The Midland is the hotel that Manchester people point to when they want to show visitors what the city once aspired to be. It was built for the Midland Railway at the start of the twentieth century, and it opened in 1903 as one of the most luxurious hotels in the country. The building is a Grade II listed landmark in red brick and glazed terracotta, set on Peter Street beside the Central Library and opposite the Manchester Central convention centre. It has a place in engineering history too, because it was here in 1904 that Charles Rolls and Henry Royce met for the first time, an encounter that led to the famous car company. Today the hotel is a comfortable upscale city hotel in a landmark shell, with a lobby and public rooms that still have the sense of occasion of the railway age. Rooms are well appointed and quiet, with bedding and bathrooms that suit both leisure guests and business travellers. The hotel has several places to eat and drink and a gym, and its dining rooms and bar are popular with locals as well as guests. It sits at the very centre of the city, so almost everything is close.
Location and getting around
The hotel stands at the junction of Peter Street and Lower Mosley Street, immediately beside St Peter’s Square, where Metrolink trams stop for Piccadilly, Victoria, Salford Quays, Altrincham and Old Trafford. Deansgate and the John Rylands Library are about ten minutes on foot, Castlefield is around fifteen minutes, and Manchester Art Gallery is five minutes away. Manchester Piccadilly station is a fifteen-minute walk or a short tram ride, and Manchester Airport is about twenty-five minutes by train from Piccadilly. Taxis are easy to find in the square.
Rooms
Expect well-proportioned rooms with comfortable beds, good lighting and modern bathrooms. Higher-category rooms and suites offer more space and views over the city, and some of the higher floors are noticeably quieter. Because the hotel is a historic building, room shapes and sizes vary, so read the descriptions when you book and ask for a quiet room if you are a light sleeper.
Who it suits
Couples looking for a special city break, business guests visiting the convention centre, theatre-goers heading to the Bridgewater Hall or the Royal Exchange, and anyone who wants a classic, central base with good dining. It is less suited to travellers who need a very budget-friendly stay, since the grand setting is reflected in the price.
Good to know
The hotel has no large car park of its own, so drivers should check parking arrangements when they book or use a nearby public car park. Breakfast is typically offered as an extra or as part of selected rates. Check which facilities are open if you plan to use the gym or other services. On days when large events are held at Manchester Central, rooms book out early, so reserve ahead for exhibition weeks, concerts and football weekends.
Why stay here
- ✓Grade II listed railway hotel
- ✓Fitness facilities
- ✓Restaurants and bar
- ✓Next to St Peter’s Square tram stop
- ✓Opposite Central Library
- ✓Business and meeting facilities
- ✓On-site restaurants
- ✓Walk to Deansgate and Castlefield
Good questions
Where is The Midland Manchester?+
It stands on Peter Street beside St Peter’s Square, opposite Central Library and Manchester Central. The tram stop is outside, and Deansgate is about ten minutes on foot.
Why is The Midland famous?+
It opened in 1903 as a grand railway hotel, and it is where Charles Rolls and Henry Royce first met in 1904. It is a Grade II listed landmark.
Does The Midland have a gym?+
The hotel has fitness facilities, but opening hours and extras can change, so check what is available when you book.