Kimpton Clocktower, an IHG Hotel Overview
First Impressions
Walking up to Kimpton Clocktower, an IHG Hotel on Oxford Street, you can’t miss that stunning Victorian clocktower — it’s honestly one of Manchester’s most striking architectural features. This five-star property sits right in the heart of the city center, and I mean right in the thick of everything. The building itself has this incredible history as the old Refuge Assurance Company headquarters, and they’ve done an amazing job preserving that grand, industrial elegance while making it feel completely modern inside.
Location That Actually Matters
You know what’s brilliant about this spot? You’re literally steps from the Arndale Centre, the Northern Quarter’s indie scene, and all the main shopping districts. I’ve stayed in plenty of Manchester hotels, but this location just works — whether you’re here for business meetings in the financial district or catching a show at the Opera House, everything’s walkable. The couples who stay here absolutely love it (they rate the location 9.5 out of 10), and honestly, I get why. You can stumble back from a night out in Deansgate or grab morning coffee in the trendy cafés without any hassle.
The Room Experience
The room I stayed in had these gorgeous floor-to-ceiling windows with views over the city — some rooms actually look out toward the beautiful Town Hall. What really impressed me though was the bed situation. I’m usually pretty picky about hotel beds, but this one was genuinely comfortable (apparently other guests agree because the beds get consistently high ratings). The design feels distinctly Kimpton — bold colors, local artwork, and those little touches that make you feel like you’re somewhere special, not just another chain hotel room.
Dining and Daily Rhythms
Breakfast here is actually worth getting up for, which I can’t say about most hotels. They’ve got everything from proper Full English to vegan options, plus this great breakfast-to-go service if you’re rushing to meetings. The main restaurant downstairs has this lovely atmosphere — sort of industrial-chic with warm lighting that works whether you’re having a business dinner or a romantic meal. I noticed there are loads of repeat guests here, which always tells you something about a place, doesn’t it?
Why Guests Love It
What sets this place apart is how it balances luxury with genuine Manchester character. The service feels personal rather than stuffy, the spa is perfect for unwinding after exploring the city, and there’s secure parking if you’ve driven in (though honestly, you won’t need your car much). The location score of 9.4 isn’t just numbers — it’s because you’re genuinely in the best spot to experience everything Manchester offers. Whether you’re here for the football, the music scene, or just exploring this brilliant city, you’ll find yourself coming back to that beautiful clocktower feeling like you’ve found your Manchester home base.
Kimpton Clocktower, an IHG Hotel Accommodations
| Accommodation | Details |
|---|---|
| King Suite | 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child |
| Premium King Room | 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child |
| Sleeping Room | 1 double bed, or and 2 single beds for 2 adults, 1 child |
| Suite with Two King Beds | 2 double beds for 4 adults, 3 children |
| 1 King Beds Suite – Additional Living Area | 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child |
| One-Bedroom King Suite | 2 × 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child |
| Premium Double Room with Two Double Beds | 2 double beds for 4 adults, 3 children |
| Double Room Lower Ground Floor | 1 double bed for 2 adults, 1 child |
| Double Room | 1 double bed for 2 adults, 1 child |
| Twin Room Lower Ground Floor | 2 single beds for 2 adults, 1 child |
| Single City Room | 1 single bed for 1 adult |
| Premium Room | 2 single beds for 2 adults, 1 child |
| Two-Bedroom Suite | 4 × 1 extra-large double bed for 4 adults, 3 children |
| Premium King Room – Disability Access | 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults |
| Double Room with Two Double Beds – Mobility Accessible | 2 double beds for 4 adults |
Reviews of Kimpton Clocktower, an IHG Hotel
Michael from New Zealand (9/10)
It is an extraordinary building and our room was wonderful.
Caroline from United Kingdom (9/10)
One of my favourite hotels. Nothing more needs to be said!
Julie from United Kingdom (9/10)
Caroline from United Kingdom (9/10)
A wonderful setting the decor is gorgeous. Location fantastic and staff super helpful. The bar area is lovely and I couldn’t fault anything.
The smell in reception is also amazing!Andrew from United Kingdom (8/10)
Friendly staff, great breakfast & location.
Joan from United Kingdom (9/10)
I like the ambiance and the beautiful interior
Stephanie from United Kingdom (9/10)
We loved our stay at the Kimpton for my fiancés birthday. The lobby and room were equally stunning and Gabrielle wad on hand throughout our stay to help us out with anything we needed. She even brought me a plaster to our room when I had a blister on my foot. That’s what I call service that goes above and beyond.
