It’s hard to imagine it, but the rich industrial city of Manchester in northwestern England is a very romantic city. Whether it’s the bohemian Northern Quarter, the achingly cool Ancoats, or the canal-side Castlefield, Manchester is as charming as it’s rich in history and culture. So, there’s a lot to do in the city, like strolling hand-in-hand in gardens and enjoying intimate dinners at some of its most romantic restaurants. Now, chocolates and roses are all good and well, but they sure can’t compete with luxurious decor, jacuzzis, and roll-top baths. These romantic hotels in Manchester offer the best in good old-fashioned romance. Whether you like infinity spa pools or want to stay at what is the “sexiest hotel in Europe,” Manchester has it all.
After all, nothing beats winding up a lovely day in the city than having a romantic room to head back to. Of course, there are so many other Top Things To Do In Manchester as well, such as the stunning John Rylands Library and the neo-gothic Town Hall. So, if you’re looking for a gorgeous England city to head to for a romantic break, then this city is perfect. To that end, here are the 11 most romantic hotels in Manchester.
Table of contents
- Hilton Manchester Deansgate
- Velvet Hotel
- Great John Street Hotel
- The Cow Hollow Hotel
- Eleven Didsbury Park
- Kimpton Clocktower Hotel
- Hotel Gotham
- The Midland
- King Street Townhouse
- The Lowry
- Malmaison
- Most Romantic Restaurants in Manchester
- Most Romantic Bars in Manchester
- Most Romantic Things To Do in Manchester
- Most Romantic Areas To Stay in Manchester
Hilton Manchester Deansgate
11
Tucked in the city’s iconic Beetham Tower, Hilton Deansgate is one of the most romantic hotels in Manchester. The hotel offers some of the most fantastic views of the city through its huge floor-to-ceiling windows. Even entry-level rooms are neutral-hued and spacious, with pops of orange and red pictures over the beds. Crabtree & Evelyn toiletries are standard in all rooms, but we’d recommend the higher-up ones for couples. Executive rooms are best for romance as they come with Frette robes, deep-soaking bathtubs, and access to the Executive Lounge until 8 pm. What’s more, they also boast gorgeous views of the city towards the south and beyond or towards the city center down Deansgate.
That said, the 23rd-floor bar is the most romantic spot on the property. You can enjoy a sun-kissed afternoon tea or an evening sundowner in your partner’s company. Moreover, the ground-floor restaurant serves other meals, including a hearty breakfast of cold and hot buffet items. Couples will particularly love a swim in the glass-roofed swimming pool, after which you can enjoy a soak in the whirlpool tub. Do book yourselves pampering massages or body treatments at the independently-run spa. Top it off with some unwinding in the sauna.
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Velvet Hotel
10
Sitting right in the heart of Gay Village is Velvet Hotel, one of Manchester’s Top Gay-Friendly Hotels. So, this hotel is perfect for LGBTQ couples looking for romance in this city! Setting the glamorous scene is a huge, gilded crystal and mirror chandelier, which should tell you everything about your stay. All 19 rooms boast unique décor; some have huge gothic murals, while others have exposed brick walls and statement wallpapers. But, they all feature striking details such as Illy coffee machines, L’Occatane bath products, and chunky crystal glasses. You’ll especially love the beds, which range from elaborately carved beds to stunning four-posters. The most romantic ones are the rooms that have oversized square tubs for two, so do ask for them while booking.
The on-site restaurant and bar is a local favorite, with even breakfast being a grand affair; think à la carte items, toast, cereal, juice, coffee, and tea. The restaurant is perfect for a late-night intimate dinner with blue velvet drapes, mustard cushions, and dark parquet flooring.
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Great John Street Hotel
9
Imagine one of the most decadent and romantic hotels in Manchester being set in a former Victorian schoolhouse! That’s what the Great John Street Hotel promises, and then some. Tucked in a quiet spot just minutes from manchester’s attractions, it makes for a cozy retreat with your significant other in the city. Choose from entry-level Baby Grand rooms to Opus Grand suites, all of which have toweringly high ceilings. Massive windows spanning two floors allow lots of natural light in. Now, every room might be unique, but they all share the same decadent style with comfy beds, crushed velvet fabrics, exposed steel beams, and – get this – fireplaces. Chandeliers add to the old-world air, but it’s the knock-out bathrooms with Temple Spa toiletries and freestanding baths that you both will love.
