Inspired by Liverpool’s history, the new Hilton hotel is proof of the city’s renaissance. The former capital of culture is still riding high on a wave of confidence since scooping the title two years ago.
Situated in Liverpool One – a clutch of smart shops, bars and restaurants within the city’s new beating heart – the curved, 215-room Hilton is equally as stylish as its surroundings. But it still offers a respectful nod to the past.
Take for instance the location. The hotel is built a stone’s throw from Albert Dock on the site of the Old Custom House, where trading in cotton underpinned the city’s boom during the industrial revolution. This theme continues in the hotel’s Pima Bar where light baubles from the ceiling are meant to resemble cotton balls and torn cotton appear to float effortlessly within a glass case.
The name of the hotel’s Exchange Restaurant also references the city’s industrial heritage, whilst a polished wooden slick sweeping across the glistening marbled floor of the grand lobby is designed to reflect the nearby River Mersey upon which the city’s fortunes depended.
Granted, you need a bit of imagination to appreciate all these historical connections at first glance, but it’s a worthy attempt.
When we check in late on a Friday night, resident singer Ryan Gibb is belting out classic tunes in the nearby Pima Bar before an appreciative audience of hotel guests and locals. We decide to follow their example, and stop for an unscheduled drink.
Eventually, we head for our sixth floor executive room. Neutral browns, creams and whites are redeemed with splashes of shiny blood-red laquer. An enormous bed, flat-screen TV and a mini bar beckon, while a gleaming bathroom with separate bath and shower and Crabtree & Evelyn toiletries begs to be admired. We also spot chocolate welcome nibbles, dressing gowns and slippers and even a card bearing the next day’s weather forecast – a nice touch.
As promised, the following morning, when we throw back the curtains to reveal floor-to-ceiling views over Chavasse Park, the day is clear and bright. We saunter down to the Exchange Restaurant for breakfast. As part of the open-plan lobby, it lacks intimacy and a degree of privacy but the compensation is the food. A colour-coded chart helpfully points out the healthy from the not-so-healthy self-service breakfast options. However, I decide to ignore it and follow my nose instead.
There is a tempting array of continental and cooked breakfasts, breads, yoghurts and fresh fruits. The service is fast and friendly, and despite the fact the restaurant is busy, there are remarkably no queues at the food stations. Breakfast is also available until 1100, a civilised time for weekend snoozers.
As an executive room guest, extra privileges are offered – complimentary afternoon tea served between 1500-1800. It’s too tempting to ignore so after a day’s sightseeing, we head to the seventh floor Executive Lounge. Tables and chairs rather than sofas give it a business-like ambience, but we are rewarded with delicious scones, tea and coffee. It’s more than satisfying.
When one of the staff reveals that we’re welcome to return for free canapés and unlimited wine, beers and spirits between 1800-2000, our plans to hit the 24-hour hotel gym are thwarted. We have just enough time to freshen up in our rooms before we are back in the lounge indulging once again.
There’s no doubt the Hilton Liverpool boasts a fantastic location and friendly staff. However in these tough times, it’s the little extras thrown in that make it rather special.
Hilton Liverpool
3 Thomas Steers Way
Liverpool, L1 8LW.
Tel: (0151) 708 4200.
Website: www.hilton.com/liverpool
Prices start from £135 per night (based on two sharing), including breakfast.
Virgin Trains
Runs daily services from London to Liverpool. Single fares start from £34.
Tel: 0845 722 2333.
Website: www.virgintrains.com