Sharon from United Kingdom (9/10)
Stylish hotel with fabulous bar & restaurant
Jenny from United Kingdom (9/10)
Excellent breakfast. Atmospheric bar and dining room. Liked the ”social hour”
Juliana from United States (9/10)
Location is great, easy to walk everywhere. Hotel room very spacios.
Surroundings
What’s nearby:
- Albert Square: 750 m
- Manchester Museum: 1 km
- Blackfriars Bridge: 1.5 km
- Piccadilly Gardens: 900 m
- St. Peter’s Square: 450 m
- People’s History Museum: 1.4 km
- National Football Museum: 1.6 km
- Elizabeth Gaskell’s House: 2 km
- Museum of Science & Industry: 1.2 km
- Greater Manchester Police Museum: 1.2 km
Restaurants & cafes:
- Restaurant Namii: 400 m
- Restaurant Refuge: 50 m
- Cafe/bar Grand Central: 100 m
Top attractions:
- Heaton Park: 8 km
- Dunham Massey: 18 km
- Victoria Baths: 2.6 km
- Buile Hill Park: 5 km
- Clayton Hall Museum: 4.6 km
- Imperial War Museum North: 3.5 km
- Fletcher Moss Botanical Gardens: 8 km
Natural beauty:
- Lake Gorton Upper Reservoir: 8 km
Ski lifts:
- Rossendale 1: 29 km
- Rossendale 2: 29 km
Public transport:
- Train Deansgate: 750 m
- Train Manchester Oxford Road Station: 150 m
Closest airports:
- Manchester Airport: 13 km
- Liverpool John Lennon Airport: 52 km
- Leeds Bradford International Airport: 71 km
Facilities
Spa:
- Fitness
- Fitness center
Bedroom:
- Linens
- Wardrobe or closet
General:
- Pet bowls
- Pet basket
- Convenience store on site
- Designated smoking area
- Air conditioning
- Smoke-free property
- Hypoallergenic room available
- Heating
- Laptop safe
- Packed lunches
- Carpeted
- Elevator
- Fan
- Family rooms
- Ironing facilities
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Non-smoking rooms
- Iron
- Wake-up service/Alarm clock
- Room service
Kitchen:
- Electric kettle
- Refrigerator
Parking:
- Parking garage
Bathroom:
- Toilet paper
- Towels
- Bathtub or shower
- Private Bathroom
- Toilet
- Free toiletries
- Hairdryer
- Bathtub
- Shower
Outdoors:
- Outdoor furniture
Activities:
- Bicycle rental
- Nightclub/D J
- Game room
Living Area:
- Desk
Food & Drink:
- Coffee house on site
- Kids’ meals
- Snack bar
- Breakfast in the room
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Tea/Coffee maker
Accessibility:
- Bathroom emergency cord
- Lowered sink
- Toilet with grab rails
- Wheelchair accessible
- Entire unit wheelchair accessible
- Upper floors accessible by elevator
Room Amenities:
- Socket near the bed
- Clothes rack
Languages Spoken:
- Mandarin
- German
- English
- Spanish
- French
- Italian
- Malay
- Polish
- Portuguese
- Cantonese
Cleaning Services:
- Daily housekeeping
- Ironing service
- Dry cleaning
- Laundry
Safety & security:
- Fire extinguishers
- CCTV outside property
- CCTV in common areas
- Smoke alarms
- Key card access
- 24-hour security
- Safe
Media & Technology:
- Flat-screen TV
- Cable channels
- Satellite channels
- Radio
- Telephone
- TV
Business Facilities:
- Fax/Photocopying
- Business center
- Meeting/Banquet facilities
Front Desk Services:
- Invoice provided
- Concierge
- Baggage storage
- Currency exchange
- Express check-in/out
- 24-hour front desk
Entertainment & Family Services:
- Board games/Puzzles
House Rules at Kimpton Clocktower, an IHG Hotel
Pets:
- Free! Pets are allowed on request. No extra charges.
Groups:
- When booking more than 6 rooms, different policies and additional fees may apply.
Check-in:
- From 15:00 to 00:00
Check-out:
- Until 12:00
Children & Beds:
- Children of all ages are welcome.
Cancellation/prepayment:
- Cancelation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Enter your stay dates and check the conditions of your selected option.
Guest reviews
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