Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, Manchester
Expert reviews
“The Clocktower Hotel offers contemporary comfort and boutique-hotel chic for history buffs. After a renovation costing more than 25 million pounds, the Clocktower has kept intact the lovely period faience in hallways, and the glass-domed ceiling in the spacious lobby, while converting former clerks’ offices into wood-paneled bedrooms with soaring ceilings and sleek subway-tile bathrooms.”
Featured in New York Times’ 36 hours in Manchester.
“In an imposing terracotta Victorian building, with ornate original features and one of Manchester’s most popular bars, the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel combines classic good looks with a cool streak. And, despite its grand public areas, it’s warm and welcoming, with thoughtful extras for all guests, from families to dogs.”
What guests liked
- Top location
- Friendly staff
- Great breakfast
- Comfortable beds
- Free Wifi
All you need to know
With a variety of stunning spaces, Kimpton Clocktower Hotel is particularly aesthetically-pleasing. Nestled in a Victorian-era building dating back to the 1890s, Kimpton Clocktower Hotel has unparalleled craftsmanship, apparent in every room. Guests can enjoy the greenhouse-like lounge with incredibly high, opaque ceilings, bold-tiled flooring, and full-size indoor trees. The hotel restaurant’s crown molding and vintage wooden floors create a space filled with character. Vintage wood paneling in many of the guest rooms adds to this historical hotel’s charm. In the hotel ballroom, you can take in the largest event space in the North of England.
There are many different floor plans to choose from throughout the hotel, but each room comes with tasteful decor, private bathrooms, WiFi, and satellite TVs. Depending on the guest room, you will likely find fun pops of color, different-textured materials, exposed finishes, and incredibly comfortable bedding.
Located on the lively Oxford Road, you will only be a short walk away from abundant attractions, shops, and restaurants. However, the onsite dining does not disappoint. The Refuge Dining Room offers a vibrant space to enjoy an eclectic meal, or check out The Winter Garden for afternoon tea in an elegant environment. You will be within walking distance from several sights during your stay, like the Palace Theater, Bridgewater Hall, Library Theater, Canal Street, and the Manchester Art Gallery.
Hotel deals & lowest price guarantee
We partner with Booking.com and Agoda. Both booking websites offer the lowest price guarantee, so you can be certain you will always get the best deal for this hotel. If you have seen a better price elsewhere, all you need to do is contact the booking website, and they will refund you the difference immediately. You can price match right up until the day before check-in.
Location
Recent guest reviews
22 November 2025
Perfect stay, excellent room, restaurant, housekeeping, amazing stay.
Everything
21 November 2025
Excellent hotel with authentic features of times past.
It has real character, many of the original features are incorporated into the rooms and the public spaces. It makes for a real eye catching space and the staff are fantastic, a credit to the company.
Nothing, it was a very short but happy stay.
20 November 2025
Brilliant stay at the Kimpton Clocktower. Would definitely go back again and recommend to others
Fabulous hotel with amazing aesthetics. Rooms were perfect: large, clean and comfortable. All staff encountered were friendly and helpful. We didn't dine there so I can't comment on the evening meal but the breakfast was delicious with plenty of options available. The location of the hotel to the station and the theatre was perfect.
I can't fault anything
17 November 2025
Nice stay , receptionist was very helpful.
Location is good
Toilet wasnot flushed efficiently
16 November 2025
Exceptional
Bathtub and robes
Nothing
15 November 2025
Just incredible and thank you so much for the extra surprise gift of bubbly for our wedding anniversary celebrations
Everything
Nothing
13 November 2025
Had a wonderful overnight stay with a complementary upgrade to a suite which made it very special.
Beautiful building, great bar and restaurant and excellent location.
Lack of car parking.
11 November 2025
Harry Potter experience ..
Bathroom is new and good, Hotel atmosphere is special,
Breakfast could give more options, windows are bit dirty and old , reception staff could new more info about Manchester and attractions.
