Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
EXPENSIVE
There's a
Malmaison
in Liverpool, at William Jessop Way (
www.malmaison.com
;
&
0151/229-5000), with views of the Mersey and Royal Liver Building from some
rooms (£129-£186 doubles). Of its two suites themed for local football teams Liver-
pool and Everton, Kop has its own games room. For the
Hard Days Night Hotel,
see p. 583.
Vincent
An unexpected oasis of chic in kiss-me-quick Southport, the Vincent
opened in a former cinema on elegant Lord Street in 2008 to largely positive reviews.
Its boutique rooms are coolly contemporary, with vast beds, Japanese-style soaking
tubs, and rainforest showers; the penthouse has a spa bath and outdoor Jacuzzi. Try
to bag a higher room with better views and also less street noise. The glitzy, see-and-
be seen
V-Café and Sushi Bar,
haunt of many a local footballer, serves an interna-
tional menu and creative cocktails, including a mind-blowing chili martini.
98 Lord St., Southport PR8 1JR. www.thevincenthotel.com.
&
01704/883800.
60 units. £93-£209
double. AE, MC, V. Parking £12.
Amenities:
Restaurant; bar; gym; room service; spa; golf simulator.
In room:
TV, Wi-Fi (free).
MODERATE
Formby Hall Golf Resort & Spa
This modern hotel in parkland in the
heart of the “Golf Coast” between Formby and Southport is a recent addition to an
existing 18-hole championship golf course, 9-hole links course, and residential PGA
academy. But even if you're not here to play golf, there's a highly regarded spa and
health club. Rooms are fresh, attractive, and quite luxurious; under-12s stay for free
in extra beds and a children's menu is available. The smart brasserie overlooks the golf
course, or there's the 19th Hole Restaurant & Bar.
Southport Old Rd, Formby, Southport L37 0AB. www.formbyhallgolfresort.co.uk.
&
01704/875699.
62 units. £60-£180 double; £120-£205 suite. Children 11 and under stay free in parent's room. Rates
include English breakfast. AE, MC, V. Free parking.
Amenities:
2 restaurants; 2 bars; gym; indoor pool;
spa; room service; golf courses.
In room:
TV, hair dryer, minifridge, Wi-Fi (free).
Ramada Plaza Southport
The best located of Southport's hotels for
those who like to be reminded they're at the Great British seaside, this ocean-liner-
like building has views over Marine Lake, the pier, and the sea. It's surprisingly stylish
for a chain, with fresh contemporary decor in its light-flooded rooms (Marine Lake
Executive rooms have 180-degree views of the coastline through picture windows)
and a waterside
brasserie
with a pleasant terrace. Packages include theatre breaks
(the hotel adjoins Southport Theatre), golf breaks, tickets to Aintree racecourse, and
2-night family breaks in rooms with two double beds. Guests get free access to the
leisure center opposite, with an adults-only pool, family pool, learner pool, gym,
sauna, and steam room. Rates include breakfast.
Marine Lake, Southport PR9 0DZ. www.ramadaplazasouthport.co.uk.
&
01704/516220.
133 units.
£89-£180 double; £124-£205 suite. MC, V. Free parking.
Amenities:
Restaurant; bar; free access to lei-
sure club with indoor pool.
In room:
TV, fridge, Wi-Fi (free).
INEXPENSIVE
There's a
Staybridge Suites
in Liverpool (
&
0151/703-9700;
www.ichotelsgroup.
com), at Keel Wharf just south of the Albert Dock, with self-catering studio and one-
bedroom suites (with extra sofabeds) for about £89 to £109 (less with advance pur-
chase). There's also a very good new
Novotel
just by Liverpool One, with a great
basement pool and rooms for up to four guests from just £75.
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