The Hotel Review: The Municipal Hotel & Spa Liverpool – MGallery Collection
Luxury Reviews Says 8/10
Is Liverpool’s debut five-star address truly delivering city luxury, or is that fifth star merely for the swimming pool?
The Hotel
The MGallery Collection (part of Accor) prides itself on boutique hotels “with a soul.” At the Municipal Hotel Liverpool, that soul is a Victorian civil servant. Built between 1862 and 1868 in the grand Second Empire style, this was the former home of the Liverpool City Council, a magnificent structure designed to project the power and prosperity of the port city. This Grade II* listed landmark on Dale Street swapped clerks for cocktails in 2023, yet its imposing 210-foot clock tower still dictates the rhythm of the city.
This is a historic building conversion, and while the location is prime, the access and navigation within the labyrinthine halls and wings can feel less than intuitive. This is a property that forces you to enjoy the high ceilings and elegant plasterwork while you search for the lift.
As with all ultra-luxury stays, it’s worth booking through a Virtuoso-affiliated travel advisor. I recommend Propeller Travel, (click here). Perks often include upgrades, resort credit, and breakfast for two.
The First Impression 9/10
The building itself is a spectacular setting for a first impression. However, there isn’t a great deal of immediate curb appeal, and you may initially have difficulty locating the entrance on the busy street. The magic occurs the moment you climb the steps to the entrance. Doors are opened and staff rush to help with luggage, and you instantly leave the chaos of the city behind, stepping into a past age restored with a contemporary, chic touch.
The Vibe & Who are You Likely to See There?
The Palm Court offers the best people-watching. You have the American tourist clientele, fresh off the plane and deep into a Martini, blended seamlessly with Liverpool locals—who are likely just having afternoon tea in the very room where the municipal authority used to handle their most mundane enquiries.
The Rooms 8/10
Guest rooms are located in two distinct parts, and the original building’s layout clearly challenged the architects to deliver truly luxurious spaces. Although some ceilings are dramatically high, the original windows start halfway up the walls, creating an odd, somewhat stunted light effect.
Luxury Reviews was allocated a room in the newer annexe. While this section lacked the historical grit, it offered more functional, modern layouts and the welcome addition of floor-to-ceiling windows.
The Facilities 7 /10
The Palm Court Atrium remains the hotel’s visual showstopper, but for amenities, the attention is entirely on the aquatic. The spa is a tranquil haven featuring a high-quality thermal circuit with a 16m indoor swimming pool, sauna, and steam room. The pool benefits from huge glass windows, making it a genuine destination. However, accessing this haven is complicated by a steep £50 charge for guests, unless you have elite loyalty status or visit during off-peak hours. While this policy may keep the crowds at bay, it makes for an expensive dip. The dedicated gym, meanwhile, is noticeably small; it feels less like a complete facility and more like an afterthought.
The Service 7/10
This is where the grand design meets the frustrating reality. While the concierge and reception staff should be applauded for their polish, consistency often vanished beyond the front desk. Service in the Palm Court Bar, with its spectacular, theatrical setting, could only be described as a visible lack of urgent focus. There were plenty of busy-looking staff shaking cocktails for a space that wasn’t actually busy, leaving little time to create any sense of occasion. A hotel of this calibre should ensure seamless, attentive service across all departments. Unfortunately, this air of distraction continued into the Seaforth restaurant, although staff there at least attempted to rectify service blips.
The Dining 8/10
While dinner at the Seaforth British brasserie is well-regarded, the Palm Court Bar proved a fantastic setting for a great letdown. The spectacle of the atrium deserved better: the drinks were notably weak, and the pour could only be described as small. This was a poor combination with the less-than-perfect service, especially as the accompanying bar snacks were limited to three or four stale pretzels—a detail that screams for a simple upgrade to high-quality nuts and olives.
Breakfast offered a good cold buffet and hot menu, but the operational issues continued: waits were excessively long even when the restaurant was not busy. The food was ultimately good and worth the delay, but the service problems would be interesting during a busy period. Luxury Reviews noted that breakfast never made it to the final checkout invoice. Was this another service blip or an impressive finishing touch by a team attempting to rescue things? We’ll call it a successful recovery.
