Situated at the top of North John Street, Aloft Hotel Liverpool is located within the site of Liverpool’s Royal Insurance Building built in 1903. The stunning architecture of this restored banking building updated with sleek modern décor creates a contrast that you just don’t see often, if at all.
Entering the building at the corner of North John and Water Streets, one is immediately taken by the grand 5-story circular staircase directly overhead the reception area, and the 2 (possibly 3) story ceilings with intricate plaster molding. The entire first floor is a fully open concept, housing reception, bar/lounge, and NYL restaurant in plain sight.
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- Staircase looking down
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- NYL Restaurant
The guest suites at Aloft are modern and spacious, with comfortable beds, plush pillows, and heavy down-filled duvets. The rooms are equipped with all the necessities including an iron and full-size ironing board, hairdryer, kettle with coffee, tea, and all the fixings, as well as a modern keypad-operated safe. A local event guide and current newspaper are also provided.
The washroom is divided in two by a sliding door with a full-length mirror, separating the large sink area from the toilet and a spacious stand-up shower. Within the shower is a built-in body wash and 2-in-1 shampoo dispenser. While the glass shower is easily accessible for those who have trouble climbing into tubs, the lack of a barrier between the shower floor and toilet area makes it easy for water to escape and create a puddle outside the door, so be sure to use the foot towel provided at the base of the shower door.
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- Standard Double Room
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- Bathroom
Exercise enthusiasts are invited to use a well-equipped gym facility on the lower level, which has a selection of cardio machines (treadmills, bikes, and elliptical) with built-in personal televisions, a variety of free weights, yoga mats, and a multifunctional weight machine that offers over 20 full-body exercises. Complimentary towels and bottled water are also provided.
A laundry facility is also available free of charge; however, there is only one machine and dryer so availability is limited given that there are 116 guest rooms in the building. While waiting for laundry to wash, guests can spend time in the ‘wxyz lounge’ which sits directly behind the reception area and offers 2 computer stations, billiards, foosball, and a vast selection of wines, spirits, and cocktails.
Directly adjacent to the lounge area is a massive seating area for the hotel’s American fine dining-inspired NYL Restaurant. Guests and patrons can take in the splendid design of the sky-high ceilings while enjoying lunch or dinner, while the free breakfast buffet (which serves satisfying classic hot English breakfast items and a variety of cold dishes) is reserved for guests only. There is also a stocked 24-hour snack bar available for late night/early morning nibbles.
Now as beautiful as this building is, the real gem of Aloft is the exceptionally friendly staff. From the front reception to the wait staff, bar staff, and housekeeping, everyone that works at Aloft is exceedingly pleasant and accommodating. With this importantly added touch in addition to all the unique characteristics of this world-class hotel, Aloft is a standout choice for Liverpool’s finer stays. To top it off, the rates are a comparative steal at only 75-179GBP per night at peak season.
PROS: Fantastic staff and service, very welcoming and friendly. Perfect location, extensive facilities, and stunning architecture both indoors and out.
CONS: WiFi does not automatically reconnect you upon returning to the hotel, so you’ll have to remember to sign in again to save on data costs.