The Mercure Piccadilly, Manchester's 1960s landmark hotel, has shut for a full refurb

One of Manchester's best-known hotels has closed for a major makeover, the Manchester Evening News reports. The Mercure Piccadilly, in the brutalist Piccadilly Plaza above the bus station and tram stop, shut completely on 11 October.

When it's back - Accor's official accounts say bedrooms reopen in early April 2027 - The hotel's own website says the whole hotel, conference rooms included, should reopen in early February 2027 - Hospitality fit-out firm Ultimate Group's posters are on the entrance, and the firm is understood to be doing the work

A long history It opened in the 1960s as the five-star Hotel Piccadilly, known for star guests and its ballroom, then became the Ramada, the Jarvis and the Mercure. With 208 rooms over eight floors, it's one of the city's biggest hotels.

A new name? Operator Venus Hotels, which holds a long lease, won approval last year for signage for Lyf, a social-living hotel brand new to the UK aimed at younger travellers. It isn't yet known whether the hotel will reopen under that name. The MEN has asked the hotel for comment.

Worth knowing: Christmas parties or stays you'd usually book there will need a new home this year.