Where is it? On Chapel Wharf, overlooking the River Irwell, close to Manchester city centre's shopping, bars and music venues.
Who stays at The Lowry? Footballers and other celebrities. David Beckham is a fan, as are Sir Paul McCartney, David Bowie, Mariah Carey, the Duke of Edinburgh and Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Who doesn't stay there? The Glazer family, Manchester United's new owners, who were forced to change hotels this year amid fears for their safety after threats from United fans irate at the family's takeover of the club.
Contemporary design or a nod to Manchester's industrial past? An imaginative combination of the two. Named in honour of local painter L.S. Lowry, the hotel has a curved glass and aluminium facade that complements the striking Trinity Footbridge nearby, while internal structural columns have been left unfinished in exposed concrete.
What else? Inspired by Lowry, Olga Polizzi, Rocco Forte Hotels' design director, scoured local galleries for art and most of the pieces on show in the hotel's public spaces are for sale. The Lowry attracts many ladies who lunch, popping in for afternoon tea priced at GBP20.50 ($290) a person and served with a twist - champagne.
What else is there to do? The River Restaurant, managed by Turkish-German Huseyin Bozkurt, is an award-winning destination serving modern British food. The adjoining River Bar is a hip drinking spot.