5 Best Hotels in Manchester and Things to Do

Looking for the best hotels in Manchester? You’ve certainly come to the right place! Book through PlansChange and gain access to the best availability and prices for your favourite hotels.

Why visit Manchester?

Manchester is arguably one of the UK’s top tourist destinations and it’s pretty hot on a worldwide scale too. With cultural offerings, museums, restaurants, shopping, music and sport in abundance, it’s no real surprise that visitors flock from all over the world to the northern city.

But with so many things to see and do in Manchester, you’ll never cram it all into a single day! To truly appreciate the city and experience all it has to offer, you’ll need to book a weekend break or short stay. Take a look at our list of the 5 best hotels in Manchester for guidance.

Stock Exchange Hotel

The Stock Exchange Hotel is a grade II listed building, nestled in the heart of Manchester city centre. As the name suggests, it was once Manchester’s Stock Exchange - one of the grandest landmarks in the city. Today, it’s a luxury hotel co-owned by former Manchester United teammates Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs and hotelier Winston Zahra.

On the outside, the Stock Exchange Hotel boasts a grand appearance with notable Edwardian Baroque architecture. Inside, you’ll find original features including marble pillars, stained glass windows and sweeping staircases, all adding to its grandeur.

The hotel itself comprises contemporary bedrooms, signature suites and a plush penthouse with cityscape views. It’s the epitome of luxury with everything you need for a truly special stay.

Under a magnificent domed ceiling on the former trading floor, you’ll find Tom Kerridge’s Bull and Bear restaurant. Book a table and enjoy refined British comfort food in the most spectacular setting.

With culture, shopping and nightlife right on your doorstep, there’s no better place to stay for a weekend in Manchester. The Stock Exchange is definitely up there as one of the best hotels in Manchester.

Check our current hotel listings for availability and discounted stays at The Stock Exchange Hotel, Manchester.

Kimpton Clocktower

Kimpton Clocktower on Oxford Street is one of the most luxurious boutique hotels in Manchester. Combining Victorian architecture with a fresh approach to hospitality, it’s guaranteed to impress from the moment you pull up outside.

What makes this hotel truly special is its Mancunian roots. While luxury in nature, it’s anything but stuffy. A warm and welcoming retreat that caters for everyone from international travellers to locals alike. Families are welcome. Dogs are welcome. And with a fitness centre, award-winning restaurant and even a corner shop, you’ll want for nothing. Not forgetting it’s home to the Public House - one of the best cocktail bars in the city!

Book through PlansChange and get fantastic discounts at the Kimpton Clocktower and other luxury hotels in Manchester.

Hotel Gotham

A place to have fun! Gotham is a 5-star central Manchester hotel, with a rooftop cocktail bar and fabulous restaurant with open-air terraces.

Formerly a branch of the Midland Bank, Hotel Gotham is an art deco building featuring carvings by Mancunian sculptor Josh Aston Floyd. Inside you’ll find 60 stylish double rooms and luxury suites, each thoughtfully designed with a sensory experience to enjoy.

This hotel is all about decadence and is not afraid to make a statement. Offering a unique experience, with a theatrical twist, it’s the perfect escape from everyday life. 

For the best prices and availability, book a stay at the Hotel Gotham through PlansChange.

Dakota Manchester

Dakota Manchester is all about glitz and glamour. We simply love its edgy black design and dark, moody interiors. With promises of sumptuously comfortable beds, rainfall showers and intimate candlelit dining booths, it’s an idyllic choice for a romantic getaway.

Visit The Grill for a stylish dining experience, sophisticated menu and seasonal ingredients. There’s a reason why it’s one of the best restaurants in Manchester.

Relax in the Champagne Room for intimate drinks with friends or head out into The Cigar Garden and enjoy a Cuban or two.

With the Northern Quarter right on your doorstep, Dakota is ideally placed for discovering Manchester’s art scene and independent stores.

Search your chosen dates on the PlansChange website and book a stay at Dakota, Manchester. 

The Cow Hollow Hotel

Once a textile warehouse, Cow Hollow is now an inspired boutique hotel in Manchester’s Northern Quarter. Comprising 17 outstanding rooms with beautiful designs and high-spec interiors, it presents a stylish home-away-from-home.

At Cow Hollow, it’s all in the detail. From free prosecco and antipasti platters in the bar to milk and cookies before bed, they’re all about making their guests feel truly special.

And even better? A stay at Cow Hollow won’t cost you a fortune. Prices start from £99 per night.

While you won’t find a restaurant at Cow Hollow, the team are more than happy to recommend their favourite joints. Nestled in the Northern Quarter, you’re perfectly placed to visit the hippest bars and restaurants in the city.

Book a stay at The Cow Hollow Hotel through PlansChange.

Planning your Manchester city break

Now you’re clued up on the best hotels in Manchester and you’re booking through PlansChange, it’s time to start thinking about what you’ll do when you get there. Good news! Manchester certainly isn’t short of fascinating attractions and exciting things to do. And believe us when we say, there’s something for everyone!

Places to visit in Manchester

1. Castlefield & the Bridgewater Canal
2. Science & Industry Museum
3. Imperial War Museum (North)
4. Manchester Cathedral
5. National Football Museum
6. Manchester Art Gallery
7. Fletcher Moss Botanical Garden
8. Heaton Park
9. People’s History Museum
10. Manchester Town Hall

Things to do in Manchester

1. Visit indie stores & art galleries in the creative Northern Quarter
2. Explore Manchester’s artisan coffee scene with a cafe crawl across the city
3. Catch a performance at The Lowry
4. Sip on cocktails at The Whiskey Bar
5. Book a stadium tour of Old Trafford
6. Go for a splash in the National Aquatics Centre
7. Check out the bars & clubs on Canal Street
8. Shop ‘til you drop at Selfridges, Harvey Nichols & the Trafford Centre
9. Hire a boat or take a guided cruise on the Bridgewater Canal
10. Marvel at medieval manuscripts at John Rylands Library
11. Get your skates on at Chill Factore
12. Immerse yourself in nature & escape the hustle and bustle at Hollingworth Lake Country Park



With fantastic hotels, great tourist attractions and plenty to keep you occupied, Manchester is a top destination for a UK city break or staycation. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a weekend with friends or simply some downtime for yourself, you’re guaranteed to have a great time in Manchester.