You may have noticed that the iconic grand clock tower on top of the Refuge Assurance Building on Oxford Road doesn’t say “PALACE” or indeed “PRINCIPAL” any more, instead it says “KIMPTON” as the new hotel owners have set up shop in the stunning terracotta Grade II listed building.
The new Kimpton Clocktower Hotel will open on Thursday 1st October, with all 270 loft-style bedrooms, including 11 suites, being newly designed to make the most of the stunning, double and triple-height ceilings.
Other original period features including glazed bricks, tiles and faience, stained glass and carved wooden staircases, meet contemporary fittings and interiors, including a three-metre-tall bronze horse by artist Sophie Dickens which sits in the lobby. The piece denotes a horse-and-carriage ‘turning circle’ that once stood on the spot.
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.
Hotel guests will enjoy Kimpton’s signature perks such as in-room yoga mats and the ‘Forgot It? We’ve Got It!’ service offering important guest essentials. Free tuck boxes of treats in all rooms, as well as fresh milk and mineral water in the fridge make for a relaxing in-room experience.
Guests can also expect the brand’s industry-leading pet-friendly attitude and an approachable luxury experience fuelled by a hotel team who is committed to delivering heartfelt care and personal service in surprising ways.
Taking place in the similarly iconic Winter Garden at The Refuge, those wanting to make human connections can meet fellow visitors across social distanced tables at the nightly Kimpton Social Hour to bond over hosted drinks from 5-6pm.
Johan Scheepers, General Manager, Kimpton Clocktower Hotel commented on the opening: “Kimpton Clocktower Hotel is the latest addition to the global Kimpton brand. Each Kimpton hotel is an escape from the ordinary, and Kimpton Clocktower Hotel will offer a real ‘wow’ factor stay with a warm Mancunian welcome.
“Kimpton continues on its incredible expansion across the globe with the opening of Kimpton Clocktower Hotel marking our fourth opening in the UK. The Kimpton brand is rooted in human heartfelt connections and we look forward to welcoming guests and locals in a city world renowned for its warmth, charm and exuberance.”
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Double rooms at Kimpton Clocktower Hotel start from £120 inclusive of VAT, Service Charge and Full English Breakfast
