From decadent treatments to pools with a view, these are the spa hotels you need to check out in Manchester.
When it comes to spa breaks, Manchester’s selection is short but oh-so-sweet. Whether you’re looking for an oasis of calm in the heart of the city or a sprawling resort worth travelling for, there’s something for all occasions. We’ve scoured the region to round up our favourites, promising relaxation, pampering and indulgence, in that order.
King Street Townhouse
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King Street Townhouse might just be the most photographed hotel in Manchester, with one iconic shot in particular always popping up in the feed. Slap bang in the heart of the city, the four-star spa hotel overlooks Manchester Town Hall, putting you in touching distance of bars, restaurants and designer shops.
There are 40 rooms and suites to choose from, but for the ultimate spa break, it has to be the ESPA suite – the first of its kind in the world. Alongside a free-standing bath and walk-in aromatherapy shower, you’ll get an in-room fitness kit, complimentary treatment and even a bath butler, who’ll put together a tailored ritual based on your mood.
The spa itself is just as luxurious. There’s a thermal suite with a Himalayan salt cave, Eucalyptus steam room and a huge catalogue of ESPA treatments, but the highlight has to be that statement rooftop infinity pool. Our tip? Time your dip for sunset to catch the Manchester skyline in all its glory.
You can round off your wellness experience at the gym – kitted out with Technogym equipment and a MyProtein hub – then when it’s time to refuel, a trip to the Tavern is in order. From roast Orkney scallops with brown butter and IPA reduction to corn-fed chicken and foie gras, it’s serious stuff.
Why we love it: The view of the Town Hall’s clocktower from the pool.
Where is it: 10 Booth St, find it on Google Maps.
Book it: kingstreettownhouse.co.uk
The Midland
The Grade II-listed Midland Hotel is steeped in history. You’ll find the grand Edwardian-style building sitting pride of place just off St Peter’s Square, dressed to the nines in red-brick and terracotta. With the Metrolink right on your doorstep, it’s extremely well connected, but inside there’s everything you need for an indulgent spa break in Manchester.
The hotel is huge with 312 rooms, each with its own unique shape and character – no two rooms are the same. Go for an executive room and you’ll enjoy extra space, complimentary robes and slippers and a turndown service, but we love the suites, which come with all of the above, plus a separate living and dining area.
As for the spa, it’s a real urban sanctuary. There’s a sauna, steam room and relaxation pool, alongside an experience shower that’ll take you from a Caribbean storm to invigorating Arctic rain. But the highlight has to be the relaxation area, where you’ll find sound-cancelling egg chairs, relaxation pods and sleep chambers for the ultimate escape.
Elsewhere, there’s plenty to explore. From the imposing architecture of the lobby to the opulent tea room – the only space in Manchester dedicated to serving afternoon tea – every inch of the hotel serves up an elevated experience. Oh, and if you’re a foodie, you can’t leave without paying a visit to Adam Reid at The French.
Why we love it: Wander the corridors and you’ll find snippets of the hotel’s fascinating history, including artefacts that have been found over the years.
Where is it: 16 Peter Street, find it on Google Maps.
Book it: themidlandhotel.co.uk
The Lowry
Credit: The Lowry Hotel
If you’re looking for a spa hotel in Manchester that’ll make you feel like A-List royalty, it has to be The Lowry. The five-star hotel oozes quality, from the hyper-personal service delivered by its team, to its sleek, minimalist interiors. Perched on the edge of the River Irwell, it’s peaceful, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The Lowry’s 165 rooms range from Deluxe Kings to the largest Presidential Suite in Manchester. While the latter serves up a grand piano and dining space for up to eight people, there’s a lot to be said for the former, which boasts a larger-than-average square footage, floor-to-ceiling windows and a ridiculously comfy bed.
But it’s the spa that’s the standout feature of the hotel. It’s home to the holy trinity of Hollywood – a cryotherapy chamber, a meditation pod and a sensory deprivation pod. You can try all three celebrity-endorsed treatments consecutively in a UK first. Finish off with a deep tissue massage for the ultimate relaxation.
An intimate gym is kitted out with the latest Technogym equipment, open 24/7 to suit all schedules. Hungry? The esteemed River Restaurant displays its double-AA Rosette status with pride, offering everything from a noteworthy breakfast and refined afternoon tea to a sophisticated evening dinner, each one served with a side of panoramic views.
Why we love it: Ask for a riverside view and you won’t be disappointed.
Where is it: 50 Dearmans Place, find it on Google Maps.
Book it: thelowryhotel.com
Malmaison
Credit: Malmaison Hotels
When it comes to location, Malmaison couldn’t be better positioned. It’s just a hop, skip and a jump from Piccadilly Station, serving up a slice of glamour and indulgence in the heart of the city centre. With shops, bars and restaurants on your doorstep, there’s everything you need, should you want it.
The hotel’s 167 rooms come three ways – standard, club or suite – each one equipped with Mal’s holy trinity of an ultra-comfy bed, mood lighting and an en-suite bath and shower. Opt for a roomy suite and you’ll get to kick back in your own separate living area, perfect for getting ready should you wish to hit the town.
Head down to the subterranean spa and you’ll find an oasis of calm. There’s a sauna, a saunarium (a lower-temperature sauna to start your heat journey) and a relaxation area where you can zonk out in massage chairs. If you’re looking to be pampered, a full range of ESPA treatments covers everything from salt and oil full-body scrubs to deeply therapeutic lava shell massages.
You’ll be made to feel at home from start to finish, enjoying a level of service that only a boutique hotel can offer. An impressive room service menu goes above and beyond, serving up everything from flat iron steak to miso butter scallops. Be sure to grab a drink at the bar before you leave – they do a mean Bloody Mary.
