5 Best places to stay in Liverpool

Along with Hotel du Vin, Malmaison reinvented the concept of city-centre hotels; sleek sexy rooms, a destination bar and restaurant, and an insouciant feel that is perfectly suited to a cheeky night away.

The Liverpool Mal has benefited from its recent facelift; the rooms have the trademark dark-and-dangerous feel (lots of matt black and aubergine colours), while a cocktail at the fabulously-kitsch Liverpool Bar is the fastest way to the heart of Liverpool’s upscale nightlife.

Situated on the Princes Dock, the Malmaison is right on the waterfront, but away from the main hubbub of the city centre. It’s an easy walk down to the Albert Dock, and the city’s main shopping streets and bars and restaurants are just a five-minute taxi drive away.

Beatles devotees will love the nostalgic ambiance of this Beatles-themed hotel, which borders the city-centre Cavern Quarter.

It plays up its adoration for the Fab Four with a pop-art-motif décor and a menu of classic modern British food at Blakes Restaurant, plus serves the hotel’s signature Sgt. Pepper afternoon tea in the Lounge.

Show your musical allegiance by choosing between the McCartney and Lennon suite, the later with its statement white piano to inspire a rendition of Lennon’s Imagine.

A night surrounded by Beatles memorabilia doesn’t come cheap, but the central location means the main attractions are walking distance, including a 15-minute walk towards the waterfront, as well as the Beatles attractions.

The Titanic never visited Liverpool but don’t let that spoil the sense of maritime history at this Grade II-listed warehouse in the outlaying Stanley Dock area.

Think industrial-chic high ceilings and exposed brickwork with spacious rooms although it’s worth upgrading to a Superior Dockside room for the best views across to the historic Tobacco Warehouse building.

Factor in local flavours at Stanley’s Bar and Grill, lobby cocktails at the Rum Bar and spa packages at the subterranean Maya Blue Wellness suite. Overall, it’s one for couples and, more importantly, history buffs with lots of heritage features. Set in a conservation area, not far from the new Everton Football Club stadium, it’s also a short taxi hop to the Albert Dock or city-centre attractions.

Situated in the formerly industrial Baltic Triangle quarter, now the city’s hipster-central hub, the quirky Baltic Hotel is handy for waterfront attractions, plus close to the Camp and Furnace venue for live events.

This is one primarily for the night owls and people seeking plenty of ‘vibes’ with regular DJ sets and live music at weekends in The Parlour, plus next-day-recovery brunches (pre book for a discount). Alternatively, there’s an all-day-dining menu at the in-house pub, The Duck & Swagger.

There’s a range of contemporary rooms at different price points, some featuring music-motif extra touches, such as Marshall speaker mini-bars and vintage vinyl.

The surrounding area today strikes a balance between its gritty industrial past and hipster hang-out present with cool cafes and galleries amid the disused buildings. It may not be an obvious tourist hub but it’s one packed with local character.

Oh, and if you’re stopping coffee around the Baltic Quarter, then 92 Degrees is a local institution for the city’s best caffeine fix and home-roasted coffee.

Bright, light and super-chic, the Hope Street is all exposed brickwork, polished wood floors and clean white walls – something of an oasis from the busy streets outside the door.

Rooms are unfussily luxurious; crisp Egyptian cotton on king-size beds and large picture windows that make the most of the hotel’s central location, with great views across the city skyline.

The London Carriage Works, the hotel’s restaurant, has two AA Rosettes and holds an AA Notable Wine award. Everything on the menu is sourced within a 25-mile radius of the hotel.

Hope Street is the perfect location to discover all that Liverpool has to offer.