Hope Street Hotel, Liverpool

I decided to stay in the Hope Street Hotel for my weekend in Liverpool as it was centrally located (between the two cathedrals) and next to the philharmonic was walking distance to the party I was attending and also was convenient for Lime Street Station (taxi GBP 3-4) and was also not your average chain hotel and was substantially cheaper than Hard Day's Night, the Malmaison or the Hilton. It was a 10 minute walk to Liverpool 1 and there was plenty in walking distance to see and do.

I particularly likened the light rooms (lots of white), contrasted with the wooden floors and the bare brick wall in the room. The room was well-appointed, the bathroom good with great REN products, tea and coffee making facilities and a very comfortable firm bed (UK kingsize). The furnishings were in good condition and the Internet connection was reliable and fast (although sensibly upload limited). There were some nice touches - a DVD and CD library through reception and very adequate room service, although I didn't use the latter. There was a wall-mounted flat panel TV so I spent an evening enjoying British TV - which is of course a real treat for me.

Rather than take breakfast in the hotel - this was not included in the room rate, and I resent spending upwards of GBP 15 for breakfast bar on special occasions, I headed round the corner to a greasy spoon - and paid GBP 3.50 for a full English breakfast - I would struggle to get a filled roll and a coffee in Austria for that money.

I booked through one of the sites that were advertising rooms on trivago.de - at EUR 110 per night it was quite expensive (usually in Central Europe for 4* accommodation I spend EUR 60-70 per night without breakfast), although given its location and the fact that I was able to walk around town with no difficulties, this was worth it in my opinion.

The only disadvantage with the bathroom might have been the taps, they could have been confusing and difficult to use, which could potentially cause someone using the shower to scald themselves. The staff were helpful and polite (ordering taxis, giving directions, making suggestions for where to eat) and I would certainly come back here again.