Indulgence is spread throughout the hotel, whether it’s the library where you can cozy up with a glass of red or the comfy sofas and loveseats in the common areas. Enjoy afternoon tea or drinks in the ground-floor Oyster Bar. The mezzanine right outside is where a hearty breakfast spread is also served. But, the buzzing place to be is the rooftop lounge and playground, where you can indulge in a pre-dinner drink or a nightcap.
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The Cow Hollow Hotel
8
Younger and savvy couples will love the Cow Hollow Hotel in Manchester’s lovely Northern Quarter. This achingly hip hotel sure knows how to treat its guests, complete with many treats and hi-spec interiors. Rooms radiate a dramatic sense of style with marble fireplaces and exposed brick walls to cozy up to your base. Wonderful extras such as free Netflix and entire hairstyling kits ensure guests feel spoilt. Even entry-level rooms boast huge comfy Hypnos beds, which are designed for rolling around and staying in. Finally, double doors lead to indulgent bathrooms with gilt mirrors, REN toiletries, and bronze rainfall showers, making them little dens of romance.
Since it lived a life as a textile warehouse, the hotel retains many original features, including exposed beams and fireplaces. The decor is stylish, with oil paintings and fake palm trees in the lobby, adding to the low-lit romantic ambiance. It leads to the Plantation Bar, which dishes out free nibbles and prosecco in the evening, as well as free coffee. It’s also the place to go for pre or post-dinner cocktails. A light breakfast is brought up to your rooms in breakfast bags, and the hotel allows ordering takeaways to rooms.
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Eleven Didsbury Park
7
Tucked away on a quiet residential street in Didsbury, Eleven Didsbury Park is one of the most romantic hotels in Manchester. Set in an elegant walled garden, this boutique hotel is perfect for couples who want a peaceful escape from city life. Even the classic, entry-level rooms are spacious, and all of them are different. While some have floral wallpaper and decked out in soft pinks and green,s others have skylights with a beach-house feel. What’s more, all rooms have thoughtful touches such as iPod docking stations, fresh milk for coffee and tea, and lovely Temple Spa toiletries. However, we’d recommend eclectic rooms and above for couples, as they come with the hotel’s signature roll-top baths. For a romantic sojourn, consider room 42, which is an eclectic villa with two roll-top baths! One’s in the room, while one sits on the private terrace overlooking the garden.
Despite being a small hotel, Eleven serves an all-day deli menu in the comfort of your rooms or the lounge. What’s more, there’s also a small 24-hour bar on the ground floor, and the garden lounge and conservatory serve a lovely afternoon tea. Breakfast includes pastries, cereals, and fruit, plus made-to-order eggs Benedict, pancakes, and a full Irish or English breakfast.
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Kimpton Clocktower Hotel
6
Couples who love everything Victorian will love the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel. It’s set in an imposing and grand terracotta Victorian building, complete with all its ornate original features. Combining classically good looks and a cool streak, this is one of Manchester’s most romantic modern digs. The maze-like nature of the three buildings that the hotel lies in ensures that no two rooms and suites are the same. Nevertheless, they all have serene color schemes of cool whites, creams, and greys, with pops of navy, mustard, and forest green on throws. Cheerful floral cushions and pillar box red telephones only add to the zing. Free yoga mats aside, the rooms even have complimentary tuck boxes with chocolate and crisps. For the ultimate romance, go for the suites with Nespresso machines, record players, a vinyl collection, and Master Vetivert toiletries.
No matter where you’re during the day, head back to the hotel for the evening “social hour” with a complimentary beer or wine and some social mingling. For those who like to stay fit, you can borrow bikes from the reception, and there’s even a nice gym. The on-site restaurant, Refuge by Volta dining room, is very popular during mealtimes. However, it’s the laidback bar that you two will enjoy, sipping cocktails while gazing into each other’s eyes. Even breakfast is a decadent buffet, with interesting options including lamb shawarma potato hash.
