Liverpool - Capital Of Culture
Next up in our glorious City Guides is Liverpool, 2008’s European capital of culture ; tipped to be one of the hottest destinations in 2008. With a dedicated team of Market Managers who know their cities inside out and have hand-picked the best deals just for you, hotels.com have helped us pick the most unusual hotels and essential top tips that you won’t find in any guide book.
New Hotels
Hard Days Night Hotel (four-star) - Beatles themed - From £90 per room per night
The Hard Days Night Hotel opened in February 2008 and is located in the Beatles' quarter, next to the famous Cavern Club where The Beatles made almost 300 appearances between 1961 and 1963.
Blakes restaurant features artwork influenced by the Sergeant Pepper's album cover and serves seasonal, classic British dishes.
All the guestrooms are unique and feature black satin bedspreads and brightly-coloured cushions and each has a specially commissioned piece of artwork by the acclaimed Beatles artist, Shannon.
Those feeling flush can stay in Lennon's suite which features a white baby grand piano, while McCartney's contains a real suit of armour.
Jurys Inn Liverpool (three-star) - Waterfront hotel - From £51 per room per night
The brand new Jurys Inn opened in April 2008. It is part of the Kings Waterfront development, which incorporates the new Liverpool Echo Arena.
The Albert Dock and the Beatles Story museum, which tracks the history of the 'Fab Four', are a short walk from the hotel.
Innfusion restaurant serves a selection European-influenced dishes and Il Barista serves tea and home-baked pastries.
Quirky Hotels
The Liner (three-star) - 1930s cruise liner theme - From £49 per room per night
The Liner hotel is themed around a 1930s cruise ship and is close to The Walker Art Gallery, Tate Liverpool and the Beatles Story museum.
The Seven Seas Restaurant serves fantastic fish dishes and The Castaway Bar serves a range of nautical themed cocktails.
All the guestrooms are designed as ship cabins and feature brass porthole windows.
Marriott Liverpool South (three-star) - Original Liverpool Airport terminal building - From £105 per room per night
The Marriott Liverpool is part of the original Liverpool Airport terminal building from the 1930s, famously seen on TV with its terraces packed with Beatles fans.
The hotel overlooks the Queen’s Square in Liverpool's arts and cultural district and is within walking distance of the Albert Docks and the Tate Gallery.
The Olivier's Restaurant offers international dishes and the Vivacity Bar serves an array of cocktails. The hotel also has an indoor pool, a fully equipped gym, sauna and Jacuzzi.
Top Tips
Dining on top of the world
Panoramic is a new restaurant that opened in February this year. It is Britain’s highest restaurant, on the 34th floor of Liverpool’s West Tower.
With 360° views you can see to the Welsh hills and, on a clear day, Manchester’s Hilton.
Best coffee in Liverpool
Grab a cup of the best coffee in Liverpool at Hope Street Hotel, Liverpool’s first boutique hotel, set between the city's two cathedrals and surrounded by theatres and restaurants.
Shopping heaven
Liverpool is home to some great designer boutiques in Cavern Walks and Bold Street, whilst those wanting to dress for less will find all the popular high street stores on bustling Church Street.
The Met Quarter is Liverpool's newest shopping centre and it houses big name brands such as Armani, Dolce and Gabbana, Gucci, Hugo Boss and Hobbs.
All prices and deals are correct as of 19 January 2009, but are subject to change. To book, go to www.hotels.co.uk or call (0871 200 0171)