Why this building is worth a look before you even check in

The Kimpton Clocktower Manchester sits in a Victorian office building that was built for the Refuge Assurance company, with a tall clock tower that is easy to spot from the street. It was designed by the architect Alfred Waterhouse, who also designed Manchester Town Hall. Most hotels are new boxes with a lobby attached. This one is a landmark you can walk into.

That matters if you want a trip with some character. The red brick and terracotta exterior and the tower are part of what you are paying for, and you will see them every time you come back from a night out.

Where it sits: what you can walk to and what needs a tram or train

The hotel is on Oxford Street, on the southern side of the city centre. Oxford Road station is very close, so you can take a train to or from the hotel with little hassle. Piccadilly station and Piccadilly Gardens are further away, so allow a longer walk or a short tram or taxi ride with luggage.

On foot you can reach several places you will probably want:

• Whitworth Street and the canal-side bars nearby
• The Gay Village and Canal Street
• The Bridgewater Hall and the Palace Theatre, which is next door
• The shops and cafes of Oxford Road, with the university buildings along it
• The Northern Quarter, which is a longer walk but manageable if you like walking

The Manchester United stadium is not a walk. If a match or tour is on your list, our guide to the Manchester United stadium tour explains how to get there and fit it into the day.

What the rooms and public spaces are like

A converted historic building usually means rooms vary in shape and size, because the layout follows the original architecture and not a standard template. Two rooms in the same category can feel different. If you care about space, a view or a quiet side of the building, ask for it when you book and check the room descriptions on the hotel’s official page.

Room sizes, bed types, facilities and prices change, so confirm them with the hotel before you decide. The public areas are where the building’s age tends to show most, with the architecture there as much a reason to book as the bedroom.

Eating, drinking and unwinding without leaving the hotel

Hotels in landmark buildings often have bars and restaurants that work well for a first or last evening, when you would rather not go out and find somewhere. That is useful after a long train journey, or when the weather turns.

The current restaurants, bar, opening hours and any spa or gym facilities are listed on the hotel’s official page, and they can change. Check them there before you plan an evening around them. Manchester has plenty of places to eat within a short ride, so the hotel’s own venues are a convenience and you do not have to depend on them.

Who it suits best, and who might prefer a different base

The Clocktower suits couples and friends on a city break who want a hotel with a sense of place. It works well if you plan to spend your days around Oxford Road, the canal-side bars and the theatre and music venues, and your evenings in the city centre bars and restaurants.

It is not the most central choice for everyone. If your plans are built around the Northern Quarter, Piccadilly station or the shopping streets near Market Street, a hotel closer to those will save you walking time. Families wanting maximum space, and anyone on a tight budget, should compare room sizes and rates carefully. Older buildings can also mean less uniform rooms than a modern chain hotel.

If you are not sure, our guide to the best hotels in Manchester sorts options by the kind of trip you are planning.

How to fit it into a Manchester weekend

Here is one way to use the location:

1. Friday evening: arrive by train, drop your bags, and eat or have a drink at the hotel or on Whitworth Street.
2. Saturday: walk or take a short ride to the Northern Quarter for independent shops and cafes, then spend the afternoon at a museum or gallery. Choose bars or live music for the evening.
3. Sunday: if football is part of your plan, allow plenty of time for the tram or train to the stadium. Otherwise, explore the canal paths and Oxford Road before your journey home.

This keeps most of your walking to routes of a manageable length and puts the longer journeys in one block of the day.

How to check dates and book

Start with the dates you are free. Rates in a city with big events, concerts and football fixtures can change a lot from one weekend to the next, so compare a couple of options if you can be flexible. Then check the room types, the cancellation terms and what is included in the rate.

Check current rates and availability for the Kimpton Clocktower through our booking link, and read our guide to the best hotels in Manchester if you want to compare it with other options.