Manchester has long been one of the UK's coolest cities, famed for its cutting-edge music scene, top-rated food spots, and dance-until-your-feet-hurt nightlife.
But thanks to its undeniable surge in popularity over the last few years, particularly amongst Gen-Z and millennials (if some of your mates don't already live there, they're sure as hell spending the odd weekend), the city has welcomed a whole host of sleek new accommodation options.
The one we're most excited to book for our next staycation? The new luxury suite at Kimpton Clocktower Hotel – hailed a first for Manchester – which boasts three well-sized bedrooms, four bathrooms and an open-plan sitting and dining room with a marble dining table and stunning views of the city.
The Suite No.51, housed in the panelled former directors' office, is decked out in Kimpton Clocktower's modern deco style – walls in cool grey, cream and slate blue, with plush forest green and mustard yellow velvet furnishings, graphic art prints lining the panelled walls, and monochrome bathrooms with Victorian-style bath tubs.
Other luxe amenities include large smart TVs in every room, cloud-soft super king-size beds, sound insulating and black-out curtains, walk-in wardrobes and dressing rooms, a wireless music system and PS5 gaming system, Dyson hair tools and accessories, a complimentary bar, and a record player with vinyls personalised for guests by the hotel's music concierge. Through their own private entrance, there's also the help of a personal aid available at the click of a button.
Guests can also take advantage of other customisable extras, such as fresh flowers delivered from the hotel's florist and top quality cocktails from the downstairs Refuge bar, one of the most popular in Manchester.
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Hotel manager Kelly Andreasson says: "Kimpton Clocktower continues to captivate, and No. 51 is set to be one of the most opulent suites in the city. The Kimpton brand is rooted in heartfelt human connections, and we look forward to welcoming guests, where we will provide a next-level service.”
Location-wise, Kimpton Clocktower Hotel is as central as you can get. On the corner of Oxford Street and Whitworth Street, it's a five-minute stroll to Canal Street's buzzy bars and restaurants, and Oxford Road station is just across the road (Piccadilly station is a 15-minute walk).
The striking terracotta building started life the Refuge Assurance headquarters in 1895 and has retained many of its ornate industrial features – all glazed tiles, domed marble pillars and carved wooden staircases. Now a 270-bed hotel, contemporary touches draw the city's cool crowd – a 1,300lb bronze stone horse, designed by Sophie Dickens (Charles Dickens's granddaughter), sits in the lobby, and on the tiled wall in the Refuge dining hall, you'll find the hotel's much-Instagrammed black and white mural ‘The Glamour of Manchester’, a slogan which perfectly sets the stage for your stay.
