Manchester - where to base ourselves for a short trip?

[wiltonism]

We're going to Manchester for a few days in half term, in theory.

DD is now 14 so sharing a hotel room isn't so great but both hotels and airbnbs in the centre are pricey. Any advice on where we should stay much appreciated.

There are Premier Inns in Salford. You can get a tram directly into Manchester nearby.

all.accor.com/hotel/3143/index.en.shtml

We stayed at the Ibis Princess St a couple of years ago. Basic but for a city break where all you'll do is sleep there I would recommend

@iklboo

There are Premier Inns in Salford. You can get a tram directly into Manchester nearby.

Absolutely this. Incredibly easy to get in and out on the tram.

We used a premier inn in the centre - there was a choice of two and I'm sure they were only £50 a night.

Don’t forget, if you need to get trams add that to the cost of a cheaper hotel out of the centre.

We stayed at the Premier Inn by the Arena which is ridiculously handy for the city centre. It's a pretty ugly building and the exterior is a bit shabby and tired, but it is clean and cheap and a very practical choice. Right by the Cathedral and the corn exchange etc. This August a family room was £31 on a week night - incredible! Staff were nice too.

As mentioned the Premier Inns in Salford. The Media City one is more new and nicer, Salford Quays one is a bit older.
Media City itself is quite nice to hang around and quite buzzy in the evening on a weekend.

I will take that as a collective vote for the Premier Inns! Brilliant, thank you.

Tram costs aren't massively expensive and the ticket lasts all day (I think). And agree Media City, Lowry etc is buzzy, lots of places to eat etc.

The price of hotels in Manchester varies significantly depending on things like football matches and concerts at the arena. It might be worth playing around with dates if you can be flexible. Salford Quays / media city area is fine though if you can get something there (although it would also be affected by football match premium prices).

You can walk into the city centre and unis from the Deansgate Premier Inn.

Another vote for Premier inn
And take note of the good advice re pricing when events are on.
Have you considered Liverpool?www.donthibernate.co.uk/liverpool/
Its a nice compact city with loads going on, Beaches, shopping water sport activities?