Manchester’s energy is infectious, whether you’re soaking up the atmosphere at one of the city’s many festivals, people-watching in a cool coffee shop or exploring one of its vibrant neighbourhoods. But, sometimes, on an action-packed city break you also need to take some time out. There are many tempting spas to retreat to in the city’s hotels, with relaxing relaxation areas, invigorating massages and even an infinity spa pool overlooking the city skyline. Here’s our pick of the best spa hotels in Manchester.
It opened in 1903 as an unusual railway hotel, and amid the famous claims of the historic Midlands, Rolls decided to go into business with Royce, Becks wooed Posh, and the UK’s first tango dance. The large ornate building is home to many excellent restaurants: head to Adam Reid at The French for fine dining, the Tea Room for afternoon tea and the Moat Street Dining Room & Bar for a less formal meal. The spa is reasonably sized, with a large relaxation area, treatment rooms, sauna, steam room, whirlpool and a small relaxation pool. Please note that hotel guests will need to reserve a one-hour slot upon arrival for access.
• The best hotels in Manchester
King Street Townhouse is the antithesis to a chain hotel. The previous owner, Sally O’Loughlin, sourced locally commissioned furniture to artwork throughout the property, and no two bedrooms are the same. The comfortable beds feature crisp, white bedding sourced from South Africa, and thoughtful extras such as luxury baths. There is a gym, a thermal room including a steam room and a Himalayan salt cave, and four spa and beauty treatment rooms. Hotel guests can pay £20 to enter the thermal room for two hours. The infinity spa pool on the seventh floor is the jewel in the crown of this hotel: it’s a relaxing spot with views of the Town Hall bell tower, and it’s a favorite with photographers (free access for hotel guests) . .
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Like a true Mancunian, this five-star hotel is cool without being pretentious and fiercely proud of its roots. Spacious, stylish rooms, floor-to-ceiling windows and attentive service keep guests coming back for more. There is a spa called RE:TREAT with a cryotherapy room, a meditation pod, a sensory deprivation tank and a wellness studio with a range of classes. These are complemented by more traditional treatment rooms and a relaxation room – booking in advance for treatments is popular with visitors and hotel guests. There is also a small gym and a hairdresser. There is a focus on art in this hotel, named after one of the city’s most famous artists; there are changing exhibitions on the first floor.
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This five-star property, located in one of the city’s largest buildings, the Free Trade Hall, often plays host to the city’s famous visitors (including Simon Cowell and Sven-Goran Eriksson) making it one of the best spa hotels in Manchester. Guests will enjoy the spa, featuring a good range of ESPA treatments, a relaxation room in one of the former vaults, a 12 meter swimming pool, sauna, steam room, experience shower and whirlpool tub. Hotel guests receive 10 percent off treatments from Monday to Thursday. For stunning views of the Manchester skyline, including the Town Hall and Central Library, choose a city view room.
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This modern hotel in Manchester’s iconic Beetham Tower offers views across the city and beyond from its floor-to-ceiling windows. Its bar on the 23rd floor has the ultimate vantage point and is popular for special occasions. There is a swimming pool with a glass roof and walls, as well as a whirlpool, steam room and sauna. The rooms have neutral color schemes, Crabtree & Evelyn toiletries, and wooden furniture; there are views to the south of the city and beyond or into the city center down the Dean Gate.
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This relatively upmarket hotel is on the edge of the center but well located for Manchester’s main train station and main university campus. The welcoming, warmly decorated spa offers Elemis treatments, as well as a thermal room with hot-rock and infrared saunas, steam room, ice igloo and sensory shower. The Spa also has a relaxation room with magazines, teas and water, a space for snacks and afternoon tea, a tanning room and a gym; no pool, though. Many of the rooms have wonderful views, are spacious and welcoming.
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Located over the road from Manchester Arena and Victoria Station, this colorful chain hotel has excellent leisure facilities. The spa is the real selling point, with its five treatment rooms (which guests get 20 per cent off treatments) and a nail bar, a spruce-coloured indoor pool surrounded by loungers and deckchairs and available with free glossy magazines , and its sauna and steam room. There is also an extensive gym and daily classes including yoga and spinning. There is a terrace where you can sit out in warmer weather.
Contributions by Rhonda Carrier and Cathy Toogood