Categories > Hotels

The 5 Best Manchester Hotels for Recharging Near AO Arena
Whenever we’ve spent a day getting all pumped up watching the latest show in AO Arena, you can bet that we’ll be knackered out after! At that point, once all the excitement that we’ve worked up has died down, we just need a nice place to recharge.
Which is why it’s great that there are lots of hotels near the arena that we can choose from! We could just book ourselves a night in one of these hotels, rest up in the lap of luxury, and then we’d be good to go the next day.
Of course, the question is how would you know the best hotels to book a stay in? With this list we’ve made, that’s how! Take a look at these hotels near AO Arena, see what they have to offer and what people have to say — you might just find your next booking!
1. Hotel Motel One Manchester – Royal Exchange

Address: 11, 15 Cross St
Contact: 0161 228 0800 (cel.), [email protected] (email)
Check-in/Check-out: 3 PM/12 PM
Pricing: ££
Amenities: in-room tea and coffee, free wifi, breakfast, free luggage storage, rooftop bar, restaurant, meeting spaces
Google reviews | 5/5 |
Expedia reviews | 4/5 |
Total reviews | 5/5 |
Score consistency | 4/5 |
Accommodations | 4.5/5 |
Cleanliness | 5/5 |
Convenience | 4/5 |
Available amenities | 4/5 |
Pricing (a higher score means better value) | 5/5 |
Proximity (to AO Arena) | 4/5 |
Once you step into Hotel Motel One, the first thing you’ll notice is the faux-industrial look, as this place embraces Manchester’s history as the country’s former “Cottonopolis”!
You’ll see steel arches, cloth and cotton designs, and even spinning machines all around the hotel, adding to its charm.
Another thing that adds to its charm is how comfortable the rooms are – you could help yourself to a spot of tea while resting. Or maybe you’d like to lounge in the rooftop bar, maybe browse through your phone? There’s free wifi everywhere here in the hotel!
However, their view and natural lighting aren’t so great. You’ll also have to lower your expectations with the breakfast menu here. Plus, parking can be a real headache, so it’s better to rely on public transportation.
On the upside, you need not worry if you’re bringing your family along! Children up to 12 years old can stay for free in booked rooms, and you can bring the entire family, since the hotel’s pet-friendly!
Will definitely be staying again
“Fantastic stay here with wonderful staff. Andrea was really delightful to speak with and made my checkout feel relaxed and I didn’t feel like I was pushed out the door. great value and superior rooms. I will definitely be staying again!”
Joel Malone, Google Review
Thoroughly enjoyed our stay
“Fab hotel in the centre of Manchester and extremely reasonably priced! Beds are really comfortable and we were extremely grateful for the aircon as we visited during a June heatwave. Staff here are lovely and so helpful too!Thoroughly enjoyed our stay and will definitely stay here again when visiting Manchester.”
Charlotte Anna, Google Review
2. Voco Manchester

Address: 59 Portland St
Contact: 0161 518 2936 (cel.), [email protected] (email)
Check-in/Check-out: 3 PM/11 AM
Pricing: ££
Amenities: in-room tea and coffee, free wifi, bar, restaurant, disabled access, event spaces, meeting spaces
Google reviews score | 5/5 |
Expedia reviews score | 4/5 |
Total reviews | 5/5 |
Score consistency | 4/5 |
Accommodations | 5/5 |
Cleanliness | 5/5 |
Convenience | 5/5 |
Available amenities | 4/5 |
Pricing | 4/5 |
Proximity | 4/5 |
If you’re looking for a place to stay while you’ve got a day filled with activities, then this one’s a great choice! Voco is right at the heart of activity in Manchester, a quick walk away from lots of different nightlife spots and shops.
Another great thing is that pets are welcome here, for an additional fee of £15 per night. You don’t have to leave out your workmates or loved ones either, since you can book a private venue for events and meetings too!
On the other hand, there’s more to be desired when it comes to food. We were disappointed with the limited room service menu and with the fact that the breakfast here had an additional fee. We also wished that their service was quicker to respond.
The real draw here, however, is the gorgeous view of the city from either the comfort of your room’s private balcony or while having a drink in the hotel bar. There’s free wifi too, in case you want to browse a bit while resting!
Highly recommend
“Great hotel room was nice and clean with complimentary coffee and tea, bed was very comfortable. Breakfast was really [good,] a mix of hot and cold food options with coffee, juice. etc or something off the menu, I had full English one morning and eggs Benedict the day after both very good made with high quality ingredients. Staff were very pleasant to talk to and friendly, house keeping staff were also friendly and accommodating. I highly recommend this hotel as it’s also in a great location in the middle of the city.”
Dean Miller, Google Review
Excellent location
“Saturday night stay with two rooms – hotel was superb. Well appointed rooms with coffee machines and water in fridge. Bathrooms clean and modern with excellent showers. Bar was good with DJ playing on Saturday early evening. Location excellent – we could walk to Co-op Arena and all the main shopping and bars of the city centre.”
Matthew Morrow, Google Review
3. Malmaison Manchester Deansgate

