UPGRADED STAY
- Shoned
- Oct 19, 2023
- 5 min read
Updated: Jan 30
We had the best two day stay at INNSiDE Liverpool.
It’s been on my wish list for a while as it combines 4* accommodation, a Gino D'Acampo restaurant on the ground floor (which is where breakfast is served) and a 360 Sky Bar and rooftop terrace on the top floor with unrivalled views of Liverpool and the River Mersey.
The hotel is located in the old Post & Echo Building and is within close proximity to attractions such as the Liver Building and the iconic Albert Docks.
We checked in at 3pm on Friday and parked at the nearby NCP carpark (Liverpool Capital). I booked a standard room direct with Melia.com and signed up as a member which is free. MeliáRewards is their loyalty programme and offers members a range of exclusive benefits and special offers.
You can check in online beforehand, but my sneaky plan was to check in at 3pm in person, in the hope that they had empty rooms for a potential upgrade! I presume that once you check in online that your room is allocated automatically on arrival, but holding out may get you that special offer, and being a member will certainly play in your favour, and guess what? It worked 🙌🏽
Upon check in I mentioned that I was a member and that I also have a personal blog and was offered an upgrade to their studio accommodation which really did put the icing on the cake for us.
We checked into the stunning studio on the 16th floor with floor-to-ceiling windows and were blown away with stunning views of the city and the River Mersey. The studio is a spacious and comfortable retreat, it includes a king-size bed, a sofa-bed, a complimentary minibar, a coffee maker and capsules and a surprising detail for me was a yoga mat! I mean, where better to start the day than with a workout with spectacular city views as a backdrop?
As INNSIDE guests we were given a card to enjoy 10% off when you dine at Gino D’Acampo restaurant or 360 Sky Bar, so we took advantage of this great offer. It has a one-time use limit and we used it against the evening meal for 6 of us when we were joined by the girls and their partners on Friday.
After unpacking we decided to head down to Gino D’Acampo’s for a drink and nibbles. This space is the hub of the hotel on the ground floor, providing breakfast, lunch, afternoon teas, drinks and evening dining. It’s a bustling space for residents and non-residents with relaxed vibe which is ideal for people watching. There is a big neon sign on the back wall saying “my life, friends and family” signed by Gino and the restaurant space encapsulates exactly that.
After welcome drinks we headed to our studio room for a quick shower and change and met the rest of the brood for pre-dinner drinks at 360 Sky Bar (which is situated on the top floor of the hotel and is open to residents and non-residents). Booking is essential and it boasts unrivalled views over the City of Liverpool. It plays host to the most spectacular sunsets so you can watch the world go by whilst dining from their cicchetti menu or enjoy their extensive cocktail menu. We did both!
We had a great time, whilst listening to the resident DJ.
We then we headed for Gino’s restaurant back on the ground floor, a beautiful modern open plan space with floor to ceiling windows overlooking Old Hall Street.
After dinner we walked over to the Cavern Quarter, which is about a 10 minute walk from the hotel.
Known as the birthplace of the Beatles the Cavern Quarter is made up of the iconic Mathew Street and surrounding streets.
Cavern Quarter is a lively part of the city characterised by its popular pubs, night spots and live music. We ended our evening here and loved it as it has a mixed age group from young to old.
Saturday was a chilled start with breakfast at Gino D’Acampo’s.
Then I hit the brow bar at Superdrug in Liverpool One, this was a good 10-minute walk from the hotel.
The beauty of this service is that no booking is required and you can walk in as experienced therapists offer a range of treatments for all your brow needs.
Next, I headed for a bit of retail therapy at Zara 😊
Located opposite Zara is John Lewis which is where I stumbled across their Clarins Beauty Bar!
It can be found on the First floor and offers a range of treatments from Facials to massages and Men’s treatments.
Had I known I would have booked a treatment here, but they were full, however it’s noted for my next visit! They also have a Spa on the 3rd floor which sounded divine.
Luckily, I had already booked a complimentary hand and arm massage at Jo Malone in Flannels, and it did not disappoint. A 15-minute experience can be booked online here: https://www.jomalone.co.uk/book-appointment
Includes a Scent Pairing consultation and a glass of Prosecco with no obligation to purchase. Needless to say, I bought some treats!
We returned to the hotel late afternoon to enjoy wine and a cheeseboard at Gino D'Acampo. We then retired to our plush studio to watch the boats on the Mersey, followed by a cheeky siesta! It was so relaxing!
Saturday evening was strictly couple time only and we headed for the highly recommended Cowshed. There are many lovely restaurants in Liverpool but this is definitely one we will visit again.
The service, ambience and food were top notch. We sat in a cosy booth, and I would recommend requesting this seating arrangement on booking if available.
We didn’t have a late night and headed back to our fabulous studio to enjoy the panoramic night-time view of the City.
Sunday started with another lovely breakfast at Gino D'Acampo and since check-out is one of the latest in the city hotels at 12:00, we made the most and headed for a walk to the docks.
Did I mention that INNSIDE also has a 24-hour gym? We did not use this facility, but it’s noted.
Hoping to stay at their townhouse next! Go check it out: https://www.melia.com/en/hotels/united-kingdom/liverpool/innside-liverpool/rooms/the-townhouse
Finally, from previous visits I’d recommend the following foodie experiences:
Mowgli - Indian street food
Leaf bold street - lunchtime hidden gem
Panam - casual dining and bottomless brunch based in the Albert docks
San Carlo - Italian cuisine- never disappoints
Duke Street Market - food and drink market with 6 different kitchens to choose from
The Cosy Club - centrally located brunch/lunch/afternoon cocktail
Baltic Market - Dog friendly & something for everyone
Panoramic - high class dinning with strict dress code and the best afternoon tea at the 34th floor of Liverpool's West Tower, reaching 100m above sea level. Panoramic offers 360° views of the city.
Things to do:
Bongo’s Bingo - crazy night, needs booking in advance
Junkyard Golf / Gold Fang - not weather dependant and usually over 18s
Accounts to follow for more foodie tips in Liverpool:
Chris Grundy - food blogger
Alison for supper-clubs & creative gatherings in Liverpool
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