The Trafford Park Hotel, a Grade II listed building constructed in 1902 to serve the workers of the Trafford Park industrial estate, has been closed and abandoned since 2009. While this historic pub-hotel will not reopen as accommodation, visitors to the Old Trafford and Trafford Park area still have reliable modern alternatives, most notably the Premier Inn Manchester Old Trafford and the Travelodge Manchester Trafford Park. This article traces the hotel’s story, clarifies the current status, and helps you choose where to stay when you visit.
Last checked: 2026-09-10
Compare the lowest rates and guest reviews. Many options with free cancellation.Check rates
Bundle flight + hotel and compare deals and rewards in one place.Check ratesThis link contains affiliate advertising. Prices and availability may change on the destination site.
Hotel Status: Closed and abandoned · Closest Premier Inn: Manchester Old Trafford from £10/night · Closest Travelodge: Manchester Trafford Park from £46.99/night · Notable alternative: Premier Inn Manchester Old Trafford
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-09-10.
Sources reviewed: Official property websites (Premier Inn, Travelodge), local journalism (Manchester Evening News, Manchester’s Finest, Place North West), planning register (Trafford Council Brownfield Land Register), heritage organisations (SAVE Britain’s Heritage).
No on-site visit or staff interview was conducted; celebrity stay claims could not be independently verified from primary records.
Trafford Park Hotel – At a glance
- 1902, as part of the Trafford Park workers’ village (Manchester Evening News)
- 2009 – pub and hotel operations ceased, building derelict ever since (Manchester’s Finest)
- Sold for about £900,000 to Ashley Hotels (Manchester Evening News)
- 10 December 2024 – conversion to 15 apartments approved (Trafford Council)
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Hotel Status | Closed and abandoned since 2009 (Manchester Evening News) |
| Closest Premier Inn | Manchester Old Trafford – rates from £10/night (Premier Inn website) |
| Closest Travelodge | Manchester Trafford Park – rates from £46.99/night (Travelodge website) |
| Notable alternative | Premier Inn Manchester Old Trafford (close to the football ground) |
What is the history of the Trafford Park hotel?
The Trafford Park Hotel opened in 1902, commissioned by estate owner Ernest Terah Hooley at a reported cost of £360,000. It was the centrepiece of a self-contained workers’ village on the Trafford Park industrial estate, serving both as a hotel and a public house for the thousands of employees who built and ran what was then the world’s largest industrial estate (AAH Consultants).
For more than a century the building was a local institution. Its basement, fitted with extra-long urinals, could handle the matchday crowds from nearby Old Trafford – the hotel sat roughly one mile east of Manchester United’s stadium (Manchester Evening News). After decades under the ownership of Enterprise Inns, the hotel element closed first, and the pub followed in 2009. The doors never reopened.
What followed was a bleak period. Soon after the closure, a group called The Freedom Project squatted the building, aiming to turn it into a refuge for rough sleepers (Manchester Evening News). During the 2010s, Trafford Council inspections revealed a cannabis farm operating inside the derelict hotel (Manchester Evening News). Urban explorers documented smashed windows, a grand staircase still intact, and extensive decay.
The building changed hands several times. In February 2017 it sold at auction for roughly £900,000 after a three-hour bidding war involving about 250 bids (Manchester’s Finest). London-based Ashley Hotels bought it and proposed a 121-bed boutique hotel with a five-storey extension, but withdrew the planning application in 2020. That same year, the hotel returned to auction with a guide price of £750,000 (Manchester Evening News). Property Hub bought it for £825,000 in September 2020 and resold it a year later to Food and Tipple Ltd for the same amount (Manchester Evening News).
In August 2024, Food and Tipple Ltd submitted a planning application to convert the Grade II listed building into 15 apartments. Trafford Council granted full planning permission on 10 December 2024 (Trafford Council Brownfield Land Register). By June 2026, construction firm Trinity Renovations had been appointed to carry out the conservation-led refurbishment, with work scheduled to begin in August of that year (Place North West). SAVE Britain’s Heritage placed the hotel on its Buildings at Risk Register, warning that the ornate interior, including its original staircase, needed urgent intervention (Manchester Evening News).
The bottom line: The Trafford Park Hotel is not coming back as a hotel. Its future is residential. For those who want to stay overnight in the area, the alternatives are clean, modern chain properties.
Editorial note: Despite occasional online lore, no primary-source evidence confirms that Laurel and Hardy or other celebrities ever stayed at the Trafford Park Hotel. Such claims remain unverified (Manchester’s Finest).
Where do celebrities stay in Manchester?
Though the Trafford Park Hotel never hosted verified celebrity guests, Manchester itself has a strong reputation for luxury hotels that attract footballers, musicians and business leaders. Ryan Giggs is a co-owner of Hotel Football, located directly opposite Old Trafford stadium. Gary Neville, the former Manchester United captain, owns the Stock Exchange Hotel on Norfolk Street in the city centre and also co-owns Hotel Football. The Lowry Hotel, a five-star property on Chapel Street in Salford Quays, is noted in local coverage as a go-to for high-profile guests. According to local news reports (Manchester Evening News), the Lowry has hosted everyone from football managers to international pop stars.
The implication: If you are hoping to spot a celebrity during your Manchester visit, book at the Lowry or Stock Exchange Hotel rather than the now-closed Trafford Park Hotel.
What is the poshest hotel in Manchester?
The Lowry Hotel is widely regarded as Manchester’s most luxurious accommodation. It sits on the banks of the River Irwell in Salford Quays, within walking distance of the city centre. With 165 rooms, a spa, and a fine-dining restaurant, it earned its reputation as the destination for visiting football managers and music acts. The Stock Exchange Hotel, owned by Gary Neville, also competes in the luxury segment, offering 40 individually designed bedrooms and a Michelin-starred restaurant, Adam Reid at The French (Stock Exchange Hotel website). For budget-conscious visitors, the Premier Inn Old Trafford and Travelodge Trafford Park provide clean, affordable rooms a short distance from the stadium.
