Expert travel storyteller Jordan Adkins, founder of InspiredByMaps.com, brings a decade of adventures across 101 countries and 450+ UNESCO sites into rich, off-the-beaten-path narratives, melding ecological expertise with genuine, seasoned travel insights. His full bio can be found here.
Manchester might not be the size of London, but it’s a major city, and I was having trouble finding a centrally located hotel for my trip. When I stumbled upon Novotel Manchester Centre, staying there was a no-brainer. The hotel checked all the boxes as you will see in this Novotel Manchester Centre Review.
Convenient location, on-site bar, and restaurant, and high-quality accommodations at an affordable price, what more can you ask for?
A hotel can make or break a trip, and Novotel Manchester Centre certainly made mine. I’m going to take you through the need-to-know details about staying at the location and why I enjoyed it as much as I did. So, without further ado, let’s go!
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Perfect Central Location
Whether you’re in Manchester for work or vacation, being centrally located is ideal. At Novotel, you’ll be smack dab in the center of the city–500 meters from Manchester Central. If you are worried about renting a car, don’t be! The hotel is within walking distance of the Piccadilly and Oxford train stations. Stroll over, buy a ticket, and all the must-see sights will be within reach.
The property pushes right up to the city’s vibrant Chinatown, great eateries, and top attractions like the Manchester Art Gallery. Most mornings, I would start my day at Black Sheep Coffee for a caffeine kick and a pastry before heading out for a day of adventure. It was comforting to know that no matter how long I spent exploring the city center, I was always a stone’s throw away from the hotel.
At night, you can take a safe 5-minute walk to Bundobust Brewery, which serves up some must-try beers and tasty Indian street food. The beer menu is always rotating, so check out what’s available while you’re in town!
Novotel Manchester Centre Accommodation
If you like clean, modern interior designs, then you’ll be right at home in the Novotel. The rooms are clean, spacious, and exactly what you need after walking through the city. You’ll have your choice between standard rooms with queen or twin mattresses and superior rooms that have a bit more space to spread out. Each room comes with a sofa bed that is perfect if you’re traveling with kids.
Everyone expects a hotel bed to have a divine level of comfort. When it doesn’t meet your expectations, it’s just flat-out disappointing. Well, you won’t run into that problem at the Novotel because once you climb into bed, you’ll be as snug as a bug in a rug – or maybe in a cloud, I should say. The point is that the mattresses are as comfy as a hotel bed should be. But don’t sleep the day away, because there’s a lot to see!
My favorite part of the room was the rainfall shower head. You know, the ones that are directly overhead? Compared to some of the other hotels I’ve stayed at, Novotel’s showers are top-notch. Oh! And feel free to bring your dog along with you because the hotel is pet friendly.
There are 8 wheelchair-friendly rooms within the hotel, and most of the other services can be accessed via ramps.
Food and Drink @ Novotel Manchester Centre
In reality, the food and drink options in the hotel are so good that there’s almost no need to eat out–besides to experience Manchester’s culture, of course. Inside the Novotel, you’ll find The Exchange restaurant and bar. The menu includes dishes like pasta, chicken and fish plates, pizzas, salads, and burgers. Vegetarians won’t feel limited either because there are tons of great veggie options.
Once dinner is settled, you can order some cocktails, draft beers, and wines from the bar. It’s a great place to start off the evening or to end the day with a nightcap. While I was there, The Exchange had a great friendly vibe, and the food was beyond what I was expecting from a hotel restaurant.
The restaurant and bar section of the Novotel is also great for work teams to socialize with each other. I saw a few different companies staying at the hotel, making the most out of the on-site cocktails. The good news is that you’ll be just a few stumbles away from your room.
There is a buffet breakfast offered each morning. You’ll have the choice between hot and cold food selections. It’s a great option before a full day of travel or work. Keep in mind that this comes at an additional charge. If hotel breakfasts aren’t your thing, there are many great options close by.
Novotel Manchester Centre Amenities
The fun doesn’t stop at the bar and restaurant. When you stay at the Novotel, you also have access to a surprisingly spacious gym that looks over Portland Street. Chances are you’ll be chowing down on delicious food from morning till night. It’s always nice to know there’s a gym to work some of it off – whether you actually use it or not is another story.
If you feel like you need a good cleansing, hop on over to the sauna and steam room on the property. Both facilities are a great way to relax and reset after a full day of travel. Don’t worry about forgetting your towel in your room like me, because there should be extras by the entrance.
For anyone on a private or group work trip, you can use the 8 meeting rooms and primary business center. Booking these facilities will come at an additional charge, but they provide a great environment to take care of business.
Novotel Manchester Centre Review Final Thoughts
When you are looking for a top-quality hotel in the center of the city, you can’t go wrong with the Novotel Manchester Centre. You’ll find everything you could ever need at the property, and it’s a great jump-off point to all the must-see attractions nearby.
The rooms are clean, the staff is friendly, and the spa amenities are the cherry on top. So, if you’re booking a hotel for a vacation in the city or for a work trip, staying at the Novotel will ensure you have a memorable experience.
