– Advertisement –
Manchester’s most famous tower is stepping into a new era of luxury. The former Hilton Deansgate has officially rebranded as The Manchester Deansgate Hotel, joining IHG Hotels & Resorts’ prestigious portfolio.
At the helm is Konstantin Grimm, a familiar face with deep ties to the hotel, now returning as General Manager to lead its transformation. With plans to elevate service, refurbish key spaces, and eventually relaunch as an InterContinental in 2027, Konstantin is determined to deliver a hotel experience worthy of Manchester’s skyline.
Konstantin Grimm – Manchester Deansgate Hotel manager
Konstantin Grimm
The transition, he explained, has been eye-opening. “You only realise the sheer amount of work involved once you make the switch,” he said. “It’s been a fascinating challenge.”
Konstantin is no stranger to the property. Before stepping into the role of General Manager, he managed the hotel’s renowned Cloud 23 bar, returning now for what he describes as a homecoming. “I always had a big connection to the hotel and thought it was a very special place to work, but also for our guests to experience,” he said.
“Walking into Cloud 23 now, where my journey in a way started, gives you a great sense of pride. It’s also the best part of my job to connect with the team there. It feels awesome.”
The Manchester Deansgate Hotel will join IHG’s InterContinental
The rebrand is a precursor to a larger transformation. By 2027, The Manchester Deansgate Hotel is set to join IHG’s InterContinental portfolio, bringing the global luxury brand’s hallmark service and style to Manchester.
“The period of change really is almost a teaser for the hotel coming into InterContinental in 2027,” Konstantin explained. “It’ll lay the foundation for a lot of the success once it becomes its full brand. For our guests, it’s business as usual. They can expect the same great service and facilities the hotel has always offered.”
However, subtle enhancements will gradually roll out over the next few years, strengthening the hotel’s service proposition and identity. “Some changes will be drip-fed in over the next few years to get ourselves in shape to become the InterContinental,” Konstantin said.
“Our guests will feel that, but the essence of the hotel remains the same.” Whether visiting for business, social events, or a city getaway, guests will continue to enjoy the hotel’s central location, luxurious amenities, and unparalleled views.
Konstantin’s vision for the InterContinental transformation emphasises elevating the guest experience without losing the property’s distinctive identity. “InterContinental is a global luxury proposition. The brand motto is ‘Inspire Incredible,’ which hints at the elevated experiences we’ll offer,” he said.
“Our previous brand was already a very strong four-star offering. The InterContinental will just take it a step further.”
“But the InterContinental Manchester will remain aligned with what the city stands for: community spirit, warmth of service, and a local, tailored experience. Our previous brand was already a very strong four-star offering. The InterContinental will just take it a step further.”
Key to this evolution is refurbishment, though details are still being finalised. “We’re in the process of specifying exactly what that looks like,” Konstantin noted. “The hotel has huge potential. Personally, I always get goosebumps when I walk into the lobby through the main entrance. It’s such a huge, impressive, modern open space. There are some really exciting opportunities for what we could do with it.”
The hotel’s competitive edge, according to Konstantin, comes from its iconic status and enviable location. “It already stands out because it’s the most iconic hotel in the city. From the outside, straightaway, there’s nothing that rivals our views,” he said. Even as new buildings rise around Beetham Tower, Konstantin believes the views have only improved, helping the hotel maintain its position at the centre of Manchester’s skyline.
Equally important is the team that Konstantin has inherited. “Every single team member who worked here before has joined us on this journey,” he said. “Our connections are ongoing, and we’re going to really cherish and strengthen them over the next few years. Just because our name has changed doesn’t mean our standards have. We stand for the same great things we did before and will enhance them moving forward.”
The beautiful Cloud 23
For guests, this means a gradual elevation of the experience over the next two years, including enhanced service, upgraded rooms, and refined food and beverage offerings. “The message is simple: business as usual, but with an elevated experience coming,” Konstantin confirms. “When the details are ready, they will be shared with our guests. The hotel is already the most impressive building in the city, and that will remain. The views, the events, the cocktails, they’re all unchanged, just enhanced over time.”
Konstantin emphasises that what truly sets The Manchester Deansgate Hotel apart is the holistic nature of its offering. “I believe our experience is completely different from anywhere else in Manchester,” he said. “When we travel, we remember experiences, not things we buy. At our hotel, guests can have a full 360-degree experience. Enjoy a meal at Podium, sip cocktails at Cloud 23 on the 23rd floor, and swim in our pool. Manchester doesn’t have many hotels that offer this kind of complete experience.”
He adds, “The InterContinental transformation will add another layer to this, but at its core, it’s the same hotel with the same soul. Guests will experience the iconic views, outstanding events, exceptional food and drink, and the personal touch of a dedicated team. That’s something you simply don’t get anywhere else in the city.”
Photo Credit: The Manchester Deansgate Hotel
For Konstantin Grimm, leading the hotel through this transition is a chance to shape an iconic institution for the next generation of visitors. “The InterContinental will bring the best of a global brand to Manchester while preserving what makes this hotel unique. The city is on the up, and we want our guests to experience it from the very best vantage point,” he said. “We’re offering an unforgettable experience that combines location, luxury, and service.”
The Manchester Deansgate Hotel is poised for an exciting journey. Under Konstantin’s leadership, the property promises to balance the familiar with the extraordinary, offering guests a city experience that’s as luxurious as it is uniquely Mancunian.
You can book a stay at The Manchester Deansgate Hotel by clicking here
– Advertisement –