If there’s one thing we excel at here at Secret Manchester, it’s loving the incredible city right in our own backyard. That’s exactly why we’re pitching Manchester for your next staycation—yep, even if you’re a local!.
With an amazing mix of bars and restaurants (including some of the UK’s very best), a vibrant cultural scene, and endless things to do at a moment’s notice, we’ve put together the ultimate guide to the best hotels in Manchester for your getaway.
Taking over the iconic Old Granada TV Studios—the UK’s first purpose-built television studio—Mollie’s transforms the 1950s landmark into a sprawling diner, motel, and social hub. The ground floor houses an elevated retro-American diner serving up salt beef sandwiches, lobster rolls, and peanut butter and jelly pie, alongside a lounge-lobby that doubles as a sociable co-working space.
Downstairs, a massive open-plan cocktail bar hosts live music and entertainment on its own stage, nodding to the building’s musical heritage (both the Beatles and the Sex Pistols made their first TV appearances here). You can also grab a drink in the VIP snug or out on the heated terrace. Upstairs, the motel rooms pair modernist dark wood panelling and terrazzo finishes with luxe touches like Dyson Airwraps, GHD straighteners, and super king beds.
Hotel Gotham on King Street has rebranded as The Rex, keeping its Art Deco-meets-modern style and its reputation as a discreet hideaway in the city centre. Set in a former bank building, the 60-room boutique hotel spans seven floors, maintaining its luxe interiors while introducing some refreshed spaces, including new furniture in the restaurant and bar.
Up on the seventh floor, behind heavy vault doors, lies the Private Members’ Club—now known as Reserve. Open to members and hotel guests, it features three rooftop terraces with panoramic views, making it a prime spot for daytime working, relaxed drinks, or sunset parties. You’ll also find a secret events space, Treasury, alongside classic offerings like five-course tasting menus, afternoon teas, and live entertainment.
Cow Hollow Hotel
Set inside a former textile mill in the Northern Quarter, The Cow Hollow Hotel is a 16-bedroom boutique spot that leans into the area’s industrial history. The building pairs Victorian features with modern touches, outfitting cosy rooms with king-size Hypnos beds, rainfall showers, and complimentary Netflix access.
Downstairs, the lobby doubles as a 24-hour cocktail bar and café. In the morning, you’ll find a complimentary breakfast bag of croissants, granola, and fresh juice delivered straight to your door, leaving you perfectly placed to step out into the bustling bars and restaurants around Stevenson Square.
Dakota
Ranked number two in Tripadvisor’s 2024 list of UK luxury hotels, Dakota Manchester brings serious style to Ducie Street. A favourite of celebrities coming to town, the boutique hotel pairs bold, sophisticated interiors with stand-out spaces, including the city’s largest suite (the penthouse ‘Grand Deluxe’) and its first dedicated Champagne Room.
Beyond the rooms, you’ll find the award-winning Dakota Grill serving classically inspired brasserie dishes, a purpose-built Cigar Garden warmed by gas fires, and a striking waterside terrace. If you’re after a properly indulgent stay with top-tier service, this celeb favourite has it all covered.
King Street Townhouse
Housed in a Grade II-listed Italian Renaissance building near St Peter’s Square, King Street Townhouse offers six newly reimagined event spaces. The South Terrace & Lounge pairs indoor spaces with a rooftop terrace overlooking the city skyline, complete with a dual-aspect fireplace, a private bar, and room for up to 100 guests.
For something more private, the Mezzanine Lounge leans into deep tones and brass accents to create a warm, unhurried setting with bespoke seating and its own dedicated bar. Whether you’re after a gourmet BBQ on the heated, canopy-covered terrace or an elegant three-course meal, the events team handles the culinary details for both corporate bookings and personal celebrations, and of course, the bedrooms follow suit.
Whitworth Locke Hotel
Overlooking the canal on Princess Street, this 19th-century warehouse now houses 160 studios and suites, leaning hard into a moody, skyline-inspired aesthetic of smoked glass and velvet. Ranging from 25m² city studios to duplexes with separate living spaces, each comes equipped with a proper kitchen and a smart TV.
The ground floor acts as a social hub for the neighbourhood, built around a large coworking space and the laid-back Winsome bar. It’s a short walk to both Piccadilly Station and St Peter’s Square, making it an easy base if you need to move around the city but want to come back to your own space.
Moxy
Tucked away on a side street just off the main stretch, Moxy drops you right into the middle of Spinningfields. Inside, the design leans heavily into the city’s music scene—including a nod to Joy Division in the lift—pairing a bold, colourful aesthetic with clever use of space in the rooms.
The ground floor acts as a social hub that seamlessly transitions from a coffee shop by day to a cocktail bar by night. Expect games like beer pong to kick off your evening, 24/7 snacks to grab on your way out, and hand-stretched sourdough pizza available around the clock when you get back.
Bringing a playful, forest-inspired aesthetic to the corner of Blackfriars Street and Deansgate, Treehouse Hotel has finally opened its doors. The 224-room hotel pairs its whimsical interiors with some serious amenities, housing a 43-seat ‘Flix’ screening room, a state-of-the-art gym, and multiple event spaces.
Down on the ground floor, you’ll find Pip, a new destination restaurant headed up by celebrated Manchester chef Mary-Ellen McTague, championing low-waste cooking and seasonal ingredients. The hotel is also gearing up to launch its final phase up on the 14th floor, which will soon house a Southeast Asian spot, a secluded rooftop lounge, and a signature bar offering sweeping views across the city skyline.
Located in the most iconic building in Manchester’s skyline, The Manchester Deansgate Hotel now occupies 23 storeys of Beetham Tower. Now part of the IHG collection, the hotel pairs floor-to-ceiling city views with a location right in the heart of the city centre.
Inside, you’ll find a full health club featuring an indoor pool, sauna, and fitness centre, alongside an executive lounge and flexible event spaces for conferences and celebrations. The hotel is also home to Podium restaurant for dining and the iconic Cloud 23 bar for cocktails overlooking the skyline.
Kimpton Clocktower
Housed in the striking former Refuge Assurance Company building, the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel is impossible to miss. The grand Victorian terracotta exterior and iconic tower dominate Oxford Street, offering an imposing welcome to one of the city’s most impressive historic spaces.
Inside, the grand proportions continue with glazed brickwork, soaring ceilings, and a moody, modern aesthetic running through the bedrooms. Downstairs, you’ll find The Refuge—a sprawling, 10,000-square-foot bar and dining space featuring an indoor winter garden, craft beers, and globally inspired small plates, meaning you barely need to leave the building once you check in.
The Midland
An icon of Manchester history, and not just because Liam Gallagher once mounted its roof for a music video, The Midland Hotel is a quintessential experience to indulge in. Step into more than a century of Manchester history in the Grade II listed landmark located right in the heart of the city, unwind in one of 312 rooms, or book a table at Adam Reid at The French, featuring four AA Rosettes and acclaimed Northern cuisine.
Beyond the dining rooms, you can recharge at the Rena Spa and Gym or enjoy drinks at the Mount Street Dining Room & Bar. Whether you are planning a weekend break or an event across 11 flexible spaces, this iconic institution combines classic heritage with modern city comforts.