The Attention To Detail 9/10
The ultimate attention to detail here is the preservation of the building’s grand past. The original features—from the stunning wall tiles and original stone floors to the immense iron radiators—are magnificent. This dedication extends to the service touches: the complimentary lobby water was brilliantly served in high-quality cut glassware, a theatrical touch that honours the building’s history. Modern luxuries are also mostly spot-on: the bedding is luxurious, foam and feather pillows are standard, and turn-down service is offered. However, the details that define true five-star luxury were conspicuously absent: there was no in-room coffee machine, the minibar was missing entirely, and the final, unforgivable flaw? A large hair was present in the shower upon arrival, a basic failure of housekeeping that instantly detracts from the glamour of the restoration.
The Good, Bad & Ugly
Worth it? Yes. You get an undeniably grand piece of Liverpool’s history with a magnificent pool attached. Just be prepared to tolerate service inconsistency and the non-inclusive £50 spa fee; it’s a glorious 5-star building that is still learning how to be a luxury hotel.
Stay Here for the stunning, theatrical grandeur of the Palm Court Atrium and sleeping inside a magnificent piece of Liverpool history.
Don’t Stay Here expecting a flawlessly executed five-star stay when basic luxuries—like an in-room coffee machine, polished bar service, or inclusive spa access—are simply absent.
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Luxury Reviews Says 8/10
Is Liverpool’s debut five-star address truly delivering city luxury, or is that fifth star merely for the swimming pool?
The Hotel
The MGallery Collection (part of Accor) prides itself on boutique hotels “with a soul.” At the Municipal Hotel Liverpool, that soul is a Victorian civil servant. Built between 1862 and 1868 in the grand Second Empire style, this was the former home of the Liverpool City Council, a magnificent structure designed to project the power and prosperity of the port city. This Grade II* listed landmark on Dale Street swapped clerks for cocktails in 2023, yet its imposing 210-foot clock tower still dictates the rhythm of the city.
This is a historic building conversion, and while the location is prime, the access and navigation within the labyrinthine halls and wings can feel less than intuitive. This is a property that forces you to enjoy the high ceilings and elegant plasterwork while you search for the lift.
As with all ultra-luxury stays, it’s worth booking through a Virtuoso-affiliated travel advisor. I recommend Propeller Travel, (click here). Perks often include upgrades, resort credit, and breakfast for two.
The First Impression 9/10
The building itself is a spectacular setting for a first impression. However, there isn’t a great deal of immediate curb appeal, and you may initially have difficulty locating the entrance on the busy street. The magic occurs the moment you climb the steps to the entrance. Doors are opened and staff rush to help with luggage, and you instantly leave the chaos of the city behind, stepping into a past age restored with a contemporary, chic touch.
The Vibe & Who are You Likely to See There?
The Palm Court offers the best people-watching. You have the American tourist clientele, fresh off the plane and deep into a Martini, blended seamlessly with Liverpool locals—who are likely just having afternoon tea in the very room where the municipal authority used to handle their most mundane enquiries.
The Rooms 8/10
Guest rooms are located in two distinct parts, and the original building’s layout clearly challenged the architects to deliver truly luxurious spaces. Although some ceilings are dramatically high, the original windows start halfway up the walls, creating an odd, somewhat stunted light effect.
Luxury Reviews was allocated a room in the newer annexe. While this section lacked the historical grit, it offered more functional, modern layouts and the welcome addition of floor-to-ceiling windows.
The Facilities 7 /10
The Palm Court Atrium remains the hotel’s visual showstopper, but for amenities, the attention is entirely on the aquatic. The spa is a tranquil haven featuring a high-quality thermal circuit with a 16m indoor swimming pool, sauna, and steam room. The pool benefits from huge glass windows, making it a genuine destination. However, accessing this haven is complicated by a steep £50 charge for guests, unless you have elite loyalty status or visit during off-peak hours. While this policy may keep the crowds at bay, it makes for an expensive dip. The dedicated gym, meanwhile, is noticeably small; it feels less like a complete facility and more like an afterthought.
