Clocktower Hotel
Industrial glamour meets Victorian grandeur. The building does the heavy lifting aesthetically — raw finishes, exposed details, layered textures — while the service keeps things warm and unstuffy. Manchester through and through.
Book the Sunday Dinner & Stay package for the roast platter at The Refuge — Lonely Planet rates it as one of Manchester's best Sunday roasts
Why It Matters
The building itself is a reason to stay. Opened in 1890 as the Refuge Assurance Company HQ, it's a Grade II-listed terracotta stunner with a clocktower extension and a 1930s wing. No two rooms are the same. The Refuge restaurant has become a Manchester institution in its own right — recognized in Lonely Planet's 2025 England Travel Guide for one of the city's best Sunday roasts. Named Top 10 UK Hotels in the 2025 Condé Nast Traveller Readers' Choice Awards and Hotel of the Year 2025 at the This is MCR Awards.
A Grade II-listed terracotta giant on Oxford Street, the Kimpton Clocktower has been a Manchester landmark since 1890, when it first opened as the Refuge Assurance Company headquarters. Kimpton leaned into that history rather than sanding it down — the triple-height lobby, sweeping double-height windows, and original Victorian architecture are still very much the point. But there's nothing museum-like about the vibe: The Refuge restaurant pulls in locals every night of the week, the art on the walls comes from anti-establishment Mancunian artists, and the staff are the kind that make you feel like a regular.
Where You'll Stay
9 room types available
1 King Suite / 2 King Suite
Available as one or two king beds with an open-plan living room. Nespresso, mini fridge, free Wi-Fi, and smart TV. The two-king configuration works well for two couples or a family that needs separate sleeping areas.
King
City Single
Compact and well-equipped for solo travellers. The smallest category in the hotel, but still comes with the full Kimpton kit: safe, tea and coffee, mini fridge, free Wi-Fi, smart TV, and a bathtub with over-bath shower.
Single
Double Low Floor
Same setup as the standard double but on lower floors. Good option for guests who prefer easier stair-free access or proximity to the lobby and restaurant.
Double
Double Room
Standard entry-level double. One double bed, en-suite bathroom with bathtub and over-bath shower. The building's Victorian bones mean many of these have original features and sweeping windows — no two are identical.
Double
Heritage King Suite
One of the most distinctive rooms in the hotel: a four-poster king bed, bay windows with generous seating area, separate dining room, and both a separate shower and bath. Nespresso, complimentary soft drinks, and full air-conditioning.
King (Four Poster)
Heritage Suite
A proper suite with a separate king-sized bedroom and spacious walk-in shower. Nespresso machine, USB ports, 48-inch smart TV, and complimentary soft drinks. Fully air-conditioned.
King
King Bed Premium
A step up in space and comfort. King bed, bathtub with over-bath shower, and a generous working area with reading lights and two easy chairs. Good pick for business travellers who want a proper desk setup.
King
Suite No.51
The hotel's flagship accommodation and a city unto itself. Up to three bedrooms, four bathrooms, and a vast open-plan sitting and dining room with custom-made furniture and a marble dining table. Comes with a dedicated Kimpton ambassador on call, a private entrance, 65-inch 4K smart TV, 50-inch smart TVs in each bedroom, PS5, and a Project T1 record player with its own private vinyl collection. The bathroom has underfloor heating, a freestanding bathtub, walk-in wardrobe with Dyson hair styling tools, double vanity stations, and a wireless music system. Accommodates up to 6 guests. Fully air-conditioned.
Multiple Kings · 345 sqmTwo Double Premium
Two double beds in one room — the best option for families or friends sharing. Classic Chesterfield armchair adds a nod to the building's heritage. Bathtub and over-bath shower.
Two DoublesThe Property
Eat & Drink
3 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
The hotel partners with George House Trust (Manchester's HIV charity) on art and photography exhibitions held within the hotel. The 'Headlines and Phonelines' exhibition is one recent example — check the hotel's What's On page for current programming.
Borrow a Kimpton bike for free from reception to explore Manchester on two wheels. Good for riding to the Northern Quarter, along the canal, or finding a park. Request at reception or via manchesterreservations@ihg.com.
Request a complimentary plant to be placed in your room during your stay. Each plant is named after a Mancunian music moment — Pot Division (Joy Division), Wonder Pot (Wonderwall by Oasis), Leaf Order (New Order), Happy Fern-days (Happy Mondays), I Wanna Be Watered (Stone Roses), and Gary Bloomlow (Gary Barlow). Ask at reception.
Pre-book a tailor-made room soundtrack before you arrive. Email ManchesterConcierge@ihg.com with your reservation reference number and the team will curate a playlist for your stay — whether you're there for a gig, a romantic weekend, or a girls' trip.
Kimpton's signature hosted evening social hour, held in the Post Room daily from 5pm to 6pm. Guests gather for complimentary drinks and a chance to connect with fellow travellers. It's a proper Kimpton brand staple.
An on-site gallery showcasing contemporary works from local and international artists. The space is used for rotating exhibitions, private viewings, and as a backdrop for meetings and events. The hotel's art program actively commissions work from anti-establishment Mancunian artists.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
18 meeting and event spaces totalling 26,910 sq ft, including the renovated Ballroom (the biggest hotel event space in the North of England), the Whitworth Rooms, and smaller boardroom and private dining spaces. Can host over 1,500 delegates with a private entrance via Waterhouse Way.
Forgotten a hair straightener, electrical converter, or other travel essential? The team will sort it. Just ask any team member.
Fully equipped with Technogym cardiovascular and resistance machines, a Peloton exercise bike, rowing machines, and free weights. Open round the clock.
Part of IHG's global loyalty programme. Elite members receive a £10 bar credit as a welcome amenity.
No on-site parking. Discounted rates at the NCP car park on Oxford Street (postcode M1 5EJ), payable at the hotel front desk on check-out. Maximum height 2.1m. Rate is approximately £20/day.
Pets of all sizes, weights, and breeds are welcome at no extra charge. Dogs must be under 35kg. The hotel provides pet bed, bowls, and a tuck box. Pet-free rooms available on request. No pet sitting or walking service, but the concierge can recommend local providers.
There is no pool at the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel. Confirmed by the hotel directly.
An on-site corner shop stocked with local gifts, newspapers, and travel essentials.
The hotel explicitly states there is no spa on-site. Wellness is covered via the fitness centre, in-room yoga mats, and the Technogym Bench loan service.
BUILD YOUR KIMPTON CLOCKTOWER HOTEL PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
Start Planning