Stock Exchange Hotel, Manchester

In the trendy Northern Quarter, this aparthotel is only a ten-minute walk from Ancoats with its hip bars and restaurants. The Northern Quarter has intriguing street art and is well worth exploring.

An extremely central location with good transport links nearby including Piccadilly station, and Piccadilly Gardens' bus and tram network.

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

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

As a former warehouse, expect features from the building's past including steel columns and exposed brickwork. There's a relaxed feel, particularly in the open-plan Cultureplex space, which has a choice of seating options.

Staff are enthusiastic, friendly and keen to offer recommendations on things to do nearby. The hotel's boutique gym offers a choice of classes, and there's even a small cinema with daily viewings.

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Cinema
• Deli
• Lounge
• Gym

• Free Wi-Fi

• On-site parking

All apartments have kitchenettes, seating areas and dining tables. There's a trendy feel, while exposed brick and parquet flooring hark back to the building's former glory. Stylish Conran furniture provides a pop of colour.

Room types: Studio, Premium Studio, One Bed, Premium One Bed, Loft One Bed, Two Bed, Premium Two Bed, Loft Two Bed, Penthouse Two Bed

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with toiletries, hairdryer, kitchenette, TV, free Wi-Fi

Apartments obviously allow guests to be self-catering, but there are a choice of on-site dining options. Enjoy brunch and quirky bistro classics at Bistrotheque, or head to Klatch for a relaxed menu and coffee shop. The ricotta hotcakes with whipped ricotta and berries were light and smothered in tart berries.

The Lounge: relaxed all-day dining, light bites and cocktails.

The Restaurant: modern Brasserie, dishes include turkey schnitzel, butchers cut of the day and DSW burger. Open Tue-Sun (hours vary).

Counter: all-day deli and coffee shop.