Salford’s hotel scene clusters around the regenerated waterfront at Salford Quays and the media hub of MediaCityUK, offering options that range from a single five-star property to reliable budget chains. This guide compares the top hotels in the area, weighing location, price, and guest feedback to help you choose where to stay. Our research draws on verified data from official property websites, Booking.com, Tripadvisor, and Expedia, current through October 2025.

Last checked: 2026-07-15

Total hotels in Salford (featured on Booking.com): 12+ · Top-rated hotel by star rating: The Lowry Hotel (5-star) · Most famous hotel for celebrity stays: The Lowry Hotel (Jose Mourinho, Ryan Giggs, others) · Key area for hotel concentration: Salford Quays / MediaCityUK

How we researched this

Last checked: 2026-07-15.

Sources reviewed: official property website (Premier Inn, IHG, Marriott), Booking.com listing, Tripadvisor reviews, Expedia traveller ratings, Kayak price aggregator, local government crime statistics (Homenicom), property investment site (Opulent Invest).

We did not make an on-site visit, conduct staff interviews, or independently verify prices at the time of publication.

Salford hotel scene at a glance

1 5-star hotel in Salford
  • Only one 5-star property: The Lowry Hotel, part of Millennium Hotels and Resorts (Booking.com)
2 Celebrity-linked hotels
  • Hotel Football co-owned by Ryan Giggs; The Lowry Hotel frequented by Jose Mourinho (Expedia)
3 Waterfront hotel options
  • Copthorne Hotel, Premier Inn Media City, AC Hotel Salford Quays — all on or near the waterfront (Expedia)
4 Transport link
  • Manchester Piccadilly station is roughly 3 miles from Salford Quays (Tripadvisor)
FactValue
Total hotels in Salford (featured on Booking.com)12+
Top-rated hotel by star ratingThe Lowry Hotel (5-star)
Most famous hotel for celebrity staysThe Lowry Hotel (Jose Mourinho, Ryan Giggs, others)
Key area for hotel concentrationSalford Quays / MediaCityUK

Is Salford a nice place to stay?

Salford has reinvented itself around the water. The Salford Quays development, anchored by MediaCityUK, draws visitors for BBC and ITV studio tours, the Lowry theatre, and the Coronation Street Experience. Guest reviews on Tripadvisor describe the area as “massively regenerated” with waterside walks and plenty of eating optionsTripadvisor user review, Dec 2025. The neighbourhood itself earns a 4.5 out of 5 from over 170 reviews on the same platform.

Editor’s note: Crime statistics for Salford (to September 2025) are available from Homenicom. While the Quays area is generally considered safe and well-lit, visitors should exercise normal caution in any city environment.

What is Salford most famous for?

MediaCityUK, opened in 2011, houses the BBC and ITV in a purpose-built digital campus. It also hosts the Coronation Street Experience, a popular draw for families. One guest staying at Media City Apartments in 2025 said the visit was the main reason for their trip and called the experience “fantastic”Tripadvisor review. The Lowry theatre and gallery, named after artist L.S. Lowry, sits at the heart of the Quays.

Football connections run deep. Hotel Football, near Old Trafford, is co-owned by Ryan Giggs (more on that below). The Lowry Hotel has hosted managers such as Jose Mourinho during his Manchester United tenure.

Who owns the Lowry Hotel Salford?

The Lowry Hotel is part of Millennium Hotels and Resorts, operating under the Leng’s Collection label. It is the only five-star property in Salford, with an on-site spa, river-view rooms, and a reputation for hosting high-profile guests. The hotel sits on a stretch of the River Irwell, steps from the Lowry theatre.

“The Lowry Hotel is part of Millennium Hotels and Resorts (Leng’s Collection)” — Opulent Invest property site

Jose Mourinho stayed at the Lowry during his time as Manchester United manager; Ryan Giggs has also been spotted there. The property’s celebrity association likely boosts its name recognition among international visitorsExpedia.

What hotel does Ryan Giggs own?

Ryan Giggs is a co-owner of Hotel Football, a Tribute Portfolio hotel situated near Old Trafford, about 0.6 miles from MediaCityUK Tram Stop. Expedia rates it 9.4 out of 10 (Exceptional) based on guest reviewsExpedia. The hotel is football-themed, with rooms featuring pitch-view windows and memorabilia. It offers a restaurant, bar, and event spaces, though it is not in Salford Quays itself — it sits across the Manchester Ship Canal in Trafford.

Top hotels in Salford compared

Hotel Name Star Rating Location/Area Price Range Notable Features Best For
The Lowry Hotel 5 River Irwell, near The Lowry theatre Luxury Spa, river views, celebrity association Special occasions, business travellers wanting premium
Copthorne Hotel Manchester Salford Quays 4 Salford Quays waterfront Mid-range Free parking, on-site restaurant Drivers, families
AC Hotel by Marriott Manchester Salford Quays 4 Salford Quays, 0.6–1.3 mi from MediaCityUK Mid-range Design-led, Expedia rating 8.8/10 Business travellers, style-conscious guests
Premier Inn Manchester Salford Media City 3 0.2–0.3 km from MediaCityUK Station Budget Quiet rooms, discounted parking, 4.5/5 Tripadvisor Budget-conscious, families, short stays
Novotel Manchester West 4 Worsley, about 4 mi from Quays Mid-range Family rooms, pool Families with car
Delta Hotels by Marriott Worsley Park 4 Worsley, country park setting Mid-range Golf course, spa Leisure travellers, golfers

Best hotel for each traveller type

  • Couples: The Lowry Hotel — river views, spa, and romantic setting.
  • Business travellers: Holiday Inn Manchester – MediaCityUK (Booking.com 8.5/10, location directly in MediaCity) or AC Hotel by Marriott.
  • Families: Premier Inn Manchester Salford Media City (quiet, central, parking discount) or Novotel Manchester West (pool, family rooms).
  • Budget-conscious travellers: Premier Inn or ibis budget Salford Quays (Expedia 7.6/10).

Price ranges: what to expect

Based on data from Expedia, Booking.com, and Kayak, Salford Quays hotels break into three bands:

  • Budget (£60–£90/night): Premier Inn, ibis budget, Travelodge Salford Quays.
  • Mid-range (£90–£150/night): Copthorne, AC Hotel, Holiday Inn Express, Holiday Inn MediaCityUK.
  • Luxury (£180+/night): The Lowry Hotel.

Prices vary by season; booking directly or via aggregators may yield lower rates.

Location: where the hotels sit

Salford Quays and MediaCityUK are roughly 3 miles west of Manchester city centre. Manchester Piccadilly station is the main rail gateway, with Metrolink trams connecting to MediaCityUK (about 20 minutes). Many hotels offer parking, but spaces can be limited. Copthorne provides free parking; Premier Inn offers discounted on-site parking. Self-catering apartments like Media City Salford Quays often charge extra for parkingTripadvisor review.