Manchester also has dining districts, such as Hardman Square and Canal Street, where international cuisine is found in abundance: Thai, Chinese, Indian, American, Mediterranean, South American, and more. The Central Retail District harbors street vendors in every nook and cranny as well as delicious local food. Spinningfields is an area where some of Manchester's biggest events take place.
Hotels to fit every budget are scattered across the city in the various cultural areas, and while travel through the city is relatively simple, it's always fun to stay in a hotel situated near a few things that interest you. Also keep in mind that you will most likely be traveling by “tube” or train, difficult when your arms are full of packages. Whether planned or unexpected, it's something to consider when you are on foot and taking trains to and from your hotel. Not all city blocks are square, and you can't always go around the block to get where you started.
Manchester is filled with beautiful hotels at reasonable prices in close proximity to travel and attractions. Think ahead to what shopping you might do as you study the map and plan your budget and hotel. There are many hotel choices in a city as large as Manchester, so don't short-change yourself by not doing your homework. Keep in mind that when the competition is stiff, the quality often improves.
Sweater Seasons in Manchester, England
Manchester, England has a lot to offer the adventurous traveler, but smart travelers should be prepared for cooler weather. During the summer months of June, July, and August, the highest temperatures hover around 68 degrees F, quickly dropping to the 48-to-63-degree range for fall. Winter months remain temperate, however, and for the most part stay in the forties, which is nice for those who don't like freezing temperatures. Also expect rain, since there is an average of twenty days of rain every month of the year. Knowing this fact offers visitors an easy solution: bring a trench coat, sweater, umbrella and shoes that can withstand the damp. Manchester has a lot to offer, so don't let the weather stop you!
If you're feeling weather shy, don't travel in the wettest month, October, and do travel in December, when there is the most sunshine. Watch out for holiday travel, though. During Christmas season, hotels fill up fast! In February, Manchester hosts a large festival celebrating the Chinese New Year. The parades and many activities are outside, so plan to stay warm and dry when you come to this event.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Manchester, United Kingdom:
Manchester by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts demonstrating mean nightly cost trends by star rating class in Manchester, United Kingdom. You can use these illustrations to evaluate the cheapest time to stay in Manchester for upcoming travels.
Luxury Hotel Options in Manchester, England
4 Star Average Prices: £83.74
There is definitely no shortage of luxury in the city of Manchester. But if you are looking for an exquisite stay, the Radisson Blu Edwardian Manchester should top your list, with rates ranging from 230 to 1500 USD for more inclusive packages. Boasting an award-winning restaurant and the Sienna Spa, the finest spa in Manchester, it may hold you captive as you retreat from city life to relax and rejuvenate. This hotel also sports a fitness center, large suites, a beautiful pool, and a business center. Though the original building was built in 1853, it has been rebuilt several times and has a rich history. Its theatre has hosted the likes of Winston Churchill, Bob Dylan and the Dalai Lama. The Radisson Blu Edwardian Manchester is located in the historic Free Trade Hall, and twenty of the suites have been named after a rich array of famous people who once graced the stage of the magnificent theatre.
The Midland Hotel, with rates starting at 250 USD, is also a historic building that is famous for its architecture and opulent décor as well as its award-winning restaurant “The French.” Located near theatres, museums and shops at the heart of the city center, this is a perfect retreat for a manicure, spa treatment, or meal before venturing out for an evening at the theatre.
Affordable Hotels in Manchester, England
3 Star Average Prices: £68.58
For affordability and convenience in Manchester, look for the Renaissance Manchester City Center in the Central Retail District, the Holiday Inn Express near The Palace Theatre, or the Castlefield Hotel by the Museum of Science and Industry. You can also get a room for less than 100 USD per night at the MacDonald Manchester Hotel and Spa, which is only a half mile to the center of the city and near the train stop.
For accessibility to attractions that are across the city center or further out, The Portland Hotel would make a good choice as it's near the main railway station. The Portland also enjoys a magnificent view of Piccadilly Gardens and is centrally located for shopping, concerts and other cultural events, with affordable rates of 100 USD per night. A few other good picks are the Premier Apartments in the Northern Quarter near Victoria Station, the MEN Arena and the Arndale Shopping Center; Hotel Ibis Budget, which is nestled a mile from the city center but near Piccadilly Station; and Le Ville Hotel, situated on the lovely canal in the heart of the city. Le Ville Hotel offers breakfast, multiple beds per room and is a short walk away from The Palace Theatre, Manchester Academy, and the Manchester Art Gallery.
