The New York-style hotel in middle of the UK's coolest city

Scottish Sun

08-07-2025

And how much rooms cost
PRIME LOCATION The New York-style hotel in middle of the UK's coolest city
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COMING from the Dutch word 'to live,' Leven is one of the many converted warehouse hotels in Manchester.
Read on to find out more about what the rooms are like and what there is to eat at Leven.
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The Leven Hotel feels more like New York than the UK
Credit: Supplied
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The Lobby is where you can find both merch and drinks
Credit: Supplied
Where is Leven?
By Canal Street in the heart of Manchester's vibrant Gay Village, Leven is a five-minute walk from Manchester Piccadilly station and handy for pretty much everywhere in the buzzing city centre.
What's the hotel like?
The boutique hotel feels more like an urban, trendy city escape than the UK.
Expect exposed red brick walls and cool artwork pieces with a New York loft feel.
What are the rooms like at Leven?
They're more like small apartments, with the smallest Life Size option still having a kitchenette and seating area.
And the best views come from the king-size bed, if you opt for a canal-side room.
The power showers are a highlight, with fancy Grown Alchemist toiletries (which you can buy full-size downstairs).
Need more space? There is the Living Space room, with a larger sofa area, Living Large with a sitting room or their top option, Living The Dream, with second bedroom.
Rooms start from £105 per night at liveLeven.com.
What is there to eat and drink there?
Underneath the hotel is restaurant Maya, which opened last year and is filled with locals, not just guests.
Run by Manchester Chef of the Year Shaun Moffat, its rich mushroom parfait was a starter highlight, followed by the creamy walnut butter pasta.
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Swing by the Lobby Bar for a nightcap, where drinks are served until 1.30am. I'm still thinking of my Rhubarb Sour now.
What else is there to do at the hotel?
The Lobby has their own hotel merch so you can stock up on a branded hat or pair of socks, and a co-working space (where you will find the limited breakfast of pastries and cereals).
Not only is the hotel on buzzing Canal Street, but Chinatown is nearby.
As it is in the Gay Village it can get a bit noisy outside at weekends but hey, it's Manchester - you won't be going to bed early.
Is Leven family-friendly?
The two-bedroom Living The Dream room is ideal for families.
Is there access for guests with disabilities?
Yes, there are a number of rooms with disabled access and facilities.
Looking for a place to stay? For more hotel inspiration click here
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All the rooms have parquet flooring, high ceilings and bespoke furniture with a New York loft feel.
Credit: Supplied
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Leven promotes itself as the kind of hotel where you would stay for much longer
Credit: Supplied