The Palace Hotel is housed in a magnificent, listed Edwardian building with a terracotta façade, which is a recognised landmark in Manchester, thanks to its distinctive clock tower. The spacious, classically designed lobby features a sweeping marble staircase, ornate ceramic tiles and a soaring stained glass dome. There is also a generous seating area. The hotel contains 257 guestrooms but not all of them have been refurbished, so they tend to come in two types. The updated rooms are decorated in a chic, contemporary style, with pale colour schemes complemented by colourful photographic prints above the beds. The older rooms are decorated in a more traditional style, with heavy brocades in rich colours, canopy beds, dark-wood furniture and oversized table lamps. The refurbished rooms tend to be in better condition, but all are impressive in their own way. The hotel’s Tempus Bar & Restaurant serves international cuisine in a stylish setting. Car parking is available right behind the hotel, at a discounted rate of £8.50 for 24 hours (as per rates 2009); the car park has 24 hour security.