10 November 2025
Gorgeous
It's gorgeous & relaxing
Nothing
10 November 2025
had a nice stay. will come back
location and roots and high ceilings
10 November 2025
Beautiful hotel but check your room as not as advertised on booking.com
Beautiful entrance and foyer/reception. Stunning building. Good breakfast - self service plus you can order egg on toast from the kitchen for no additional costs. Excellent customer service across the stay from several of the team (special shout out to Gabrielle who was a superstar!) She found us another room and moved us within about an hour of my request. She also went to the old room to collect my partners pajama shorts he'd left behind (which was embarrassing!) but she was professional and friendly. The new room was so much better than the original. Lovely products, robes and slippers. Bed and pillows comfortable. Complimentary snacks and a bottle of water and milk.
For £555 for 2 nights, the rooms at that level are pretty standard and not at all what was advertised on booking.com. I've stayed at the Blythswood in Glasgow, another IHG hotel which was fabulous. We were visiting for my partners birthday treat and were very underwhelmed. The room was in the roof so felt dark, dinghy and a bit shabby. The wardrobe door didn't open properly as it was restricted by the bedside cabinet (& had chunks out of it from previous guests) and it was generally disappointing. However, after voicing my concerns, they turned it around due some excellent customer service. Security definitely needs tightening up. They had mentioned they'd had some issues recently however even though there is a key card security panel in the lift to access the rooms, they are not needed so you can wander around from the street, in the lift or stairs and go on a rampage. So it doesn't feel safe, although they have chains on the bedroom doors for when you're inside. .
10 November 2025
Comfortable and enjoyable.
Beautiful room and extremely helpful staff!
N/A
10 November 2025
Wonderful historic building cleverly repurposed. Location great but expensive.
Historic building in the part of the cry we needed. Staff professional. Buffet side of breakfast as good.
Breakfast quality (cooked) was only adequate for a hotel of the price
9 November 2025
Very good
Beautiful building with very impressive architecture, don't use the lift, take the stairs....it'll blow you away.
Cooked breakfast was 5/10. It wasn't worth the £20 odd pounds and was lukewarm, scrambled egg was watery. The young waiter was rushed off his feet and forgot my coffee. Lots of supervisors but only one grafter. The hotel room windows were filthy and the noise from outside way too loud...need better sound insulation of the windows.
9 November 2025
Exceptional
The whole experience was amazing, to stay in such an iconic building was a privilege.
I came back in the evening not at all late,the door security where quite intimidating even when I proved I had a room
9 November 2025
Exceptional
Amazing venue, nice atmosphere very convenient near Oxford road station. Lovely products in the room and I felt very accommodated to if I was to forget anything.
8 November 2025
Fantastic stay
Lovely building, quirky due to its age but fab architecture. Grand and spacious rooms, modern but still maintaining traditional style room amenities (coffee, drink and snacks) are a nice touch. Breakfast is varied and tasty. Service is friendly. I was there for an event and it was great too
Nothing
7 November 2025
Great visit but did not appreciate being phoned at 3.30/am re delivery of food not ordered by us.
Location
Liked everything
6 November 2025
Great stay for 1 night with kids
Spacious room. Comfortable beds. Nice toiletries. Plentiful hot water. Excellent gym. Internal decor of main spaces including the entrance hall, dining areas etc were very grand and Victorian.
Some corridors seem a little dingy but I’m probably being overly critical.
6 November 2025
The staff were very friendly, the breakfast was vast and very good...loved everything about our stay
The decor of the hotel was very nice, the room was very spacious and comfortable...especially the bed and pillows provided
The noise from the street and trains passing close by
5 November 2025
Great upgrade. Gorgeous high ceilings
Upgrade to a lovely room. High ceilings
Nothing
5 November 2025
Slightly disappointed.
Hotel very close to the train station. Room was comfortable. Architecture of the building outstanding. Great cocktails before the loud chatter started.
We booked a table at the restaurant in the winter garden however there was a conference happening in the hotel. We couldn’t get to the bar to order further drinks. Also once seated we couldn’t hear each other speak. If the hotel would have told us there was a conference we would have booked a table at a different venue.
5 November 2025
Kimpton Clocktower is an amazing and unique hotel, we will be staying again I hope.
