The Lowry Hotel

Santiago Calatrava's Trinity Bridge offers an elegant introduction to this striking waterside hotel, which is situated just across the River Irwell in Salford. Built in 2001 and refurbished in 2015-16, it holds 165 rooms, all furnished to a five-star standard, as well as glamorous restaurants and bars, a spa, a gym and a hair salon. Every guest is guaranteed a parking space, but it's a short walk (under ten minutes) to Manchester city centre.