Review of Hard Days Night Hotel – Liverpool, England

If you are a Beatles fan and plan to visit Liverpool to see their humble beginnings, do not miss the chance to stay at a hotel designed with the band in mind.  Read on for our review of Hard Days Night Hotel.

Navigating the winding streets of central Liverpool isn’t an easy feat for a newcomer, but it was thankfully impossible to miss Hard Days Night Hotel, located right in the heart of the city’s Beatles’ tourist area. The exterior of the Fab Four-themed hotel is adorned with large black and white movie-style posters separated by massive columns. High above, statues of the band members overlook the pedestrians below in Fab gargoyle fashion.

While Hard Days Night is far from cheap at a nightly rate range of 96-259GBP for a double room during peak season (the price depends on the day of the week and whether it’s a luxury or deluxe room), there are no compromises here for the Beatles lover that appreciates feeling pampered. For more privileged clientele, two types of suites – Lennon and McCartney – are also available.

Not to mention, the hotel is just around the corner from the site of the famous Cavern Club on Mathew Street – so close in fact that some lucky guests can enjoy from the comfort of their rooms, the faint echo of Beatles buskers entertaining groups of tourists. The hotel is also within a 10-minute walk of a host of other attractions, including a cluster of museums (that all sit along the River Mersey), Albert Dock, Pier Head, and all bus and walking tours within Merseyside.

The main reception area is small yet charming and sits between the hotel’s two signature dining areas – Bar Four and Blake’s Restaurant (named after the artist responsible for the iconic Sgt Pepper album cover). Across the reception desk, you’ll find the open concept lounge – a perfect sitting area for guests to meet and plan their Beatles-filled days using the hotel’s complimentary WiFi.

Reception warmly accommodated a request to check in a couple of hours early, and I was in my room within 10 minutes of arriving at the hotel. To access the rooms, guests have the option of taking the lift to one of the 5 floors or choose the scenic route up a winding carpeted staircase and take in the collection of Beatles photographs lining the walls. With so much band-related imagery covering every inch of this hotel, the memorabilia is balanced with a décor that gives Hard Days Night a luxurious atmosphere for the more sophisticated fan.

The deluxe double room is no less luxurious in look and feel. Upon entering, guests are instantly greeted with the song of the hotel’s namesake playing gently on the flat-screen television – what a difference this makes in feeling welcomed! And while the only other trace of Beatles found in the room is a large painting above the bed, the rich copper blackout curtains, cream, and olive green walls, and sleek accents make up for it tenfold.

Rooms are equipped with two telephones, plenty of pillows and lighting, and a large desk with a comfortable chair. Above the bed, guests will find a keypad that allows them to control the lighting and temperature and call for maid service from under the cozy duvet. A floor-to-ceiling wooden boudoir houses an area to hang clothing, as well as contains shelving where you’ll find a modern keypad-operated safe, a tea kettle with coffee, tea, and all the fixings, some complimentary (delicious) cookies, and an iron.

The washroom is very spacious and equally well equipped with toiletries, a hairdryer, and two sets of fluffy bath towels complete with a heated rack for a warm post-shower towel. The bathtub is large and deep – perfect for a good soak after a long day of sightseeing – and houses a wide waterfall showerhead.

After a warm morning shower, guests are invited to a complimentary breakfast buffet at Blake’s Restaurant served between 7-10 am. Here you’ll find both hot and cold buffets offering a wide variety of traditional breakfast foods including meats, eggs, baked beans, black pudding, hash browns, toast, cereals, fruits, teas, jams, and pastries. Such a large and tasty selection is enough to hold guests over until dinner!

The restaurant also has a sophisticated lunch and dinner menu, including a 24-hour room service menu for late-night nibbles. On the opposite end of the Hotel sits the chic Bar Four, where drinks and cocktails are served to both guests and patrons alike. A perfect place to mingle before a night out or as the destination in itself.

PROS: Perfect central location, and luxurious accommodations at an affordable rate. Situated on the corner of the famous Mathew Street and a short walk from all local attractions, shops, River Mersey, train station, and local nightlife.

CONS: With the hotel situated in a restored building dating back to 1884, the main staircase leading up to reception, narrow corridors, and small, slower lifts can be an inconvenience for guests requiring accessibility.