Kimpton Clocktower

Visited on 21st June 2017 with my partner to attend Mark Lanegan gig at the O2 Ritz. Absolutely amazing hotel and would highly recommend. O2 Ritz is literally across the road; there is a Sainsburys Local opposite for any bits that may be needed/cashpoint, and many bars/ restaurants/ takeaways in the immediate vicinity. All staff are amazing, polite, professional yet 'human!' We were upgraded re room on arrival. Room was enormous with 2 Queen size beds, quality bed linen/ pillows/ mattresses - the best night's sleep that I have ever had in a hotel! Loved the little touches like the fridge with fresh milk in in the room, complimentary bottles of water, an umbrella (this is Manchester after all), the tuckbox (free of charge), Elemis toiletries. Only downside to the room was that we stayed during the recent heatwave and our room did not have air conditioning (N.B. some rooms do so if staying during hot weather may be worth checking this out beforehand); however, the hotel supplied 2 powerful fans on request which ensured that we remained cool throughout the night. Very quiet in the room during the night despite the windows being open and the city centre location. Breakfast was very good. Full English offered in heated containers with freshly fried eggs. There was also an extensive 'cooked to order' choice, however all buffet ingredients were hot and plentiful and very good quality (my only niggle about breakfast was that there were no hot plates to serve the buffet breakfast on). Overall, excellent breakfast and brilliant staff. Bar services brilliant. The best Bloody Mary ever and an extensive selection of gins/ garnishes. Only 'blip' that we experienced during our stay was that the in room hairdryer exploded in a ball of flames! However, this was dealt with swiftly and efficiently by the manager! Cannot wait to stay here again. Top class hotel convenient for the 02 Ritz with so many extra little touches that it is a true luxury to stay here and the service/ facilities that you get are far superior to other city 'top' hotels at a fraction of the price.

Liked: The excellent staff; the facilities in the room; the service overall; Elemis toiletries; fridge; fresh milk; complimentary bottles of water in the room; the tuckbox; the cocktails/ drinks and wonderful bar staff; the decor/ history of the hotel; the lovely outside courtyard area; the breakfast and breakfast staff; the absolute quality of drinks ingredients/ food; the quality bed linen/ mattress and pillows; the best sleep that I have ever had in a hotel.
Disliked: Only downside was the hairdryer in the room set on fire - flames shooting out, however this was dealt with swiftly and efficiently by the manager. Cold plates for the cooked breakfast - I like a hot plate from a plate warmer.

Absolutely amazing hotel; beautifully decorated and amazing service.

Liked: Everything.
Disliked: Nothing.

This hotel has the most beautiful stained glass and marble/tiled Victorian fittings. Absolute splendour. The reception with high ceiling and glass domed roof is spectacular. We had a twin room which was spacious, clean, and the beds were very comfortable. The breakfast was lovely and a great start to the day. All we did was comment on our surroundings as you kept imagining what it must have been like being there many years ago. It cost me 79.00 for one night, which was superb value given the splendour you were surrounded by. We were initially given a double room but hotel staff sorted this out expediently and efficiently. I love this hotel and I will definitely recommend it to others and without fail; I would stay here anytime I need to stay over in Manchester. Superb.

Liked: Beautiful architecture.
Disliked: Nil.

A limited experience just staying one night - single room was very comfortable and not too noisy "inside" the hotel. I'll definitely be staying again. Good value for money.

Liked: This is a fascinating building with an interesting history - would have liked to be able to explore more of this...
Disliked: Nothing.

Exceptional

V cool hotel pleased I...

Liked: Paid for nice room and it was big and cool but on internal courtyard which is fine but would have been good to be expecting that. Also need to put pod coffee machines in for more expensive rooms - coffee bags!?
Disliked: Key reason for choosing was for bar area and meeting up with another couple. But the music (Oasis) was just unbearably loud and we couldn’t talk to each other at all. It created a very weird atmosphere so we left.

Beautiful Hotel and Excellent Staff...

Liked: The hotel is a history time capsule with plenty of interesting nooks, crannies and architecture. A well-preserved and looked after hotel. Simply beautiful. The staff are excellent! Very accommodating, professional, friendly and welcoming. I cannot fault the service AT ALL. Loved the gym - the only quiet, peaceful place in the hotel besides the bedroom.
Disliked: The room was spacious but the bed not very comfortable. Not much storage for clothing and I had to ask for extra hangers, but there is no where to store your hosiery items and fold-up clothing. No drawers in site. The decor is not very functional and just there for aesthetic purposes. The room is not practical. No dressing table to sit at. This is a party town so if you're looking for peace, you won't find it here. The only respite from the constant noisy music is a brief calm between 0600-1100 during breakfast before the DJ arrives and it all starts over again. I found this a little disruptive as there is no where to go and sit quietly in this hotel. It is a venue for functions 24/7.

Very good

Passable

Exceptional

Superb

Disappointing bits

Liked: The property ascetically looks beautiful and the check in young man was very friendly and welcoming.
Disliked: Our room was a connecting room so subsequently occupied by another guest who we could hear very clearly coughing and on phone calls. The toilet flush was not working properly. We went on to the room service menu on the TV, chose our selection, rang up and were told they didn’t have those selections anymore. We had to acquire the up to date menu. The red wine menu was a selection of low end wines at high prices! We went and bought our own wine from the Sainsbury’s across the road. I don’t mind paying for wine as long as you’re getting a decent bottle. At breakfast we ordered 9.30am, 2 poached eggs on toast, it was just 5 minutes past 10am when it arrived and when I went up to grab some butter and beans it was all packed away. We’ve stayed in a few IHG hotels so this wasn’t the experience we were expecting. I certainly won’t be booked this hotel again.

Superb