The Lowry Hotel, Manchester’s first five-star hotel and landmark in Salford, is proudly marking its 25th anniversary this month. Since opening its doors 25 years ago, The Lowry has redefined hospitality in the North of England, with modern design, exceptional service and a prime riverside location making it one of the UK’s most celebrated hotels.
Opened in 2001 on the banks of the River Irwell, The Lowry Hotel was a landmark development at the heart of Salford’s regeneration. Built on a former industrial site and located beside the bridge that connects Salford to Manchester, the £30 million project introduced Manchester’s first five-star hotel, setting a new benchmark for luxury in the region.
Named after the renowned local artist L.S. Lowry, whose work captured the spirit of industrial Northern England, the hotel was designed to reflect a deep sense of place and a forward-looking vision. Its striking glass facade and contemporary design quickly established it as an architectural icon within the city’s evolving skyline.
From the outset, The Lowry Hotel positioned itself at the forefront of British hospitality. As Manchester’s first five-star hotel and one of a select group of UK properties affiliated with The Leading Hotels of the World, it brought a new level of luxury to the North-West.
The hotel has long been synonymous with influence. Over the years, it has welcomed an impressive roster of high-profile guests, including global music stars such as Kylie Minogue, Taylor Swift, Elton John, Beyonce and Britney Spears, alongside leading television personalities including Ant & Dec, Jack Whitehall, Simon Cowell and Amanda Holden. It has been closely connected to Manchester’s football scene, hosting major new signings to both Manchester United and Manchester City as they settled into life in the city, and serving as the official matchday hotel for Manchester United.
The Lowry’s iconic front steps have, over the years, become one of the most photographed locations in the city, frequently attracting media attention and international coverage, most recently playing host to a number of high-profile guests attending the MTV Awards, The Brits & The Mobo Awards.
The hotel’s top suite, priced at £4,000 per night, which was refurbished a few years ago, has long served as the home away from home for some of the world’s most renowned stars. Featuring a grand four-poster bed, a private dressing room, a large shower and a baby grand piano, which has been played by a host of musicians, including Elton John. Its guestbook reads like the who’s who of global entertainment, with names such as Taylor Swift, Beyonce and Robbie Williams, who notably remarked on the impressive size of the suite’s shower during stays in both 2016 and 2025.
Originally part of the Rocco Forte Collection, founded by Sir Rocco Forte, The Lowry Hotel has evolved alongside Manchester itself, later becoming part of Westmont Hospitality Group as the city continued its rise as a global destination for business, culture, and tourism.
Beyond its reputation for luxury, the hotel has continually invested in innovation and guest experience. Recent refurbishments, including multi-million-pound upgrades to its 165 rooms and its Presidential Suite, reflect an ongoing commitment to modern design, comfort and cutting-edge amenities.
Throughout its 25-year history, The Lowry Hotel has acted as a symbol of Manchester’s renaissance. Its riverside location, once part of a declining industrial landscape, now sits within a thriving revitalised district that attracts visitors from around the world.
Vicky Marshman, General Manager at The Lowry Hotel, said: “To celebrate 25 years is to celebrate the story of Manchester itself. From our beginnings as the city’s first five-star hotel to becoming a globally recognised destination, we are so proud to have played a part in shaping the region’s hospitality landscape. The Lowry Hotel has always been built on its people – and that’s what truly makes it so special.”