England Manchester Victoria and Albert Marriott City Center

[LoneStar]

I liked this hotel. It has a very nice location, convenient for getting in and out of the city by car -- right inside the southwest ring road, next to the Granada Studios (follow the signs). Less than 1/2 hour to the airport, so almost as convenient as an airport hotel. Yet you're right in the city, with plenty of sightseeing (the nearby Science and Industry museum is a must see, and free!) and dining choices.

Street parking in the city is ungodly expensive during the day (about $4/hour) but free between 6 pm and 8 am, and all day Sunday. Parking at the hotel is otherwise 12 pounds/day. Plan accordingly.

The hotel has a very nice bar/restaurant area that, sadly, I was unable to use given the extraordinarily high prices (at least for an American given the current exchange rate). My room was very atmospheric (wooden rafters, metal beams), reflecting the building's origins as a 19th century cotton warehouse. I was also able to get a 2-bedded room (Request in advance -- they seemed in short supply). My only complaint was that, despite guidebook references to the contrary, I thought my room was on the small-side. Looking at the hotel map, it seemed like most of the rooms were small, but maybe your mileage will vary.

At $70/night, it was a steal. If your passing through the area, give Manchester a try. You'll be pleasantly surprised by the city (it's nice these days!), and you won't be disappointed by this hotel.