ABode Manchester

Abode Manchester is housed in a beautiful Victorian red-brick building that was once a textile factory. Inside, much of the original detail remains, particularly in the entrance hall and staircases. The tiling and arches here are reminiscent of the grand railway stations from that time period. Inside, though, the hotel has been given a modern overhaul, with crisp white-and-gray decor plus large contemporary paintings that add a hip edge. Touches of the past remain in the industrial exposed pipework and vertical radiators, as well as the intricate chandeliers and ornate gilt-framed mirrors. Guests relax on leather sofas and booths in the chilled restaurant off the lobby and out on the pavement terrace -- while downstairs in the basement dining area there's a contrasting intimate atmosphere. Guests are often business travelers during the week, with tourists arriving for city breaks on the weekends. 

Abode Manchester is right in the heart of the city, a two-minute walk from the main Manchester Piccadilly Station -- where you can pick up the free shuttle bus around town. There are numerous bars, restaurants, and shops in the area, and it's within an easy walk of all of the top shopping and nightlife spots. The quirky indie boutiques, restaurants, and markets of the Northern Quarter are a five-minute walk away. The main shopping strip on Market Street -- including the Arndale Centre -- is a 10-minute walk. Manchester Art Gallery is also a 10-minute walk from the hotel, while attractions like the cathedral and Football Museum are about 15 minutes away on foot. Piccadilly Gardens bus and light rail station is a five-minute walk and connects with attractions further afield -- like Old Trafford football (soccer) stadium -- in about 30 minutes. The vast Trafford Centre mall is about 40 minutes away by bus, or a 30-minute drive. Getting to the airport is fastest by express train from Manchester Piccadilly Station, and takes about 20 minutes.

Rooms have a contemporary loft style with vintage touches like original parquet flooring. Wallpaper mimicking books or bookshelves cover accent walls, and leather wing-back chairs sit beside the large windows. It all comes together to create a funky, fresh look. Standard features include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, electric kettles, safes, desks, irons, and hanging rails. Some maintenance issues with certain features have been reported. Desirable Rooms add minibars, enclosed wardrobes, and oversized beds. Enviable Rooms have additional sofas and cozy seating nooks, plus gaming consoles. Five stunning top-floor suites are individually styled after a different celebrity, such as Johnny Cash, with memorabilia and artwork inspired by them. Skylights brighten the separate living rooms, which have corner sofas, minibars, Nespresso machines, and Bose sound systems. Bedrooms in these units have their own TVs. Bathrooms have a simple finish, with pale mosaic tiling. Standard features include shower/tub combos with rainfall showerheads, toiletries, and hairdryers. Counter space can be limited. Enviable Rooms and Suites have bathrobes and slippers. It's worth noting that views aren't particularly spectacular from most rooms, and are mostly of side streets. 

While this hotel goes big on style, features are quite limited. It has a stylish brasserie restaurant spread over two floors, with an outside pavement terrace. The space was fully renovated in April 2017, and there's a variety of seating, from the cozy basement tables to mid-century modern sofas. A European menu is available all day, including bar snacks and specials like afternoon tea or Sunday lunch. Cocktails and drinks are served until late. Room service is available. There are live DJs and music on the weekends, and cocktail masterclasses are available for groups. The hotel has three function rooms with a capacity of up to 40 people, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. Guests are provided a discount at the multi-story car park across the road, but there is no on-site parking.