Hotel Review: Stock Exchange Hotel, Manchester

In the city centre, a couple of minutes' walk from the shops on both King Street and Market Street, but on a quieter backstreet, the hotel is ideally located for a city break. Victoria railway station is around ten minutes' walk away while Manchester Art Gallery is an easy amble away. Dine in Kala, a five-minute walk away, then see a show at the Royal Exchange Theatre. John Rylands Library is nearby too.

By car: The hotel is around 200 miles from London (4.5 hours), 35 miles from Liverpool (1.5 hours) and 70 miles from York (2.5 hours). There is private parking available.

By rail: London Euston to Manchester Piccadilly takes around 2 hours. The station is a 15-minute walk from the hotel. Book trains to Manchester.

Opulent original features - think black and white marble floors and stained glass - are complemented by a muted colour scheme and stylish touches such as sage green hooded chairs in the lounge. TVs on walls in the domed restaurant are intended to make it feel less formal - but don't fit with the overall ambience.

Staff are friendly and attentive without being overbearing. Check-in can be a leisurely affair over tea and cake in the residents' lounge or at the sparkling reception desk if you're in a hurry. There are no leisure facilities, but a personal trainer, local gym pass or in-room spa treatment can be arranged.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Residents' lounge
• Airport shuttle

• Family-friendly

• Porterage
• Concierge
• Chauffeur

• Dry Cleaning

• Air conditioning

The rooms are comfortable and elegant with an earthy colour scheme of browns, greys, greens and creams. Nespresso machines, yoga mats, working and seating areas, and robes make them places to relax and linger.

Room types: John Gass Collection, Arthur Hope Collection, Bradshaw Collection, Kent Collection, Norfolk Suite Collection, The Nineteen 0 Six Suite, The Boardroom Suite

Key amenities: en suite with walk-in shower, bathrobes, TVs with Sky Sports, hairdryers, Nespresso coffee machines

Small, sharing plates of reimagined British classics are served in the building's grand former trading hall. Watch chefs prepare your meal in the open kitchen at one end of the room and sip imaginative cocktails at the bar at the other. Rotisserie dishes are a speciality, and bold flavours feature throughout.

The Bull & Bear: Michelin-starred chef, refined British menu. Mains from £12.50-£17.50. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.