Hotel Gotham

Taking its name from the fictional city in "Batman," Hotel Gotham evokes a 1920s New York with Art Deco and noir-inspired interiors. Expect a moody and sexy color palette with lots of gray and black, velvet and leather Chesterfield couches, and industrial elements like hanging light fixtures. As it occupies the former Midland Bank, odes to its past are represented in hanging briefcases in the exclusive Club Brass and in-room laundry bags that resemble moneybags. Other fun Gotham-inspired touches include a butler statue and bar cart in the lobby, plus in-room binoculars and "Gotham Bugle" newspapers. The all-day Honey Restaurant has a lighter feel with white walls and lots of windows, while the bar feels more like an old-school gentleman's lounge. Overall, the feel is swish, modern, and upscale, but it falls a bit short of its advertised five-star rating with the lack of wellness facilities. Travelers here are mostly couples, though some business travelers also stay here.

Hotel Gotham has a stellar location in the heart of Manchester’s Central Retail District. The hotel is a three-minute walk away from the Arndale Shopping Centre, home to a whole plethora of big-brand stores, and a five-minute walk away from the trendy Northern Quarter neighborhood, where dozens of bars, restaurants, and shops are located. The Manchester Central Convention Complex is a seven-minute walk away. For farther exploration, Manchester Piccadilly station is 10 minutes away by foot, while Manchester Victoria station is a similar distance in the other direction. Expect transfers to Manchester Airport to take between 20 and 30 minutes by car.

The 55 rooms at Hotel Gotham are sleek and contemporary, with monochrome zigzag carpets, black leather headboards, faux fur bed throws and peacock feather-print bolster pillows. Black-and-white photos, studded leather trunks that act as tables, velvet chairs, and binoculars on the work desks add fun touches. Rooms are well-sized and comfortable, outfitted with Nespresso machines, minibars, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and closets with digital laptop-sized safes, ironing equipment, umbrellas, elegant glasses, and slippers. Some units add sitting areas. Five Inner Sanctum Suites are more moody, with walls clad in alligator leather and a huge screen displaying Manchester scenes. 

Bathrooms have gray walls and black flooring, roomy rainfall showers, bathrobes, hairdryers, and high-end toiletries. Only the two Bank Manager’s Suites have bathtubs, and their the freestanding copper variety set near the beds.

Hotel Gotham has a short list of features -- most around dining and drinking -- as it lacks a spa, gym, and pool. Honey Restaurant is an all-day spot that serves European fare and well-regarded afternoon tea. Club Brass is the seventh-floor bar that's exclusive to guests and locals who have paid for a membership. It has a posh, gentlemen's club vibe, with lots of booth seating and brass walls indoors, and an outdoor terrace with a telescope and great views over Manchester. Guests receive a free welcome cocktail, which is a pleasant treat since many guests have complained of pricey drinks and dining. The hotel offers car service in a Bentley and free Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the hotel.