We went over to see my son last weekend, and after looking online for accommodation for some time, found this, which I really recommend:
http://www.lutherkinghouse.co.uk/. It's very close to the student area (which we wanted rather than the city centre ), but in a very quiet side street with its own car park, so there was no late night noise, and much more pleasant than the Travelodge, which had some terrible reviews on the website. Room was basic, but everything very clean and comfortable, breakfast was self service, but plenty of cereal, toast, fruit juice etc. There's also a nice park opposite, and a very good Greek restaurant in among all the student takeways and pubs. And despite it being a theological conference centre, there's certainly no overt religious display. It's on a good bus route, so you could easily get into the city centre if you wanted.
Also, for those coming over from Yorkshire, take the road via Holmfirth and Denby Dale into Manchester rather than the M62 if you have time - the scenery over the moors is stunning.
