The Alan is one for groups who want good design without paying purely for the privilege of looking at it. Set across six floors in a restored city-centre building, its interiors mix exposed brick, high ceilings, reclaimed materials and a slightly industrial finish that feels considered rather than over-styled.

The big practical win is the Classic Double Double: two actual double beds sleeping up to four, rather than an optimistic sofa bed being asked to carry the entire weekend. The hotel itself positions the room for groups heading out to celebrate, which feels refreshingly on-message.

There is enough communal space downstairs for regrouping over a drink, breakfast the next morning and waiting for the final person to locate her room key. Add a very walkable Princess Street location and The Alan makes a particularly sensible base for a group that wants central Manchester without defaulting to a generic chain hotel.