Large and airy, this hostel is in an old textile warehouse. It is in a great location for exploring the city centre by day and the Northern Quarter bars by night. Some of these drinking holes are quite difficult to spot, so sign up for the bar crawl, if you don't mind Australians.

50 Newton St, The Northern Quarter, Manchester; tel: 0800 083 3848 (free in the UK);
www.hattersgroup.com

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A funky, contemporary hotel in a great location. Has beautiful and modern guestrooms, impeccable service and a nice, warm atmosphere.

Near Piccadilly train station; www.malmaison.com

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How much boutique hotel style can you take? Choose either 11 Didsbury Park or Didsbury House, two cool as can be Victorian villas in Manchester’s Hampstead. Essential trimmings include side-by-side baths and polished floors. Room prices from £135 to £300. The same company also runs the Great John Street Hotel, converted from an old school in the city centre. “New York loft meets vintage chic”, they say. All this and a hot tub too. From £235 to £750.

11 Didsbury Park, Didsbury Village; Tel: 0161 448 7711; Didsbury House Hotel, Didsbury Park, Didsbury Village; Tel: 0161 448 2200; www.eclectic-hotel-collection.com

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Grand listed building from Manchester’s golden age. Inside, sophisticated comfort with much-lauded beds and heated mirrors (for shavers who steam up?). From £101 a night.

18-24 Princess Street (on the edge of China Town); Tel: 0161 236 8999

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Cheery floral pub close to the Museum of Science And Industry. Nine comfortable en-suite rooms from £44.95. A snip in the heart of the city.

71 Liverpool Road, Castlefield; Tel: 0161 839 7740; www.theox.co.uk/

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