I didn’t expect to find a sleek, chic design hotel in Liverpool… Hope Street Hotel is a great surprise. This beautifully conceived boutique establishment has been fashioned from The London Carriage Works building which was built in the 1860s in the style of a Venetian Palazzo. The building is full of character and charm, which naturally makes you wonder about its history; the hotel feels totally genuine with a very welcoming atmosphere. It is centrally located, a short taxi ride from the main train station and close to the city’s main attractions.

The design and décor at Hope Street is sophisticated, making use of the original features wherever possible. There are 89 rooms in total – our room, the glorious no. 406, is split over two floors with majestic pine beams and natural materials used throughout. It is a warming wooden retreat with a skylight window shedding light over the giant bouncy bed. Beneath the beams, a generous desk and small toilet room is found. Upstairs on the mezzanine level the grand and spacious bathroom will wow every guest with its long walk in shower and wooden bath tub. REN toiletries are an additional delight in the bathroom.

There were a few technical glitches in our room; the phone system was faulty and the water spluttered tiresomely as I tried to run a bath. Though neither problem could alter my happy mood, as I skipped around the suite admiring every design feature. For a relaxing evening in, the huge flat screen TV will definitely be appreciated, complete with its extensive film library.

If you can’t be bothered to venture out into town, Hope Street Hotel has a fine restaurant onsite, offering British comfort food classics with a twist. We enjoyed a feast here on the Friday evening when the restaurant was busy and buzzing. The Prix Fixe menu is particularly reasonable: two courses for £17.50 or three for £22.50. There is a focus on seasonal and local produce and the menu changes regularly to reflect this. I particularly loved the homemade Celeriac soup – creamy and rich and luxuriously decadent. In fact everything we tried was rich and portions are generous, so arrive with an empty stomach! For main course, the Roasted Wirral pork loin with locally smoked pancetta and creamed Savoy cabbage was a treat, the meat could have been cooked for slightly less time, but the accompanying greens gave enough flavour and moisture to compensate.

Breakfast is also served in the restaurant, with buffet or a la carte options. We indulged with a warming bowl of porridge and Organic granola with natural yoghurt and blueberries, it felt healthy and satisfying. Hope Street is a unique hotel in Liverpool. Those who love to be surrounded by beautiful design will find a happy home away from home here.

More information and book a room at Hope Street Hotel here.

Many thanks to the Liverpool Tourist Board for their help with this trip.