Address: 23 Princess St, Deansgate
Contact: 0161 509 9160 (cel.),
Check-in/Check-out: 3 PM/11 AM
Pricing: £
Amenities: free wifi, rooftop bar, rooftop restaurant
Google reviews score | 5/5 |
Expedia reviews score | 4/5 |
Total reviews | 4/5 |
Score consistency | 4/5 |
Accommodations | 4.5/5 |
Cleanliness | 5/5 |
Convenience | 4/5 |
Available amenities | 2/5 |
Pricing | 5/5 |
Proximity | 4/5 |
This retro-themed hotel is another good choice if you’re the type who likes to explore. Aside from the AO Arena itself, you can easily walk over to other great bars and shops – it’s close to lots of interesting places!
The bar and restaurant here are also great spots to hang out while you’re winding down for the night. They don’t just offer a great view of the city, they offer a great menu of tapas and cocktails!
You’ll also get to make the most out of the wifi here since it’s free of charge and fast too! And speaking of charge, the best part about this hotel is that it’s affordable, too.
The only bummer about staying here is the noise level and the short list of amenities. It can be hard to get a good night’s sleep in when the room’s not properly sound-proofed.
And since the hotel itself doesn’t have much to offer, it’s a great choice for people mostly spending the night out.
Fantastic location
“Fantastic location, walking distance to many great bars, restaurants, shops and theatres. Gorgeous décor throughout. Bed was very comfy. Loved the bathroom and shower. Quiet hotel, didn’t hear other people. We loved the bar upstairs. All the staff at check in, check out and in the bar were super friendly.”
Tee MacPherson, Google Review
Lovely, comfortable, and relaxing
“Best afternoon tea we have had, different from the norm and so tasty. The staff Bailey, Say and Shubbanghi were very welcoming. Lovely, comfortable and relaxing setting. Will definitely be returning again”
Christine Edgar, Google Review
4. Roomzzz Aparthotel

Address: Corn Exchange, 37 Hanging Ditch, Exchange Sq
Contact: 0161 870 1300 (cel.),
Check-in/Check-out: 3 PM/11 AM
Pricing: £
Amenities: gym, laundry room, free wifi, essentials shop, heated bathroom floor, free breakfast, full kitchenette
Google reviews score | 5/5 |
Expedia reviews score | 4/5 |
Total reviews | 4/5 |
Score consistency | 3/5 |
Accommodations | 4/5 |
Cleanliness | 5/5 |
Convenience | 3/5 |
Available amenities | 5/5 |
Pricing | 3/5 |
Proximity | 5/5 |
Roomzzz Aparthotel is an affordable, as its name suggests, apartment-hotel hybrid that’s close to AO Arena as well as Chinatown and other great cultural spots. The facilities aren’t a joke!
Want to stay active and work out in between exploring? You can exercise in their state-of-the-art gym! Feeling the need to cook up your personal recipe? Their rooms have a kitchenette!
Need to reuse some clothes because you didn’t pick enough (it happens, don’t worry)? Then you can wash your clothes in the laundry area! In exchange for all these amenities, though, they don’t have any room service.
We also noticed, from our surveys, that there’s no 100% guarantee that you’ll get a stunning or fully functional room. So there’s a chance that you’ll get disappointed with a room that either doesn’t look as good as advertised or has faulty amenities.
Brilliant place
“Absolutely brilliant place to stay. Really clean, quiet, nice rooms. It is right in the middle of so many great places to eat. And the free croissant and coffee in the morning is a great touch if you’re not a massive breakfast fan.”
Jennie Todd, Google Review
Amazing stay
“Had an amazing stay here. Lovely young lady called Olivia went above and beyond to ensure we were comfortable and knew where all the facilities were. She [gave] us recommendations where to go and what to do in Manchester. Outstanding service and such a polite young lady.”
Abbi Metcalf, Google Review
5. BrewDog Doghouse

Address: 18-20 Fountain St.
Contact: 0161 467 1003 (cel.),
Check-in/Check-out:
Pricing: £££
Amenities: free wifi, rooftop bar, restaurant, free bicycle rentals, working space, in-room mini bar
Website
Google reviews score | 5/5 |
Sortlist reviews score | 4/5 |
Total reviews | 4/5 |
Score consistency | 4/5 |
Accommodations | 4.5/5 |
Cleanliness | 5/5 |
Convenience | 4/5 |
Available amenities | 3/5 |
Pricing | 3/5 |
Proximity | 4/5 |
Beer lovers will love this one! Brewdog Doghouse is known for its rooftop bar that has high-quality craft beers. It’s great if you’re in a celebratory mood from an AO Arena show and want to continue it even after the show’s over!
And like you’d probably guess from the name, dogs are welcome here too! In fact, you can even book a “dog party” if you want to celebrate something with your furbaby.
We also appreciated the accessibility options for disabled people, so they won’t have any trouble entering the hotel or going to different floors and rooms. And if that doesn’t make you feel welcome enough, you get a free welcome drink too, plus an in-room bar!
We just have two gripes with this hotel: the service and price. Since they’re understaffed, you’d have to be patient if you requested something. The expensive booking might also put you off a bit, especially if you’re looking to explore on a budget.
Great Bank Holiday stay
“Absolutely loved our visit on Bank Holiday weekend! There was a great live singer performing during our time as well as a fantastic energetic Brass band. We were made to feel very welcome and witnessed some of the best customer service we have received from any pub. Highly recommended.”
Adam Taylor, Google Review
Personable and professional staff
“We don’t leave reviews regularly but had to leave one for the staff at Doghouse Manchester. Without compromise, every member of staff cared, they were all personable, professional, friendly; great service is a culture here! Thank you for a thoroughly enjoyable stay.”
Nichola Barsby, Google Review