Liverpool’s latest five-star The Municipal Hotel & Spa

Based in the former council offices on Dale Street in the heart of the city, the gritty building dates back to 1868 and, as my dad would say, “they don’t make them like that anymore”. And he’s right, it’s grand in an old-school way, complete with columned facade, sweeping steps and a clock tower, the kind of building you know would have some great stories if the walls could talk. It’s also very convenient to get to, being just eight minutes’ walk from Liverpool Lime Street station.

what’s it like inside

It has the kind of high ceilings, wide corridors and grand staircases you’d expect from another era, but the furnishings are up to date. After a warm welcome from Charlotte at reception, I was shown to room 247, a large family suite (I had traveled with my two children previously) with two double beds and a very long desk with lots of sockets – in clearly the designer knew most of the young people. now travels with a wide range of gadgets that require constant charging. Line drawings of city landmarks, velvet cushions and tan leather chairs added a cozy vibe despite the room’s size, and the dark blue bathroom was immaculate, think tiling, a monsoon shower stall and Culti Milano toiletries. I loved the art deco influences throughout and the retro touches like a dial telephone, something the kids seemed fascinated by.

My immaculate bathroom

Confession time. The hotel is so big that I got a little lost. In my defense, there’s a lot to navigate – 179 bedrooms, nooks, corridors, staircases and fire doors – but the good news is that even if you do happen to lose your way, the friendly staff will guide you, and most of the routes in the then I go back. at Palm Court, the vast, beating heart of the hotel.

And what about the food, as good as the decor?

Botanical tea room

Absolute. This is “indulgence” territory, the kind of place you book for an anniversary, birthday, or first romantic weekend. I enjoyed afternoon tea (noon-5pm) in the high-ceilinged Botanic tea room with enormous windows overlooking Dale Street, curved banquettes, white columns and a flowering tree dominating the center of the room.

The overall effect is Manhattan-meets-Liverpool and the levels of sandwiches and cakes that arrived and the long tea menu (including Dragon Well, a famous Chinese green tea) were equally impressive. We started by demolishing the salmon, ham, egg and cheese sandwiches, then moved up a notch to the scones (still warm, served with fresh cream and jam) and finally reached the top tier, filled with delicate strawberry cheesecake, mini carrot cakes, macaroons and, the pièce de résistance, an edible flower pot complete with soil and petals. It blooms beautifully.

Palm Court

In the evening, hotel guests and stylish locals gather around the central Palm Court bar as a DJ plays and waiters expertly weave between tables. Filled with, you guessed it, towering palm trees, it has a timeless air, and at the back is the elegant Brasserie Brit Seaforth Restaurant, a great place to soak up the atmosphere while browsing a menu full of satisfying dishes.

Seaforth Restaurant

We started with delicate scallops in miso and samphire butter, followed by a hearty main of rock bass with comforting slices of potato terrine and ponzu-glazed maitake mushrooms. All are delicious, although I was tempted to try the Scouse Signature Dish simply because of the name – braised rump, beetroot puree, sauerkraut ketchup, chantenay carrots, suet and charred leeks. Also tempting were the steaks served with dripping chips and a range of sauces, including truffles. Lots of plant-based options too, think whipped goat cheese or wild mushroom appetizers.

Shout out to our waiter, Michael, who we ended up chatting with so much that we were about to invite him to pull up a chair and join us. A brilliant advertisement for legendary Scouse hospitality, he was knowledgeable about everything from the menu to the hotel and the city beyond, and the kids absolutely loved him.

Is there a spa?

Beautiful spa pool

It sure is. It’s adults-only, and there’s a long (16m) blue-tiled swimming pool, beautifully lit by floor-to-ceiling windows and lined with lounge chairs to laze around in, plus a thermal circuit that includes a Himalayan salt sauna, a steam, laconic, Jacuzzi and experience shower. If you want a massage or facial, there are four treatment rooms, including a couples suite, and therapists use Elemis and Grown Alchemist products. Do you want to work out? Not a problem as the hotel’s fitness center is well equipped with weights, bikes, treadmills and more. My only complaint? It is an extra £30 to use the spa facilities, which I have never come across before in a five star hotel.

Out and about…

The location of the municipality is 10/10. You are ten minutes’ walk from the Liver Building, which I recommend visiting to discover the origins of the city and for the sensational 360˚ views of the River Mersey, docks and city skyline. Footie fans won’t want to miss a tour of Anfield, Liverpool FC’s home stadium, while the cathedral is a 25-minute walk away and well worth a visit.

The hotel’s friendly team are on hand to advise on opening times, arrange taxis and even provide umbrellas if it’s raining (thank you!), nothing is too much trouble and it’s a bit like you come home when you come back from a trip and everyone asks how it was. ! Indeed, this is one of the friendliest city center hotels I have ever visited.

Go there!

Double room from a bargain £108.90 BOOK NOW

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