Manchester Hotels

Manchester's newest and most impressive hotel is the Radisson Edwardian, (0161 835 9929) located in a prime position just off Deansgate and next to the GMEX. This 263 room hotel boasts a health spa, restaurant and every luxury that you would expect from a five star establishment.

The Lowry Hotel (0161 827 4000) is one of Manchester's best and is where the stars stay when they're in the City. You're probably thinking that not many famous people visit Manchester but when you think of all the theatres and concert venues, they soon start adding up. Close to the city centre and only just behind Deansgate, the Lowry is so called because of its 'arty' architecture. Very plush and with prices to match - 'you get what you pay for' as they say.

Crowne Plaza Manchester - The Midland Hotel (0161 236 3333) looks like someone placed a huge stately home in the centre of Manchester. Expensive but worth the money, it's well placed near to Albert Square, Deansgate and Chinatown and is just a short walk from bars and theatres.

Premier Lodge (08702 010 203) have three centrally located hotels in Manchester and for around fifty five pounds a room, you know what you're getting - comfortable, clean, ensuite rooms with the usual hotel amenities but only the GMEX 2 has parking and a bar (and is a little further out). The GMEX Premiere Lodge (Direct 0870 700 1476) has good location Deansgate Locks and the South side of the city with more bars and theatres although parking is across the road and can be awkward. The Premiere Lodge listed as City Centre is probably best for shopping. It's closer to the Arndale Centre, the Triangle shopping centre, Selfridges department store and Harvey Nichols. It is also close to the Printworks which houses several good bars / restaurants, an IMAX seven storey cinema and has a club and casino just outside.

Ibis Hotels (0208 283 4550) have two city centre hotels. The first on Portland Street (0161 234 0600) is close to Chinatown and not the best spot if you're shopping. However, only 15 minutes walk will remedy the geography problem. It is well positioned for the bars at the end of Deansgate and Manchester's theatres. Ibis Canal Street (0161 272 5000) is on close the alternative nightlife and a room will set you back about forty five pounds for the night. As you'd expect, all rooms are ensuite, clean and comfortable but parking is either across the road (Canal St) or around the corner (Portland St). Both have a bar downstairs.

Just a short drive out of Manchester at Salford Quays, you can find the Holiday Inn Express (0161 868 1000) which is perched on the side of an impressive waterfront development. It costs around seventy five pounds for a room and a cab into the city will cost between seven and ten pounds. Manchester United's Old Trafford football ground is only a short drive away and can be seen from most of the rooms at the front of the hotel.