GUIDE TO HOSTELS IN MANCHESTER
MANCHESTER
There's nothing scenic about Manchester, with its robust solid buildings in the centre, grim suburbs, and lack of parks. That said, you can certainly find plenty to see, including several interesting (free!) museums. Soccer and cricket are strong here, and it is also a good place to hear a range of pop and modern music. The city centre has a young persons vibe.
The visitor information centre runs guided walks around the city centre on many days for £5 to 6, lasting up to 90 minutes. Manchester airport is much pleasanter than London Heathrow, so you might consider landing here if possible, and staying in Manchester for your first or last night (trains at all hours).
Hostels in Manchester
In the centre of Manchester are two good hostels, both run by the Hatters chain. These are reasonably priced and fun, good places to meet people, but being central they may be troubled by night noise. If you need a restful night, you'll be happy with the YHA, located in a quiet oasis in a former canal area which has been imaginatively renovated. It is expensive, but includes a full breakfast.
Address: 50 Newton Street
Tel: 0161-236-9500
Email: manchester + AT + hattersgroup.com
Facilities: 200 beds, small breakfast included, lg common room w pool, internet, limited kitchen (microwave, toast,coffee only), fridges, separate TV lounge, good info about activities.
UK Trail opinions: A comfortable straightforward hostel.
Reviewers' comments: Most reviewers find the hostel fun, friendly and reasonably priced, staff helpful. All praise the location for night activites and transport. Some advise not to stay if you want quiet, especially during party weekends. A few complained of machine noise at night, and lack of soundproofing between rooms..
Address: 15 Hilton St, Northern Quarter
Tel: 0161-236-4414
Email: hilton + AT + hattersgroup.com
Facilities: Good equipped kitchen, dining area, free toast & juice. TV lounge w easy chairs, books. Internet and WIFI (charge). Spacious dorms. Outdoor deck w seats until 23h..
UK Trail opinions: Operated by Hatters, similar to their other hostel 200m away but better standard.
Reviewers' comments: 'Very nice hostel.' 'Excellent hostel'. 'Excellent value for money, really convenient and safe location'. Several praised the kitchen. Some said the internet was very expensive. Some complained of noise outside hostel until the early hours..
Address: Potato Wharf, Castlefield
Tel: 0845-371-9647
Email: manchester + AT + yha.org.uk
Facilities: Full breakfast included, equipped but rather gloomy kitchen, good eating/chatting area with view, TV lounge, quiet room w books, games room, helpful staff.
UK Trail opinions: Feels like an informal hotel. Pleasant indoors and in neighbourhood, but not very good for meeting people. Far from the train station, but free buses to city centre.
Reviewers' comments: People generally like it, but no comments about sociability. One said noisy ventilation system at night, one said kitchen not well equipped..