The staff were amazing, the room was good for the amount we paid, it would have been better to be able to open the windows and also it could have done with a light switch on the RH side of the bed, but these are small issues. the coffee and tea tray was very good, so all good in the room. The building is stunning and more information points aroud the public areas telling us more about its history , and the "ghosts!" would really add to the experience. The breakfast was excellent and great value for money. The team were "super" helpful and friendly.
One criticism, I get having a DJ on some evenings, but on a Sunday night? it could have worked better if the vibe was more chilled and relaxed, the DJ was playing for herself, too high energy and party feel to what was effectively an empty bar, she should read the room.
3 November 2025
Good place to stay but avoid the evening meal at all costs.
The hotel, entrance and room were nice, with lovely decour.
Everything was good other tyhan the evening meal which at £145 for the 2 of us what quite honestly discusting. the service was not good, we ate (at 20:000 whilst the dining area was being prepared for breakfast the next morning, the steak was served raw when it was asked for as medium, the triple cooked chips weren;t even cooked once and the portion sizes we tiny for the cost.
2 November 2025
Gorgeous
Stunning surroundings.
1 November 2025
Fabulous
The Kimpton Clocktower Hotel dazzles with grand Victorian decor—marble columns, mosaic floors, and a soaring clocktower dome. High-ceilinged rooms blend heritage charm with modern luxury, while warm staff, bold cocktails, and a vibrant atrium restaurant make every moment unforgettable.
NOTHING
31 October 2025
Elegant
Social hour, excellent breakfast, amazing architecture
Room was a tad on the small side
31 October 2025
Fabulous
The cleanliness, the size of the room and bathroom was excellent. The vintage interior had us spellbound. The winter garden was another add on fantasy. Swift check in and check out. Breakfast variety was excellent, specially the fruits and drinks.
The room should have 1 more lamp. The ceiling light was too bright and without the other lamps were not enough. At breakfast, there was no salt shaker(not even on other tables around, all were black pepper). No arrangements to toast/heat the croissants.
29 October 2025
A wonderful experience and would definitely stay again.
Amazing lobby and the smell was incredible. Reception staff were very friendly and helpful. Loved the free drinks in the bar too 😊
The bathroom was a little dirty.
29 October 2025
Fabulous
Historic building, excellent staff
29 October 2025
Wokd definitely go back
Room was gorgeous. We had lots of complimentary toiletries. Nothing was too much trouble. Gym facilities were really good. Hotel is stunning. Breakfast was good.
Nothing.
28 October 2025
Fabulous
the room was quirky, well porportioned and
28 October 2025
Beautiful hotel
Location, facilities. The room was beautiful.
Nothing
28 October 2025
Great hotel with interesting historical features and exceptional staff.
Unique and beautiful property. Loved the historical features and the very high ceilings. Rooms were spacious.
27 October 2025
Stylish, classic building that oozes charm. Unrivalled service,
What a fantastic hotel! Steeped in history, and kept very well preserved with a fantastic stylish and classical presentation. However, to match such a wonderful building were the staff. Such a well managed team that cannot do enough to ensure your stay is as smooth as the polished antique tiled deco. The rooms were spacious, stylish, and furnished to match the rest of the hotel. The beds were comfy and a great nights sleep was had. Extra effort has been made with the smallest of details to raise a pleasing smile. In the evening, the hotel bar had a great ambience, with its own brand of catered music, and a guest only service after late hours, which was nice. Literally could not fault the stay, and will defo recommend and stay here in future.
Nothing!
27 October 2025
Lovely stay
Modern, stylish, clean. Beautiful decor, beautiful bar area.
Nothing
27 October 2025
Exceptional
Stunning hotel. If you appreciate hotels with character and a story then you'll love this place
27 October 2025
Comfortable and enjoyable.
On arrival, my room was not ready (I arrived well after 3pm check-in)which was stressful for me. Nora on reception was professional charm personified and offered me a comp breakfast for the wait.
It was unfortunate that my room was not ready well after the 3pm check-in. This circumstance was, however, mitigated by a complementary breakfast the following morning.
