Holiday Inn Express Manchester Review: City Center Stay

Planning a quick weekend getaway or business trip to Manchester in 2026 and need a clean, modern, and budget-friendly place to stay? If you want to be close to the bustling city center without breaking the bank, the Holiday Inn Express Manchester City Centre Arena is a fantastic choice.

As a popular 3-star hotel chain, there are actually several Holiday Inns scattered around Manchester. Make sure you double-check the exact name and address before booking so you don't end up at the wrong location!

The hotel's exterior is modern and sleek, featuring prominent Holiday Inn signage that makes it incredibly easy to spot, even from a distance.

Hotel Location

The location is absolutely ideal for exploring the city. Manchester’s massive Arndale Shopping Centre is just an 8-minute walk (about 0.4 miles) or a quick 3-minute taxi ride away. If you are arriving by train, the main transit hub, Manchester Piccadilly Station, is only a 10-minute walk (about 0.5 miles) from the lobby.

Room Rates & Booking

I booked a 2-night stay during the peak travel season in late November. Thanks to some great promotional discounts on Agoda, the total came out to around ~$250 for 2 nights. For a clean, centrally located hotel in Manchester, this is an absolute steal. You can find the latest rates and deals using the link above.

The Lobby & Ground Floor Bar

While the lobby isn't massive, it is exceptionally clean, bright, and welcoming. The reception staff were incredibly friendly, and the check-in process took less than 5 minutes.

The ground floor also serves as the breakfast dining area and features a stylish bar where you can grab a drink after a long day of sightseeing.

Bar Operating Hours:
• Sunday to Thursday: 11:00 AM - 1:00 AM
• Friday & Saturday: 11:00 AM - 2:00 AM

It's a great spot for a nightcap, though there are so many incredible pubs and restaurants nearby that you might find yourself exploring the local nightlife instead!

Please note that guest rooms do not come with a mini-fridge. However, there are drink and snack vending machines available in the lobby. I grabbed a Fanta, and it actually tasted surprisingly fresh and fizzy—much better than the overly sweet versions you find in other parts of the world!

The hotel has two fast elevators to take you up to your floor. I stayed up on the 4th floor during my visit.

Inside the Guest Room

The room is compact but highly functional. There is plenty of space to lay out two large suitcases on the floor and still walk around comfortably.

The queen-size bed was incredibly comfortable, and the room was equipped with everything you need: plenty of USB charging outlets, an electric kettle with tea and coffee, hangers, and a flat-screen TV.

While the window looks out onto neighboring buildings, the city lights at night actually provide a quite charming, urban view.

The bathroom was surprisingly spacious, featuring a clean, modern walk-in shower. If you need extra towels, you can easily request them at the lobby, or simply hang the "Please Clean My Room" sign on your door handle for daily housekeeping service.

The Highlight: Free Daily Breakfast

The absolute best perk of staying at this Holiday Inn Express is that breakfast is completely free for all guests! If you have traveled around London or Liverpool, you know that most hotels charge a hefty premium for breakfast, so having a full spread included in your room rate is an incredible value.

The buffet selection is incredibly generous. You'll find fresh pastries, scrambled eggs, sausages, crispy bacon, hash browns, cereals, fresh fruit, and yogurts. There are also beverage dispensers offering unlimited orange juice, apple juice, and freshly brewed coffee.

The food was delicious and served hot. It's the perfect, hearty English breakfast to fuel your day of exploring Manchester.

Finding a high-quality, reliable, and centrally located hotel in Manchester that offers free breakfast is no easy task. For its price, comfort, and amazing breakfast spread, this 3-star gem is highly recommended!