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Hotel Gotham
5
Opulence and bling rule the roost at Hotel Gotham, one of the grandest and swankiest romantic hotels in Manchester. This five-star hotel lies in an Art deco building and is glitzy decadence to boot, complemented by cheeky twists. In fact, it aims to be “the sexiest hotel in Europe” with its five Inner Sanctum suites, which have no windows and leather-clad black walls. They even have a huge “wonderwall” with a film of the hotel’s characters or a projection of the city skyline. The rest of the rooms are equally decadent, dark, and amorous to boot with faux fur throws, leather bed heads, comfy beds, and grey walls. Interesting touches include old-fashioned metal binoculars, coffee machines, free mobile phones, and chunky crystal glasses. That said, the marble bathrooms are the standout, with the suites having deep-soaking bathtubs large enough for two.
Since the building was formerly a bank, cheeky details include piggybank shortbread biscuits in the rooms, moneybag “DND” signs on the room doors, and bath toiletries sitting on gold bars! 1920s-style black-and-white photographs and monochrome carpets complement original features such as old bank doors and huge windows. The on-site restaurant serves delicious meals, including breakfast, with the arched windows offering sweeping views of the city below.
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The Midland
4
The romantic Midland Hotel‘s origins go back to 1903, when it opened as an extravagant railway hotel. Today, the historic hotel’s claims to fame include where the first tango in the UK was danced and where Becks wooed Posh! Clearly, it’s the ideal romantic sojourn in Manchester! An ornate terracotta-and-red brick exterior leads to a pillared and glass-ceilinged reception with striking floral arrangements. The marble-lined corridors feel grand, especially since they feature patterned carpets and flock wallpaper. All 300+ rooms are different in size and shape, with some looking out to internal atriums and others overlooking the city. The first and second-floor rooms are decked out in rich reds, browns, purples, and golds with Manchester scenes on headboards. The third-floor and above rooms boast muted grey color schemes with pops of orange.
This is one of the few Manchester hotels with a wonderful spa with treatment rooms, a steam room, a sauna, and a large relaxation area. What’s more, you’ll also find a small relaxation pool and a whirlpool tub to unwind with your partner. You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to cuisine at the in-house restaurant, The French. The other restaurant, the quirky Mr. Cooper’s Restaurant and Bar, serves breakfast, while the Tea Room lays out a wonderful afternoon tea.
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King Street Townhouse
3
The charming, 40-room King Street Townhouse is one of the most romantic hotels in Manchester. You both will instantly feel relaxed at this hotel, which features bookshelves, exposed filament lights, fireplaces, and vibrant artwork and fabrics. All 40 rooms and suites are decked out in muted browns, greys, greens, and blues, with romantic freestanding baths in Cosy rooms and above. The cloud-like beds are ridiculously comfortable, and thoughtful perks such as ESPA toiletries, Nespresso coffee machines, and luxury bathrobes make for a particularly wonderful romantic vacation.
The rest of the hotel is equally impressive and has a steam room, a small gym, and two treatment rooms. However, the 7th-floor infinity spa pool is the crown jewel and is a calming spot to relax with your partner with mesmerizing Manchester views. Cozy up to your significant other in the vaulted cellars cinema, where movie screenings are held every week. Indulge in hearty breakfasts and intimate dinners at the buzzy restaurant, but don’t miss afternoon tea in the lounge.
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The Lowry
2
The super celeb haunt that is The Lowry on the banks of the Irwell River is one romantic love nest. The beautiful setting aside, the hotel is also famed for being booked by Manchester United for its team during football season! Choose from a bevy of rooms and suites, including the swanky Presidential Suite that’s a great way to push the boat out for your bae. At 1,560 sq. feet, it’s by far Manchester’s largest and most luxurious hotel accommodation. In fact, the suite even has a baby grand piano in the dining room lounge – wowser!
