I used to live in Manchester, so am not a great expert on its hotels (never needed them!), but am happy to recommend places to drink/ eat... The Briton's Protection (
http://manchesterbars.wordpress.com/200 ... rotection/) is a great pub, especially if you like whisky

- it's across the road from the Bridgewater Hall, not far from the Opera House. And for food, Dimitri's (
http://www.dimitris.co.uk/) is fab (despite the slightly alarming website with flashing lights) - and of course, you can always head down the road to the Curry Mile...
(I don't work for the Manchester Tourist Board, honest, I just really like the place!)