Manchester is a city in North West England, at the centre of Greater Manchester. It grew rapidly during the Industrial Revolution and became known as the world's first industrialised city, and its citizens are called Mancunians. The city is known for its architecture, musical exports, media links, science and engineering, sports clubs and transport connections.
For a visitor, the practical question is where to base yourself. Most accommodation is concentrated in the east of the city centre, with easy access to the InterCity Piccadilly Station. There is also accommodation around Manchester Airport, and self-catering apartments are available throughout the city centre and the outskirts. This guide covers the areas the sources identify, what kind of stay each one suits, and how the different price levels differ.
Best areas to stay in Manchester
1. East of the city centre
This is where most of Manchester's accommodation is focused, with easy access to the InterCity Piccadilly Station. If you are in any doubt about where to base yourself, this is the part of the city centre to look at first.
It suits first-time visitors in particular, because the station connection makes arriving, leaving and reaching the rest of the city straightforward. You will find the bulk of the city's hotel beds here, ranging from 5-star establishments to bed and breakfast, via youth hostels and serviced apartments.
2. Castlefield – Petersfield
This area is home to some of the city's grander places to stay, including the grand old Midland Hotel and the Hilton Manchester Deansgate, housed in the 47 storey Beetham Tower. It sits within the city centre, so you are not trading convenience for character.
It suits visitors who want to be central but in an area with a distinct identity. As with anywhere in the centre, the range of accommodation is wide, from 5-star establishments down to smaller chain hotels.
3. Manchester Airport
The airport is home to several hotels, which offer easy access to both the airport itself and Manchester City Centre.
This suits travellers with an early flight, a late arrival, or a short stopover, and anyone who would rather not cross the city on a travel day. It is a practical base rather than a sightseeing one, but the connection into the centre is the point of staying here.
4. City centre and outskirts (self-catering)
Self-catering apartments have become a popular alternative to traditional hotel stays, and there are thousands of them available throughout the city centre and the outskirts. They provide accommodation for up to eight people at a time, for stays of anything from one night to one year.
This suits groups, families and longer stays, and business travellers are served by various serviced apartment options around the city. Two practical points from the sources: you can expect noisy neighbours at weekends, and you should take care of the place you are staying in, as the local press has reported cases of people being charged for breakages they were not responsible for.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: a great number of smaller, chain hotels throughout the city, offering clean, pleasant accommodation for lower tariffs. Youth hostels are also part of the mix.
- Mid-range: the broad middle of the market, including bed and breakfast accommodation and serviced apartments, much of it concentrated in the east of the city centre near Piccadilly Station.
- Splurge: 5-star establishments and very fine hotels, including grand old hotels and a hotel housed in the 47 storey Beetham Tower, both in Castlefield – Petersfield.
- Self-catering: apartments for up to eight people, available for stays from one night to one year, throughout the city centre and outskirts.
Best area for a first visit
For a first visit, base yourself in the east of the city centre. Most of Manchester's accommodation is focused there, and it has easy access to the InterCity Piccadilly Station, which keeps arrivals, departures and day trips simple. If in doubt, the tourist office in Piccadilly Gardens can help you decide.
Frequently asked questions
Where is most of Manchester's accommodation concentrated?
Most accommodation is focused in the east of the city centre, with easy access to the InterCity Piccadilly Station.
Can I stay near Manchester Airport instead of the city centre?
Yes. Manchester Airport is home to several hotels, which offer easy access to both the airport itself and Manchester City Centre.
Are self-catering apartments a realistic option in Manchester?
Yes. They are becoming popular alternatives to traditional hotel stays, with thousands available throughout the city centre and outskirts, accommodating up to eight people for stays of anything from one night to one year.
What should I watch out for if I book a self-catering apartment?
You can expect noisy neighbours at weekends, and you should take care of the place you are staying in, as the local press has reported people being charged for breakages they were not responsible for.
Compare live prices for the area you have chosen with the booking tools on this page.