The Edwardian Manchester occupies one of the most storied buildings in the city. The Free Trade Hall was built in the 1850s as a public meeting place and concert hall, in the style of an Italian palazzo, to celebrate the repeal of the Corn Laws, and it became the home of the Hallé Orchestra and a venue where famous speakers and performers appeared. Bob Dylan played here in 1966, and an audience member famously shouted Judas, and in 1976 a Sex Pistols gig at the neighbouring Lesser Free Trade Hall inspired a generation of Manchester musicians. The hotel opened inside the preserved shell and has kept the sense of grandeur while adding a modern interior. It belongs to the Radisson Collection and offers a polished, contemporary stay with a lobby bar, restaurants and a gym. The location on Peter Street is a good one for a first visit, because trams, Deansgate, the Bridgewater Hall and the Science and Industry Museum are all within a short walk, and many of the city’s major sights are reachable on foot.
Location and getting around
The hotel is on Peter Street, a few minutes from St Peter’s Square tram stop and Deansgate. The Science and Industry Museum and Castlefield are around a ten-minute walk, and the John Rylands Library is a similar distance. Manchester Central is next door, and the Bridgewater Hall is a short walk. Piccadilly station is around fifteen minutes on foot, or two stops by tram. Taxis queue nearby, and the airport is reachable by train from Piccadilly in around twenty-five minutes.
Rooms
Bedrooms are modern and well finished, with comfortable beds, good desks and large bathrooms, and higher categories add space, views or lounge access depending on the room type. Because the hotel was converted from a historic building, room layouts differ, so look at the room descriptions and photos before booking. Noise from the street is limited on upper floors, and requesting a quiet room is sensible if you are sensitive to sound.
Who it suits
Leisure travellers who like a mix of history and style, business visitors to the convention centre, couples on a city break, and music fans who want to stay in a building with a story. It is less suited to families on a tight budget, because rates can be high on busy event days.
Good to know
The hotel has no large car park of its own, so check parking options and costs ahead of arrival. Breakfast is often optional, so compare rates with and without it. Book early for exhibition weeks, major concerts and football weekends, when central hotels fill quickly. The restaurant and bar are popular with locals as well as guests, so reserve a table if you want dinner on a weekend evening.
Why stay here
- ✓Converted Free Trade Hall building
- ✓Lobby bar and restaurants
- ✓Fitness centre
- ✓Near St Peter’s Square tram stop
- ✓Walk to Science and Industry Museum
- ✓Business and meeting facilities
- ✓Radisson Collection brand
- ✓Walk to Deansgate and Castlefield
Good questions
What was the building before it became a hotel?+
It was the Free Trade Hall, a Victorian public hall built in the 1850s that became a famous concert venue, hosting Bob Dylan in 1966.
How far is the hotel from the Science and Industry Museum?+
It is roughly a ten-minute walk, via Deansgate and Castlefield.
Is The Edwardian good for a city break?+
Yes, it is central, close to trams and major sights, and has a bar and restaurants on site.