It’s the Manchester hotel that all the celebrities are flocking to at the moment. Nicki Minaj, David Beckham, Liam Gallagher and Olly Murs have all stayed at the luxury Stock Exchange Hotel in recent weeks.
she even famously booked an entire hotel for a week with her entourage when she chose the city to rehearse for the start of her world tour in October.
Fashion house Chanel also booked an entire hotel for their superstar guests when they headed to Manchester for their Metier D’Arts fashion show in November. Bosses booked rooms at the hotel for their VIP guests for the show – such as film stars Hugh Grant, Tilda Swinton and Kristen Stewart.
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So why is the listed hotel such an A-list hit? Well, naturally, it boasts all the mod-cons you’d expect from a five-star luxury hotel in central Manchester.
But perhaps more importantly for the superstar clientele, the hotel can also offer an extra level of discretion and privacy, such is its boutique style and design. With 40 bedrooms inside, it’s also the perfect size to buy for a superstar and their entourage.
The hotel has gained an army of fans since opening – and has a 5-star rating on TripAdvisor, making it the fourth best hotel in Manchester in the current rankings.
It also has a famous owner in the form of Manchester United legend Gary Neville, who knows all too well the level of VIP service they expect from a place like this.
Fortunately for us mere mortals, Gary also made a very loud statement that EVERY guest is treated like a VIP while at the Exchange.
So what better time to test it all out and check into this coveted hotel for yourself? Here’s how I got there – and I even saw a familiar face at breakfast while I was there.
A warm welcome
It’s just after 3pm when I arrive at the Stock Exchange Hotel after negotiating the hustle and bustle of Market Street. It is located on the neighboring Norfolk Street, which, in contrast, is completely quiet despite its central location.
Formerly Manchester’s Stock Exchange, the stunning Edwardian Baroque building dates back to 1904. It was converted into a five-star hotel in 2019 following a multi-million pound transformation carried out by Neville along with fellow United veteran Ryan Giggs.
As I walk through the sliding doors, where you get your first glimpse of the stunning interiors, I am greeted by an elegantly dressed young man. After checking my reservation, he takes my bags and ushers me into the luxury lounge at the front of the building for a welcome drink.
Being offered a glass of cold champagne was the warmest welcome I could have asked for. For now, VIP – and that is the standard for all guests arriving at the hotel.
Bedroom
Once I was done fizzing I was taken to my bedroom on the second floor. The hotel has 40 bedrooms – priced from £185 to £1,750 a night for a huge and luxurious suite called The House.
However, this particular suite is in such high demand that you will never see it available for booking. If you want to stay in it, you have to ask about it directly at the hotel. The suite has been home to Nicki Minaj, Madonna and Ed Sheeran in recent months and boasts an outdoor terrace with stunning views of the city’s rooftops.
Minaj famously posted photos from the balcony as she stayed the night of her ill-fated Manchester concert, which had to be canceled at the last minute after being delayed in Amsterdam. Posting on X in the early hours, she encouraged her “Barbz” fans to head to the hotel to meet her.
My room for the night is a deluxe king room which is absolutely huge. It has a king size bed with a TV at the foot of the cabinet that can be moved in or out to suit your mood.
Left here alone for the night, I took as much freedom as I could and spread out on the bed to enjoy some TV before I got ready to go out.
There are plush green velvet armchairs and a leather chaise longue, as well as a work desk and cabinet with a luxury coffee maker above. There is also a wooden bowl filled with goodies such as luxury crisps and chocolate which can be purchased as extras during your stay.
I also loved the huge bathroom which had both a folding bath and a large shower with one of those giant shower heads that wash your hair in no time. The size of the room made me understand exactly why superstars like Madonna booked the entire hotel – to ensure a luxurious stay for all their cast and crew.
As part of my stay here I later met up with friends to go to the recent Take That concert at Co-op Live. The hotel just launched their new ‘Stay with the Music’ packages which include concert tickets and transport to and from the arena which was incredible.
This was definitely a VIP way to perform, with prices for this package starting at £300, including concert tickets. This package can be booked directly at the hotel and has limited availability depending on which concert you are interested in.
Breakfast – and a famous guest
After a great night’s sleep in that giant bed, it was time to go and experience the hotel breakfast. And it was an epic feast too.
I opted for a full breakfast, naturally, and I especially liked that it came with two giant potato pancakes, as well as sourdough toast, which was ready buttered.
There’s a full breakfast menu divided into “Keeping it Light” like a granola cup or sunrise salad, and then “Hearty Start” where you’ll find cooked options like all American pancakes, omelets, or “Oeufs on Poofs.” ” – an array of Eggs Benedict-style options.
You can also opt for a barm or bagel or smashed avocado with your choice of eggs.
Breakfast was also when I first saw the superstar of my trip. Just as I finished my coffee, I nearly spilled it all when I saw the pop star’s tanned legs heading for her brekkie.
It was none other than Olly Murs – staying fresh from supporting Take That. He previously posted on his Instagram story how he accidentally dropped his bright blue swimsuit from the balcony onto the roof while staying in one of the terrace suites at this hotel!
New restaurant
The restaurant area inside the hotel is an area familiar to many Manciers. I remember when it was the Stock Italian restaurant 20 years ago and being dazzled by the stunning glass dome roof inside.
With its magnificent arched windows, it really is one of the best dining rooms in Manchester. And now a new two-Michelin-star executive chef, Niall Keating, has taken over at the Tender’s helm.
The name is a nod both to the tender loving care that will be put into the menus here, and also to the pun on money – given the history of the stock exchange.
The restaurant opened to the public earlier this month and is already proving popular. Sunday lunchtime is one of the busiest days and Liam Gallagher was even spotted here last Sunday before heading out to perform in front of 23,000 fans at the Co-op Live Arena on Sunday night.
Basement bar
The last part of the hotel that is definitely worth exploring is the basement – home to the award-winning Sterling Bar. This is open to the general public for reservations as well as hotel guests.
It’s a place from the acclaimed Schofield brothers, who have won almost every award since they opened their Schofield’s Bar at the other end of town three years ago. Cocktails are naturally king here and you can choose from their acclaimed menu which includes ‘Untouchables’ from £13 – as well as rare vintage cocktails for a cool £95 a glass.
All of this is set in a dark, simple setting in the building’s former bank vault, which is very atmospheric.
It has also been the setting for showbiz after-parties for some of the A-listers who have booked the venue in recent months.
A collection of travel facts
Dianne was a guest at the Stock Exchange Hotel for its new ‘Stay with the Music’ night package. This package starts at £300 per night, which includes hotel accommodation, breakfast and premium tickets to selected shows at one of Manchester’s leading concert venues, and can be booked directly through the hotel on 0161 470 3901.
Hotel prices start from £185 per night for standard rooms on site, although we also found midweek deals from £160 on booking.com.
The Stock Exchange Hotel is located at 4 Norfolk Street, Manchester, M2 1DW. It is only a short walk to the nearest tram stop at Exchange Street and the nearest mainline station at Manchester Victoria.