If you’ve ever walked past The Midland Hotel on Peter Street and wondered what makes it such a Manchester icon, you’re not alone. The history of The Midland Hotel Manchester goes far beyond its grand exterior.
Opened in 1903 as a railway hotel for Manchester Central Station, it has become one of the city’s most recognisable buildings, known for its architecture, luxury, famous guests and long-standing connection to the story of Rolls-Royce. More than 120 years on, it is still a big part of Manchester’s identity.
When was The Midland Hotel Manchester built?
The Midland Hotel was built between 1898 and 1903 for the Midland Railway Company and officially opened in 1903.
It was designed by architect Charles Trubshaw as a grand railway hotel serving Manchester Central Station, which stood nearby on what is now the Manchester Central site.
Historic England records the building as the Midland Hotel, Peter Street and notes that it was first listed on 3 October 1974.
Who designed The Midland Hotel?
The hotel was designed by Charles Trubshaw and Historic England describes it as a richly detailed late Victorian and Edwardian hotel with a steel frame, granite, red brick and glazed terracotta.
In plain English: it was built to look impressive and it still does! It is one of those Manchester buildings that makes you instinctively slow down and look up every time you walk past.
If you enjoy discovering the stories behind iconic city landmarks, take a look inside Albert Hall Manchester too.
Is The Midland Hotel Manchester a listed building?
Yes! The Midland is a Grade II* listed building. That status is given to particularly important buildings of more than special interest, which tells you this is not just a handsome old hotel but a genuinely significant part of Manchester’s built heritage.
Why was The Midland Hotel built?
The Midland was built as a railway hotel, created to serve passengers arriving into Manchester via Manchester Central Station. Depending on your age, you may remember the former Manchester Central site as the GMEX.
Hotels like this were designed for convenience, of course, but also for prestige. At the start of the twentieth century, Manchester was thriving, and the Midland Railway wanted a hotel that reflected that confidence. The result was a building designed to make an impression from the moment people arrived in the city.
The Rolls-Royce connection
One of the hotel’s most famous associations is with the beginning of Rolls-Royce.
Rolls-Royce states that Charles Rolls and Henry Royce first met in Manchester on 4 May 1904, a meeting that led to their business partnership. The Midland’s own website goes further and says the first deal between the two men was signed within the hotel. That connection has become one of the building’s best-known claims to fame.
Some Manchester tour guides dispute that the meeting took place at The Midland. I’m choosing to be romantic about it though – the short walk from Manchester Central Station (as it was in 1904) to the hotel is enough to make me believe.
Why The Midland still matters to Manchester
The Midland still matters because it links Manchester’s railway past with its modern city-centre life. It is a heritage building, but not one that fades into the background. It is still used, still celebrated and still part of the way many people remember Manchester.
For some, it is the place they stayed on a wedding night or visited for afternoon tea. For others, it is tied to anniversaries, graduations, family celebrations or stories about relatives who once worked there.
That is what gives The Midland its staying power. It is more than a historic hotel; it is part of Manchester’s memory.
If you love the stories and legends attached to Manchester’s older buildings, you might also enjoy our guide to the most haunted places in Manchester.
TV shows and films linked to The Midland Hotel
- Cold Feet — The Midland’s Edwardian Baroque exterior and grand interior appeared in series 7, including a lobby scene featuring Fay Ripley.
- Red Dwarf — The hotel was used as a filming location for the 1988 episode “Stasis Leak.”
- Watching — Used as a filming location for the 1992 episode “Christening.”
- Reversals — The Midland Hotel as a filming location for the 2003 TV movie Reversals.
Given its central location and unmistakable architecture, it is no surprise that The Midland has attracted more screen interest over the years than the officially listed credits alone might suggest.
The Midland Hotel today: rooms, spa and amenities
The Midland may be historic, but it is very much a modern city-centre hotel too. According to the hotel’s official website, it now has 312 rooms and suites.
The official rooms page lists amenities including complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, flatscreen TV, hairdryer, iron and ironing board, with some room categories also including extras such as bathrobes, slippers and premium toiletries.
On site, the hotel also offers:
- Rena Spa, with guest access to the relaxation pool, thermal areas and gym
- Adam Reid at The French
- Mount Street Dining Room & Bar
- The Lounge & Champagne Bar
That mix of heritage and modern comfort is part of the appeal. Yes, it has history. But it also has a spa and somewhere decent to sit with a drink, which, let’s be honest, does help.
Which station is The Midland Hotel near?
Historically, The Midland Hotel was built for Manchester Central Station. Today, it is almost opposite St Peter’s Square Metrolink stop, while Manchester Oxford Road and Manchester Piccadilly are the nearest mainline stations.
Quick facts about The Midland Hotel Manchester
The Midland Hotel:
- opened in 1903
- was built between 1898 and 1903
- was built for the Midland Railway Company
- was designed by Charles Trubshaw
- is a Grade II* listed building
- has 312 rooms and suites today
- is beside St Peter’s Square
- is famously linked with the meeting of Charles Rolls and Henry Royce.
FAQ
How old is The Midland Hotel Manchester?
The hotel opened in 1903, so it is now more than 120 years old.
How many rooms does The Midland Hotel Manchester have?
The Midland currently has 312 rooms and suites.
What amenities does The Midland Hotel have?
The hotel offers Wi-Fi, tea and coffee facilities, TVs, ironing facilities and hairdryers in rooms, plus a spa, relaxation pool, thermal areas, gym, bars and dining venues on site.
Which station is The Midland Hotel near?
Historically it was built for Manchester Central Station. Today, the nearest tram stop is St Peter’s Square and Manchester Oxford Road and Piccadilly train stations are also within walking distance.
Why is The Midland Hotel famous?
It is known for its grand architecture, railway heritage, Grade II* listed status and its connection to the first meeting between Charles Rolls and Henry Royce.
Handy tip if you are visiting the city: after admiring The Midland, you can keep the cultural theme going with our guide to museums and galleries in Manchester.
Final thoughts on the history of The Midland Hotel Manchester
The history of The Midland Hotel Manchester is not just about dates, architecture and famous connections.
It is also about the place the hotel holds in people’s lives, from wedding nights and anniversary stays to afternoon teas, family celebrations and memories passed down through generations. That is what makes it more than just a historic hotel.
The Midland is part of Manchester’s story and for many people, it is part of their own story too.
