-west England.  From the rich cultural sights to fine dining and much more, Manchester is without a doubt at sight to behold.  Should you plan on travelling here in the near future, it is a great idea to know which hotels are thought to represent only the best in terms of luxury, convenience and comfort.  Let us examine five properties which fit this description. 

The Lowry Hotel

The Lowry is found on the banks of the River Irwell conveniently between Manchester and Salford.  This hotel also enjoys the reputation of being labelled as the first five-star property in Greater Manchester; a feat not easily accomplished.  With 165 rooms to choose from, it is also one of the largest hotels within the city.  Tripadvisor bestowed a Certificate of Excellence in terms of its services and amenities in 2015, so guests will not be disappointed. 

The rooms themselves are sights to behold.  Wireless access, an open-air feel, en-suite bathrooms and 24-hour room service are all equipped as standard amenities.  All rooms can be accessed by those with mobility issues.   Laundry services, a hair dryer, large conference areas and a massage clinic are other features that should not be missed when visiting The Lowry.  Finally, its peaceful riverside setting is perfect for both business and pleasure alike.

The Radisson Blu Edwardian Manchester Hotel

The Radisson Blu Edwardian Manchester is equipped with 263 high-class rooms for your enjoyment.  Twin deluxe, king deluxe, business class, al fresco suites and a group of rooms known as The Pennine Suites are all options here.  Each suite within this final category boasts is very own theme and no expense has been overlooked in terms of providing you with superior luxury.  Three rooms are also specifically designed for those with mobility issues.  All rooms offer free wireless Internet access as well as spacious marble bathrooms.  Walk-in showers, wet and dry zones, illuminate mirrors and standing wash basins are a few unique qualities of these bathrooms.

The restaurants here are also said to be some of the best in the entire country.  Opus One Bar and Restaurant, Opus Reserve and Steak & Lobster provide everything from traditional English cuisine to foods with a decidedly international feel.  Whether you are in the mood for a tasty cocktail or a late-night snack, these locations will have you covered.  In the same respect, the Radisson Blu provides an on-site spa to all of its guests.  The Sienna Spa can only be called the lap of luxury.  Soft lighting, gentle music, massaging tubs and a large heated pool are only a few of the options to be found here. 

The Blue Rainbow ApartHotel: Manchester High Street

This hotel is situated in the literal heart of Manchester and only moments away from the reputable Arndale Shopping Centre.  It is also conveniently found a short way from the Manchester Victoria Rail Station; ideally suited for both business and personal travel purposes.  Although this property can be see as a combination apartment-hotel, it is still able to provide five-star quality services to all of its patrons.  An attention to detail is further reinforced by the sheer functionality of this location.  Rooms are equipped with fully equipped kitchens, 42-inch flat screen televisions, toiletries and a DVD player.  So, it has never been easier to enjoy a bit of luxury even while on a relatively fixed budget.

The Blue Rainbow is also very well suited for corporate needs.  Their multi-lingual team of professionals can help to accommodate group requirements with ease while once again, the luxurious quality of the rooms will satisfy extremely demanding requirements.  Boasting a “home away from home” appeal, the centralised location of this property is an excellent stopover point for those who may need to addend to business while visiting Manchester.

The King Street Townhouse

This hotel is part of the Eclectic Hotels chain and while this conglomerate may be a bit new to Manchester, the King Street Townhouse reflects all of the traditional services that you have come to expect from a five-star location.  It is found on Booth Street; a notably quiet area within the city.  Still, the hotel is a short distance away from Manchester Art Gallery, many restaurants as well as a host of famous pubs.  

Picadilly Station is a further ten minutes by foot.

Owners boast that no two rooms are the same.  Each displays its very own artwork; many of these pieces having been commissioned by local painters.  It can be said that the rooms boast a slightly shabby-chic appeal.  From hand-selected books to retro-style fixtures, a sense of home is perhaps the most noticeable quality of the King Street Townhouse.  This is not always found within a group of chain hotels.

There are 40 different rooms to choose from and the staff are extremely friendly.  Some of the other amenities to be found here include free laundry, complimentary room service, a restaurant, a fitness centre and spa, inclusive wireless Internet and a quaint bar for those who hope to enjoy a cocktail or two during their stay.

The Great John Street Hotel

As opposed to larger properties that cater to corporate clients, The Great John Street Hotel is actually a Victorian schoolhouse that has been converted into one of the most striking hotels found within Manchester.  The owners have taken great care to retain many of the Victorian fixtures that were once present.  Examples can include large fireplaces, original hardwood flooring and cast-iron radiators.  Modern additions such as plush carpets and comfortable beds further enhance this sense of timeless beauty.  

30 different rooms are set out in a duplex style and thanks to their high ceilings, a spacious feel dominates their ambiance.  Large windows provide excellent exterior views and equally large bathrooms exude levels of comfort that feel deceivingly as if you were staying in a larger resort.  A few rooms are equipped with his-and-her baths.  This is another echo from the past and a welcome addition into the present.  

The Oyster Bar is an on-site restaurant that serves up a number of delicacies (including oysters, of course).  Cocktails, beers and afternoon tea are all addressed by expert staff.  A small food menu is also available although for a three-course meal, guests will likely have to head to nearby establishments.  There is also a bar found on the roof of the building and this can be an excellent way to unwind when the weather is agreeable.  Laundry, room service, free Internet and parking are all included within the price of the rooms.  

These five Manchester hotels truly define all that this city has to offer.  Whether you desire a property to cater to the needs of a corporate visit or you hope to experience the down-to-earth luxury of a more quaint location, you will certainly be amazed at what is in store.