The Service 7/10
This is where the grand design meets the frustrating reality. While the concierge and reception staff should be applauded for their polish, consistency often vanished beyond the front desk. Service in the Palm Court Bar, with its spectacular, theatrical setting, could only be described as a visible lack of urgent focus. There were plenty of busy-looking staff shaking cocktails for a space that wasn’t actually busy, leaving little time to create any sense of occasion. A hotel of this calibre should ensure seamless, attentive service across all departments. Unfortunately, this air of distraction continued into the Seaforth restaurant, although staff there at least attempted to rectify service blips.
The Dining 8/10
While dinner at the Seaforth British brasserie is well-regarded, the Palm Court Bar proved a fantastic setting for a great letdown. The spectacle of the atrium deserved better: the drinks were notably weak, and the pour could only be described as small. This was a poor combination with the less-than-perfect service, especially as the accompanying bar snacks were limited to three or four stale pretzels—a detail that screams for a simple upgrade to high-quality nuts and olives.
Breakfast offered a good cold buffet and hot menu, but the operational issues continued: waits were excessively long even when the restaurant was not busy. The food was ultimately good and worth the delay, but the service problems would be interesting during a busy period. Luxury Reviews noted that breakfast never made it to the final checkout invoice. Was this another service blip or an impressive finishing touch by a team attempting to rescue things? We’ll call it a successful recovery.
The Attention To Detail 9/10
The ultimate attention to detail here is the preservation of the building’s grand past. The original features—from the stunning wall tiles and original stone floors to the immense iron radiators—are magnificent. This dedication extends to the service touches: the complimentary lobby water was brilliantly served in high-quality cut glassware, a theatrical touch that honours the building’s history. Modern luxuries are also mostly spot-on: the bedding is luxurious, foam and feather pillows are standard, and turn-down service is offered. However, the details that define true five-star luxury were conspicuously absent: there was no in-room coffee machine, the minibar was missing entirely, and the final, unforgivable flaw? A large hair was present in the shower upon arrival, a basic failure of housekeeping that instantly detracts from the glamour of the restoration.
The Good, Bad & Ugly
Worth it? Yes. You get an undeniably grand piece of Liverpool’s history with a magnificent pool attached. Just be prepared to tolerate service inconsistency and the non-inclusive £50 spa fee; it’s a glorious 5-star building that is still learning how to be a luxury hotel.
Stay Here for the stunning, theatrical grandeur of the Palm Court Atrium and sleeping inside a magnificent piece of Liverpool history.
Don’t Stay Here expecting a flawlessly executed five-star stay when basic luxuries—like an in-room coffee machine, polished bar service, or inclusive spa access—are simply absent.
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Luxury Reviews Says 8/10
Is Liverpool’s debut five-star address truly delivering city luxury, or is that fifth star merely for the swimming pool?
The Hotel
The MGallery Collection (part of Accor) prides itself on boutique hotels “with a soul.” At the Municipal Hotel Liverpool, that soul is a Victorian civil servant. Built between 1862 and 1868 in the grand Second Empire style, this was the former home of the Liverpool City Council, a magnificent structure designed to project the power and prosperity of the port city. This Grade II* listed landmark on Dale Street swapped clerks for cocktails in 2023, yet its imposing 210-foot clock tower still dictates the rhythm of the city.
This is a historic building conversion, and while the location is prime, the access and navigation within the labyrinthine halls and wings can feel less than intuitive. This is a property that forces you to enjoy the high ceilings and elegant plasterwork while you search for the lift.
As with all ultra-luxury stays, it’s worth booking through a Virtuoso-affiliated travel advisor. I recommend Propeller Travel, (click here). Perks often include upgrades, resort credit, and breakfast for two.
The First Impression 9/10
The building itself is a spectacular setting for a first impression. However, there isn’t a great deal of immediate curb appeal, and you may initially have difficulty locating the entrance on the busy street. The magic occurs the moment you climb the steps to the entrance. Doors are opened and staff rush to help with luggage, and you instantly leave the chaos of the city behind, stepping into a past age restored with a contemporary, chic touch.
