ABode, Manchester

You can trundle here easily with your suitcase from Piccadilly station before venturing into the city centre, with most attractions walkable from the hotel.

ABode is a short walk from Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester's central hub, with the Arndale shopping centre and the bars and restaurants of the Northern Quarter close by.
By car: the hotel is around 1 hour 20 mins from Leeds, 2 hours from Birmingham and 4 hours 15 mins from London. Paid parking is available at Citi Park, a few minutes' walk away, costing £10 per day.
By train: there are regular trains to Manchester Piccadilly from Birmingham New Street (1 hour 30 mins) and London Euston (2 hours 10 mins) as well as most other major cities. The hotel is a 5-minute walk from the station. thetrainline.com

Couples will enjoy cosying up on a velvet banquette in the basement brasserie while friends can sip cocktails at the bar before a night out. You can't help but feel a little bit glam while sauntering up the black-and-white tiled "catwalk" to the bar in this hotel.

All of the staff, from those on reception to the bartenders, are full of energy and have recommendations on everything from cocktail choices to local attractions.

• Restaurant

• Bar

• Free Wi-Fi
• Room service

While top-level suites are fantastic, the shape of the building means that all Enviable rooms (a category below) have characterful alcoves with seating tucked into them. Original windows let some noise in at night - light sleepers should ask for rooms at the side of the building or on a high floor. We love that almost every room on the first floor has period tiled walls.

Comfortable, Desirable, Enviable, Fabulous on Fifth
Facilities include: ensuite with walk-in shower, luxury toiletries, free Wi-Fi, TV, Marshall bluetooth speaker, teas, coffee, biscuits

Look out for the frequent offers and special events in the bar and restaurant, such as live music and Sunday roasts with unlimited prosecco. Breakfast, served in the basement brasserie for hotel guests, is a real treat, with some interesting items such as chocolate and coconut porridge.

Brasserie ABode: relaxed, stylish, two AA Rosettes, all-day menu, modern European dishes, afternoon teas, Sunday lunches.
The bar: open-plan, cocktails, late night music.