DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Piccadilly

Across the road from Manchester Piccadilly station (and connected to it by a walkway) the Doubletree is a super-comfortable, modern hotel. Decor is international-chain-hotel-bland, but the floor to ceiling windows mean the bedrooms are full of light, and the views from the upper floors are spectacular. There's an in-house bar and a restaurant, plus a fitness centre, and both the Northern Quarter and Canal Street are an easy walk away.