I've narrowed it down, I think, to three. I like Hotel Gothem, King Street Townhouse, and Great John Street Hotel based on reviews. We are spending two days to get aclamated before touring England. We want to go see a few sites and figured city center was a good place to start. Any experience with those hotels or advice. Also, does anyone have an idea how much a taxi would be to get there from the airport?

I stayed in Manchester for 2 nights earlier this year - at one of the city centre Premier Inns. The city centre is pretty compact, any city centre hotel won't be far from shops, restaurants, transport links, etc.
Suggest you check out www.visitmanchester.com. You could download a map. It also has lots of information, what's on, etc.
Re taxi from airport, there is an excellent train service from the airport to Manchester Piccadilly - runs every 10 minutes, takes 20 minutes. There's also a city centre bus, I think it's free, just makes a rotation - the info will be on the Visit Manchester site.
If you have a lot of luggage and really need a car service, you could check out the airport website, I'm sure they'll have some links. And when you have a hotel booked you could ask them for advice to get to their specific location using whatever transport you have decided on.

Thank you, Mary. I will check out the link.

Great John Street is very stylish and has a great roof terrace, it's a special place.

Also look at a short term term rental of one of the many contemporary apartments which were built during the credit crunch and are earning their way through the very strong short term market. They are of a high standard and very good value.

Manchester has progressed hugely over 20 years and is now a world class shopping destination, there are also numerous galleries and museums which present our position in the industrial revolution.

Where are you travelling after Manchester ?

Thank you, BC. We have friends in Manchester and will be taking some day trips. Houghton Tower and Stratford-upon-Avon are on the agenda. From there we are headed on a solo trip to London for about 5 days. On the agenda while there is Kew Gardens, Westminster, The Tower of London. We may take also a day trip to Oxford.

>> . . . Stratford-upon-Avon are on the agenda.<< Stratford isn't really a day trip from Manchester. Nearly a 3 hour drive each way and not much faster by train.

. . . Meant to add - it might be better to concentrate on sites nearer Manchester like Chester, the Peak District, Liverpool, Chatsworth House, Hardwick Hall, Haddon Hall etc.

Thanks, Janisj. We do realize it is a hike. My husband is big into Shakespeare, in the middle of his dissertation for his PhD about him. Not
going to Stratford-upon-Avon is out of the question. We hear it is very touristy. Perhaps we should try and stay a night? Thank you for the other suggestions!

>>Thanks, Janisj. We do realize it is a hike. My husband is big into Shakespeare, in the middle of his dissertation for his PhD about him.<<

I wasn't suggesting you not visit - it is doable from London. Marylebone to Stratford = 1:56 by train.

Of the three hotels you mention, Gt John Street is the one to go for. It's by far the best of the three and is only a 10 minute stroll to Albert Square. The taxi fare in a black cab is around £22.00.

If you'd like any suggestions for things to do in Manchester, I'd be happy to help as there's more than enough to fill your days in the city. I can also suggest restaurants if you give us an indication of what cuisine you prefer.

Stratford is better done from London rather than Manchester and there would therefore be no need to stay overnight.

Thank you for you suggestions, Rubicund. Restaurant suggestion would be great! We like Thai. We really don't eat red meet. We do love seafood but not sure there are many options in Manchester. My husband loves a good breakfast too.

marnie1, I nearly choked on my breakfast! Not many seafood choices in Manchester? How about:

http://www.randallandaubin.com/manchester/
http://www.steakandlobster.com/
http://www.pertutti.co.uk/
http://labandera.co.uk/
http://australasia.uk.com/
http://www.restaurantsofmanchester.com/seafood.htm (index)

There are also a number of Japanese,Chinese and Pan Asian places and any of the better restaurants serve great seafood. Randall and Aubin is a ten minute stroll from your hotel and highly recommended. There must be 30 or 40 places for you to choose from.

Back to the muesli!

Ha! I was a bit embarrassed to mention seafood but thought I would throw that out there. Thank you for the wonderful suggestions!

By coincidence, we ate at Randall & Aubin last night after enjoying Man United's 4-0 demolition of West Ham. The food was excellent and the menu is packed full of seafood choices.

Hello Marnie. When I was in Manchester, I spent 5 days at the Midland Hotel and enjoyed 5 wonderful days with my wife thanks to the kindness of the staff. The city is incredible. We really liked it.
This is their web: https://themidlandhotelmanchester.com
We hope to make a family trip (with our kids) soon. Best Regards!!!

Damian: The OP's trip was a few months ago.