Family friendly hotel in Central Manchester?

[opioneers]

We're going up for a few days at half term not because it's a sentimental return on a significant birthday, oh no and need a hotel that's a treat for us but will work for DD, who's 9. Nice food is a bonus too.

Oh,and any recommendations for unexpected fun things to do there or great restaurants would be good too, it's a long time since I've been back.

All the big name hotels would be fine; Hilton, Radisson, Malmaison, Hilton Double Tree etc. Avoid Britannia hotels!

Re restaurants, what do you like? There's a thriving dirty food scene, in particular around the Northern Quarter, with many independents.

The Midland is fab I used to work for someone who loved it that much he took his daughter there for haircuts and beauty treatments. There are a good few independent small hotels if you look on trip advisor etc. I'm Manchester born and bred and since leaving for the rural life I miss it so much!!

Thanks - and Stevie, yes dirty food scene sounds right up our street - something quirky or interesting that we wouldn't necessarily scout out ourselves.

Well, I love Solita. Their burgers are amazing. Also Crazy Pedro's pizza and Splendid Kitchen. Home Sweet Home is a nice spot for lunch and the Nortgern Quarter restaurant is also good. I like San Carlo and Ciccheti for good Italian food (there's another at Harvey Nichs but have not been there). The Kitchens at Spinningfields for trying out small independents. If you're in Caslefield then Albert's Shed is nice.

The new Whitworth Art Gallery is great, there's a cool playground in the park. HOME (the new home of Cornerhouse and Library theatre, IIRC, is also worth a visit. I hear the cafe is nice. What are you planning to do?

*Northern Quarter restaurant

*Castlefield!

I give up!

Sorry, I thought I'd answered this and then obviously didn't press send. Yes, definitely going to Whitworth, and the Museum of People's History and other than need to find something else to stop me moping around in search of my lost teenager-dom! Although hear that Afflecks is still going...

One thing to amuse the 9 year old would be great - what's the most fun museum or gallery?

And thank you for the list of restaurants, will look at them all and then have to choose as we only have two days!

Afflecks is still going strong, the 9 yo should love it in there. If you go, have ice cream at the top at Ginger's. She makes really really good ice creams. My fave is Chorlton Crack: www.gingerscomfortemporium.com

The football museum is very interactive and you don't have to be into football to enjoy it. Mooching around town is also a perfectly acceptable way to pass time. If you've not been for a while you'll find Mcr has changed vastly.

Lots of good suggestions here already but also have a look at the Lowry and Crown Plaza hotels which are both close to lots of good restaurants.
Restaurants that we like that are very family friendly are Wahaca, Solita, Dough and San Carlos Cicchetti or for cheap lunches try Northern Soul Grilled Cheese or the food court in the Arndale has some nice stands.
MOSI is a good museum for kids.

There is a really good Horrible Histories 'Blitzed Brits' exhibition on at the Imperial War Museum North until April. We went last week and my 10 year old son and 7 year old daughter really enjoyed it.

You can get there by tram from the city centre www.iwm.org.uk/visits/iwm-north/directions

We went to Manchester for two nights in August last year, we stayed at the YHA avid it was great. Basic but really clean and comfortable.

Horrible Histories exhibition sounds perfect, thank you, as does Gingers! We will definitely be at both of those. I need a Gingers down here in the south I think.

I used the Ibis budget - nice walk in along canal. Biggest room I have ever had; really friendly staff. Amazing value for money but go elsewhere for breakfast.

Premier inn city centre (Victoria Bridge) give you a family room (double plus single) for the same price as a double. Parking included and the beds were sooooo cosy. We looked at the restaurant and decided against it but the staff were lovely.

www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/england/greater-manchester/salford/manchester-city-centre-arenaprintworks.html?INNID=MANBAR&ARRdd=17&ARRmm=01&ARRyyyy=2016&NIGHTS=1&ROOMS=1&ADULT1=1&CHILD1=0&COT1=0&INTTYP1=DB&SID=4&ISH=true&BRAND=PI

Crowne Plaza is lovely, and plus they have 2 large double beds in one room. Just ask for it when booking. I just booked a double room and was given that. Just round the corner from Arndale too.