Travel Story New wave stays in now-hip north

As its visitor numbers continue to rise, thanks to its sporting, shopping, music, business and cultural draws, Manchester has witnessed an influx of smart new accommodation in recent years — with more in the pipeline.

Some of the best options are tucked inside the converted mills and warehouses of a city once nicknamed “Cottonopolis” for its 19th-century textile industry.

Two new options in particular stand out, especially for those travelling with family or friends — or staying in the city for more than a few nights and who want to make themselves “at home”.

Native and Whitworth Locke are both apart-hotels, offering slices of Mancunian industrial heritage, the comfort and convenience of a hotel (complete with 24-hour staffed receptions, gyms and fitness classes), co-working spaces, and serviced apartment facilities that beat Airbnbs.

Imagine cosy lounges where you can “mirror” your devices to the smart TVs and sleek kitchens with kettles, hobs, oven-microwaves, pots and pans, dishwashers, washer-dryers (and in Native’s case a Nespresso machine).

Of course, while it’s nice to be able to rustle up something for yourself on demand, it’s good to have food and drink options nearby. And both apart-hotels tick boxes here, with enticing choices in-house and on the doorstep.

Read the full story, and more, at thewest.com.au

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Fact File

• Studio apartments at Whitworth Locke are priced from c.£66 ($120) per night: lockeliving.com/whitworth-locke
• Rates at Native are priced from £68: nativeplaces.com/property/native-manchester
• Expect to pay more at weekends when Manchester United are playing at home and during the week when major business events and conferences are on.
• For more information on visiting Manchester and Britain, see visitmanchester.com and visitbritain.com