Last but not least is the warehouse-turned-hotel Malmaison Manchester, at 106 USD per night. With boutique bedrooms, a spa, fitness center and more, this hotel might be the closest to affordable luxury in the city. Also of note is that there is a large cluster of hotels in the Central Retail District and the Northern Quarter, which is just north of a number of attractions. Chinatown is to the south of this district and links up with event centers and The Palace Theatre.
Best Hotel Discounts in Manchester, England
Seniors are in luck because there are many hotel chains in Manchester, such as The Radisson Blu and Hilton, that honor discount programs. Tesco Clubcard points are another way to get discounts. You can trade them in for rewards vouchers and spend them at a variety of UK hotel chains. Also, if you know ahead of time when you'll be traveling, check out the map and find the hotels you'd like to stay in, get on their mailing list, and maybe you'll find a deal in your inbox. UK hotels participate in sending out exclusive codes and priority status to newsletter members.
Best Value Options in Manchester, England
The Travelodge Manchester Central Arena, while outside the downtown area, is a very affordable hotel close to The Central Retail District and the Northern Quarter. It has a four-star rating, so if you don't mind a little bit of travel time, this one saves spending money for the cost-conscious traveler. Travelodge is also known for flash sales and late saver deals.
If you are traveling outside of a university term, you may be able to rent out a room in a dorm relatively cheaply.
Near the Museum of Science and Industry is the Manchester Youth Hostel, always one of the least expensive ways to travel in Europe. If you're looking for a fun family freebie, when you leave the hostel, head for the Manchester Museum, Heaton Park, the Manchester Art Gallery, the Museum of Science and Industry, and the People's History Museum. All these cultural activities are free of charge and will keep you busy for a few days.
Manchester Musings
Manchester has a great guide for visitors with lots of information about where to eat, what to do, and how to manage transportation. You'll discover several indispensable attractions, such as the Manchester Art Gallery, which has pre-Raphaelite paintings, the MOSI, a museum exploring the Industrial Revolution, the People's History Museum, National Football Museum, John Rylands Library, the Manchester Cathedral, and more. Rich in history and architectural delights dating back to the Medieval ages, and filled with diversity, Manchester has something to satisfy every visitor.
One of the must-do activities is to take a Manchester Guided Tour either by walking or through the Taxi Tours. If you decide to go on a Manchester Walking Tour on your own, download the Manchester Walking Tour app through iTunes. It's an easy way to explore the city on your own terms without missing the good stuff.
Throughout the year, there are festivals that pack the Manchester cultural calendar, beginning with ringing in the Chinese New Year in February, followed by the Ramsbottom Chocolate Festival in March, the Whit Friday Brass Band Contests in June, and the Manchester Children's Book Festival in July. In the autumn, there are festivals for food, science, and literature, so everyone in the family has something to be excited about.
Manchester, United Kingdom in a nutshell
The heritage of Manchester can be summed up in one word, impressive. It is where first programmable computer and the first railway station in the globe were built and atoms were first split. This is why it's not surprising that it is the third most visited town in United Kingdom, next only to London and Edinburgh. Even if you will just stroll along the streets of the city, the architectural styles of the buildings that range from Victorian to modern will speak for themselves. Take advantage of free attractions in the city where you can have a taste of its history and culture such as the Manchester Cathedral, the Imperial War Museum and People's History Museum. Discover what role the city has played in textile and industrial revolution and football. Pay homage to the father of modern computing in Alan Turing Memorial located in Sackville Park. Explore Albert Square which houses notable edifices such as the Victorian Gothic-style Manchester Town Hall, monuments to prominent personalities like Queen Victoria, Prince Albert Robert Peel and even American President Abraham Lincoln.
'Leaving Manchester was the toughest challenge I've faced in my life. It's not just about the United, it's the city. I love the city, it's my home. It's the best city in England if you have the desire to work hard and make it big.
Danny Welbeck, a former Manchester United player who now plays for Arsenal FC expressed his love for Manchester in these words. It would be quite fair to say that he's probably not the only one to think this way about Manchester. After all, it's a city that has been known to live and breathe hard work for all these years. It is the only city in England that could give Birmingham a run for its industrial legacy.
