Situated in a spectacular riverside setting, the complex of dock buildings and warehouses that comprise Liverpool’s Albert Docks is one of Britain’s most cherished heritage attractions.
And for anyone coming to visit the iconic city, this is also one of the most popular places to stay. No surprise, therefore, that there is a huge array of hotel options here – and we’ve picked five of the best, based on price, location and guest reviews.
The Dolby Hotel
From £72/ night
This smart and comfortable budget hotel directly overlooks the Mersey River – ideal for those who enjoy spending time by the water. Guest rooms have private showers, flat-screen TVs, hairdryers and tea/coffee making facilities. Elsewhere in the hotel there’s a restaurant and bar offering river views, while there’s also free Wi-Fi and complimentary on-site parking. Just a short walk away are a number of shops and bars and Liverpool airport can be reached by car in 20 minutes.
Hotel Ibis
From £80/ night
An excellent mid-range choice, this 3-star hotel is situated directly opposite the Albert Dock and offers a 24-hour snack and soft drink service, and an on-site bar and café. Guest rooms are decorated in light colours and feature private bathrooms with shower, satellite TV, Wi-Fi access and a work desk. The hotel also offers daily buffet breakfasts. Just a few minutes’ walk away is a large shopping centre, as well as two of Liverpool’s most popular museums: The Tate Liverpool and the Beatles Story. Guests arriving by car can pay to park at the hotel.
Hilton Liverpool City Centre
From £105/ night
For a more upscale option, this 4-star hotel nestled in the heart of the bustling Liverpool One development is a great choice. If you’d like to enjoy scenic views over the Albert Dock, be sure to ask for a room on the upper levels of the hotel where you can get the most out of the floor-to-ceiling windows – that is if you can drag yourself away from your luxury bed for long enough. Elsewhere in the hotel, there’s a 24-hour gym, a stylish bar and a highly regarded restaurant serving seasonal cuisine. The Liverpool Arena and Convention Centre is a 5-minute walk away.
The Joker Boat
From £221/ night
When it comes to themed accommodation, it doesn’t get much quirkier than The Joker Boat. Housed on a converted barge, this 3-room hotel offers a 5-star experience in every way – including novelty factor. Contemporary in appearance, with sleek purple furnishings, each room has a flat-screen TV and elsewhere on the vessel there’s a fully-equipped Italian kitchen, a stylish bar and a cosy seating area. Many of the city’s main attractions are less than 10 minutes away by foot, while Liverpool’s main airport can be reached by car in 20 minutes. For an indulgent touch, you can even make use of the hotel’s luxury transfer service that will pick you up from the airport in a Rolls-Royce Phantom or H2 Hummer.
Pullman Hotel Liverpool
From £179/ night
This large, modern hotel has an impressive number of luxury trimmings including an entire floor of executive bedrooms, each boasting an iPad, Bose docking station, Nespresso coffee maker and bathtub. But the standard rooms aren’t too shabby either, offering a flat-screen TV with Sky Sports channels, tea/coffee making facilities, free WiFi and a mini fridge. Hotel amenities include an excellent restaurant serving British cuisine (be sure to sample the wine pairings from around the world), a bar, 24-hour front desk and a fitness suite. In just minutes by foot you can reach The Beatles Story and Tate Liverpool museums, while Aintree Racecourse is a short drive away.