As a mum to an 8 year old who’s mad about football, I’ve been meaning to take the family on a trip to Manchester – arguably the UK’s football hub thanks to its iconic stadiums – for quite some time. And with the buzz around the Oasis reunion, I’ve been eager to head up north myself to scope out potential hotel options for when the band tours there later this year. We decided to stay at the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel in the heart of Manchester. It was just a one-night stay, but it genuinely felt like a mini holiday. The stunning architecture and friendly staff at the Kimpton Clocktower provided the perfect blend of style and warmth, making it a must-visit if you’re planning to be in town for the Oasis tour or just fancy a quick break. READ MORE: ‘I discovered a Rivals-inspired Cotswolds getaway at this fashionable new hotel’ READ MORE: ‘I flew to Mauritius expecting a ‘fly-and-flop’ winter sun holiday but I was wrong’
The grand entrance at Kimpton Clocktower
(Image: Kimpton Clocktower)
The rooms at Kimpton Clocktower Hotel The bedrooms were instantly calming as soon as we walked in. They were spacious, beautifully decorated and filled with thoughtful touches that made our stay feel extra special. The kids loved the super-soft beds, and the modern aesthetic kept things interesting without feeling too ‘off-limits’. The hotel also had all the essentials readily available: luxurious toiletries, cosy bathrobes and plenty of space for us to spread out comfortably, reports the Mirror.
Michelle in her stylish room at Kimpton Clocktower
(Image: Michelle Darlow)
Our writer found the perfect family hotel in Manchester’s city centre
(Image: Kimpton Clocktower Hotel)
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 Refuge’s chilled yet buzzing vibe made us feel like we were out and about, while still being close to our ‘home away from home’.
Michelle and her family loved the food
(Image: Michelle Darlow)
What to do around Kimpton Clocktower Hotel The Kimpton Clocktower Hotel is perfectly situated on central Oxford Road, meaning Manchester’s top attractions are just a stone’s throw away. We were gobsmacked by the top theatres, museums and shops within walking distance, including the Manchester Museum, and Science and Industry Museum. Manchester is a city that’s easy to explore on foot, and the hotel’s prime location makes it all the more accessible. How much does it cost to stay at Kimpton Clocktower Hotel? Our stay at the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel was the perfect blend of luxury and family-friendly comfort in a historic setting, without breaking the bank – which isn’t always the case when travelling with the family. With rooms starting from £189 per night, including breakfast, I’d definitely recommend booking for anyone looking for a memorable Manchester experience. If you’re travelling with your little ones, it’s worth checking out the hotel’s Manchester Family Getaway offer. You’ll get to stay in a spacious Double Double with interconnecting rooms, plus £25 to spend on food and drink at The Refuge. Bonus! Story SavedYou can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.
