The best cheap hotels in Manchester

The Abel is a gastropub and hotel that contains a series of small but well-appointed rooms, each with free Wi-Fi. Breakfast is served until the very comfortable time of noon – and although you have to pay extra, it’s more than worth it: You’ll get a full Manchester fry-up featuring Bury black pudding. Located right in the middle of the Northern Quarter, the Abel Heywood is an easy walk to most of central Manchester, where you’ll find music venues such as the Manchester Arena. Lots to go and do, then. However, if you don't fancy all that walking around just hole up at the hotel! There's a bar and all sorts, lovely. 

We know it says Marriott, but don't worry – you certainly get bang for your buck at this Marriott-owned hotel in Salford. All rooms are a good size, and come with free Wi-Fi and breakfast. Plus, there’s a fitness centre, a restaurant, and a bar, as well as parking options if you’re bringing your car to Manchester (it's a very reasonable eight quid a night). The area itself underwent a spell of regeneration a couple of decades ago, and is now a thriving hub that contains Old Trafford, The Lowry Gallery, the Imperial War Museum North and MediaCity. So there's plenty on your doorstep, but you'll also be able to get to the city center in an absolute flash, it's just a couple miles away. The continental breakfast is available daily and will fill you up with ease.  

Hatters hostel is another in the Northern Quarter, and not far from a wealth of independent cafés, bars and shops. Breakfast comes included in the (very competitive) price, and wi-fi is free. The dorms are ordered, tidy, and some are women-only. Plus, if you can’t face the idea of bunking with others, there are single and double rooms. Communal areas include a basement bar and a self-catering kitchen (always handy if you’re working to a shoestring budget), and amenities range from a television to a pool table. You'll find the location is as convenient as the hostel is cosy. You're a mere five-minute walk from the city centre, and you're a stone's throw from great restaurants, Gay Village and much, much, more.

The ibis Budget offers you all the luxury (and privacy) of a hotel with the cheap and cheerful hostel prices at Salford Quays. The decor is bright, airy with splashes of colour in both rooms, and there's plenty of shared spaces. The rooms themselves (of which there are 210, so they should have space at short notice) have shower pods, flat-screen TVs and a desk, plus complimentary Wi-Fi. There’s a continental buffet-style breakfast, while the middle of town is a short trip on the tram away. Some rooms sleep three, too, so you can save even more there. If you're here on business (or just fancy looking sharp) you can ask reception for hairdryers and irons (plus boards) from recpetion. So take that trouser press out of your suitcase! 

This outpost of the Malmaison chain was one of the original boutique-style establishments to appear in Manchester. It’s located in a pretty Edwardian building that was once a warehouse, and even though the 180-odd rooms stops it from being a genuine boutique setup, it still has an artsy, alternative vibe. Splashes of colour bring the decor to life; there’s a bar, brasserie and spa to make use of. Also, keep an eye out for their weekend deals – it turns this place into a great budget option. You're also right in the heart of Piccadilly. Actual Piccadilly Gardens is 150 yards away, can't get much closer than that can you. If you want to venture outside of the centre, Old Trafford is also just ten minutes by car, so you have everything you need right here. 

This is a lower-end hotel chain that still aims towards something classy. It has moody decor, a nice-looking bar/lounge and a handy location near Piccadilly train station and Canal Street, the main nerve of nightlife in Manchester. All rooms have free wi-fi, flatscreen TVs and stylish bathrooms with rain showers and organic toiletries. Family rooms each have a sofa-bed, while breakfast is a plentiful continental-style spread. As well as being nice and close to Piccadilly, you'll find Old Trafford is just a small drive away (or a decent walk, up to you) so it's a great space to call home if you're off to some of manchester's stadiums. 

A fantastic-value hotel in the Chinatown district of Manchester that’s part of an international chain. It has a clean, slightly corporate aesthetic, but remains a good spot for kids and pets – dogs are permitted at just an extra £15 a night, while families of two adults and two children can sleep here for under £100. You’ll find free wi-fi, a restaurant, bar and a fitness centre here. You're also super close to Manchester Central, meaning nightlife and all the attractions you need are just a small walk away. There's 24-hour front desk here, so don't worry about heading back to the hotel in a hurry. 

The Place offers well-appointed, modern flats, backed by a range of hotel amenities (including an on-site fitness centre and a restaurant/bar). Each apartment has free wifi, a flat-screen TV, and kitchens with a dishwasher and a washing machine. There are one-bedroom, two-bedroom and family-sized options. The building was a Victorian cotton warehouse and is just yards from Manchester Piccadilly station, meaning you can get into and out of the city in a flash. You're also going to fine the hip hang-out spot Ducie Street Warehouse on the bottom ground of this building. Everything is truly on the doorstep. 

Do you see what they did with the name? A hybrid ‘aparthotel’, Roomzzz offers serviced rooms and suites that come with kitchenettes: perfect if you want a little love from cleaners, but with space to cook. The decor is restrained and contemporary, and in the ktichen space you get a microwave and dishwasher. There are communal washer-driers to make use of too. The larger suites are split-level, and really do feel like apartments. Continental breakfast comes included, as does wi-fi, and extra add-ons include parkings and usage of local gyms. This place that you'll call temporary home is a ten minute walk from much of Manchester's attractions and nightlife. There's 24-hour recpetion too, so don't worry about having a 'mad one'. 

The YHA is a canalside, purpose-built hostel in the Castlefield area. It’s not too far outside the city centre – you can be there within 10 minutes by foot, or even less by bus. Dorm beds here start at just £12, family rooms from £35 and private rooms from £40. There are ensuite rooms available, too. This place has a bright, colourful interior, and there’s a games room and a quiet space for you to enjoy, along with free wi-fi. Look out for laundry facilities, luggage and cycle storage, and a bar and restaurant alongside the self-catering space you’d probably expect. Deansgate is just ten minutes away, and the Coronation Street plus a whole host of restaurants are a small walk away. So there's a bunch righ on the doorstep, perfect!