Best luxury hotels in Liverpool for a sophisticated stay in Merseyside

As one of the top hotels in Liverpool, Titanic Hotel is somewhere that you can be assured of an amazing stay. What was once a warehouse in Stanley Dock serving the Port of Liverpool is now a stunning luxury hote that is part of a huge redevelopment project aimed at breathing new life into this incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site. The waterfront location is a mere ten-minute walk from the city centre, therefore offering the best of both worlds—easy access to the hustle and bustle of the shops and nightlife but somewhere quieter and more decadent to retreat to after a busy day.

The rooms are amongst the best in Liverpool—deluxe beds, flat-screen televisions, luxurious toiletries and amazing views over the Stanley Dock area. However, my advice? If you’ve got a couple of hours spare, don’t spend it between the Egyptian cotton sheets, head to the thermal suite at the hotel’s spa, Maya Blue Wellness. Nestled beneath Stanley Dock, the surroundings are awe-inspiring and the Twilight wellness package is on my ‘must-do’ list next time I visit—treatments, access to the thermal suite and a two-course dinner at the hotel’s bar and grill. Whatever package you opt for, don’t leave without experiencing a luxury foot bath—you won’t regret it, I promise you.

30 James Street is located in what I think is one of the most beautiful buildings in Liverpool. The stunning combination of red brick and white stone is so decorative next to the more contemporary structures that have been built in recent years. It’s the former home of the White Star Line Shipping Company, hence the hotel’s ‘The Home of the Titanic’ tagline, and the Signature Living group have done well to retain the old-fashioned opulence associated with first-class cruising. For the ultimate in luxury, book the presidential suite. It features a bed that could comfortably sleep six people and a twin seated steam room.

Now, the North isn’t known for its amazing weather—a mild 20 degrees is a hot day for us—but if you decide to stay at 30 James Street, even if the sun doesn’t shine, you have to head up to the hotel’s Carpathia champagne bar and restaurant located on the top floor. The terrace has some of the best views across Liverpool including The Three Graces—the Royal Liver Building, The Cunard Building, and the Port of Liverpool Building—on the Pier Head. Try to time your cocktails or dinner with sunset for a truly breathtaking experience.

If you’re looking for a posh hotel in Liverpool with a bit more of a party feel to it, the Hard Days Night Hotel is the perfect one for you. If you haven’t already guessed from its name, the décor takes inspiration from the Beatles and celebrates their amazing career and the impact that they had on the city.

Housed in the beautiful Grade II listed Central Buildings (look out for the Beatles standing proudly on the exterior of the building), the rooms are luxurious and feature specially commissioned Beatles-inspired artwork. If you like to indulge in a bit of star-spotting, pop down to the floor where the event suites are and see how many of the famous faces you can recognise on the photo wall. They’re all former guests of the hotel proving what a draw it is for anyone looking for a great place to stay in the city.

But one of the best things about the Hard Days Night Hotel is its location. It’s a mere hop and a skip from the bars and restaurants of Matthew Street and the Beatles-famous Cavern Club while also being a mere couple of minutes walk from the Metquarter, Liverpool’s luxury shopping destination. With the perfect mix of big brands and boutique stores, it offers a sophisticated shopping experience.

Many people visit Liverpool with sport on their mind, specifically football. With two world-class teams, Everton and Liverpool, and a local favourite, Tranmere Rovers, it’s hard to have a conversation without the beautiful game coming up at some point, and not just because the players are often spotted about and about in the city centre. The Shankly Hotel pays tribute to former Liverpool FC manager, Bill Shankly, and the success he brought to the club. The hotel is packed with Shankly memorabilia from letters he received from fans to his very own handwritten tactics.

Even if you’re not a football fan, the hotel is so stylish and beautifully designed that you won’t fail to be wowed. There are several luxury studios that are amongst the most spacious rooms in the city. The interiors are stunning and the bathrooms opulent—think double whirlpool Jacuzzi baths! Or opt for the ‘vision in gold’ bridal suite if you’re feeling really fancy.

