The Beatles, the docks, hard graft and football are probably among the top five things Liverpool is best known for, but since around 2008, when Liverpool was the European Capital of Culture, a few more of the city’s faces have been shined up and put on show for the outside world. The last few decades have seen plenty of building work, and now there’s even more to be impressed by in Liverpool’s compact city centre and revitalised docks. This is a fantastic city to explore on foot, and many of our Gurus’ recommendations for the best places to stay in Liverpool are within a short stroll of Liverpool’s main attractions (it’s really worth booking Liverpool’s big attractions in advance if you can). Our favourite properties include great value city stays, boutique hotels and a few luxury options too.
Some of our Liverpool Collections:
- Liverpool’s best city centre hotels
- Liverpool’s best waterfront hotels
- Best budget hotels in Liverpool
- Most romantic hotels in Liverpool
- Best hotels with parking in Liverpool
St. George's Hall on Lime Street is considered by many to be one of the finest Neo-Classical buildings in Europe; the Neo-Gothic cathedral is glorious; the Museum of Liverpool’s white Modern sails are striking; and the Cunard building looks like an Italian palazzo. Take a ferry across the Mersey to the Albert Dock for an extraordinary collection of Grade I listed buildings, plus the Tate, the Maritime Museum and The Beatles Story Museum. The city centre has more listed buildings than anywhere outside London!
Hand in hand with the city's refurb, a burgeoning collection of bars, cafes and restaurants were starting to get in on the increasing cultural action. The area around Lark Lane is where you'll find many of the top eateries. If you're here for the nightlife try the area around Seel Street. If you are on a Beatles pilgrimage check out the Cavern Quarter (also a good location if you're here for the shopping — Cavern Walks in the Cavern Quarter is where you'll spy all the premium boutiques).
If you’re not here for the football it’s worth ensuring you don’t show up on a game day. Liverpool has two professional football clubs, Liverpool FC and Everton, and not only do games make the city much busier, they make the accommodation much more expensive. Liverpool is also known for its lively weekends: lots of stag parties and hen nights, alongside the large student population mean that if you’re not feeling up for it, it’s better to steer clear of the liveliest nightspots. Sefton Park, Duke Street Market and the Royal Albert Docks are more relaxed alternatives, with great bars and restaurants, but less of a party atmosphere.
Liverpool is an incredibly popular year-round destination, so if you want to guarantee a room in one of the best places to stay in Liverpool, we advise you to get organised and book well ahead.
For Beatles Fans
- Many people travel to Liverpool on Beatles pilgrimages, so the Hard Days Night Hotel is a logical place to end up. It claims to be the world’s only Beatles themed hotel. When it comes to the decor in the 110 rooms and suites, the designers haven’t gone as far as they could have. Yes, there are lots of photos and Beatles images, and some of the suites have wonderful original artworks, and pianos, but the height of Beatlemania this is not. It occupies a beautiful old building next door to the Cavern Club, which is where the Beatles rose to fame, so the location is excellent, and the hotel’s restaurant, Blake’s, is excellent too, as is the lounge bar with its memorabilia-lined walls.
For a Central Location
- Aloft Liverpool is a collection of 116 contemporary rooms, housed in a historic building, right in the centre of town, close to the Town Hall. Some of the rooms still feature original wood panelling and large windows, while others have more contemporary finishings. The bar and restaurant are super hip too, popular with locals, and large enough for a lively, fun atmosphere.
- The Shankly is named after the famous Liverpool footballer Bill Shankly. The hotel has 57 rooms and suites, smart and sleek, with a small nod to the main man in the memorabilia and display department. The restaurant and bar have a great reputation, and the bar has a nice buzz. Perfect for fans of the Kop.
On the Waterfront
- The Titanic Hotel is a fantastic celebration of the world’s most famous ship, in a very fitting spot, converted from a warehouse on the docks. Many of the building’s original industrial features have been retained, including the vaulted ceilings and brickwork. The scale is big, with triple height ceilings in the restaurant and funky rum bar.
- Malmaison, Liverpool is a classic Malmaison, offering, a great location right on the waterfront, comfort and large-hotel facilities with plenty of style. There are 130 rooms and suites, starting fairly modestly, but ending with apartment sized suites, plus the smart bar and brasserie Malmaison regulars will expect.
- The Hotel Indigo is a bright and funky four-star hotel close to the waterfront, with a Marco Pierre White steakhouse and grill, and s super hip co*cktail bar. The building is an old cotton warehouse, and its heritage can be clearly seen, and followed, in the reels of design.
For Couples
- The Racquet Club occupies a building designed in the style of an Italian Palazzo which became a gentleman’s club before it turned eight-room hotel. The decor today lends from both uses, and from several periods — think contemporary art beside antiques and traditional furnishings. The restaurant, Ziba, has won a number of awards, and its organic, gourmet creations are worth experiencing even if you don’t stay over. You might want to though, there’s a library, gym, snooker table and squash courts.
- 2 Blackburne Terrace is a beautifully restored Georgian mansion in the Georgian Quarter, close to the cathedral. The Terrace has just four rooms, all unique, but all luxurious and elegantly decorated with antiques and fine details.
For Fun
- The Arthouse Hotel Liverpool is a unique proposition, a collection of 29 movie-themed rooms and suites, all sleeping either four or six. Among the 29 films are several Hitchco*cks, and a collection of classic musicals. Each of the rooms has self catering facilities, plus there’s an excellent pizzeria onsite, and an excellent bar. Perfect for nightlife, and for short breaks.
For Style
- The Hope Street Hotel is a contemporary property in the Knowledge Quarter of Liverpool, which is the area close to the museums and galleries. The decor is minimalist, with wood, white, and exposed brick, but the bathrooms are quite luxurious. The hotel restaurant “The London Carriage Works” is garnering a cool following for its modern international cuisine, and the co*cktail bar is lively and popular.
For Great Value
- The Resident Liverpool is a large, and well-priced hotel in a centrally located, 9th century warehouse conversion. There are 106 rooms and suites whose their decor echoes the building’s original industrial style, with exposed brickwork, wood beams and dark greys and blacks. There’s an excellent range of room sizes, with plenty on offer for families, and all of the rooms have a mini-kitchen, with a fridge, sink and microwave.
Prefer a Private Apartment?
If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.
Travel Information
- Want to fly to Liverpool?
- Liverpool’s airport is Liverpool John Lennon Airport, and it’s about 15 minutes away from the centre of the city by car or taxi, 30 minutes on the bus, or 40 minutes on the train. If you’re coming from London, trains leave from Euston, and direct trains take around two hours and 20 minutes.
- If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
- Liverpool is a city break destination, so pack your waterproofs and come anytime! Late spring and summer is the busiest time to visit, it’s the warmest time of year and school holidays are happening. Liverpool has a number of summer festivals, including the Sound City music festival, Creamfields, Pride, the Grand National at Aintree, and International Beatle Week. Autumn is quieter, so a good time to visit the museums, as is winter, but there's always something going on in this happening city!
Still not sure where to stay?
- Refine your search to the best hotels near Albert Dock, the Liverpool Waterfront or the best city centre hotels
- Refine your search by the type of accommodation you’re looking for and consider just the best boutique hotels in Liverpool, the best spa hotels in Liverpool or the best budget hotels in Liverpool
- Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.
