The hype
Guests are obsessed with the lobby's bronze horse and the high ceilings, but many find the heating system temperamental in winter.
Kimpton Clocktower Hotel
$120-220/ noche
Reserva esto si You want to sleep in a Harry Potter-esque Victorian landmark where dogs are treated better than humans and the architecture does the heavy lifting.
Por qué a la gente le encanta
- The Refuge: A massive, glam-industrial dining hall that's actually a destination, not just a hotel lobby
- Genuine pet-friendly policy: No fees, no size limits, and staff who will likely greet your dog before you
- Free Social Hour: Complimentary wine and beer every evening from 5-6pm in the lobby
Resumen rápido: A stunning architectural beast that can be a maze to navigate and occasionally noisy near the train tracks, but wins you over with sheer grandeur.
Reseñado por @trusted_travel_official: I was blown away by the architecture here! My room was super cozy with cool retro touches, but the real magic is the lobby. Working under that massive glass dome felt incredible, and the bar scene is perfect for evening drinks. Definitely the coolest spot in Manchester.
Lo que dijeron los huéspedes que se hospedaron aquí
Reality check
You might get a 'substandard' room in the Whitworth building that feels miles away from the main lobby's glamour and suffers from creaky floorboards.
- You love dramatic Victorian architecture and high ceilings
- You are traveling with a dog (seriously, they get the VIP treatment)
- You want a buzzing social scene without leaving the building
Limpieza y Mantenimiento
8.5
- Housekeeping: Generally reliable daily service, though some reports of missed dust in high corners.
- Bathroom hygiene: Usually sparkling, but watch out for 'tired' grout in unrenovated bathrooms.
- Maintenance: The building is old; expect creaky floors and the occasional drafty window.
- Linens & towels: Crisp, high-quality white linens. Towels are fluffy and plentiful.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells expensive (signature scent); some corridors near service areas can smell of food/dishes.
Sleepability™
7.5SILENCIOSO
0-4RUIDOSO
4-7.5MODERADO
7.5-10SILENCIOSO
- Trains from adjacent Oxford Road Station (especially cargo lines)
- Creaky floorboards from guests in rooms above
- Hallway noise due to heavy doors
Antes de reservar
Es bueno saberlo
- There is NO on-site parking; you'll need to use the nearby NCP or Q-Park (approx £18-20/24h with validation)
- The 'Social Hour' (5-6pm) is real and free—don't miss it
- The lift system can be slow and requires key card scanning that is often finicky
Qué llevar
- Earplugs (essential if you get a track-side room)
- Walking shoes (the corridors are endless)
- A sweater (high ceilings mean rooms can take a while to heat up in winter)
Genio de Habitaciones
Mejores opciones
- Heritage Wing rooms for the highest ceilings and original Victorian detailing
- Suite No. 51 for a newly renovated, apartment-style splurge
- Internal courtyard-facing rooms for the best chance at quiet
Habitaciones a evitar
- Room 255 (and others on that stack) due to direct train station noise
- Rooms near service cupboards/elevators to avoid hallway clatter and smells
Genio de Solicitud de Habitación – copiar y pegar
“I am requesting a room in the Heritage Wing, specifically facing the internal courtyard to avoid train noise from Oxford Road Station. Please ensure I am NOT placed near the service elevators.”
Preguntas frecuentes y consejos ocultos
Todo lo que realmente quieres saber antes de reservar.
Is there a pool?
No. There is a gym, but no pool or spa facilities.
Is breakfast worth it?
It's hit or miss. The setting in the Winter Garden is stunning, but be aware that 'included' often means cold buffet only, with upcharges for hot plates.
How much is parking?
Around £20 per 24 hours at the nearby NCP Oxford Street. You must validate your ticket at the hotel reception.
Is it actually pet friendly?
Yes, genuinely. No pet fee, no size restriction. They are arguably more welcome than you are.
Can I hear the trains?
In some rooms, yes, very clearly. Request a room away from the Oxford Road Station side if this bothers you.
What is the 'Social Hour'?
A Kimpton brand staple: free wine and beer served in the lobby from 5pm to 6pm daily.
Consejos de Insiders
- ✨
The 'Winter Garden' inside The Refuge is a great spot for coffee/work during the day even if you aren't eating.
- ✨
There is a secret 'Den' area in The Refuge with a pool table that often goes unnoticed.
- ✨
Ask for a 'tuck box' if you didn't get one—some rooms get a free box of treats, but it's inconsistent.
5 cosas que debes saber antes de ir
💡The walk from the lobby to some rooms can take literally 5-7 minutes.
💡The heating in the high-ceilinged rooms struggles to keep up on very cold Manchester nights.
💡The 'smashed avocado' at breakfast has been reviewed as being made of beans (yes, really).
💡There is a massive bronze horse in the lobby by Sophie Dickens (Charles Dickens' great-great-granddaughter).
💡The hotel was formerly the Refuge Assurance Company headquarters, hence the restaurant name.
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