The moment we stepped foot inside the Dakota Hotel, we were impressed by the luxurious interiors—the dramatic lighting and wooden accents were striking, and everything felt so sophisticated.

We were just a bit disappointed about the lack of the usual amenities like an in-house gym and pool. But we were perfectly satisfied hanging out at The Terrace to relax with some drinks.

We love how all of Dakota’s rooms have the usual modern amenities. What elevated our stay, though, were the luxury toiletries, the rainfall shower, and the sumptuously soft cotton bedcovers!

We also got to experience their fantastic breakfast. They had smoked salmon which paired well with the scrambled eggs, and it’s worth mentioning that there’s even a vegetarian breakfast option.

Pricing might be Dakota’s biggest con. If you’ve already spent a good bit of money for concert tickets, you might not have £212 left for a standard double room.

From what we’ve experienced, we think it’s worth it! Plus, it’s only a 7-minute drive to Co-op Live via Bradford Rd.

If you’re going to Co-op Live to see a sporting event, we’re going to assume that you’re a beer person. If that’s the case, try BrewDog Doghouse! They don’t just have great beer, they’re also dog-friendly! 

The hotel’s rooms are also pretty cool! With an industrial design that combines brick walls with wooden accents and stylish black paint, the rooms give off “man cave” vibes.

Being a beer-themed hotel, it’s obvious that they’ve got a bar, but it’s also worth noting that they also serve delicious tacos that are absolutely worth your money.

But as cool as BrewDog Doghouse is, its theme and design might not be for everyone. So, if you’re planning to book some nights here, maybe ask your family first if it’s their type of vibe.

Accessibility-wise, BrewDog Doghouse is 2.8 miles away from Co-op Live. This is a 14-minute drive through Bradford Rd. 

From what we’ve seen, The Reach’s rooms give off a relaxing feeling that will surely comfort your tired self after a long day of roaming the city or rocking out at a concert. 

We also think it’s noteworthy that the  rooms have a focus on sustainability, being made from the finest natural materials like timber, cotton, and wool.

That said, we weren’t surprised that some people we surveyed found their rooms to be a little too simple. Even your entertainment options are simplified as their TV has poor signal and a very limited selection of channels.

On the bright side, the rooms have blazing-fast Wi-Fi, USB charging ports, and even a futuristic espresso coffee machine! 

Other notable amenities include a fully-equipped fitness center, a restaurant with a great atmosphere, and a bar that serves delightful, handcrafted cocktails.

Lastly, if you’re making the trip by train, the hotel is conveniently near Manchester Piccadilly Station station. You can even ride the tram from here to Co-op, which takes 7 stops but lasts for only 7 minutes. If you prefer driving to Co-op Live, it’ll only take 8 minutes via Bradford Rd.

When you look at it from the surface, the Holiday Inn might not seem as exciting as all the other hotels on this list. But it’s a classic for a reason! The location is convenient, the price is just right, and the service is as excellent as always.

The Holiday Inn is only an 11-minute drive to and from Co-op Live (via Bradford Rd). It’s also worth mentioning that the hotel is near the Northern Quarter, so it’s perfect for event goers who want to explore Manchester’s nightlife and other entertainment options.

But there’s more than meets the eye with the Holiday Inn. We were a bit iffy at first when we checked the rooms because the wallpapers and rugs looked especially old. 

However, we were won over when we saw their boatload of room choices, ranging from standard rooms to sofa bed suites and even bedroom suites with a canal view! We were also happy to find the hotel’s well-equipped fitness center – perfect if you’re a lifter! 

You’ve also got dining options, with food that’s to die for! Their lobby dining option is one of the most spacious (if not the most spacious) we’ve ever been to. They also have a bar and a cafe if you want to unwind with some drinks (whether it’s cocktails or coffee).

We must say that their breakfast is a bit lacking, as the options are limited and are in dire need of creativity. At least they have the staple full English breakfast.

With its upscale yet eco-friendly vibe, Leonardo Hotel Manchester Piccadilly is a popular choice for travellers. The best part is it’s pretty near Co-op Live, taking only 6 minutes to drive there (via Bradford Rd).

Well, if you’ve used up most of your budget for concert tickets, you might hesitate because an elevated-looking hotel will surely have elevated prices, right? Wrong! 

Leonardo Hotel offers rooms with prices starting around £93 per night, and you can even get them below £90 if you have a good eye for deals! This bags you clean and spacious modern rooms.

However, no hotel is perfect and Leonardo Hotel Manchester certainly isn’t. The service unfortunately takes a hit on this one.

Instead of a friendly, accommodating receptionist, we were greeted with long queues to their self check-in computers. Room lighting also wasn’t the best, which we found triggering for those with migraines. The beds could also be a little softer.

The hotel was also lacking in the breakfast buffet department, only giving you a handful of options. These are staples like eggs, sausages, and hash browns, but they don’t taste very good, with some items lacking seasoning, and some being over seasoned.