It’s 180 metres long, 21 metres wide and 24 metres high — and it’s made of red brick, iron and steel. Welcome to the vast Titanic Hotel in Liverpool, with its a massive reception, a Rum Bar serving 68 types of rum (which used to be stored in the former warehouse) and a Laurent-Perrier champagne room.
The unusual hotel name comes from Liverpool’s association with the Titanic, which was operated by the locally based White Star Line. Beyond the bar, a terrace faces across the old dock to the eerily derelict remains of Tobacco Warehouse, once the world’s largest brick building (made of 27 million bricks). This is soon to be converted into chichi apartments.
In a nutshell
The former warehouse by Stanley Dock opened as a high-class hotel last year. It’s at one end of the 127-mile Leeds and Liverpool Canal, and was built in 1855 by the renowned architect Jesse Hartley. Millions of pounds are being poured into the redevelopment of the docks, which are a Unesco World Heritage Site.
What are the rooms like?
Rooms are well-proportioned and are in neutral colours, with White Star Line poster decorations. The views across the Mersey, the hulk-like Tobacco Warehouse and the docks are marvellous; do request a room facing the Mersey, although all have interesting vistas. From the top floor — the fourth — you can see farthest, through the high hoop-shaped windows, many of which have comfy window seats. The cheapest doubles are from £99, room-only, during the week, rising sharply to £180 during weekends. Breakfast is £10 extra per person.
Which is the best room?
There are three vast presidential suites with kitchenettes (from £360-£500) but the corner rooms facing the dock are the best: room numbers 140, 240, 340 and 440 (from £195-£280). From room 440 there are particularly good views, taking in the castellated granite columns that mark the dock’s entrance.
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So what’s the food like?
Stanley’s Bar & Grill is in a huge room with an original red-brick ceiling and a mini-forest of steel columns. It specialises in steaks, although fish and chips, roast cod, chicken kiev and pork cutlets with saffron risotto are also on offer. Service is swift and friendly. On the recommendation of Roberto, my waiter, I pick the mussels for a starter. They are soft and perfectly cooked, and doused in a flavoursome cider and bacon sauce. My main of a fillet steak with a pleasingly spicy, barbecue-style sauce, chunky chips and crisp french beans is spot on. Three courses are from £25, but steaks push up the price considerably because they are £30 each.
Who goes there?
The pop singer Gary Barlow has visited, and the Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City football teams have stayed.
What else is there to do?
Go for a walk along the docks — it’s about a 30-minute stroll to Albert Dock. Pop in at the friendly, next-door Bramley Moore pub, which has a bar shaped like a boat. Try a rum cocktail at the Rum Bar (the Extra Old Fashioned with Extra Old Mount Gay rum is excellent, £9). Or visit the basement spa, with its hot tubs and steam rooms (£15 extra for guests).
The highs, the lows, the verdict
Eight and a half out of ten
It’s full of character but prices shoot up at weekends.
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Need to know
Tom Chesshyre was a guest of Titanic Hotel (0151 559 1444, titanichotelliverpool.com), Stanley Dock, Regent Road, Liverpool L3 0AN; doubles from £99; wheelchair-friendly rooms are available; no single occupancy discount
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