Where to Stay in Manchester for Culture, Football & Nightlife

Manchester attracts visitors from all over the globe and in 2017, it was announced that 11 million travellers stayed in the city overnight during the year. Tourists are attracted to Manchester for a variety of reasons including sports, museums, and a thriving nightlife that rivals other top destinations across Europe.

Along with great places to eat, drink, and shop, Manchester has a variety of hotels and areas to base yourself during a trip to Cottonopolis. From swanky five-star hotels to boutique options, Manchester has an excellent selection of venues to lay your head at night. 

Deansgate

Deansgate is one of the most popular streets in Manchester and visitors can spend a holiday in the city right in the middle of town. One of the great aspects of Manchester is it is relatively small in the city centre and you can reach many of the top tourist destinations quickly. Staying on Deansgate means Manchester’s best sites are within a few minutes’ walk. 

You will find bars and pubs, nightclubs, and five-star restaurants along the street. Just off of Deansgate is the Manchester Science and Industry Museum giving you the chance to learn about the city’s amazing technological past. 

The street is served by Manchester’s excellent tram system that can take you all over the city in a matter of minutes. You can also jump on Manchester’s free public bus that makes a circuit of the city centre. 

Where to stay on Deansgate?

The Hilton Manchester is the premier hotel on the famous street. The hotel rises high into the Manchester cityscape and is one of the tallest buildings in the city. The hotel’s location makes it ideal during a visit, but that isn’t the only reason travellers stay at the Hilton. 

Cloud 23 is the hotel’s top-rated cocktail and champagne bar. Situated on the 23^rd floor of the Hilton Hotel, Cloud 23 offers breathtaking views of England’s third-largest city. Whether you want a cocktail to relax after a day of sightseeing or brunch after a long night out, the Hilton’s Cloud 23 makes a stay at the hotel even more exciting. 

Old Trafford

Old Trafford is the home of Manchester United Football Club. The team is one of the main reasons travellers descend on the city every year. Manchester United are one of the top three richest clubs in the world according to Business Insider and fans cannot get enough. The area around Old Trafford Stadium has been renovated in recent years and there is more to come. The stadium is just outside the city centre and visitors can travel from the venue into town via the well-connected canal paths. 

Just a five-minute walk from the stadium, visitors will find Salford Quays which is home to the Lowry Theatre and Shopping Centre as well as Media City UK. The latter is the home of the BBC and ITV along with a host of trendy bars, restaurants, and cafes. It is a hip area that is out of the city but still delivers a great atmosphere for a night out.

Where to stay at Old Trafford?

Old Trafford is home to Hotel Football, a venue that is dedicated to fans of the world’s most popular sport. The hotel is a cool venue that brings fans closer to the game of football and in particular, Manchester United. Rooms have great views that look out at Old Trafford Stadium or towards Salford Quays. 

The hotel host events throughout the year and offers an excellent bar and restaurant to guests. The hotel also provides packages with lunches and tours of Old Trafford Stadium. If you are a football fan, especially a Manchester United supporter, Hotel Football shouldn’t be missed.

Oxford Road

Oxford Road is a hip, trendy, and young area of Manchester. Manchester University is located on Oxford Road along with a host of exciting bars and restaurants. The area isn’t far from the city centre, which you can reach within five minutes. But with so much to see and do, why leave the Oxford Road area?

Manchester Museum is situated near the university and offers an afternoon’s worth of fun and activities for individuals or families. The Palace Theatre hosts award-winning shows throughout the year and top performances can be seen during a visit. The Whitworth Museum is a popular art gallery that displays excellent exhibits. If you want to explore one of Oxford Road’s cool new venues then look no further than Hatch, a pop-up area of bars, restaurants and shops created with shipping containers. 

Where to stay on Oxford Road?

Located near Manchester University, the Principal Hotel (also known as Kimpton Clocktower) is a sleek, fancy option for a stay in the city. Not only is the Principal a great place to stay thanks to its customer service and plush interior, but its snazzy restaurant and bar have made the hotel a must-visit even if you aren’t staying over. 

The Principal is centrally located and just a 10-minute walk from Piccadilly Train Station. If you fancy a big night out, it is within a few minutes of Manchester’s top-rated Gay Village district. Just down the street are some of the hip young bars and dining options favoured by the city’s university crowd. You will also find music venues down Oxford Road. 

Principal’s highly acclaimed restaurant Refuge serves up exciting fare that is as unique as the building it is located inside. The popular lunch and dinner spot was created and owned by Electric Chair DJs Luke Cowdrey and Justin Crawford. It delivers hearty food catering to meat lovers and vegans.

Manchester is a city full of exciting accommodation options. From swanky to boutique, you will find plenty of amazing places to sleep, drink, and eat when visiting Cottonopolis. To get more inspiration on what to do when you’re in Manchester, read our guide to the best attractions in the city.