25 October 2025
Excellent Hotel, can't wait to come back
The staff were welcoming & friendly. Hotel was clean & facilities were good quality & easily accessible. The location was perfect for us to explore Manchester in the short time we had. Marina checked us in & was very helpful. When she found out we were staying for our 'baby-moon', she upgraded our room to make it more accessible for me & when we came back that night, she'd put together a wonderful gift. Really made the stay special. Bar was good, good choice of drinks. Breakfast was fresh & excellent quality.
Nothing
25 October 2025
Luxury stay at an afffordable price
The property was stunning, the customer service was fantastic, the rooms were clean and tidy and the amenities were amazing.
23 October 2025
Great hotel
Stunning interior. The room was beautiful - exceptional bathroom. Really comfy bed. Staff are so friendly and helpful. Great location. I always stay here when visiting Manchester. I asked if my room could be changed to a different side of the hotel - (just personal preference). Receptionist happily changed for me.
First time I've noticed used dishes/cups left on tables at breakfast. Took a while for coffee to arrive at table. Cooked breakfast items didn't seem to be replenished in a timeous way at self service. Just didn't seem to be running as efficiently as per my previous visits. Maybe just an off day.
22 October 2025
Exceptional
Breakfast was lovely and room was clean
22 October 2025
Great staff , loved the social hour in the post room
The hotel was lovely 🥰 very quirky and imposing
The air conditioning was very noisy , had to turn it off due to the loudness
21 October 2025
Exceptional
Fantastic architecture, lovely staff and great location bear the NQ
21 October 2025
Fabulous
Beautiful property, high ceilings, spacious bedrooms.
21 October 2025
Beautiful historic hotel in a great area of Manchester
Beautiful hotel in a great location. Friendly and helpful staff. Rooms are very spacious and full of character.
20 October 2025
A hotel that everyone needs in their life
Beautiful old building. Rooms with original tiles and very high c20ft ceilings. Spacious. Great layout and friendly / helpful staff. Nice tuck box in room and you can have things you specifically want in the fridge in your room Also early check in
The bed in my room was a standard double which I find small No decaf tea available Breakfast great quality but can get cold with cold plates and constant open server dishes at busy times 9-10.30
20 October 2025
Very good hotel
Classical and full of character Breakfast fantastic
Too big and complicated getting to the rooms, signs not clear
20 October 2025
Brilliant hotel with very professional and polite staff
The overall excellent standard of the hotel
There was'nt anything i didn't like
Hotel facilities
Food & Drink
- - Restaurant
- - Bar
- - Breakfast in the room
- - Snack bar
- - Kid meals
- - Coffee house on site
General
- - Room service
- - Non-smoking rooms
- - Facilities for disabled guests
- - Family rooms
- - Lift
- - Safety deposit box
- - Packed lunches
- - Heating
- - Allergy-free room
- - Non-smoking throughout
- - Air conditioning
- - Designated smoking area
- - Minimarket on site
- - Pet basket
- - Pet bowls
Business facilities
- - Meeting/banquet facilities (additional charge)
- - Business centre
- - Fax/photocopying (additional charge)
Reception services
- - 24-hour front desk
- - Express check-in/check-out
- - Currency exchange
- - Luggage storage
- - Concierge service
- - Invoice provided
Activities
- - Fitness centre
- - Games room
- - Nightclub/DJ
- - Fitness
- - Bicycle rental
Cleaning services
- - Laundry (additional charge)
- - Dry cleaning (additional charge)
- - Ironing service (additional charge)
- - Daily housekeeping
Entertainment and family services
- - Board games/puzzles
Parking
- - Parking garage
Accessibility
- - Wheelchair accessible
- - Toilet with grab rails
- - Lower bathroom sink
- - Emergency cord in bathroom
Outdoors
- - Outdoor furniture
Miscellaneous
- - 24-hour security
- - Key card access
- - Smoke alarms
- - CCTV in common areas
- - CCTV outside property
- - Fire extinguishers
- - Breakfast takeaway containers
- - Delivered food is securely covered
- - Access to health care professionals
- - Thermometers for guests provided by property
- - Face masks for guests available

More photos

24 November 2025
Luxury!