From an extensive list of traditional country houses to trendy city hotels across the country, a Manchester hotel has been named one of the ‘best places to stay’ in the UK. The luxurious Stock Exchange Hotel in Manchester, co-owned by Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs, featured in The Times’ list of top 100 places to stay in the UK for 2025 and was one of ten hotels in the North West region that made the cut.
Representing Manchester as the only hotel to appear in the list, Stock Exchange Hotel on Norfolk Street is a much-loved spot for celebrities staying in the city centre. Paul McCartney is said to have been a recent guest at the hotel and Madonna once booked out the entire place, plus fashion brand Chanel famously booked out the whole property for its famous guests for the Metier D’Arts show in November 2023.
The Times praised Stock Exchange Hotel for “bringing a dash of old-school opulence to Manchester city centre” as well as its refined and restrained rooms, with “the hushed palette of creams, greens and greys allowing the tasteful furnishings to draw the eye”. Housed in the former stock exchange building, the Grade II-listed property was built between 1904 and 1906 and features “a tasteful flurry of marble pillars, gleaming brass fixtures and charming service” which impressed reviewers.
The entry also gave mention to “the impressive dome-roofed restaurant”, Tender, which used to be the stock exchange’s trading floor. Run by Niall Keating, who earned two Michelin stars before the age of 30, the chef took over the restaurant last spring to serve weekday brasserie lunch, à la carte dinner, afternoon teas, a special Sunday roast and chef’s table and special tasting menu.
Bed and breakfast double rooms start from £195, but the hotels’ most indulgent room – the penthouse suite, will set you back up to £1,750 and has its own separate entrance, a stunning roof terrace and its own gym.
However, the regional winner went to Gilpin Hotel & Lake House, a luxurious estate in 21 acres of rolling countryside near Windermere, Cumbria, where “they just get it”. Most of the rooms come with private hot tubs, while all have access to the excellent bar and an impressive pair of restaurants, most notably the Michelin-starred Source. Bed and breakfast double rooms start from £335; with small plates at Spice starting from £6 and three courses at Source priced from £90 per person.
Other hotels from the North West region that featured in The Times’ best places to stay in the UK list for 2025 were Cumbrian hotels Farlam Hall, Langdale Chase, The Brackenrigg Inn, Lindeth Fell Country House and The Cottage in the Wood. Lancashire hotels Moor Hall and Northcote, both with Michelin-starred restaurants, and School Lane Hotel in Liverpool also appeared on the list.