Soak in the city: 7 sumptuous spa hotels in Manchester
Manchester’s energy is infectious, whether you’re soaking up the atmosphere at one of the city’s many festivals, people-watching in a cool coffee shop or exploring one of its buzzing neighbourhoods. But, sometimes, on an action-packed city break you need to take some time out too. There are plenty of tempting spas to retreat to in the city’s hotels, with tranquil relaxation areas, invigorating massages and even an infinity spa pool overlooking the city skyline. Here’s our pick of the best spa hotels in Manchester.
The Midland
Manchester, England
8Telegraph expert rating
Opened in 1903 as an extravagant railway hotel, the historic Midland’s claims to fame include being where Rolls decided to go into business with Royce, Becks wooed Posh, and the first tango in the UK was danced. The imposing ornate building is home to several excellent restaurants: head to The French for fine dining, the Tea Room for afternoon tea and the Bar & Lounge for a less formal meal. The spa is a decent size, with a large relaxation area, treatment rooms, sauna, steam room, whirlpool tub and small relaxation pool. Note that a two-hour booking is required for access. Read expert review From £103 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
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Radisson Blu Edwardian Manchester
Manchester, England
9Telegraph expert rating
This five-star hotel, set in one of Manchester’s grandest buildings, the Free Trade Hall, often hosts celebrity visitors to the city (Simon Cowell and Sven-Goran Eriksson among them). Guests will enjoy the spa, featuring a good range of ESPA treatments, a relaxation room in one of the building’s former vaults, a 12-metre swimming pool, sauna, steam room, experience shower and whirlpool tub. Hotel guests received 10 per cent off treatments Monday to Thursday. For some great views of Manchester’s skyline, including the Town Hall and Central Library, opt for a city view room. Read expert review From £98 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
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King Street Townhouse
Manchester, England
8Telegraph expert rating
King Street Townhouse is the antithesis to a chain hotel. Everything from the furniture to locally commissioned artwork throughout the property has been sourced by owner, Sally O’Loughlin, and no two bedrooms are the same. The ridiculously comfortable beds have crisp, white bedding sourced from South Africa, and thoughtful extras such as luxury bathrobes. There’s a small gym, steam room and two spa and beauty treatment rooms. The infinity spa-pool on the seventh floor is the jewel in this hotel’s crown: it’s a calming spot from which to admire the Town Hall’s clock tower, and is much loved by photographers. Read expert review From £117 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
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The Lowry Hotel
Manchester, England
8Telegraph expert rating
Like a true Mancunian, this five-star hotel is showy without being pretentious and fiercely proud of its roots. Huge stylish rooms, floor-to-ceiling windows and attentive service keep guests coming back for more. There’s an Elemis spa with treatment rooms, a relaxation room and a sauna – book in advance for treatments as this is popular with visitors as well as hotel guests. There’s also a small gym and a hairdressers. There’s a focus on art in this hotel, which is named after one of the city’s most famous artists; there are changing exhibitions on the first floor. Read expert review From £111 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
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Hilton Manchester Deansgate
Manchester, England
8Telegraph expert rating
This modern hotel in Manchester's iconic Beetham Tower offers views over the city and beyond from its floor-to-ceiling windows. Its bar on the 23rd floor has the ultimate vantage point and is a popular spot for special occasions. There's a swimming pool with a glass roof and walls, along with a whirlpool tub, steam room and sauna. Next to this is a decent-sized gym and an independently run spa. Rooms have neutral colour schemes, Crabtree & Evelyn toiletries, and wooden furniture; views are either south of the city and beyond or into the city centre down Deansgate. Read expert review From £82 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
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Macdonald Manchester Hotel & Spa
Manchester, England
7Telegraph expert rating
This fairly upmarket hotel is on the edge of the centre but well located for Manchester’s main train station and largest university campus. The welcoming, warmly decorated spa offers Elemis treatments, plus a thermal suite with hot-rock and infra-red saunas, a steam room, an ice igloo and a sensation shower. The spa also has a relaxation room with magazines, teas and water, a space for snacks and afternoon teas, a tanning room and a gym; no swimming pool, however. Many of the rooms, which are spacious and welcoming, have great views. Read expert review From £83 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
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Park Inn by Radisson Manchester City Centre
Manchester, England
8Telegraph expert rating
Located right over the road from the Manchester Arena and Victoria Station, this colourful chain hotel has excellent leisure facilities. The spa is the real selling point, with its five treatment rooms (guests get 20 per cent off treatments) and nail bar, spruce-coloured indoor pool surrounded by candy-striped loungers and deckchairs and supplied with free glossy magazines, and its sauna and steam room. There’s also a spacious gym and daily classes including yoga and spinning. There’s a terrace where you can sit out in warmer weather. Read expert review From £64 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
Contributions by Rhonda Carrier & Cathy Toogood
