The Lowry Hotel is a luxury hotel located along the banks of the River Irwell in Manchester. Known for its contemporary architecture, it features stylish rooms equipped with modern amenities and stunning views of the cityscape. The hotel is a perfect blend of comfort and elegance, offering both leisure and business travelers a delightful stay. Guests can enjoy facilities such as a spa, fitness center, and an upscale restaurant serving a variety of culinary delights. The Lowry Hotel is also conveniently situated close to numerous attractions, shopping areas, and cultural sites, making it an ideal base to explore Manchester.
What each source says
- Tripadvisor 4.5 4,450
- Google 4.5 2,518
- Priceline 4.5 2,069
- Expedia 4.6 1,027
- Michelin 4.8 22
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-26.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Convenient Secure Parking Having secure, onsite parking at the hotel is a major advantage for guests driving into the city. It provides peace of mind and easy access to the hotel entrance.
- Exceptional Staff Guests frequently praise the team for going above and beyond. From the concierge desk to restaurant staff, service is consistently highlighted as warm, professional, and genuinely attentive throughout the hotel.
- High-Quality Dining The afternoon tea and on-site restaurant are highly regarded by guests. The food quality is consistently praised, with particular commendations for the breakfast selection and the variety of fresh options available.
- Prime Central Location Situated in a quiet spot by the river, the hotel offers easy walking access to Manchester's city centre, shopping districts, and major venues, making it an ideal base for visitors.
- Spacious and Clean Rooms The guest rooms are consistently described as generously sized, modern, and immaculate. Many reviewers specifically note the ultra-comfortable, oversized beds and the high quality of the linens provided.
Criticised
- Expensive Parking Fees While onsite parking is convenient, many guests find the daily charges to be excessive and unbundled, which can add significant unexpected costs to the total price of the stay.
- Inconsistent Air Conditioning Several guests have noted issues with the temperature control in their rooms. The air conditioning is often described as either loud, ineffective, or unable to cool the room to a comfortable level.
- Lack of Basic Amenities Some guests express frustration over missing standard touches, such as complimentary biscuits, adequate in-room toiletries, or the ability to use the mini-fridge for personal items due to restrictive sensors.
- Perceived Value and Standards Some reviewers feel the hotel falls short of a true 5-star experience, citing signs of wear and tear, limited service hours, and high prices for additional services that don't always match expectations.
- Weak Shower Pressure A frequent complaint across multiple reviews is the poor water pressure in the showers. Guests often report it is more of a drizzle than the powerful flow expected at this level.
The longer read
The Lowry Hotel is a premier choice for travelers visiting Manchester, largely due to its exceptional spaciousness and prime riverside location. Guests consistently praise the generously sized, modern rooms and the high-quality beds, which are frequently cited as the most comfortable in the city. The central positioning allows for easy, safe walking access to the city’s major attractions, theaters, and shopping districts, making it an ideal base for city-center exploration. While many guests are impressed by the modern decor and cleanliness, several long-term patrons have suggested that the property is beginning to show signs of age, with some furniture and fixtures appearing worn. The level of service is a defining aspect of the guest experience, with numerous reviewers highlighting the professionalism and warmth of the concierge and restaurant staff. These interactions are often described as five-star, with staff frequently going the extra mile to accommodate specific needs or celebrate special occasions. However, service can be inconsistent; some guests report that bar service is occasionally sluggish, and interactions at check-in can feel clinical or impersonal rather than welcoming. A significant point of confusion for some travelers is the spa; it is a dry spa without a pool, sauna, or jacuzzi, a detail that many guests feel should be more prominently disclosed on the website, as it contrasts with the expectations typically set by a hotel of this caliber. Dining at the Lowry offers a varied experience. The afternoon tea is a major highlight, earning widespread praise for its food quality, presentation, and the attentiveness of the waitstaff, particularly in the river-facing restaurant. Conversely, the breakfast experience receives mixed feedback; while many appreciate the wide variety, others find it expensive for the quality provided, noting instances of cold food or slow service during peak times. A recurring minor frustration for guests involves the minibar and room amenities. The minibar relies on weight-sensitive sensors that prohibit guests from storing their own items, and the lack of basic touches—such as coffee machines in all rooms, complimentary biscuits, or adequate water pressure in the showers—frequently disappoints travelers who expect these as standard in a high-end property. Furthermore, issues with room climate control, specifically noisy air conditioning, have occasionally hindered sleep for some. Despite these specific complaints, the combination of location, room size, and overall comfort ensures that for many, the hotel remains a top-tier choice in Manchester.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- 01618274000
- Website
- thelowryhotel.com
- Check in
- 14:00 · out 11:00
| Mon | 24 Hours |
|---|---|
| Tue | 24 Hours |
| Wed | 24 Hours |
| Thu | 24 Hours |
| Fri | 24 Hours |
| Sat | 24 Hours |
| Sun | 24 Hours |
Facilities
- 24 Hours
- Accepts Credit Cards
- Accessible
- Air Conditioning
- Airport Transportation
- Allergy Free Room
- Baggage Storage
- Banquet Room
- Bar
- Bathrobes
- Bicycle
- Blackout Curtains
- Bridal Suite
- Butler Service
- Complimentary Instant Coffee
- Complimentary Tea
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.5 against a median of 4.3 across the 6 venues we hold for Northern Quarter, where the most-reviewed is Park Inn by Radisson Manchester City Centre.
Booking
Still deciding?
- What types of rooms and suites are available and what city or river views do they provide?
- What treatments and facilities does the RE:TREAT spa offer for relaxation and fitness during a stay?
- What dining experiences are available at the River Restaurant and Lowry Lounge & Bar, and are there vegetarian or gluten‑free choices?
- How close is the hotel to Manchester’s main attractions and public transport hubs, and is parking available?
- Does The Lowry Hotel provide any special packages, business concierge services, or host events for leisure guests?
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.