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Make a night of it in Manchester

Manchester is one of the most vibrant cities around, with it's day and night selection of entertainment second to none. Whether it's superior shopping or cultured clubland you are after, there is so much to see and do time doesn't do it justice.

You might though, not live near Manchester, or if you are anything like us a taxi journey home would be just as nicely upgraded to a overnight stay with your friends. Let's face it, the night is not necessarily over when it's time to leave the club, you are bound to end up at some random party in the midst of Manchester. But what then? Do you face the cold of a train station whilst you wait for the first train home, do you face a taxi journey from hell whilst you try and remember where you came from, or do you do the sensible thing, head to a hotel and put your head down before checkout. I know which one I would face. Add to the equation that the bank holidays generally mean little or no public transport, and those that do think it's a good idea to double the price.

There's many an advantage to staying in a hotel whilst on your night out, apart from the obvious advantages of staying city centre, there's also the added bonuses. Perhaps the lady would like a days shopping in the big city before your night out, or perhaps you plan to meet friends for dinner meaning you would need a change before you hit the bars and clubs that the city has to offer. Even better lads, whilst the missus gets ready you can be sat downstairs in the bar catching up with the lads - or the football scores. It makes a lot of sense to stay the night, and we've got some really good reccomendations on where you do exactly that.


Serviced Apartments

Manchester has recently become the King of serviced apartments, varying from yuppie owners with single lets who wish to make a few extra quid at the weekend to entire blocks of serviced apartments. Apartments are typically 2 double bedrooms with kitchen lounge area, complete with TV, cooker, fridge and everything else you would want for a home away from home.

Be warned though, that as tempting as it may be to have a party back at the apartment, the single let ones are typically in buildings complete with full time residents, who may be fed up of the noise at weekends, and a party will attract more attention than it's worth. In our eyes, apartments are great, and with up to 8 of you staying in any apartment, it can work out a very cheap but luxurious place to stay.

Staying Cool @ Castlefield
We swear by this place, simply because of the owners obsession with penthouse design and luxory. Think of staying in the big brother house but without the cameras, it is in the upper price bracket, but worth every penny - A double costs typically £109 or 6 of you can share for just over £30 each.

The Place Apartment Hotel, Piccadilly
One of the original apartment locations in Manchester, the Place is exactly that - a hotel full of serviced apartments. Your much more likely to get away with guests at this location, because every one else in the building will be doing exactly the same. Think old mill features exploited to create fantastic spaces, it boasts a variety of rooms available right in the heart of Manchester.



Hotels
The traditional hotel is the worlds best invention. Walk in and be pampered, depending on how much you decided to spend in the first place. If it's a budget stay then the pampering will stretch as far as a dry croissant and CNN on the television. Have a good look through our hotel guide though, and you can find some serious bargains in some serious hotels. Be sure to check the star rating - if the star is in yellow it means that the hotel is assessed by The AA or Visit Britain, and they don't hand those things out lightly!

If however it's a bed for the night that you need and not lot's more, then we've got rooms starting from £35 for the night!


The Brittania Hotel
It's big, it's bold and it's right in the heart of Manchester. In a prime location, this premier Manchester Hotel is close to the city's financial sector, shopping, theatres and the G-Mex Exhibition centre. The famous Chinatown and The Village, with their myriad of bars and restaurants are only a few minute’s walk. Admittedly, the internal decor could be deemed as a little old fashioned, but then £45 for a double room in one of Manchester's most famous landmarks, you can't complain too much.

The Palace Hotel
Situated right in the heart of the city centre, The Palace Hotel is a recognised landmark of Manchester, thanks to its distinctive 217ft tall clock tower. I once won a bet about this hotel, but that's a different story. Opposite Oxford Rd railway station it's an ideal location and with it's recent refurb it presents a smart, stylish place to stay. Reductions on Bank holiday weekend include up to £150 off a nights stay (including breakfast) which in our eyes, is a bargain.

The Jurys Inn
Cheap, Cheerful and you know what you get.More of a stopover than a hotel, it offers tea and coffee making facilities and 25 channels of television in every language but english. But then, if you want to pay £45 for a nights stay, this is what we suggest. Rooms are ensuite and the bed is comfy. More post party pasture than paradise, but it certainly does the trick.

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