The Vibe: New grand.
The Area: The Kimpton Clocktower Hotel is located on busy Oxford Street opposite the namesake train station, and within walking distance of both the main Piccadilly Station and Canal Street’s Gay Village.
The DNA: This new Kimpton has set up shop in the former Palace Hotel. The iconic red brick building opened in 1895 as the headquarters of an insurance company. In 1912 the striking clocktower was added. Public areas positively drip with ornate original features, including glazed bricks, tiles and faience, stained glass and carved wooden staircases. Glossy contemporary fittings add sex appeal. Quirky elements include a three metre tall bronze horse in the lobby, denoting a horse-and-carriage ‘turning circle’ that once stood on the spot. At the heart of hotel is The Winter Garden, a space full of natural light, where guests can sit back and relax for a drink or a meal, whatever the time of day or night. Destination bar and restaurant, The Refuge by Volta, serves globally inspired small plates, craft beers and cocktails curated by the award-winning team from Volta, and has a uniquely curated program of events. Social hour with complimentary drinks between 5 and 6 PM.
Suite-Me-Up: Spacious, loft-style guest rooms offer an homage to Manchester’s iconic music scene, with vinyl records of the city’s most iconic bands – from the Stone Roses and Oasis to Elbow and Take That – available to play on record players in each room. Each room borrows design inspiration from the spirited and renowned Manchester party and music scene, with vibrant, bespoke textiles designed by Timorous Beasties, which incorporate the iconic Manchester worker bee and bold contemporary graphic prints adorning the walls. Free mineral water and fresh milk in the minibar, plus yoga mats in the rooms.
✅ free Wi-Fi • size matters: 260 rooms, 11 suites (13-40m2) (140-431 sq ft) • hotel opened: October 2020 • bathroom amenities: Atelier Bloem • parking possible at a location nearby (charged) ✅ pet friendly, no charges • 24-hour front desk • wheelchair accessible
