Kimpton Tower Hotel
Checking in at Manchester’s landmark & luxurious hotel
Set within the distinct terracotta Grade II listed building on the edge of Oxford Street and Whitworth Street, just 15 15-minute’ walk from Manchester’s Piccadilly station, the property has a history dating back to 1890, when it first opened as The Refuge Assurance Company headquarters. Perhaps most striking is the grand clock tower at the centre of Victorian architecture – an unmistakable landmark upon Manchester’s skyline.
Architect Alfred Waterhouse has done a fine job designing this building and was also the mastermind behind Manchester’s Town Hall as well as London’s National History Museum. Once inside the stunning domed lobby, guests are greeted with a three-metre-tall bronze
horse sculpted by Sophie Dickens, the great-great-granddaughter of Charles Dickens. With a swift check-in process, I was eager to explore the rest of the building. But first I wanted to discover my room after a three-hour long drive.
Rooms
The labyrinth layout of the three hotel buildings was a bit of a minefield when locating my room but as soon as ai stepped inside my room I was pleasantly surprised by the grandeur that awaited behind the closed door.
No two rooms are the same and my suite retained some of the original features including panelled dark wood walls, tiled pillars, and an incredibly high ceiling giving it an extra capacious feel to it. Splashes of pop-up colours of forest green, navy and mustard through cushions and throw on the bed gave the room a cosy feel against a neutral colour scheme of creams and greys.
An oversized armchair and a bureau created pockets of space to work or read in while the complimentary box of snacks and drinks was a lovely touch. The chunky wooden wardrobe revealed a yoga mat should guests wish to stretch and relax in the comfort of their room. A fitness concierge can also put a Technogym bench and weights in your room while a fully equipped gym is also available for a more vigorous full-body workout.
While some of the 270 rooms boast showers over bathtubs, I was content with my double shower complete with Rainbow Bar goodies. But extra home comforts in the shape of plants (named after as Manchester-based artist or song) can be placed in your room ahead of your visit upon request. For any last-minute things, you could always pop into the corner shop in the lobby area full of gifts, food and magazines alongside the on-site florist with an array of bouquets and house plants.
However, if you want to have a showstopper stay, book the newly opened three-bedroom suite. Designed to offer the ultimate VIP experience, the suite has its own entrance, a living area equipped with a complimentary mini bar, a polished marble dining table,
no less than four bathrooms, a plethora of entertainment options (PlayStation, smart TV’s, record player) and bright flowers dotted about foran uplifting stay,
While it was easy to stay holed up in the comfort of my room, I was tempted to head out to explore the hotel and take advantage of the daily Social Hour. Hosted from 5 pm – 6 pm in the ‘Post Room’ the space provides guests a chance to mingle and socialise with fellow guests over a complimentary wine or local craft beer.
Public areas and Dining
There are two dining options which are popular with residents and non-residents alike, so it’s advised to book the dining rooms ahead of schedule. The Refuge dining room is a glam-meets-industrial destination with its incredibly high ceilings and an exposed wall adorned with The Glamour of Manchester mural is impressive. There are plenty of seating options from group dining or intimate dinners for couples. The food that was being brought to guests by the waiting staff looked nothing short of tempting and I must admit my guest Nita and I needed a little help from our waitress in choosing what to order.
The menu is eclectic, with small dishes and sharing platters that meld flavours from all over the world with Mancunian style. It serves sharing plates split into ‘little scran’, ‘bigger cran’ and extra scan which are all brought out as soon as the dishes are
ready so there is a steady stream of food arriving at your table. Hands down the lamb pie is one of the best I have tasted and the vegetables that accompanied it were devoured with equal passion.
Returning back to the same room the following morning the bright and airy room was turned into a breakfast banquet. It had all the usual morning food offerings of cereals, toast, pastries and cheeses. But guests can also order fresh food cooked to order from the small but adequate menu. Just what Nita and I needed for a full day of exploring the city centre.
Our second night of eating was in the adjoining Winter Garden, a beautiful black and white tiled conservatory filled with trees wrapped in twinkling lights. With it being Sunday, I couldn’t pass up on a roast. The Winter Garden is also the perfect spot for a more intimate space for a pre-dinner drink or an indulgent afternoon tea.
For a livelier time, it’s best to head to the Refuge bar where you’ll find the usual wine and beer together with an impressive cocktail menu boasting drinks like The Glamour of Manchester, a tempting combination of Plymouth gin, St Germain elderflower, lemon sherbet, and Champagne. With Manchester known for its musical and cultural prowess, the Refuge bar hosts an ever-changing programme of both established and upcoming live DJs hand-curated by the team at Contrast Music as well as a rotating exhibition space.
It’s a really buzzy atmosphere that attracts residents and non-residents alike and during our visit we found it heaving on both nights.
What makes the hotel special is the personal touches and attentive staff. Kimpton Clocktower Hotel has a pet-friendly attitude, making all pets welcome alongside their human guest counterparts. A selection of amenities such as food, water bowls and mats ensure that both guests and their four-legged pets have a comfortable stay
Kimpton Clocktower Hotel is located on the corner of Oxford Street and Whitworth Street. It’s across the road from Oxford Road railway station and a 15-minute walk from Piccadilly station. Guests are directed to book their stay at the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel
at: https://www.kimptonclocktowerhotel.com/