Manchester cotton was once the identity of this city in all of the world, especially Asia. Although many of cotton mills that literally made this city what it is today have gone cold and into foreclosure, the spirt of industrialization still is palpable through the way this city operates.
Football is the new global face of the city now. Kids in distant African countries may not have heard of Eaton and Oxford, but they surely know what Manchester is, thanks to two of the biggest teams in the Premier League “ United and City.
If you are making a trip to Manchester to soak in all the footballing atmosphere and see the sights that lay scattered around while you are at it, you would do yourself good by getting to know quickly rudimentary information about various classes of Manchester hotels.
Budget Stays in Manchester
It can, at times, get difficult to find cheap hotels in big cities like London or Brighton. But it's relatively easier to find an affordable hotel that doesn't charge you for every bit of their infrastructure in a city like Manchester.
In fact, there are over 100 bed & breakfast units operational in the city center of Manchester, making it quite easy to find rooms of one's liking, however fussy the concerned taste or requite for appeal is.
Talking of budget hotels in Manchester, Ibis Budget Hotel is an unavoidable mention. Operated by Ibis, this budget hotel is located on the Pollard Street, one of the best neighborhoods in the city.
Le Ville Hotel Ltd. is another budget hotel that is accessible easily from the railway station. Hotel Castlefield is a great fit for tourists who prefer quiet, isolation and peace of mind to the hustle and bustle of busy streets of Manchester.
Living Life King Size: Manchester Edition
Staying in a five star luxury hotel is the best part of a trip for many tourists. If you happen to be one of them, Manchester has some special ideas in store for you.
Renaissance Manchester City Centre Hotel is a premier hotel in Manchester, located in the very middle of the city centre. It is a historical landmark of the region and is extremely welcoming of guests.
Hotel Velvet is another beautiful property in Manchester, boasting of decor befitting high life of European royalty. Radisson Blu Edwardian is a typically lavish Radisson Blu hotel, known for its mouth-watering delicacies. Hotel Gotham is an offbeat hotel that derives its luxury straight out of the playbook of Bruce Wayne.
In short, luxury hotels in Manchester are sure to ˜wow' the luxury seeking globetrotter inside you.
Things to See and Do in Manchester
When you are in Manchester, make sure that you don't get too many sights crammed in your limited schedule. The result of such exercises is often limiting and unsatisfactory.
For football fans (make sure you don't call it ˜soccer' while you are Manchester!), a trip to the holy grail of English football “ the Old Trafford “ is a must visit place. City fans can take to the Etihad stadium to feel similar emotions.
The Museum of Science and Industry located in the city centre is another not to be missed sight. It would be better managed if you could devote one full day for the museum, especially if you are a history buff. You can also fit a trip to Manchester Museum that houses some of the best known fossil specimens in the UK. Manchester Police Museum is a perfect place to quench your curiosity about anything and everything that has got to do with how police departments operate.
Manchester Art Gallery can be a surreal treat for art lovers, housing some of the most adored art works within its walls. Manchester Town Hall and Manchester City Library are also worth visiting for their uniquely imposing architecture, if not for anything else.
Hotels Near Manchester Airport
Manchester Int. Airport is the primary service airport for the region surrounding Manchester city, and the county of Leicester. It is a fairly busy airport, handling over 20 million passengers each year, on an average.
The airport has direct flights to major European countries and connecting flights to most airports in the world. It also doubles up as a domestic airport.
The airport is located at an approximate distance of about 15 km from the city centre of Manchester. This is a quite short drive, not needing more than a few minutes.
Considering this, it's worth not investing one's time in order to find some cool Manchester hotels in the immediate vicinity of the airport.
For those who still prefer to lodge near the airport for the sake of convenience, there are a handful of B&B units scattered along the connecting national highway. These are not much in terms of comfort, but will definitely be worth staying at if cheap hotels do not fancy you.
Traveling in and Around Manchester
Manchester has a very efficient network of city traversing local buses that run throughout the day. Train journeys locally are not quite common in Manchester, highlighted by the fact that over four dozen private outfits operate buses in this region.
For the sake of convenience, tourists can hire private cabs or rent cars on daily basis as well!