The best boutique hotels in Manchester, UK transform historic landmarks and embrace exceptional design
Heading to Manchester? We've hunted down some historic beauties and new builds that will knock your socks off.
We’ve already shared the deets on the trendiest London, Brighton, and Edinburgh hotels, but where should you stay when you’re embracing all things Mancunian? Whether in town for a romantic escape, a business trip, a staycation, or a family holiday, the best boutique hotels in Manchester, UK guarantee rest and relaxation in the lap of luxury.
The best boutique hotels in Manchester, UK
1. ABode Manchester
Located close to Piccadilly Station (the Manchester one, not the London one!), ABode Manchester occupies a 19th-century building that was once a textile factory. Exuding a vintage aura, among the characteristic highlights of this boutique hotel in Manchester are its high ceilings and wooden flooring. Although not entirely book-themed, bookish wallpapers and art form a prominent aspect in the bedrooms, making ABode (pictured above) a must-stay for visiting bibliophiles.
Individually styled, the bedrooms here have a contemporary look with classic touches thrown in for good measure. Those looking for extra space should book one of their five fifth-floor suites. These residences present guests with roomy apartment-like living accommodations. ABode Manchester does not have a fully functioning restaurant, but their onsite brasserie plates up a delicious breakfast every morning. Moreover, the hotel offers in-room dining options.
Find out more about ABode Manchester
2. Cow Hollow Hotel
The somewhat eccentric 16-room Cow Hollow is another textile factory converted into a boutique hotel. Situated in the city’s Northern Quarter, the hotel has a fascinating temperament with darker tones, palm trees, and furnishings giving it an almost jungle cottage-like persona.
Boasting oodles of character, the bedrooms at Cow Hollow are elegant, made all the more special by using different textures. From bare-brick walls and wooden shutters to curated art pieces and the softness of fine linen, every element helps accentuate the in-room ambience. Although vintage in their design, the rooms come with all the modern-day conveniences such as WIFI, Netflix, and rain showers in the en-suite bathrooms. Cow Hollow does not have a restaurant but is near several excellent city eateries and bars. And the in-house Cocktail Bar is a wonderful place to mingle with fellow guests while enjoying complimentary prosecco and antipasti.
Learn more about Cow Hollow
3. Stock Exchange Hotel
The century-old stock exchange building of the city is now among the most loved boutique hotels in Manchester. Consisting of 40 rooms, suites, and a residence, Stock Exchange Hotel promises a luxurious stay and the chance to become a part of Manchester’s financial heritage.
With plenty of original features dotted around the hotel, every nook and corner of the Stock Exchange is full of surprises and interesting design features. The rooms are spacious, lavish, and feature bespoke furniture that compliments the originality of the building. For an exceptional stay experience, look into booking the Boardroom Suite that comes with a private staircase, marble pillars, and stained-glass windows. As for dinner, don’t miss the opportunity to eat at The Bull and Bear. What was originally the trading floor of the stock exchange is now one of Manchester’s best restaurants, serving classic British fare under the watchful eyes of chef Tom Kerridge.
Find out more about Stock Exchange Hotel
4. YOTEL Manchester Deansgate
Centrally located and bursting with colour, YOTEL Manchester Deansgate is the place to stay if you want to be in the heart of the action. An easy stroll to Canal Street, the Northern Quarter, and the CBD, it’s a property built with the modern traveller in mind.
Rooms come in a variety of sizes for all groups and budgets and feature an industrial, minimal aesthetic. The onsite restaurant MOTLEY is the perfect spot to unwind in the evening or to get the party started on the weekend.
Read our full review of YOTEL Manchester Deansgate
Learn more about YOTEL Manchester Deansgate
5. Kimpton Clocktower Hotel
Housed in a building constructed in 1890, Kimpton Clocktower Hotel is among the most cherished and unique boutique hotels in Manchester. Only a few steps away from Oxford Station, the hotel has a mix of Victorian, artsy, and old-fashioned vibes that gel together in the most natural way to create an attractive residence.
The rooms at Kimpton are design-centric and a far cry from the cookie-cutter bedrooms of modern-day business hotels. Besides the creature comforts that we all expect and love, each room has floor-to-ceiling windows and paintings by local artists. Kimpton also has pet-friendly rooms that they set up with play toys for your furry friends. For gourmands staying here, The Refuge and Winter Garden are excellent culinary options, offering everything from a Sunday roast to traditional tea-time snacks.
