ABode, Manchester

In an ideal central location, you're close to the lively Northern Quarter and Canal Street. For Indian street food, head to Piccadilly Gardens, and then visit the famous Affleck's Palace shopping emporium.

Piccadilly Station is on your doorstep, and it's a 5-minute walk to the high-street shops on Market Street.

By car: over 2 hours from Nottingham and 4 hours 30 minutes from London. Paid parking available nearby.

By train: London Euston to Manchester Piccadilly takes around 2 hours, after which, it's a 5-minute walk to the hotel. Book trains to Manchester.

The red-brick entrance leads to a lobby with original features - including the tile-lined staircase. There are modern touches, like the monochrome and swish bar with its mirrored ceiling. The basement brasserie is intimate.

Staff are cheerful and chatty, keen to give recommendations on where to go and what to do locally (as well as where to avoid). Being a boutique hotel, there aren't too many facilities.

• Restaurant

• Bar

• Free Wi-Fi

Rooms come in all different shapes and sizes, owing to the age and layout of the original building. However, all rooms have original parquet flooring and good amenities. Sparkling tiled bathrooms feature walk-in showers.

Room types: Comfortable, Desirable, Enviable, Fabulous on Fifth

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with toiletries, tea and coffee-making facilities, TV, Marshall bluetooth speaker, free Wi-Fi

Dine in the basement brasserie with a selection of light bites and brunch dishes. The bar is popular with locals as well as hotel guests. The breakfast was a real treat, with some interesting items such as chocolate and coconut porridge.

Breakfast: continental and cooked-t0-order options, fruit juice and cafetière coffee. Served daily from 7am (8am at weekends).

Brasserie ABode: brunch, small plates and sharing boards, served daily until 2pm. Bar open from 5pm (weekdays) and 1pm (weekend).