Kimpton Clocktower By Ihg

“The Grande Dame In Manchester”

Kimpton is by far my preferred brand within the IHG family and I have been staying at The Kimpton Clocktower in Manchester for several years as close as possible to my birthday each August. Last night was my 2026 visit and the standards that I have come to expect from Kimpton (especially in the UK)… more

Kimpton is by far my preferred brand within the IHG family and I have been staying at The Kimpton Clocktower in Manchester for several years as close as possible to my birthday each August. Last night was my 2026 visit and the standards that I have come to expect from Kimpton (especially in the UK) were very much in evidence. I was greeted warmly as I approached reception and my room was ready when I arrived at 16:00. I was recognised as a Platinum level IHG 1 member and I was offered the choice of a complimentary drink or bonus points. I opted for the latter; however, these have not been credited and I will need to follow up on this. I was advised that I had been upgraded to a Duplex Suite, which is a status benefit for platinum level guests and above, subject to availability. On arrival at the room, I noticed that there was no bathtub, which is an important requirement for me. The hotel website suggests that suites do indeed have bathtubs and the room was laid out quite differently to the split-level description. I returned to reception and, under the care of Sally Kinsella, who is my management contact, I was immediately switched to a Heritage Suite. My profile with the hotel has now been amended to record that I require a bathtub (ideally the roll top style) on future visits. Kimpton hotels hold a "secret password" scheme a couple of times a year, which is a lot of fun and allows guests to receive a gift if they use it during check-in. This reviewer is delighted that the reward is now in line with that offered by other Kimpton hotels and I was offered two house cocktails. The Kimpton Clocktower occupies quirky premises that spans several inter-connected buildings. Personally, I find this to be one of its charms and I don't think my route to my suite followed the same route twice. It was a pleasant experience to explore the hotel. Staff were more than willing to offer guidance if this became necessary. Room 174 had an impressive entrance opening to a generously proportioned interior. The entire premises were very tastefully furnished and decorated and offered a very high ceiling that increased the feeling of space. There was a raised bow window that again created the feel of space and this possessed a lot of character. The room is at the front of the hotel and above the main road. Given that the suite was situated on the 1st floor, occasionally there was some traffic noise. This, however, was only very occasionally and it in no way impacted on sleep quality. The furnishings were well coordinated and attractive and were of a very high quality. There was ample storage space and the room offered comfortable seating. The lighting was subdued and this is very much my preference. The king-sized bed was very comfortable and offered an incredibly soft duvet and pillows and the mattress topper provided the perfect complement. Over the years I have come to appreciate just how cosy the sleeping arrangements are at this hotel and how much they lead to a superbly comfortable and refreshing rest. The entire suite was immaculately clean. The mini bar was pre-stocked with complimentary soft drinks and there is also a hospitality tray offering tea, coffee and hot chocolate as well as crisps and chocolate. There was also a modern coffee machine, which I have previously suggested would benefit guests more, were there instructions to accompany it. This has yet to be implemented. The bathroom leads off from the combined bedroom and sitting room and is a bright and cheerful tiled affair. There were twin antique style sinks and a matching deep soaking tub. The bathroom also had a large separate shower area. There were plentiful, perfectly white fluffy towels, and high-quality bathrobes were located in the wardrobe, along with an iron and ironing board and also a steam press. A personal safe was also in the wardrobe. Toiletries were high quality and plentiful. The hotel operates the Kimpton social hour between 17:00 and 18:00 however I was not able to attend this during my visit. I would like to think that soft drinks are now available in addition to wine and beer. Breakfast has risen from being excellent experience to a standard that I would describe as being absolutely superb. A wide range of food items are available and everything truly was of the highest and freshest quality. There were a few speciality items available, including freshly poached eggs. My principal server was Saracen and he stood out for the warmth and professionalism he displayed. Saracen was attentive and proactive and constantly busy. His attitude was positive and nothing was too much trouble. The one suggestion I would make would be to review the arrangements for fried eggs as these continue to dry out and become rubbery. Overcome this and I would be tempted to apply the label of "World Class" to the breakfast experience. The ambiance in the restaurant was light and relaxing and it really did create the impression of being a place where time stands still for the duration of a person's visit. The bar service was positive and the server bright and welcoming. I requested a late check out of 14:00 and this was positively received. I was not disturbed during the interim and my space and privacy was respected and observed. Check out was speedy and efficient and there was a clear satisfaction check. This left a very positive final impression. My visit to Kimpton Clocktower this year has been a genuine delight and I leave feeling recharged and refreshed. I feel a strong desire to make my 2027 reservation post haste. As a reviewer spending well over 100 nights a year in hotels, this is statement that I do not made lightly.

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