You’ll love the rest of the hotel, too, especially the first-floor spa, where you both can get pampered with world-class treatments, including facials, massages, and body scrubs. If you’re in the mood for a mini-relaxing staycation, then there are even weekend romantic packages available. The on-site River Restaurant is one of Manchester’s best and perfect for an intimate fine dining meal, paired with Ayala Champagne. It’s no wonder it’s also one of the Best Hotels in Manchester UK!
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Malmaison
1
A failsafe and firm favorite with lovebirds is Malmaison, easily one of the most romantic hotels in Manchester. The hotel is steeped in history; it was formerly a 19th-century cotton warehouse and a Victorian dolls’ hospital later. Glittering silver walls, red velvet sofas, and white-and-black tile floors greet you as you enter. They add a splash of sexiness and drama, adding to the vibe. Even though entry-level rooms are cozy, we’d suggest the suites that have a ‘Love Suite Love’ offer. This gets you and your love a hearty in-room breakfast, chocolate, and a bottle of champagne. This, aside from the deep-soaking jacuzzi bath that awaits both of you in the suite. Sigh.
If you do get out of the rooms, you have a fitness center awaiting the both of you. Besides that, don’t miss meals at the brasserie that serves a modern British menu with French specialties. In fact, it even offers candlelit fine dining experiences. Don’t miss nightcaps at the stylish Mal Bar, which serves creative cocktails, making this one of Manchester’s most romantic hotels.
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Most Romantic Restaurants in Manchester
- Dakota Bar & Grill: With low lighting, deep booths, and its very own champagne snug, this is one of the most elegant restaurants in Dakota. Tuck into a refined menu of chateaubriand, steak frites and black pudding, kale and venison with blackberry, and short rib of beef. Did we mention that they even have suites upstairs? Uh huh.
- 20 Stories: For the ultimate romantic fine dining experience, head to 20 stories. As the name suggests, this restaurant sits high in the sky, where you’ll be serenaded by electric violinists! Dig into a special four-course menu to be split between you and your boo, finsishing off with fudge and truffles to get into the mood.
Most Romantic Bars in Manchester
- Arcane: Set in the basement, this utter charmer of a cocktail bar boasts Victorian-inspired decor including leather-bound hardback books, paper doilies for cocktails and flocked wallpaper. The subtle dark green frontage sets the tone for the experience inside, where you can sip on an array of award-winning cocktails as you romance your partner.
- Sunset by Australasia: Instagrammers, this one’s for you. Couples who love clicking pictures and getting themselves clicked will love this Spinningfields bar. The bar, and the terrace, boasts a pretty white-and-pink striped floor, spalshes of marbles, gold accents, pink velvet, and lots of blooms.
Most Romantic Things To Do in Manchester
- Romantic Tour of Manchester: There’s no better way to explore Manchester than this exclusive tour for all the romantic couples visiting the city. A professional local guide leads the way as you both visit the most romantic and spellbinding places in the city. Take pictures, enjoy dates, and listen to historical love stories hidden in the city’s winding streets.
Most Romantic Areas To Stay in Manchester
Manchester is a sprawling city, which means lots of amazing neighborhoods to stay. If we were to pick and choose, then a few areas are more romantic than the others. The tree-filled Gay Village, for instance, sits right beside the Rochdale Canal and has cafés, clubs, and international cuisine spots. Couples who love the outdoors will love New Islington, which is lauded as one of England’s best places to stay. It’s home to The New Islington Marina and Cotton Field, which is the perfect spot for a romantic daytime picnic with your base.
Next up is the Northern Quarter, which is New York-like in character and home to many cutesy pubs, cafes, and eateries. The up-and-coming Ancoats, which lies right next to it, is one of the hippest neighborhoods in all of the UK. Intrepid young couples will certainly appreciate the indie theater spaces, artist studios, and eclectic restaurants constantly popping up here. Finally, we have Chorlton, one of the city’s most bohemian neighborhoods. Amongst other things, it’s home to actual meadows with streams, where you can take long, romantic walks.
Do you have a short layover? You might want to look at the Best Hotels Near Manchester Airport.