The Rex

Formerly known as Hotel Gotham, now rebranded as The Rex, this five-star boutique hotel on King Street has always had an aura of glamour and intrigue to it.

Partly that’s down to its architecture. Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and completed in 1935, it was originally home to the Midland Bank so was created with offices and boardrooms in mind rather than bedrooms and restaurants. The lobby is tiny – it’s just a desk, a curtain, a lift and a concierge. And spaces that are usually public-facing in a hotel are hidden away at the top of the building here, rather than on street level.

It gives it an element of secrecy and exclusivity that they play on with features such as a private dining room in a vault, and a windowless suite that’s popular with visiting celebrities. They even discovered a secret staircase a few years ago.

Despite its imposing Art Deco architecture, The Rex is relatively small at just 60 bedrooms, each one unique. Features such as a free-standing copper bath in the Bank Manager’s Suite, luxuriously-stocked mini bars, and Egyptian cotton bedding add to the sense of opulence.

The rooftop bar, Reserve, was until recently only accessible by guests and private members. It’s now open to everyone – meaning you can stop by for a coffee or a cocktail in one of the most distinctive spaces in Manchester city centre. With three outer terraces and a moody, very glamorous interior, it’s a fantastic addition to the city’s bar scene.

The hotel’s restaurant, Reign, is on the 5th floor and, like the bar, offers skyline views. It’s been awarded two AA Rosettes for its small plates and tasting menu, and has won an Award of Excellence for its afternoon tea.