A five-minute walk away is the shopping paradise, Liverpool One, with all the shops, bars and restaurants that you could want in the heart of a city centre. For something a little bit different though, head to the seriously cute College Lane. Guys, treat yourself to a close shave at BarberBarber, and ladies, pop next door to Spanish delicatessen and eatery, Lunya, for a quick Cava at their well-stocked bar before picking up a few tasty treats to nibble on while you’re getting ready for your night out.

Hope Street Hotel is one of my personal favourites. Why? Well, three reasons: One, I love the décor. It has a Scandi feel without being too minimal. It’s paired-back luxury at its best. Two, the two duplex penthouses have some of the best views across the city, as does the terrace which is not a feature you see all that often in a city centre hotel. Finally, three, because this boutique hotel is located on the same street as the famous Everyman theatre and right across the road from the renowned Philharmonic Hall. It’s also home to so many gorgeous independent restaurants that you’ll be positively spoilt for choice on your weekend break in Liverpool.

If you’re a food and culture lover, I have the perfect day for you. Wake up in your stunning penthouse suite at the Hope Street Hotel. Instead of having breakfast there, head around the corner and pick up a couple of pastries, hot from the oven, at The Wild Loaf on Hardman Street and head back to your room to enjoy them on the terrace.

Then, spend some time admiring the Georgian buildings on Hope Street (it won the Academy of Urbanism Awards for ‘Best Street’), especially the two cathedrals that bookend it, before treating yourself to lunch at The Florist—it’s an Instagrammer’s dream. You’re just a mile away from the Albert Dock at this point so you could spend the afternoon there looking around the many museums.

If you have time for just one, the Maritime is my recommendation. Next, head back to the hotel for an early dinner at the 2AA rosettes restaurant and then take in a show or a concert at the Everyman or Philharmonic. Dream day, right?

Malmaison is one of the most popular top hotels in Liverpool and, situated right on the waterfront at Princes Dock, it’s in one of the best locations, too. With suites that feature floor to ceiling views over the River Mersey, enormous beds, and walk-in monsoon showers, any guest that books one will never want to leave. The hotel has its own bar and brasserie but if you’d prefer to head out for dinner in the city centre, think about trying its indulgent afternoon tea instead. You won’t be disappointed.

There’s so much to do and see in the Albert Dock area that you could spend an entire weekend at Malmaison Liverpool without crossing over the road in to the city centre. Liverpool has one of the best collections of museums and galleries in the UK and many can be found on the waterfront. The Museum of Liverpool is definitely worth spending some time in as well as Tate Liverpool. For architecture fans, RIBA North—the Royal Institute of British Architects’ National Architecture Centre—opened in 2017 and was awarded the title of ‘Best Newcomer to the Visitor Economy’ at the Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards in 2018. For music lovers, there’s The Beatles Story, of course.

Don’t forget to check out what’s on before you visit. There’s always something new and exciting happening to keep you entertained before you head back to your hotel for a good night’s sleep. And that’s exactly what you’ll get beneath the sweetly scented sheets at Malmaison Liverpool.

If you’re looking for a contemporary hotel on Liverpool’s iconic waterfront with easy access to both Exhibition Centre Liverpool and the iconic docks area, Pullman Liverpool is the posh hotel option that you’ve been looking for. Relatively new to the city, it’s been built with style and comfort in mind.

The bedrooms are beautifully decorated and you can choose from a river or city view. My advice is to opt for the river view even if you’re not planning to spend much time in your room. Obviously, the higher your floor, the better your view, too.

Hotel restaurants can sometimes be a bit uninspiring, but not Marco Pierre White’s Wheelers of St James Oyster Bar, an extension of the original Wheelers in London. The open kitchen turns dinner into a performance and they serve one of the best Old Fashioneds that I’ve ever sipped. If you’re not a fan of oysters, fear not, the menu is extensive.

However, if you fancy venturing out of The Pullman, the Baltic Market, Liverpool’s first street food market, is a ten-minute walk away. It might not have the glamour and opulence of Wheelers but can compete on variety and taste. Or you could just pop there for pudding—I challenge you to look at The Midnight Delivery’s incredible desserts without wanting to lick your screen.