The Municipal Hotel & Spa

Liverpool

I had to double check Google maps to confirm I was definitely in Liverpool. Because walking into the glamorous space of the Municipal Hotel & Spa, I felt I was hundreds of miles away from it. But this five-star opulent hotel with its grand atrium is most certainly in the Beatles hometown that would not look out of place in the capital or Hollywood.

This impressive 183,000-square-foot hotel slap bang in the city dating back to 1860 identified as the Liverpool Municipal Buildings, home to the Liverpool Municipal Buildings complete with an iconic gargoyle-ringed clock tower. Fast forward to 2023 and after a £70 million cash injection it opened as a grand hotel boasting 179-rooms.

Beyond the lobby area with a reception of beaming staff against the backdrop of gold hues and bright floral displays I’m greeted by the sumptuous Palm Court fringed with palm trees naturally. The light and airy atrium with huge columns is a welcoming space where a marble bar takes centre stage amidst a plethora of seating arrangements fit for social gatherings, an afternoon tea, a cocktail or two and even a cosy place to work from.

The all-day-dining Seaforth bistro to the back, makes for a superb setting with its marble tables and wicker seating. The separate elegant Botanic Tea Room furnished with floral fabrics and dangling chandeliers is the place to head to for an intimate afternoon tea and cocktails.

The whole building is a marvel, and I enjoy my walk through the labyrinth style corridors to reach my first-floor bedroom. All bedrooms differ in size and height, and I am pleasantly surprised to enter mine. Although slightly on the small side, the dizzying high ceiling gives the illusion of a bigger space. Unlike the Palm Court, the room is understated with a muted colour palette in shades of grey and beige with a splash of floral prints in the shape of the headboard. The white marble-tiled bathroom features a monsoon shower while the pillow menu on the bedside table is a welcoming touch. I note the much-welcomed Nespresso machine before leaving the room to explore the rest of the hotel.

I leave the strain of my long and arduous journey the minute I enter the basement spa (Spa access starts at £50 per person). The designers have gone all out on the spa and I relish spending a few hours locked in this cocoon of a space. I thoroughly enjoy the full thermal journey with a eucalyptus and menthol steam room and a monsoon shower.

Admittedly it did take me a while to embrace the ice bucket-dunk, but it was made much easier after a session in the sauna with a Himalayan salt wall. While I didn’t take advantage of the spa treatment using artisan brand Tribes517 and Elemis, guests can book one ahead of their visit.

There’s something about a spa session that always leaves me hungry so after a quick change, I head to Seaforth. While I nibble on warm bread lathered with butter, I notice the menu gives a nod to Liverpool’s seafaring heritage. So I decide it’s only apt I order pan seared scallops teamed with their award-winning fruit pig pudding, saffron aioli, fennel and courgette salad and nori, I congratulate myself on such a cracking choice.

I have to say I was tempted by their signature mains dish “Scouse”, a rack of Herdwick lamb with braised scouse (the local Liverpudlian stew), pickled red cabbage, carrot and swede. But I was swayed by the tempting sounding by the pan seared fillet of seabass that came with Thai coconut broth, Morecambe Bay shrimps, roasted carrot and crispy noodle. Made to sous chef Mathe Li’s mother’s recipe it was every inch delicious as it sounded on the menu.

The breakfast offerings, served in the same restaurant, are small but you’re guaranteed good quality. After helping myself to a spread of continental titbits (a great spread of meats, cheeses, nuts and fruits, I tucked into the ubiquitous smashed avo on sourdough with extra chilli flakes. The ‘Liverpool Breakie’ I was told was basically the same thing as the average English.

It’s no secret that Liverpool is a friendly city and the staff at the Municipal are just as cheery. Nothing is too much trouble, and I was incredibly impressed by Alex who was on hand whenever I needed anything during my stay. Buildings can be beautiful the food exquisite but add in friendly staff, and you’ve got a recipe for a memorable stay. The Municipal Hotel & Spa wins hands down on all fronts and as the Liverpudlians would say ‘Sound as a pound’ With such great hospitality look forward to heading back.

The hotel’s enviable location on Dale Street places it within walking distance of the revamped Royal Albert Dock, with its shops, restaurants, and museums. The legendary Cavern Club and the Beatles Museum — with live music drifting out of neighbouring bars — are a short five-minute stroll away, while the shopping centre Liverpool ONE is just around the corner. And if you get peckish while out exploring, I can highly recommend the Met Quarter. Housed alongside the Music Academy, it features a food hall offering an array of restaurants, from Indian to Chinese, to satisfy any hunger pangs.

The Municipal Hotel & Spa Liverpool

Municipal Building, Dale Street, L2 2DH, LIVERPOOL, United Kingdom

https://mgallery.accor.com/en/hotels/B9E8.html   +44 1513323030