Discover luxury and history at the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, Manchester

Andrea Thompson

ByAndrea Thompson

October 3, 2024

The Kimpton Clock Tower Hotel, situated at the intersection of Oxford Street in Manchester’s bustling centre, stands as a remarkable specimen of Victorian architecture.

Constructed in 1891, this Grade II listed building debuted in 1895 as the headquarters for The Refuge Assurance Company, crafted by the renowned Alfred Waterhouse, also responsible for The Natural History Museum in London. Its historic clock tower, reaching 66 meters, was a later addition in 1912.

After its conversion into a hotel in 1996, the property underwent several name changes: first in 2001, then in 2016. In 2018, IHG acquired the property as part of its luxury lifestyle collection and transformed it into the Kimpton Clocktower, which opened its doors in 2020.

Within its walls, the hotel effortlessly marries historic elegance with contemporary opulence. The grand domed atrium lobby is lavishly adorned, featuring ceramic-tiled walls, towering columns etched with Latin inscriptions, and intricate stained-glass details.

Spanning three buildings with 270 rooms, each uniquely designed for luxury and comfort, the rooms are spacious and elegantly appointed. They feature a warm, earthy colour palette with vibrant jewelled accents. Guests will enjoy luxurious amenities including plush bedding, flat-screen TVs, and complimentary Wi-Fi. The rooms are furnished with chunky wooden wardrobes, free-standing mirrors, ample desk space, and armchairs. Additional amenities include a coffee machine and a delightful welcome pack with crisps and confectionery, complemented by a well-stocked minibar with alcohol and soft drinks.

The bathroom exudes a heritage ambiance with its white metro tile finish, rainfall showers, and Atelier Bloem botanical-inspired toiletries, complemented by the standard hotel-grade hairdryer. Straighteners and adapters are available upon request from the reception.

The hotel boasts The Refuge, a celebrated restaurant and bar offering a varied menu of international flavours set in a breath taking environment with a vibrant atmosphere and exceptional cuisine. This elegant venue is characterised by its lofty interiors, towering arches, industrial chic ambiance, and a distinct bar area.

The hotel boasts a fully-equipped fitness centre, allowing guests to keep up with their exercise regimens while on the road. Guests have the option to request a Technogym bench for in-room use. Additionally, each room is furnished with a yoga mat.

The Kimpton Clocktower boasts a spacious ballroom that can accommodate up to 1,000 guests for a reception, in addition to a magnificent oak-panelled Directors’ room and boardrooms on the second floor, all fully equipped with audio visual technology for smaller meetings set against a beautiful Victorian backdrop.

The Kimpton Clock Tower Hotel presents an exquisite mix of historical elegance and contemporary opulence. Its elegantly appointed rooms, superior amenities, and central location make it a premier selection for visitors seeking to immerse themselves in Manchester’s finest. Whether travelling for business or pleasure, the Kimpton Clock Tower Hotel ensures an unforgettable experience.