Room service:

Chain hotels are ten-a-penny across the UK, and Manchester is no different. But visitors deserve to stay in a room that reflects the city’s individual character and distinctive swagger. From quirky themes to eclectic décor, there are plenty of unique places to rest your head in this city.

‘True Blue’ and Manchester’s ‘Best’ at Malmaison Manchester

For many people, Manchester is synonymous with football and a visit to the city is not complete without a trip to Old Trafford: Theatre of Dreams. If you’re a red, then why not book into Malmaison’s ‘Best’ suite? A tribute to the legendary footballer George Best, the room is decked out in United’s distinctive red and black. If you’re more of a blue then you’ll probably prefer the “True Blue” Suite, which comes complete with pop art images of Mancunian football legends spread across the walls.

Back to school at Great John Street

The Victorian Old School House in central Manchester’s Great John Street, used to be (as you might have guessed) an old school house. Thankfully however, these luxurious rooms are about as far from its austere roots as it’s possible to get. The Eclectic Grand bedrooms still retain many of the original features including enormous double-height windows and wooden floorboards, and are furnished with super king-sized carved beds and two roll top baths on the mezzanine level. The hotel’s roof garden also has great views of the city, and a hot tub…why was school was never this fun?!

Fabulous on Fifth at Abode

For the ultimate in decadence, book one of the five “Fabulous” suites at Abode, right in the centre of Manchester. This hotel is yet another example of the way in which Manchester reinvents itself and its buildings. Once a cotton merchant’s warehouse, the huge Fabulous suites have retained some of the original features, combining them with modern furnishings and artwork by the likes of Yoko Ono and David Hockney. Music fans might opt for the Johnny Cash suite, which comes complete with vintage guitar. Handy should inspiration strike”.

Chinese-themed room at Velvet

With just 19 rooms on offer, Velvet is one of Manchester’s cosiest boutique hotels, despite being right at the heart of the city on bustling Canal Street. For something dark and different, try the black and gold Chinese-themed room or the hunter-inspired suite with its checked wallpaper and exposed brickwork. Whatever the individual theme, each room includes all the mod cons you’d expect from a luxury hotel, plus a rubber duck in each and every bathroom. What more could we possibly ask for?

The Victorian Villa: Didsbury House

The boutique hotel at Didsbury House in the fashionable suburb of Didsbury is perfect for those who want to experience Manchester’s Victorian style without being bang in the centre of the city. What really sets this Victorian Villa apart is its original features; including the stained glass window bearing the family crest and the stunning communal ‘Blue Room’ with its period cornice (circa 1838) and integrated shutters.

Written by Ruth Rosselson