Why we love it: Mal’s iconic brand of urban chic stretches across every inch of the hotel.
Where is it: 1-3 Piccadilly, find it on Google Maps.
Book it: malmaison.com
The Edwardian Manchester
Housed within the Grade II-listed Free Trade Hall, the five-star Edwardian enjoys a super-central location in the heart of the city, making it perfect for a chic spa break in Manchester. It’s breathtaking from the moment you walk in, the vast lobby stretching up to double-vaulted ceilings.
The hotel’s 236 bedrooms range from Collection Superior Rooms to jaw-dropping penthouse suites, while you can even stay in a room with a balcony – a rarity in the city. Whichever you go for, it’ll come with floor-to-ceiling windows, plush Egyptian cotton and handcrafted Vispring mattresses for the ultimate snooze.
Head downstairs and you’ll find an entire floor dedicated to wellness. With ambient lighting and a minimalist, industrial-inspired design throughout, it’s wonderfully refined, from the sauna and steam to the stunning aquamarine pool. Swim a few lengths, relax by the pool or sweat it out in the state-of-the-art gym.
As for food, you really couldn’t ask for more. The award-winning Peter Street Kitchen commands its place in the historic building, serving Japanese and Mexican small plates alongside a fairly priced set menu. Over in The Library, beautiful books and dimmed lighting provide the perfect setting for a peaceful afternoon tea.
Why we love it: The views from the rooms on the higher floors are spectacular.
Where is it: Free Trade Hall, Peter Street, find it on Google Maps.
Book it: edwardian.com
Last Drop Village Hotel & Spa
For a spa break with a difference, head up to Last Drop Village. Perched on the edge of the West Pennine Moors, just an hour’s drive from Manchester, the hotel really is a village – you’ll find everything you need on-site, from a hairdresser to a bakehouse, boutique shops to its very own pub, The Drop Inn.
The hotel’s 135 bedrooms come a variety of ways, from classic rooms overlooking the courtyard to cottage rooms dotted around the 20-acre village. Our tip? Ask for room 79 – a cottage room with patio doors opening onto the gardens, stunning views and your very own fireplace for cosying up in the winter months.
The spa is a real jewel in the hotel’s crown. You can get your laps in with an 18-metre indoor pool, then go on a journey in the thermal suite, travelling through rock saunas and aroma grottos and finishing off with a plunge in the outdoor hydrotherapy pool. Experienced Level 3 therapists are on hand to provide ESPA treatments.
If you can tear yourself away from the spa, there are plenty of walking routes to head off on. On your return, grab a bite from the rustic Courtyard Restaurant, enjoy a nightcap in the cosy Drop Inn, then make the atmospheric walk back to your room. Village life is sweet indeed.
Why we love it: Nothing beats a winter dip in the outdoor pool, with the steam coming off you – an unforgettable experience.
Where is it: Bromley Cross, Bolton, find it on Google Maps.
Book it: lastdropvillage.co.uk
INNSiDE by Meliá
Credit: INNSiDE UK
Sitting pretty on the First Street development at the end of Deansgate, INNSiDE by Meliá is the perfect hotel for both work and play. With Deansgate-Castlefield tram stop just a minute’s walk away and a host of bars on your doorstep, there’s everything you need to take you from office-time to after-hours.
There are four room types, but for us it has to be the ultra-spacious Townhouse Suite. A 360-degree floor plan makes use of every inch of the studio, sprawling across an impressive 51 square metres. There’s a bedroom, living room, bath and separate rain shower, and stunning floor-to-ceiling windows to really maximise the space.
The small-but-sweet Escape Spa offers plenty of ways to wind down. Hit the gym, sweat it out in the sauna or invigorate your senses in the aromatic steam room – the choice is yours. A range of treatments span from facials using Medik8 products, to indulgent couples massages.
INNSiDE’s mantra is ‘stay curious’, and guests are encouraged to do just that, whether it’s by trying out the Manchester brands on sale at reception, or by attending an intimate gig in a hotel room – yes, really! The stylish Gino D’Acampo restaurant on the ground floor is a welcome addition.
Why we love it: It’s super dog-friendly, they even sell hampers for your pup!
Where is it: 1 First Street, find it on Google Maps.
Book it: melia.com
Manchester Marriott Piccadilly
Credit: Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly
Located in the heart of Manchester, just steps away from Piccadilly Station, Manchester Marriott Piccadilly is perfectly placed for a convenient yet peaceful spa break. Heading out? The cultural hub of Freight Island is right around the corner, promising cocktails, street food and live entertainment.
Rooms range from deluxe doubles right up to sleek executive suites. Choose the latter and you’ll take the lift right up to the top floor, enjoying a generous suite with a bedroom, separate living area and panoramic city views. You’ll even get access to the M Lounge, where you can enjoy complimentary food throughout the day.
Step into the spa and you’ll feel like you’re a million miles away from the city. Bask in the hot rock sauna, awaken your senses in the eucalyptus steam room then take a plunge in the ice fountain. Elemis head up the treatments, promising luxury and relaxation in equal parts. The deep tissue massage is a real treat.
Feeling active? A spacious fitness suite with Technogym equipment awaits. Afterwards, head over to The Restaurant – a real hidden gem where you can tuck into the likes of moules frites with chorizo, harissa lamb and a sirloin steak with Pont Neuf potatoes that’s definitely worth writing home about.
Why we love it: It couldn’t be better placed for those who’ve travelled by train.
Where is it: 91 London Road, find it on Google Maps.
Book it: marriott.com
