The Midland

The grande dame of Manchester hotels, the Midland opened in 1903 and was thoroughly revamped a few years ago. The public spaces look a treat, and the rooms are luxurious but contemporary. Two well-regarded restaurants - afternoon tea here is something of a tradition - and a state-of-the-art spa opened in 2015 complete the picture. A carving in the entrance commemorates this as the place where Mr Rolls met Mr Royce.