They may be part of a major chain – Starwood – but the quirky Aloft Hotels are a world away from your standard corporate accommodation and dining areas. The new Merseyside hotel is the brand’s second in the UK and the culmination of an £18 million regeneration of the historic Grade II-listed Royal Insurance building, the developers having worked alongside Liverpool City Council and English Heritage. The elegant interiors of the communal rooms are a reflection of the venue’s former glories. The buzzy bar area and the modern bedrooms with their funky vibe are in keeping with the Aloft credo for cheap-ish but extremely cheerful stays.
Aloft Liverpool (c) Starwood Hotels
Who for?
Business travellers seeking a break from the norm and leisure visitors wanting a fun, competitively priced and centrally located hotel.
Accommodation
Aloft Liverpool Twin Room (c) Starwood Hotels
The 116 loft-like bedrooms contain pretty much everything you could want. King-sized and comfy bed, desk area, disguised space for hanging clothes, bright bathroom including shower, decent sized TV, safe deposit box and complimentary water, tea and coffee.
Food and drink
Aloft’s WXYZ bar (c) Starwood Hotels
You can grab a quick bite for breakfast or a late night snack at the Re:fuel station near the lobby. For more leisurely dining, the site also incorporates the NYL restaurant, which as the “NY” in the title implies, serves American-style dishes for breakfast, brunch and dinner. And at night join a youthful, or in some cases young at heart crowd, for a cocktail or two in Aloft’s WXYZ bar.
Facilities
Aloft Liverpool Re:charge fitness suite (c) Starwood Hotels
Work off some calories 24/7 in the Re:charge fitness suite. Those on business can take advantage of one of the state-of-the-art meeting rooms. And if you cannot bear to travel without your beloved pooch, the hotel also offers Arf, where accompanying pets enjoy free treats.
What’s nearby?
Tate Liverpool (c) Starwood Hotels
Aloft is on the doorstep of a major shopping district and within comfortable walking distance of the dockside area featuring cultural and more mainstream attractions such as the Tate (currently showcasing a must-see Andy Warhol exhibit) and The Beatles Story.
Wi-Fi available?
Yes and it’s free
Value for money?
With rates from £59 a night (room only), it’s a veritable steal, given location and amenities.
Booking.com
Getting there
It’s walkable, or a two-minute taxi, from Lime Street train station.