The AC Salford Quays is actually marginally closer to Media City than Hotel Football - Media City is north of the river/ship canal. It's fine, it's an AC so it's a cookie cutter of any other European AC you've ever been to. If you're price sensitive, you'll go for the AC. The one time I stayed there, there was a coach party of Chinese tourists overnighting there, and it was bedlam in reception and breakfast. That might or might not be a deal breaker.
However, if I were you, and price is not an issue, I would be going for the V&A in a heartbeat. As DYKWIA says, its location a ten minute walk from St Peter's Square keeps you just far away enough from the madness and just close enough to what the city has to offer. The tram from St Peter's Square (10 minute walk) will get you to Media City in no time anyway.