The Lowry Hotel

Adjacent to Santiago Calatrava's landmark footbridge (with access to many Chapel Wharf attractions), a three-minute walk from the MEN Arena, and a 15-km drive from the airport, this remains one of the few true deluxe international-standard hotels outside London. In fact, this property is among Britain's top commercial hotels, ranking along with another wharf-side hotel, London's Four Seasons Canary Wharf, and the more traditional Renaissance Chancery Court Hotel, also in London. This is among the handful of well-tuned Rocco Forte Hotels that have opened around Europe over the past five or six years. Like its impressive sibling in Wales, The St. David's Hotel & Spa, this astounding contemporary showpiece blends extravagant modern design, the latest technology and exceptional comfort with one aim in mind: to be the best hotel in Manchester. The consummate staff gives equal attention to CEOs and high-end tourists alike. dotted with fine modern sculpture and paintings. The engaging glass reception desk balances on a sea of soft beige marble, which spills forth, enveloping the adjoining rooms with a soothing effect. The hotel's sophisticated ambience is furthered in the compact library lounge, where cubist sofas and armchairs and Japanese-inspired screens set the stage for conversation or a good book; a wall lined with overflowing bookshelves provides ample reading material.

Even with the departure of chef Marco Pierre White, the elegant River Room manages to retain an air of celebrity. The new menu focuses on exceptional contemporary English fare and unpretentious service. The revamped room has a little more color, but more than ever, the river views play a very strong first fiddle to the food. More colorful still, raspberry-red seating provides a glamorous twist, as well as comfort in the adjacent River Bar, where a pianist entertains most nights.

The small leisure center includes a well-equipped gym and six private rooms for a long list of health and beauty treatments. A dedicated conference floor holds 12 naturally lighted meeting rooms that can accommodate up to 400 delegates. Airport transportation can be arranged, and guests are charged $22 to park. Pets are not permitted.

The large, well-designed accommodations show sleek, clean-lined contemporary style. The recessed lighting within the high ceilings pinpoints the custom furnishings. Bold modern art and the building's glass and steel walls create impressive design elements in and of themselves. Textured carpeting, odd-shaped ottomans and signature settees add to the rooms' allure. Beds come in a number of configurations, including kings, all topped with Egyptian cotton sheets, wool throws and plenty of pillows.

The numerous amenities include spacious desks with ergonomic chairs, dual-line phones with voice mail, data ports, and TVs and minibars in armoires. Teamakers, trouser presses, irons, thermostats, and spacious walk-in closets with laptop-sized safes are the norm. Bedside controls activate almost all appliances. Baths are among the U.K.'s largest and are also some of the most attractive with lovely mosaic tiles, large vanities, heated towel rails, marble tubs, plush robes, towels and toiletries. The best views are of the river and the footbridge.

Stunning design figures prominently into this hotel, but the superb service is just as noteworthy. This property is expensive, but is preferable to the Hilton, and even the fashionable Radisson, both of which are solid and certainly adequate but lacking chutzpah.