Located about 5 minutes round the corner from Manchester Picadilly station, The Dakota is a massively convenient choice if you’re arriving by train. A sleek, black block situated on the canal, The Dakota is dark and moody inside, with a monolithic fireplace and lounge area at the entrance that leads back to a smart bar and restaurant, the Dakota Grill. There’s also a canal-side terrace which has a retractable roof so you can be out there whatever the famous Manchester weather brings. Rooms are comfy and luxurious with big beds, bathtubs and huge rainforest showers, plus all the mod cons you might need – all in all very decent value too, with rooms starting at £126 a night.