Holiday Inn Express Manchester City Centre Arena is a practical choice for visitors who want a clean, comfortable and well-priced room in the north of the city centre. The hotel is part of the IHG group and follows the familiar Holiday Inn Express formula: straightforward rooms, breakfast on many rates, friendly service and consistent standards. Its location near Manchester Arena and Victoria station makes it especially popular with concert-goers, because the venue is within walking distance, and the same area also puts you close to the cathedral, Cathedral Gardens, the National Football Museum and the Corn Exchange. The Northern Quarter, with its bars, shops and street art, is about ten minutes away on foot. The rooms are compact but well designed, with comfortable beds, good showers, a work area and free wi-fi, and many offer room for three or four guests. For travellers who plan to spend most of the day exploring, it offers dependable value in a convenient place.
Location and getting around
The hotel is near Manchester Arena and Victoria station, which is a hub for Metrolink trams and for trains to the north and west. Victoria is about a five-minute walk, and trams from Victoria and Market Street run to Piccadilly, Old Trafford and the Etihad Campus. The cathedral and the National Football Museum are about five minutes on foot, the Arndale shopping centre is around ten, and the Northern Quarter is similar. Piccadilly station is roughly fifteen minutes on foot. Taxis are readily available around Victoria station.
Rooms
Expect practical rooms that sleep two or three, with comfortable beds, air conditioning in many rooms, a work desk and a bathroom with a shower. Family rooms are available for larger groups. Check the room description for the number of beds. The upper floors are quieter, and rooms facing away from the street reduce noise on busy event nights.
Who it suits
Concert-goers, football fans, families, and any traveller who wants dependable value rather than a luxury stay. It is less suited to guests who want a spa, a pool or a fine-dining restaurant, because the hotel focuses on the basics done well.
Good to know
Breakfast is a major attraction for many guests, so check whether it is included in your rate. Parking is limited, and the city centre can be expensive, so many guests arrive by train or tram. On event nights at the arena, the area is busy, with large crowds around the station, so allow extra time for travel. Book early for popular concerts and for football weekends, because rooms in this area fill quickly.
Why stay here
- ✓Close to Manchester Arena
- ✓Near Victoria station
- ✓Breakfast available on many rates
- ✓Free wi-fi
- ✓Family rooms available
- ✓Walk to cathedral and football museum
- ✓Work desk in rooms
- ✓Tram links from Victoria
Good questions
How close is the hotel to Manchester Arena?+
It is within walking distance of the arena and Victoria station, which suits concert-goers.
Is breakfast included?+
Breakfast is included on many rates but not all, so check your booking.
Is it close to the National Football Museum?+
Yes, the museum and the cathedral are about five minutes away on foot.