The Midland, Manchester

You're surrounded by some of the city's most impressive buildings here, including Central Library, the Free Trade Hall, Manchester Art Gallery and the Town Hall.

Manchester's Northern Quarter, with its trendy bars and restaurants, is a 15-minute walk away.
By car: around 1 hour 20 mins from Leeds, 2 hours from Birmingham and 4 hours 30 mins from London. There is some free parking available on nearby streets.
By train: There are regular trains to Manchester Piccadilly from Birmingham New Street (1 hour 30 minutes) and London Euston (2 hours 10 minutes) as well as most other major cities. Manchester Piccadilly station is a five-minute taxi or 15-minute walk from the hotel. thetrainline.com

Leisure guests looking for a central location and plenty to do within their hotel itself will enjoy the spa and fine dining. We love that the corridors are designed to be wide enough to allow two ladies in gowns to walk down - and are marble lined to prevent elaborate dresses getting dirty.

The Midland's spa is one of the best in the city centre and attracts external visitors as well as hotel guests.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Spa
• Gym
• Swimming pool
• Wheelchair accessible
• Free Wi-Fi

The best rooms in the hotel are city view rooms at the front looking at Central Library - avoid those looking into the central atrium. Some of the bedrooms in this listed building have elaborate cornicing and huge windows looking out over Peter Street.

Standard Rooms, Superior Rooms, Suites
Facilities include: ensuite bathroom, TV, free Wi-Fi, complimentary mineral water, tea and coffee facilities

Adam Reid at the French is a stand-out option and it doesn't feel stuffy, with modern music like Pulp being played in the background. For special occasions, book in there for the six-course tasting menu with matched wine.

Adam Reid at the French: 4 AA Rosettes. Formal fine dining, modern British cuisine. Tue-Thur 6.30-8.30pm, Fri 5.30-9.30pm, Sat 12-1pm and 5.30-9.30pm.
Mount Street Dining Room & Bar: relaxed, modern British cuisine. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Mains from £13.50.
Tea Room at the Midland: full traditional tea service. From £28pp.