Liverpool Hotels

Sometimes when you travel, you'll be thoroughly disappointed in a place. For whatever reason, it just doesn't live up to the hype. Other times, a place will take you by surprise and exceed your expectations. Liverpool was like that.

As Beatles fans, we expected a dreary, working-class town that people couldn't wait to leave. But Liverpool was one of the most vibrant, exciting cities that we visited in Great Britain -- utterly lacking the seen-brighter days aura of some British towns. In fact, the new Liverpool One Complex is a prosperous, up-market place with some serious retail opportunities.

Liverpool is actually named for a cormorant-like bird, the liver (rhymes with diver). You'll see them atop the twin towers of the Liver Building. The grand, old structure is joined by the Cunard Building, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Along with Stavanger, Norway, Liverpool was named European Capital of Culture in 2008, and London's Tate Gallery opened a Tate Liverpool at Albert Dock for the occasion.

Beatles lovers will enjoy visiting the Cavern Club or seeing the Beatles Story, also at the Albert Docks. And there are several tours that will take you to Penny Lane and other Fab Four landmarks.

The best hotels in Liverpool

Next to the Liver Building, the Atlantic Tower got a multi-million pound renovation recently, and now, it's a good, modern business hotel. Rooms have work areas, wireless Internet, and LCD TVs. The best ones overlook the River Mersey -- of Gerry and the Pacemakers fame. The Vue Lounge and Vista Bar and Restaurant also have sweeping views.

The Hilton Liverpool is very close to the Albert Docks. Guests here can take advantage of a 24-hour fitness center and the Merseyside Watersports Centre which rents canoes, sailboats, and windsurfers. Many of the 215 rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows from which you can see the Liver Building, the docks, or the river. All the rooms have top-notch amenities like toiletries from Crabtree & Evelyn, marble bathrooms, and mini bars. The Hilton has a bar and restaurant, and room service is available around the clock.

A brief stroll from downtown, the Hope Street Hotel occupies four converted carriage houses. Adjacent to the Liverpool Philharmonic, it's a convenient choice for theater and concert goers. The place has lots of old world charm in the form of used brickwork, exposed beams, and wood floors. Rooms here are some of the most luxurious in Liverpool with big-screen TVs, plush bedding with European linens, and nice bathrooms. Both the restaurant and lounge here excellent, and usually packed with Liverpudlians when there's a symphony concert.

The Hard Day's Night Hotel is next to the legendary Cavern Club, so if you want the full Beatles experience, stay here. The restored building is registered and dates from 1884. But inside, it's quite modern with art by Ringo and Paul, a Yellow Submarine juke box, portraits or the Beatles, and sheet music hanging from the eaves. Upgrade to a deluxe room and you'll get a balcony overlooking the city. The restaurant and bar are popular for dinner or drinks.