Find out more about Kimpton Clocktower Hotel
6. Hotel Brooklyn
If you wish to stay in the liveliest district of Manchester, book yourself a room at Hotel Brooklyn. Influenced by city life, Brooklyn is a hip, pet-friendly property with a colourful personality. The lounge areas at the hotel feature uber-cool furniture pieces creating a space where people like to just hang out after a day of sightseeing in the city. The hotel’s restaurant, Runyon’s, carries a similar city atmosphere, serving comfort foods like waffles, grilled chicken, and Brooklyn steaks. While Salvation Bar is the perfect spot for a sundowner.
Rooms at Hotel Brooklyn range from studios and doubles to larger abodes with panoramic city vistas and terraces. Aesthetically decorated with plush bedding, they liven up every stay by using vibrant colours, shades, and retro features.
Find out more about Hotel Brooklyn
7. Didsbury House Hotel
A Victorian townhouse, Didsbury manages to display British traditionalism without coming across as dated. A much-loved wedding venue and one of the most romantic boutique hotels in Manchester, it has an onsite bar, spacious lounge areas, and a walled terrace for days when the sun is out.
Bright, airy, and delicate, Didsbury House Hotel has 27 rooms you can book individually or as a group. Guests here can choose between a variety of bedroom types and sizes. Standard rooms start at 170 sq-ft and go up to 750 sq-ft for the Opus Loft Suite. However, every room is comfortable, unique in its design, cozy, and has an en-suite bathroom.
Find out more about Didsbury House Hotel
8. The Lowry Hotel
The Lowry has been among the best boutique hotels in Manchester ever since opening its doors 20 years ago. The 160 room and 12 suite hotel has a very 1960s look that blends in seamlessly with present-day design elements. Its glass façade, for example, allows natural sunlight to trickle in from every corner of the building, giving it a warm and pleasing ambience.
Situated on the banks of River Irwell, it’s worth booking the Riverside Suite for a memorable stay. Floor-to-ceiling windows, inspiring artwork, and the perfect use of contrasting colours make the suite a one-of-a-kind residence brimming with a distinct style. Also by the river are the hotel’s Riverside Restaurant and Terrace, both idyllic spots for a Sunday lunch or a quiet afternoon tea.
Learn more about The Lowry Hotel
9. Leven Manchester
One of the newest boutique hotels in Manchester, if you’re looking to stay in the heart of the city’s vibrant Village neighbourhood, then you need to book at Leven Manchester. Housed in a landmark early 20th century warehouse, design fans will undoubtedly fall in love with the red brick walls and Crittall windows on display that echo Manchester’s industrial past.
Each of the 42 guestrooms offer a chic stay in a variety of layouts with oak parquet or timber floors, bespoke furniture, 100% natural mattresses by Naturalmat, and Grown Alchemist bathroom amenities. Head to the lounge for a cheeky cocktail or to snuggle up on the sofa with a good book. Plus a subterranean cocktail bar and a 4000sq-f restaurant are set to open in 2022, so you’ll have even more F&B options.
Find out more about Leven Manchester
10. Velvet Hotel
Located on the city’s famed Canal Street, Velvet Hotel is a welcoming boutique hotel with just 24 guestrooms and 12 luxe penthouses. The design aesthetic here is opulent and indulgent with a range of colours, patterns, and textures on show throughout the property.
If the proximity to Manchester’s best shopping and dining districts isn’t enough to sway you, then the beloved Village Brasserie, serving British and Mediterranean-influenced cuisine will definitely seal the deal.
Learn more about Velvet Hotel
11. Hotel Gotham
If you love a heritage hotel then be sure to book into Hotel Gotham. Housed in a listed building that was once a bank, the property was designed by Edwin Lutyens in 1928 and showcases the Art Deco style popular at the time. Rooms and suites follow suit, with nods to the era noticeable in the colours and fixtures.
The Hotel is also home to Manchester’s private member’s bar (also accessible to guests of the hotel): Club Brass, a Prohibition-style speakeasy serving handcrafted cocktails. Honey Restaurant is open daily for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner.
Find out more about Hotel Gotham
12. Whitworth Locke
A 19th-century cotton mill in its past life, Whitworth Locke displays industrial undertones throughout its structure and interiors. Although the exposed ceilings and brick walls give this boutique hotel in Manchester a strong personality, hanging potted plants and the use of gentler colour tones in the common areas give off a charming homely quality.
The rooms at Whitworth Locke are trendy without having to go overboard. They do, however, feature quirky elements like a black kitchenette and trademark sofa, a standard across all room types. A delightful place to stay, the hotel offers a variety of opportunities for guests to socialise, from their coffee shop and restaurant to a co-working space and a gym.
Learn more about Whitworth Locke
But wait, there’s more…
- The best boutique hotels in Cape Town are dreamy
- There are some amazingly unique places to stay in Paris
- Plus we checked into The American Club in Wisconsin