The Vibe & Who are You Likely to See There?
The Palm Court offers the best people-watching. You have the American tourist clientele, fresh off the plane and deep into a Martini, blended seamlessly with Liverpool locals—who are likely just having afternoon tea in the very room where the municipal authority used to handle their most mundane enquiries.
The Rooms 8/10
Guest rooms are located in two distinct parts, and the original building’s layout clearly challenged the architects to deliver truly luxurious spaces. Although some ceilings are dramatically high, the original windows start halfway up the walls, creating an odd, somewhat stunted light effect.
Luxury Reviews was allocated a room in the newer annexe. While this section lacked the historical grit, it offered more functional, modern layouts and the welcome addition of floor-to-ceiling windows.
The Facilities 7 /10
The Palm Court Atrium remains the hotel’s visual showstopper, but for amenities, the attention is entirely on the aquatic. The spa is a tranquil haven featuring a high-quality thermal circuit with a 16m indoor swimming pool, sauna, and steam room. The pool benefits from huge glass windows, making it a genuine destination. However, accessing this haven is complicated by a steep £50 charge for guests, unless you have elite loyalty status or visit during off-peak hours. While this policy may keep the crowds at bay, it makes for an expensive dip. The dedicated gym, meanwhile, is noticeably small; it feels less like a complete facility and more like an afterthought.
The Service 7/10
This is where the grand design meets the frustrating reality. While the concierge and reception staff should be applauded for their polish, consistency often vanished beyond the front desk. Service in the Palm Court Bar, with its spectacular, theatrical setting, could only be described as a visible lack of urgent focus. There were plenty of busy-looking staff shaking cocktails for a space that wasn’t actually busy, leaving little time to create any sense of occasion. A hotel of this calibre should ensure seamless, attentive service across all departments. Unfortunately, this air of distraction continued into the Seaforth restaurant, although staff there at least attempted to rectify service blips.
The Dining 8/10
While dinner at the Seaforth British brasserie is well-regarded, the Palm Court Bar proved a fantastic setting for a great letdown. The spectacle of the atrium deserved better: the drinks were notably weak, and the pour could only be described as small. This was a poor combination with the less-than-perfect service, especially as the accompanying bar snacks were limited to three or four stale pretzels—a detail that screams for a simple upgrade to high-quality nuts and olives.
Breakfast offered a good cold buffet and hot menu, but the operational issues continued: waits were excessively long even when the restaurant was not busy. The food was ultimately good and worth the delay, but the service problems would be interesting during a busy period. Luxury Reviews noted that breakfast never made it to the final checkout invoice. Was this another service blip or an impressive finishing touch by a team attempting to rescue things? We’ll call it a successful recovery.
The Attention To Detail 9/10
The ultimate attention to detail here is the preservation of the building’s grand past. The original features—from the stunning wall tiles and original stone floors to the immense iron radiators—are magnificent. This dedication extends to the service touches: the complimentary lobby water was brilliantly served in high-quality cut glassware, a theatrical touch that honours the building’s history. Modern luxuries are also mostly spot-on: the bedding is luxurious, foam and feather pillows are standard, and turn-down service is offered. However, the details that define true five-star luxury were conspicuously absent: there was no in-room coffee machine, the minibar was missing entirely, and the final, unforgivable flaw? A large hair was present in the shower upon arrival, a basic failure of housekeeping that instantly detracts from the glamour of the restoration.
The Good, Bad & Ugly
Worth it? Yes. You get an undeniably grand piece of Liverpool’s history with a magnificent pool attached. Just be prepared to tolerate service inconsistency and the non-inclusive £50 spa fee; it’s a glorious 5-star building that is still learning how to be a luxury hotel.
Stay Here for the stunning, theatrical grandeur of the Palm Court Atrium and sleeping inside a magnificent piece of Liverpool history.
Don’t Stay Here expecting a flawlessly executed five-star stay when basic luxuries—like an in-room coffee machine, polished bar service, or inclusive spa access—are simply absent.
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