Hotels in Manchester

Still wondering what to do in Manchester? Opodo has the top must-see plans so you won't miss a thing. Find everything you need to know before picking your stay in Manchester and book your hotel today!

Manchester is a city of reinvention and vitality, famous the world over for its pivotal role in the Industrial Revolution and its enduring cultural influence in music, science, and sport. Today, it’s a dynamic metropolis that effortlessly blends its rich industrial heritage with a modern, buzzing atmosphere. You can explore this history at the Museum of Science and Industry, built on the site of the world’s oldest surviving passenger railway station, or witness the city’s contemporary creative spirit in the hip Northern Quarter, packed with independent shops, street art, and eclectic bars.

Sport enthusiasts flock to the city, home to two of the world's most famous football clubs, with Old Trafford and the Etihad Stadium as major draws. Beyond the pitch, Manchester boasts impressive architecture, from the medieval Manchester Cathedral to the stunning neo-Gothic John Rylands Library. This is a city that never stops moving, offering a diverse, friendly, and energetic experience that starts with finding the right base to explore from.

Choosing your hotel area in Manchester is about matching the city's varied character to your preferred pace. Do you want to be in the shopping and transport hub, the cultural centre, or the residential cool zone? Manchester offers a great choice of well-connected areas.

The most central and convenient location is the City Centre, especially the area around Piccadilly Gardens and Market Street. Staying here puts you directly in the heart of the city's main shopping, dining, and business areas. This is ideal for those who want quick access to major train stations, the main cultural sites, and a lively, cosmopolitan feel. You’ll find a mix of large chain hotels and apartment-style accommodation here.

For a taste of Manchester’s contemporary cool, look to the Northern Quarter (NQ). This is the city's bohemian heart, known for its creative vibe, live music venues, independent record stores, vintage shops, and trendy eateries. While it is more low-key than the main centre, it offers a great atmosphere for visitors looking for unique bars and cultural experiences. Hotels here tend to be boutique or focused on modern design.

If you are looking for a more picturesque and historic base, the Castlefield area is a beautiful alternative. Recognised as a conservation area, it features canals, Roman ruins, and historic Victorian industrial architecture. It offers a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere with canalside pubs and walkways, yet it's still within easy reach of the main city centre via tram and a pleasant walk.

Manchester has an excellent public transport system, including the Metrolink tram network, which connects the city centre with surrounding areas. The primary rail hub is Manchester Piccadilly Station, offering domestic rail connections across the UK. Manchester Airport is one of the busiest in the UK and is directly linked to the city centre via frequent trains that run into Piccadilly Station, as well as the Metrolink tram network which offers services straight from the airport to key city centre stops. When booking your hotel, prioritising a location near a Metrolink stop or Piccadilly Station will ensure you can navigate the city with ease.

To find the best value on hotels in Manchester, you should aim to book outside of the peak periods for major events, which can cause significant price fluctuations. The high tourist season, which runs from June to August, sees an uplift in prices due to the pleasant weather and major summer festivals, like the Manchester International Festival.

However, the major price spikes in Manchester often revolve around its massive sporting calendar. Be aware that hotel rates increase dramatically on weekends that host major football matches, particularly the Manchester Derbies or cup finals, due to the sheer volume of visiting supporters. An effective tip for saving money is to specifically search for hotels outside of these sporting weekends. Generally, the quietest period for the best value is the low season of January and February, or during the late autumn months of November and early December before the Christmas rush.