Weekend in Manchester - can you recommend a good place to stay?

[WordInYourShellLike]

It's for my birthday in November (short notice I know!). Will be me, DP and our 15yo DS. We'll probably have to share a room unless it's cheap enough to get an extra for DS. Not AirBnB due to them being bastards! Would like to be reasonably close to centre or within easy reach of a tram route. Would prefer not to stay at a Premier / Holiday Inn but I realise I might be being too fussy! Maybe somewhere a bit unusual with being really expensive? Would definitely consider traditional bed and breakfast / guest house but not a hostel. Any ideas wise folk of Mumsnet? 😊

Try the Abel Haywood Boutique Hotel

We stay at the Abode.

I stayed in the Staycity Aparthotel in the northern quarter, a small kitchenette and a table to eat / work at and great location for independent cafes and shops. There's a sofa bed in the room and I think they have rooms of different sizes. They've got one at St Peter's Square that looks funky but I decided location and parking were better in the northern quarter, lots of cafes nearby and not far from the centre.

Thanks so much for your suggestions, they all look lovely😍I think I had underestimated how much it was likely to cost and also how booked up they would be though! Anyone know of any cheaper guest houses or smaller places near the centre?

I recently stated at the YHA in Manchester with my 3 kids and it was great. 20/25 min walk into town, right on the canal, free parking (if you need it), clean, comfy and v welcoming. There are kitchen facilities so you can cook/self cater as well as a cafe. Our room had 2 bunk beds (including bedding) and an ensuit loo and shower but you'll need to bring your own towels (or you can hire them for a small charge if needed). Would definitely recommend. www.yha.org.uk/hostel/yha-manchester

Try mediacity or Salford quays - tram runs right through all those areas

I know it's not quite what you were after, but honestly Premier Inn is likely your best bet here. I worked in hospitality in Manchester City centre and you're choices at the weekend are basically super expensive, a bit weird, or Premier Inn! There are definitely some newer Premier Inns though so choose one of those!

I think you may be right - very little availability for the dates I'm looking at except at Premier Inn and similar. Some of those boutique hotels look absolutely amazing though - wish we could afford that! Thanks for your advice, really appreciate it.

Thanks doasIsaynotasIdo, looks like that's all booked up for the weekend I want. Will bear it in mind for the future though.

Try playing around with dates if you can be flexible. Prices go through the roof if Man Utd are at home or there’s a gig in at the arena. Jury’s inn do rooms with a double bed and proper single bed.

The Alan is a fab hotel ..central, interesting decor and amazing food but no idea on room rates

Ah yes I looked at The Alan and it did look fabulous but fully booked for our dates unfortunately!

I've ended up booking a travelodge, mainly for location! We'll be out and about nearly the whole time so in the end I decided it didn't really matter that much as long as it's clean and comfortable and reasonably priced. Thanks for all the suggestions everyone, that really did help!