BACKGROUND This grand Grade-II listed building first opened in 1895, standing as The Refuge Assurance Company headquarters for almost a century. It was designed by Alfred Waterhouse, the architect who counts London's Natural History Museum among his notable projects, while the namesake 66-metre clock tower was added in 1912.
In 2018, IHG announced they were buying the property and conducted a renovation before opening the rebranded Kimpton Clocktower in October 2020.
WHERE IS IT? It dominates its corner of Oxford Street in the heart of Manchester, with plenty of restaurants, bars and shops nearby. For train travel, Piccadilly Station is a 15-minute walk, while Manchester Oxford Road station is next door. Manchester Airport is also a 20-minute drive. Discounted rates at the nearby NCP car park can be arranged through reception.
image [https://cdn.magzter.com/1450191940/1724773960/articles/oRc1uJZtn1724928262825/1473227839.jpg]
WHAT'S IT LIKE? For characterful, historic architecture, this gets 10/10. The beautiful red brick exterior signals this grand dame's impressive age (134 years), while the magnificent domed atrium lobby will make you hope there's a queue at check-in. My eyes struggled to take in all the details, from ceramic-tiled walls with soaring columns and Latin inscriptions to impressive arched doorways and stained-glass detailing, plus a three-metre bronze horse by artist Sophie Dickens. Even local tour groups were popping into the lobby to soak up all the historical details. Concierge services include curated vinyl music and plants in guest rooms, if requested in advance (the pre-foyer features a flower shop, which adds a lovely, green touch to entering the property).
ROOMS The property has 270 rooms and 11 suites, including a new three-bedroom suite (Suite No. 51) that launched in August. Spanning three buildings, no two rooms are the same, though most feature original details, such as double-height (or even triple-height) windows with sash windows.
My spacious King Bed Premium room felt even roomier thanks to the high ceilings and grand windows. Decor was classic, with a chunky wooden wardrobe and free-standing mirror, alongside more modern artworks.
There was a desk, two armchairs and a TV. Plugs and USB ports are located by the desk and on either side of the bed, and wifi was fast. Amenities include a coffee machine, a welcome pack of crisps and confectionery, plus a well-stocked minibar.
The bathroom mimics the heritage feel with cream ceramic tiles. There's a range of amenities and the usual hotel-grade hairdryer. Straighteners and adaptors can be requested at reception, and there's a "corner shop" in the lobby, with snacks and souvenirs for purchase, plus hand-selected accessories by Anthropologie stylists.
FOOD AND DRINK The Refuge i...
In 2018, IHG announced they were buying the property and conducted a renovation before opening the rebranded Kimpton Clocktower in October 2020.
WHERE IS IT? It dominates its corner of Oxford Street in the heart of Manchester, with plenty of restaurants, bars and shops nearby. For train travel, Piccadilly Station is a 15-minute walk, while Manchester Oxford Road station is next door. Manchester Airport is also a 20-minute drive. Discounted rates at the nearby NCP car park can be arranged through reception.
image [https://cdn.magzter.com/1450191940/1724773960/articles/oRc1uJZtn1724928262825/1473227839.jpg]
WHAT'S IT LIKE? For characterful, historic architecture, this gets 10/10. The beautiful red brick exterior signals this grand dame's impressive age (134 years), while the magnificent domed atrium lobby will make you hope there's a queue at check-in. My eyes struggled to take in all the details, from ceramic-tiled walls with soaring columns and Latin inscriptions to impressive arched doorways and stained-glass detailing, plus a three-metre bronze horse by artist Sophie Dickens. Even local tour groups were popping into the lobby to soak up all the historical details. Concierge services include curated vinyl music and plants in guest rooms, if requested in advance (the pre-foyer features a flower shop, which adds a lovely, green touch to entering the property).
ROOMS The property has 270 rooms and 11 suites, including a new three-bedroom suite (Suite No. 51) that launched in August. Spanning three buildings, no two rooms are the same, though most feature original details, such as double-height (or even triple-height) windows with sash windows.
My spacious King Bed Premium room felt even roomier thanks to the high ceilings and grand windows. Decor was classic, with a chunky wooden wardrobe and free-standing mirror, alongside more modern artworks.
There was a desk, two armchairs and a TV. Plugs and USB ports are located by the desk and on either side of the bed, and wifi was fast. Amenities include a coffee machine, a welcome pack of crisps and confectionery, plus a well-stocked minibar.
The bathroom mimics the heritage feel with cream ceramic tiles. There's a range of amenities and the usual hotel-grade hairdryer. Straighteners and adaptors can be requested at reception, and there's a "corner shop" in the lobby, with snacks and souvenirs for purchase, plus hand-selected accessories by Anthropologie stylists.
FOOD AND DRINK The Refuge i...
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Business Traveller Uk (Digital) - 1 Issue, September 2024