It’s interesting, isn’t it? We can traverse continents, explore diverse cultures, and yet there’s often that one city we’ve never set foot in. Like, how did we get to this age, and travel all over the world but have never been to that one city? For some, it might be Liverpool with INNSiDE, a vibrant hub of culture and history waiting to be discovered.
For me, that city was Liverpool. A lifelong lover of The Beatles, Liverpool should never have escaped my grasp for so long, and yet here we are.
I’ve stayed at a Melia hotel before, in Magaluf, representing House of Coco in the Magaluf half marathon. The hotel was modern and luxurious, with experimental art adorning the walls, so I had an idea of the quality to expect at Liverpool’s brand-new four-star INNSiDE by Melia.
The new INNSiDE Liverpool lives up to its reputation. Situated just a couple of minutes’ walk from Albert Docks, the city centre is easy to navigate to, and you have the wonderful Gino D’Acampo restaurant on the first floor and its 360 Sky Bar up top.
Walking into the building you first encounter a pop-up shop selling flowers, it’s a cute greeting and there’s a spot for an influencer selfie surrounded by blooms underneath a neon sign.
The open plan reception is handled by casual and super friendly staff, they give off the air that nothing is any trouble. They gave us tips on what to do whilst we were there and made sure we felt right at home.
Rooms
Our suite was incredible. We had views from full-length windows on two sides, one facing Ireland and the other looking over the docks at the hills of North Wales.
The room felt huge but was really well designed in order to make the most of the space. The bedroom area with massive TV was filled with a huge comfortable bed, the dressing area and sofa faced out over the docks, there was a separate coffee/ breakfast table corner, and the open-plan shower and sink area.
It was gorgeous, modern, clean lines, and great views. Plus you get cosy slippers and the most comfortable dressing gown hoodies ever! I’d suggest booking two nights so you can spend the second night with a hangover, in those hoodies, full of Gino D’Acampo pasta, watching a movie in bed.
The Restaurant and Bar
Before dinner, we booked a table at the 360 Sky Bar. Surrounded by walls of glass, the view over this heartful city envelops you. As the night draws in, the city comes alive and from the sky bar you feel the buzz.
As with the rest of the hotel, the staff treat everyone like a VIP. I was getting 80s power suit vibes from up there for some reason, it’s inexplicable, but it’s there.
Back down to the first floor and we couldn’t have been more excited for dinner. Gino continues to dominate city after city with his restaurants and it’s not just his name that makes it happen.
The food is exceptional, with a playful menu full of enough choice, but not overwhelming amounts. Dishes are listed with a little bit of personality from Gino himself explaining a bit more about the recipe such as where it came from, who loves it most in his family, and that sort of thing.
We enjoyed every moment of dinner. From being seated with a direct view of the open kitchen, advice from the experienced staff with our order, and portions that will make you glad you booked. There’s nothing better than delicious food at a special restaurant that serves enough so that you’re not left needing more.
And finally
We spent the night dancing our little hearts out in the famous Cavern Club. As mentioned up top, I absolutely love The Beatles and this is where they started. We paid just a fiver each to get in, with no queue, and there was a resident band playing all of the hits. The place was packed with everyone from students to the over 60s reliving their youth.
Liverpool is a stunning city full of impressive architecture and naturally warm people. So if you’ve never been, just do it.
For good vibes, plenty of space, and no worries at all, the INNSiDE by Melia Liverpool is the one. We will definitely be back… if nothing else, to do the same again but with an added extra night in one of those dressing gown hoodies!
Book a room from £64 per night at INNSiDE Liverpool.
Old Hall Street
Liverpool
L3 9LQ
Tel: 0151 832 0960 innside.liverpool@melia.com