Our Style Director Michelle Darlow checked into Manchester’s Kimpton Clocktower Hotel with her family for the night and discovered comfy beds, delicious food and local attractions
As a mum of a football-obsessed 8-year-old, I’ve been promising to take the family to visit Manchester – arguably the football capital of the UK thanks to its iconic stadiums – for ages. Plus, with the news of the Oasis reunion, I’ve been itching to head north myself to check out some possible hotel options for when the band tours there later this year.
We decided to book in to the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel in the heart of Manchester. It was just one night, but wow – it truly felt like a mini vacation. Between the gorgeous architecture and friendly staff, the Kimpton Clocktower had the perfect mix of style and warmth – and, as we discovered, is a definite must-see if you’re also looking to visit for Oasis’ tour or for a quick getaway.
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The rooms at Kimpton Clocktower Hotel
Walking into the room, I felt instantly relaxed. It was spacious, beautifully designed and filled with thoughtful touches that made it feel a little extra special. The kids were thrilled with the super-soft beds, and the modern vibe kept things interesting without feeling too ‘untouchable’. The hotel also had all the essentials right on hand: luxurious toiletries, cosy bathrobes and enough room for us to spread out comfortably.
Service with a smile
The service was top-notch from check-in to check-out; every staff member we met was friendly and went out of their way to make us feel welcome. They had answers to every question, and small gestures made us feel extra-special, like offering us directions and telling us about the history of the hotel and ghost stories, which the kids loved. They have a pamphlet about these that children can ask for at reception for; it really added to the experience.
Even though we didn’t bring a pet, I noticed Kimpton’s pet-friendly perks, which I thought were a really nice touch for those who travel with their furry family members (I’ll be bringing my new pup Charlie back in the future).
Michelle’s top tip: If you’re driving there, the hotel doesn’t have its own parking but there are two big NCP car parks right next door, and you can pay for your parking at check-out.
The food at Kimpton Clocktower Hotel
Our meal at The Refuge, the hotel’s restaurant, was a highlight. The menu had so many delicious options made with fresh, local ingredients, which gave everything a really unique flavour. My husband is a chef so we always order a mix of small and larger plates to get a taste of as much of the menu as possible, and the beetroot borani (an Iranian yoghurt dip) and the dry-aged ribeye steak were the stand-out dishes. The kid’s menu was also reasonably priced, and the smash burgers followed by sticky toffee puddings got the thumbs up from my fussy seven and nine year olds.
The relaxed yet lively atmosphere in The Refuge made it feel like we were out on the town while staying close to ‘home’.
What to do around Kimpton Clocktower Hotel
Since the hotel is located on central Oxford Road, we had Manchester’s top spots within easy reach. After dinner we took a little stroll, and were amazed by how many of the city’s best theatres, museums, shops and attractions were close by, including the Manchester Museum, and Science and Industry Museum. The whole city is very walkable, amd the hotel’s location makes it all super accessible.
How much does it cost to stay at Kimpton Clocktower Hotel?
Our stay at the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel was exactly what we needed – a mix of luxury and family-friendly comfort in a historic building but without breaking the bank, which isn’t always the case when travelling with a family. With rooms starting from £189 per night with breakfast included, I’d definitely recommend booking for anyone who wants a memorable Manchester experience.
If you are travelling with your kids, it’s worth looking at the hotel’s Manchester Family Getaway offer. You’ll stay in a spacious Double Double with interconnecting rooms, plus £25 to spend on food and drink at The Refuge. Bonus!
