Whitworth Locke, Manchester

It's a couple of minutes' walk from the Palace Theatre and Oxford Road. We recommend cocktails in The Refuge's grand Winter Garden area before watching a film in the independent arts centre, HOME.

Located on Princess Street in the city centre, you're within walking distance of both Oxford Road station and Manchester Piccadilly.

By car: around 2 hours from Nottingham and over 4 hours from London. Free and paid parking available nearby.

By train: London Euston to Manchester Piccadilly takes around 2 hours, after which, it's a 10-minute walk to the hotel. Book trains to Manchester.

Formerly a cotton mill, you'll notice original exposed brick walls and pillars. However, the hotel has modern touches courtesy of designers and architects, Grzywinski+Pons. Public areas are stylish, including the glass-roofed atrium bar with its hanging plants, a monochrome coffee shop and a co-working space that gives off tropical vibes.

"House hosts" replace receptionists here, and staff are friendly, chatty and keen to recommend drinks. The gym is in the cellar and it's a stylish space, where you'll find regular yoga and fitness classes for guests and locals alike.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Gym
• Free Wi-Fi

Accommodation is split across three former export mills and due to the nature of the buildings, will vary in both size and shape. All rooms have pink walls with brass accessories, and deep blue bathrooms.

Room types: City Studio, Underground Studio, Locke Studio, One-Bedroom Suite, Two-Bedroom Suite, Whitworth Suite

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom, kitchenette with Smeg appliances, TV, free Wi-Fi

The Cotton Factory is a pop-up space for restaurants; when we visited it was the turn of Peruvian Peru Perdu which served steaks, fish and meat dishes plus an interesting vegetarian selection. FDN Whitworth serves breakfast, brunch and lunch, with set breakfast menus available for guests. Try the 'rawnola' or 'eggs your way'.

The Foundation Coffee House: coffee and healthy brunch. Open daily 8am-4pm.

Peru Perdu: relaxed, Peruvian inspired cuisine. Open daily. Large plates from £10.