Vibrant nightlife, a rich musical heritage, impressive architecture and down-to-earth locals… What’s not to love about Liverpool? Until recently, however, for a city of its stature, it was a little lacking in the luxury hotel department. Enter the Municipal Hotel on Dale Street.
Acquired by the Accor Group around four years ago, the striking grade II listed building has undergone a remarkable transformation to become an all-bells and whistles five-star hotel.
Care has been taken to ensure the venue pays homage to its origins, whilst bringing the wow factor befitting of its grandiose stature. It has plenty to shout about, boasting 179 rooms, a huge restaurant and bar area, and a large pool and spa. It’s quite something.
The first thing that hits you is the sheer scale of the building itself. Dating back to 1868, the iconic clock tower looms large over the city and sets the tone for what to expect once you step inside.
We arrived a couple of hours before our 2pm check-in to use the spa, on what turned out to be the hotel’s busiest weekend since opening thanks to Liverpool Pride, which saw the city buzzing with raucous celebrations.
Access to the Thermae Spa is available to hotel guests for an additional £30pp for a 2-hour slot and is well worth a visit. Facilities include a 16m heated pool, a toasty Himalayan salt sauna and a steam room. Cosy robes, slippers and towels are all provided, making it the perfect place to recharge either before or after a big night on the town.
The pool area itself is serene and has plenty of sun loungers to soak up the tranquility. Finding such facilities in a major city centre is a rarity, so this really does feel like a treat. Treatments are also available, as is a small but well-equipped gym located close to the spa is there for those with energy to burn.
Our double room was both spacious and ultra-comfy, with two super-soft beds adorned with tons of pillows, smart TV and coffee-making facilities. The stylish bathroom comes equipped with premium toiletries courtesy of Italian brand Culti, which smell fantastic.
With a few hours to kill before dinner, we made our way down to the Palm Court bar, which acts as a centrepiece for the hotel. With its sky-high ceilings, shimmering light fixtures, library and fake palm trees, it has an opulent art deco vibe that splices the old with the new to great effect.
We enjoyed a round of expertly mixed Old Fashioned cocktails whilst doing a spot of people watching. Drinks in here are on the pricier side, but the surroundings, service and quality of the drinks more than justify the cost.
The Seaforth Restaurant is located behind the bar and is open plan which allows it to soak up the atmosphere of the bar. We were impressed with the service from start to finish here, with Maria and Michael offering genuinely friendly and engaging chat whilst knowing the food and drink menu inside out.
To begin, I enjoyed the Seared Scallops, which were wonderfully sweet and plump. The dish was complemented with black pudding fritters, apple puree, crisps and almonds. My brother went with the Sicilian Arancini with picante arrabbiata sauce, which was up there with the best I tried on holiday in Sicily.
For mains, we went with the recommended Liverpool ‘Scouse’, which is the Seaforth’s take on a local classic of lamb cooked three ways. The lamb was exceptional, very tender and full of flavour, served with roasted and minted potatoes, carrot, swedes and red wine jus. The dish was enhanced by a cracking bottle of Malbec, which we took on Maria’s suggestion.
If you have some room left, desserts here are worth seeking out. We indulged in a triumphant take on a classic Creme Brulé with poppy seed shortbread biscuits, which was suitably rich and creamy. The Lemon Syllabub with its white chocolate tuille, candied fruits and dark chocolate is another strong dish that successfully balances a range of sweet flavours.
After dinner, it was time to hit the town to sample some of its many bars. If cocktails are your thing, we suggest you take the 10-minute walk to School Lane in the very heart of Liverpool. Here, you’ll find two of the very best independent bars I’ve visited in a while right next door to one another.
Present Company, which came highly rated from both the boys at TopJaw and GQ Magazine, is a mean and moody booze-fuelled haven. It’s also a music lover’s dream with its menus printed on record sleeves and walls adorned with legendary artists. The Biscoff Old Fashioned and Mango Margarita are world-class.
Hop into Brass Monkey next door and you’ll find a bright and eclectic space that mashes everything from vintage barbershop decor to Chinese lanterns. As for the drinks, think about the best possible version of your favourite classic cocktail and you’re on the right track. The mixologists here really take their time, and we appreciated it.
Arriving back at the Municipal Bar just as they were closing, we grabbed some beers to take back to our room to watch a movie before getting some much needed shuteye.
Final verdict
The Municipal is a triumphant addition to central Liverpool, adding something both unique and luxurious to a city that seemingly has it all. The architecture and interiors make this place stand out, and the large pool and plush spa only add to the experience.
Due to an extended lie-in and a tight schedule on the Sunday, we missed breakfast in the Seaforth, but the stellar food and drink offering here is top-notch, enhanced further by the friendly and attentive service. If you’re looking for a touch of luxury during your city break, then The Municipal is a must.
To think this building was used to house the local blows my mind, and I’m sure you’ll agree its latest incarnation is more fitting.
The Municipal Hotel Liverpool, Dale Street, Liverpool, L2 2DH
Words by Fletch.