Motel One Manchester Piccadilly is the stylish choice for visitors who want to spend their money on the city rather than the room. The chain has built its reputation on bold lobby design, comfortable beds and rain showers at a price well below the traditional hotels, and the Piccadilly location puts it close to the tram and rail hub where most visitors arrive. Piccadilly Gardens, the Northern Quarter and Chinatown are a short walk away, the Metrolink runs from the gardens to the Etihad Stadium, Old Trafford and Salford Quays, and Piccadilly Station is a few minutes on foot, so you can arrive, drop your bag and be out exploring within the hour. Rooms are compact, but they are well designed, and the lobby bar is a pleasant place to meet friends before a night out. It is popular with football fans, music fans, solo travellers and couples on a budget.
Location and getting around
The hotel stands close to Piccadilly Gardens, so tram, bus and train connections are about as good as they get in Manchester. Trams to the Etihad Stadium run from the gardens area, and Old Trafford, Salford Quays and MediaCityUK are on other Metrolink lines. The Northern Quarter and its bars and record shops are a few minutes' walk, Chinatown is nearby, and Albert Square and the Town Hall are within a pleasant stroll. Check the exact walking times from your arrival station when you book.
Rooms and who it suits
Rooms are small, with a comfortable bed, a desk or shelf, a flat-screen television and a modern bathroom with a rain shower. If you want space to spread out or you are travelling with young children, a roomier hotel may suit better. The hotel is ideal for visitors on short stays, match days, gig weekends and city breaks where the room is a place to sleep rather than a destination.
Light sleepers should ask for a quieter room away from the street. Food and drink: the lobby bar offers drinks and light snacks, and breakfast is typically available for an extra charge, so check your rate. For dinner, the Northern Quarter, Chinatown and the streets around Piccadilly offer curries, dim sum, tacos, burgers and brunch cafes at every price.Good to know: Piccadilly is busy and lively late into the evening, so use normal city care when walking at night and ask for a higher floor if noise worries you.
Parking is limited and charged, and a car is unnecessary for most visitors. Book early for match days, concerts and festival weekends, since even budget rooms rise sharply in price. For a more luxurious stay, look at the Midland, the Lowry or the Edwardian; for a slightly more characterful mid-range option, Malmaison and Maldron are the alternatives.
Why stay here
- ✓Close to Piccadilly Station
- ✓Walk to Piccadilly Gardens
- ✓Metrolink to both stadiums
- ✓Walk to the Northern Quarter
- ✓Lobby bar
- ✓Compact design-led rooms
- ✓Breakfast available as an extra
- ✓Good value for the centre
Good questions
Where is Motel One Manchester Piccadilly?+
Close to Piccadilly Gardens and Piccadilly Station in the city centre, with tram links to both stadiums.
Is it good for football weekends?+
Yes, Metrolink trams from the Piccadilly area serve the Etihad Stadium and Old Trafford, though prices rise on match weekends so book early.
Are the rooms large?+
No, rooms are compact and well designed, so they suit short stays and travellers who spend most of their time out.
