BACKGROUND This grand Grade-II listed building first opened in 1895, standing as The Refuge Assurance Company headquarters for almost a century. It was designed by Alfred Waterhouse, the architect who counts London's Natural History Museum among his notable projects, while the namesake 66-metre clock tower was added in 1912.
In 2018, IHG announced they were buying the property and conducted a renovation before opening the rebranded Kimpton Clocktower in October 2020.
WHERE IS IT? It dominates its corner of Oxford Street in the heart of Manchester, with plenty of restaurants, bars and shops nearby. For train travel, Piccadilly Station is a 15-minute walk, while Manchester Oxford Road station is next door. Manchester Airport is also a 20-minute drive. Discounted rates at the nearby NCP car park can be arranged through reception.
This story is from the September 2024 edition of Business Traveller UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 2024 edition of Business Traveller UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Healthspan over lifespan
New tech and wellbeing initiatives aim to not only help us live longer, but also thrive in those later years
TIPPING POINT
How much cash should you leave and who benefits from a gratuity? New legislation in the UK seeks to clear things up
Brain boost at King's Cross
The 'Mind Your Brain' festival returns for an extended period, featuring the Slomo Sauna by DJ Rob da Bank
The flair up there
Airlines upgrade with luxe new business class cabins for 2025
Antwerp
Belgium's stylish second city is a haven for fashion, food and art
First impressions
British Airways has unveiled the design of its new first class seat with privacy doors. The seats won't be in skies until next year, but here's a sneak peek of what to expect
THE BENEFITS AND PITFALLS OF THIRD-PARTY TRAVEL PORTALS
How to maximise points while avoiding booking problems
BUSINESS BITES
Dealmaking has always been more of an art than a science. While cities have no shortage of high-rise buildings and crowded conference rooms, the biggest relationships are often built outside of the office.
STOP AND SMELL THE COFFEE
Hannah Brandler catches up with Freda Yuan, Director of Coffee at Origin and three-time UK Cup Tasters Champion. Freda travels around the world to oversee the sourcing, sensory analysis and coffee quality for the B Corp brand. Originally from Taiwan, Freda is now based in London
Loyalty rewards
Exploring the connection between travel benefits and customer loyalty