What to watch: Luxury travellers should book well in advance, especially during matchdays, when rates at both the Lowry and Stock Exchange can exceed £300 per night.
Does Gary Neville still own Stock Exchange Hotel?
Yes. Gary Neville, together with his business partner Ryan Giggs, owns Hotel Football and he also retains sole ownership of the Stock Exchange Hotel. There has been no public indication that he has sold either property. The Stock Exchange Hotel continues to operate under his GG Hospitality group, which also runs other venues in Manchester. This information is confirmed by the hotel’s official website and local media coverage.
Where to stay near Old Trafford & Trafford Park – our top alternatives
Since the Trafford Park Hotel is no longer accepting guests, the two closest chain hotels are the Premier Inn Manchester Old Trafford and the Travelodge Manchester Trafford Park. Below we compare them side by side.
| Hotel | Starting Price (per night) | Location | Free Parking | 24/7 Reception |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premier Inn Manchester Old Trafford | £10 | Sir Matt Busby Way, near Old Trafford stadium | Yes (on-site) | Yes |
| Travelodge Manchester Trafford Park | £46.99 | Trafford Park, near Trafford Centre | Yes (paid parking available) | Yes |
Pros & Cons
Premier Inn Manchester Old Trafford
- Pros: Budget-friendly rates starting at £10/night; free on-site parking; 24-hour reception; next to the football stadium; consistent quality.
- Cons: Can sell out quickly on matchdays; basic amenities; no luxury extras.
Travelodge Manchester Trafford Park
- Pros: Close to the Trafford Centre for shopping; good transport links; rooms are clean and functional.
- Cons: Higher starting price (£46.99); paid parking; further from Old Trafford stadium than the Premier Inn.
Best for segments
- Football Fans: Premier Inn Manchester Old Trafford – it’s the most convenient for matchday, with direct access to the stadium.
- Celebrity Spotters: Travelodge is a budget option, but serious spotters should consider the Lowry Hotel or Stock Exchange Hotel in the city centre.
- Budget Travelers: Premier Inn offers the lowest nightly rate, often below £20 when booked in advance.
- Luxury Travelers: Neither Premier Inn nor Travelodge qualifies; opt for the Lowry Hotel or Stock Exchange Hotel instead.
Pricing band
Budget-friendly: Premier Inn Manchester Old Trafford (£10–£40/night).
Mid-range: Travelodge Manchester Trafford Park (£47–£80/night).
Luxury: Lowry Hotel or Stock Exchange Hotel (typically £180–£400+/night).
Location & getting there
Both alternatives sit within the Trafford Park and Old Trafford area, less than 1 mile from Manchester United’s ground and within easy reach of the M60 motorway. The Premier Inn is on Sir Matt Busby Way, a short walk from the stadium. The Travelodge is closer to the Trafford Centre, about a 10-minute drive to Old Trafford. Public transport options include the Metrolink tram line (Altrincham or Trafford Centre routes) and frequent bus services from Manchester city centre.
Alternatives in the area
For a broader selection, consider these other options around Trafford Park and Manchester city centre:
- Hotel Football – Directly opposite Old Trafford; co-owned by Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville. Mid-range to luxury pricing. (Official website)
- Stock Exchange Hotel – Luxury hotel in the city centre, owned by Gary Neville. (Official website)
- The Lowry Hotel – Five-star hotel in Salford Quays, popular with celebrities. (Official website)
- Holiday Inn Express Manchester – Salford Quays – Mid-range option near MediaCityUK.
- ibis budget Manchester Salford Quays – Another budget-friendly choice.
Our pick recommendation
For most visitors: Premier Inn Manchester Old Trafford. It combines the lowest price in the area with free parking, a 24-hour reception, and direct proximity to the football ground. It suits football fans, business travellers, and families alike.
If you want to stay close to the Trafford Centre and don’t mind paying a little extra: Travelodge Manchester Trafford Park offers consistent quality and is well-connected by public transport.
For luxury or celebrity-spotting ambitions: Skip both chain hotels and book the Lowry Hotel or Stock Exchange Hotel.
“"The Trafford Park Hotel closed its doors seven years ago – and is in badly in need of an upgrade."”
— Manchester Evening News reporter, Local journalist
manchestereveningnews.co.uk, 28dayslater.co.uk, talkingaboutmygeneration.co.uk, manchestereveningnews.co.uk, democratic.trafford.gov.uk
Frequently asked questions
What hotel does Ryan Giggs own?
Ryan Giggs co-owns Hotel Football, which is located on Sir Matt Busby Way opposite Old Trafford stadium. He also holds a share in the Stock Exchange Hotel together with Gary Neville.
Who owns the Lowry Hotel Manchester?
The Lowry Hotel is part of the Lowry Investment Partnership. It has been owned by a private investment group since its opening in 2001; it is not owned by any former footballers.
Where do footballers stay in Manchester?
Visiting football teams and players often stay at the Lowry Hotel or the Stock Exchange Hotel. Some players own apartments in the city centre or live in nearby Cheshire.
What happened to the Trafford Park Hotel?
The Trafford Park Hotel closed in 2009 and stood derelict for over a decade. In December 2024, planning permission was granted to convert it into 15 apartments, with refurbishment work beginning in August 2026.
Is there parking at the Premier Inn Manchester Old Trafford?
Yes, the Premier Inn Manchester Old Trafford offers free on-site parking for hotel guests, subject to availability.