A Weekend at Kimpton Clocktower Manchester: Luxury, Style and the Perfect City Break
Another weekend, another city break for my besty and I – and this time, we chose Manchester. It’s a city I’ve explored surprisingly little considering it’s only an hour away, but as one of the North’s most vibrant and fast-paced destinations, it felt well overdue.
Manchester is a sprawling metropolis, the kind of place that really rewards a bit of planning. But I’ll be honest – I’d already made one very solid decision before we’d even arrived. We were staying at the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, and if we didn’t do a single thing else all weekend, I knew I’d already nailed the hotel.
First Impressions of Kimpton Clocktower Manchester
From the moment you step inside Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, it makes an impression.
Housed in a stunning historic building, the lobby is nothing short of spectacular. Warm golden light filters through a striking stained-glass dome, while intricate stonework and soaring ceilings create an immediate sense of grandeur. Reception sits elegantly within the space, allowing the building itself to take centre stage.
Honestly it’s got more swag than Fifty – combining a balance of heritage and modern hospitality, exactly the kind of first impression you want from a luxury hotel in Manchester.
Rooms at Kimpton Clocktower: Boutique Style Meets Comfort
Check-in was seamless, and our room was ready on arrival just after lunch – always a win when you’re eager to settle in and start your stay.
And the room? It didn’t disappoint.
Design strikes that perfect balance between boutique style and comfort. Rich textures, warm tones and thoughtful details make the space feel inviting rather than overly polished.
Well appointed and thoughtfully laid out, with high ceilings and large windows that filled the room with natural light. The interior leans into that signature boutique hotel feel – a mix of soft neutral tones, rich fabrics and subtle pops of colour.
Little touches elevated the experience even further – a handwritten welcome note, a bottle of wine waiting for us – that’s what I’m talking about – the perfect base for a ‘girly getting ready’ session.
The bathroom is equally impressive. Immaculately clean (you’d be surprised at how many hotel rooms are not pristine – I cannot stand watermarks on taps and the slightest sign of mould in grout has me spiralling) and quietly luxurious, crisp white tiling, a deep bath with overhead shower, plush towels and beautifully presented toiletries – full marks.
The Winter Garden and Bar Experience
One of the standout features of Kimpton Clocktower Hotel is its stunning Winter Garden.
Filled with greenery and bathed in soft, natural light, it feels like a calm oasis in the middle of the city. It’s the kind of space where time slows down – perfect for an afternoon drink or simply soaking up the atmosphere.
The bar, just moments away, offers a completely different energy. Sleek, lively and effortlessly stylish, it’s the ideal place to enjoy a cocktail (or two) before heading out into Manchester’s nightlife. There’s a sophisticated buzz and I’m down – the perfect starting point for our ‘grown up’ girls night.
Exploring Manchester’s Northern Quarter
After a relaxed afternoon in the hotel (and a glass or eight of fizz), we got ready and headed out into the city.
The Northern Quarter was calling – known for its stylish bars, creative energy and some of the best cocktails in Manchester. It didn’t disappoint. The atmosphere was lively, vibrant and exactly what you want from a city break night out.
That said, we made it through afternoon drinks and just about into the early evening before calling it a draw and heading back to our luxury base. Nightcap in bed? Absolutely.
Rock and roll, we are not – but honestly, there’s something far better about ending the night in an incredibly comfortable hotel bed with a final drink in hand.
Breakfast at Kimpton Clocktower Manchester
I slept like a baby and woke up genuinely excited for breakfast – which, I’ll admit, is a very clear sign of middle age. Somewhere along the way, food has taken priority over late nights, and sitting down to a proper breakfast now feels like an event in itself.
Served in the beautiful garden room, the setting alone is enough to set the tone. Add in a perfectly poured Yorkshire tea from a genuinely cheerful server, and you’re already off to a great start.
The buffet offering is extensive and exactly what you’d expect from a luxury hotel breakfast in Manchester. On the hot side, there are all the classics – eggs, crispy bacon, sausages, hash browns – all fresh, well-prepared and regularly replenished.
The continental selection is just as impressive, with flaky pastries, fresh bread, jams, cereals, yoghurt and fruit. Whether you want something indulgent or something lighter, it’s all there.
And if that wasn’t enough, there’s also an à la carte option. My friend took full advantage, ordering eggs Benedict – a decision she did not regret. Perfectly poached eggs, rich hollandaise and beautifully presented, it was everything you want from a proper hotel breakfast dish.
Final Verdict: Is Kimpton Clocktower Manchester Worth It?
If you’re looking for a luxury hotel in Manchester that combines historic character with modern comfort, Kimpton Clocktower Hotel is hard to beat.
From its grand architecture and stylish interiors to its standout dining and unbeatable location, it offers far more than just a place to stay – it becomes part of the experience.
For a weekend city break in Manchester, it’s exactly the kind of hotel that elevates the entire trip.
Would I stay again? Without hesitation, and so should you – tell them I sent you.
Kimpton Clocktower Hotel:
OXFORD STREET, MANCHESTER M60 7HA UK
Tel: 0161 288 1111
Joanne Brook-Smith is a writer and editor with two decades of publishing experience. She launched Crave Magazine during the Covid period to create a fresh, inspiring space for food, travel and lifestyle content.
Visit – March 2026