Premier Inn Manchester Airport (M56/J6) Runger Lane North

The modest lobby of this budget hotel is rather dreary, with low ceilings and soft lighting that makes some corners dark. A bank of self-serve registration kiosks line a back wall, and a small desk is staffed for arriving guests who need assistance. But there's a lounge with comfortable seating, which is an extension of the much cheerier Thyme Restaurant and Bar. There's also an outpost of the popular UK coffee chain Costa Coffee, another pleasant space that's ideal for having a quick bite while checking email. Morning is the busiest time, as guests fuel up at the buffet breakfast or grab eats to go before embarking on their journeys.  

The hotel is located off M56 (North Cheshire Motorway), just a three-minute drive or shuttle ride to Manchester Airport and to the train station there. Commercial buildings and a few other hotels surround the property, including its sister hotel across the parking lot. A couple of restaurants and pubs are within walking distance, but there is little else of note in the immediate vicinity. It’s about a 25-minute drive or train ride from the airport to the center of Manchester. Etihad Stadium, home field of the Manchester United Football Club, is 25 minutes by car.

These modern guest rooms are generally well-maintained, but they’re very basic, and a touch drab despite their colorful lavender carpet, bed throws, artwork, and padded headboards. Walls and linens are white, and the modular-style furniture has a light finish. The rooms are average in size by European standards, and have desks with simple chairs and small open closets, but small windows make the spaces a bit dark. Some units on higher floors overlook airport runways, but most simply look out upon parking lots, wooded lots, and surrounding buildings. Options include Double, Family (a double bed and two twins), and Triple (double bed and a twin). Standard amenities include air-conditioning, kettles, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs. Bathrooms have plenty of space and are also basic, with white tiling around shower/tub combos, wall-mounted soap dispensers, small ceramic sinks with narrow shelves, and hairdryers. Ambient noise from hallways and other rooms can be heard at times. 

Premier Inn Manchester Airport (M56/J6) Runger Lane North caters to its airport-bound clientele, offering free, one-way shuttle service in the morning during peak hours. There's also a huge surface parking lot, which costs extra, though park-and-fly packages are available. The on-site Thyme Restaurant and Bar is a major perk, where a hot breakfast buffet is served for a fee, and there's an a la carte dinner menu with staples such as salads, pizza, and burgers, plus a full bar with several beers on tap. An outpost of Costa Coffee is located off the lobby, with pastries and more substantial items, including wrapped sandwiches to go. There are also vending machines on-site for snacks and drinks. The hotel lacks fitness facilities, but Wi-Fi is free throughout.