Malmaison Manchester

Manchester has a long and storied history as an industrial center, and a brief turn in the Nineties as one of the UK's most troubled cities. Like many of England's factory towns, it has remade itself in the image of a modern metropolis. The Malmaison is, in a way, a perfect microcosm of Manchester itself — this sleek and fashionable hotel was constructed from the husk of the long-derelict Joshua Hoyle cotton warehouse, and still bears the original brickwork and terracotta on its Edwardian exterior.

This hotel is right in the heart of downtown, steps from Piccadilly Station and close by to Canal Street and Chinatown. This location is extremely convenient to business destinations as well as the best shopping in Manchester, and the hotel itself is the most likely place to spot a visiting pop star or pro athlete — even such erstwhile Mancunians as David and Victoria Beckham have been known to stop by on the way through town.

And why not? This is easily the city's most stylish lodging, with handsome modern rooms in black, white and crimson. Bathrooms are high-tech, as are the bedrooms, with enormous plush beds and all manner of gadgetry, including CD libraries and satellite TV. Downstairs is a French-style brasserie, decorated in Belle Epoque style, and the bar is a popular local rendezvous, complete with wireless internet access.