Huge hotel next to Manchester City issues update on rooms

The Medlock is the huge new hotel being built next to Manchester City's Etihad Stadium and first look images show the interiors are looking pretty swanky

The huge new hotel being built next to Manchester City's Etihad Stadium has issued an update on what visitors can expect when it opens in 2026.

The Medlock Hotel has been taking shape next to the Etihad, in what has been a major building project for the past 18 months as part of the ground's £300million North Stand expansion.

When complete, it will boast 401 bedrooms opening in what is billed as City's new "entertainment destination" in the new year.

The hotel is part of the Radisson Hotel Group, and has now announced the appointment of its first general manager as well as sharing the first images of how rooms will look inside.

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Backed by the partnership between Manchester City Football Club and Radisson Hotel Group, and operated by Valor Hospitality, The Medlock promises to become "one of the city's most exciting new destinations".

And the landmark opening will be led by Richard Pearson, who brings with him more than 19 years of experience working across the UK, USA, and Canada with Marriott, IHG and Hilton.

He has overseen everything from new hotel launches and major renovations to complex multi-property clusters, and most recently led five hotels on the outskirts of London as a Senior General Manager with Valor Hospitality, the hotel management company that will also operate The Medlock.

Currently under development within Manchester City’s entertainment destination, The Medlock team say they will offer guests "unrivalled access to the Etihad Stadium, Co-op Live, and a host of dining, retail, and cultural attractions".

For the first time, CGIs of standard rooms and one of the luxurious suite options that will be available at The Medlock have also been released.

The Medlock will feature a choice of suites, deluxe and standard rooms, in addition to a luxury penthouse suite, although prices have not yet been revealed.

Upon completion, guests will also have access to a museum experience, commercial office space and other amenities in the expanded stadium area, while the hotel will also have access to meeting and events space available at the Etihad Stadium.

"I’m incredibly proud to lead The Medlock through its pre-opening phase," said Richard, who will be the hotel’s first General Manager. "This project is a celebration of Manchester - its energy, its community, and its global reputation.

"We’re creating a hotel that’s more than just a place to stay. It’s where the experience begins. Whether guests are here for a match at the Etihad Stadium or a concert at Co-op Live, the excitement starts the moment they walk through our doors.

"It’s a tribute to Manchester’s spirit, where design-led interiors meet warm northern hospitality."

He adds that it’s not just football fans and concertgoers who will feel at home. "We’re designing an experience with broad appeal - elevated design, intuitive service, and a genuine connection to the city’s spirit," Richard explained.

The Medlock will join Radisson Blu and Radisson Hotel Group’s portfolio of 1,580 hotels in operation and under development in iconic locations around the world.

As part of the hotel's commitment to community integration, recruitment is already underway for the senior leadership team, with a unique strategy to support residents in the local community to take advantage of new job opportunities. "We want a team that reflects the character of this city; passionate, creative, and full of northern warmth," Richard added.

Looking ahead to 2026, Richard is most excited to see the vision come to life: "The day our full team comes together for the first time. The moment we welcome our first guest. Watching The Medlock become part of the fabric of this incredible city; those will be the real milestones."

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