http://www.trivago.co.uk/liverpool-38950/hotel/crowne-plaza-liverpool-city-centre-12615 http://www.trivago.co.uk/liverpool-38950/hotel/crowne-plaza-liverpool-city-centre-12615 http://ie2.trivago.com/images/layoutimages/logos/default.png http://www.trivago.co.uk/liverpool-38950/hotel/crowne-plaza-liverpool-city-centre-12615/rating-e56048 Thu, 31 Aug 2006 23:24:00 +0200 http://www.trivago.co.uk/liverpool-38950/hotel/crowne-plaza-liverpool-city-centre-12615/review-o2140 Mon, 08 Aug 2005 14:42:00 +0200
Given the hotels excellent situation - right next to the Albert Dock and the world-famous Liver Building - we had hoped for a waterside view but sadly got one of the law courts on the other side of the main road; this was a real shame considering that we had a larger picture window just crying out for a good view.

The room was an ensuite double; while it was smaller than we expected, it had a seating/lounge are between the bed area and the window which had a comfortable sofa and armchair and a colour television with radio stations available too. We did not use the minbar but it was well stocked. There were tea and coffee making facilities with complimentary biscuits and two bottles of mineral wter as well as good stocks of tea and coffee.

The bathroom was a good size with a shower over the bath - the water pressure was good, the water always hot. The lighting in the bathroom was fantastic, a shaving socket was available. There were complimentary toiletries by the wash basin and the bath. The towels were lovely and fluffy and beautifully fresh, as was the bedding - with lovely plump feather-free pillows.

Even in the early hours the hotel corridors were peaceful, we were never disturbed by banging doors. Everything was in good condition and the room was spotlessly clean.

Breakfast was served downstairs between 7.00 am (at weekends, earlier on week days)and 10.30 am. Cereals and fresh fruit were available from a buffet; hot breakfasts ordered by waitress service. The restaurant was busy for breakfast but there seemed to be enough staff to cope with this. There was an excellent selection for both hot and cold breakfasts; hot breakfasts are typically British - bacon, eggs, sausages, mushrooms, etc - there are enough options for a hot vegetarian breakfast too. However, the staff did take longer than should be necessary to clear away the plates we'd finished with.

On one evening a wedding reception was taking place at the hotel and had spilled out from the function room into the bar. This made us feel a bit uncomfortable as if we were intruding. It also meant we had to wait a while to get served. One member of bar staff even tried to get us to leave! He didn't ask if we were guests first - just assumed we were not part of the wedding group and that we should not have been there. Once verified, though, he was OK although we had to wait a while to get served. Drinks were reasonably priced, no more expensive than a typical city centre bar.

I was suprised that the reception staff were not more knowledgeable about the city itself - our question about the location of a restaurant met blank faces, even though the taxi driver said it was very well known. I would like to see the knowledge of the staff improve here.

The hotel is well located for the attractions of the Albert Dock - the Beatles Experience, the Tate Modern Liverpool, the Mersey Ferry and the Maritime Museum. It is a little further - about ten minutes walk to the city centre.There is plenty of free parking for guests but people in the city for a leisure break will find they can leave the car in the carpark and get around on foot comfortably.The main train station, Lime Street, is fifteen miutes walk away, as is the coach station.

This is a very comfortable and attractive hotel but one which could improve a little in terms of customer service. I look forward to trying it again to see how things are.

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