The Municipal is a historic building, having first opened in 1866 as a council building, and even if you’re not particularly into architecture, you’ll struggle to stop yourself from marvelling at just how impressive this hotel is.
It’s one of two five-star hotels in Liverpool and it’s absolutely the best choice if you want a hotel stay that feels properly luxurious. Each of the rooms are spacious, with enormously high ceilings and plenty of original features still intact. And if the careful details of the hotel aren’t enough to transport you back in time – each of the rooms are also fitted with vintage telephones and library style desks – you’ll almost certainly find yourself fascinated by the building’s history in one way or another (a print in my room featured The Ugly Face Club, a Liverpool institution dating back to the 1700s which you could only become a member of if you had ‘a large mouth, blubber lips or little goggling or squinting eyes’).
If you aren’t bothered by the history, there’s plenty of other parts of the hotel which will make your stay worthwhile. Their spa boasts an indoor pool with views of the city, a sauna and a steam room. Plus, you might want to stay for dinner at their restaurant, the Seaforth, to try their seasonal dishes, including a posh take on Liverpool’s traditional dish: Scouse.
If you already have dinner plans, at least have a drink at the bar, not least so you can pretend you're sipping cocktails in 1920s New York amidst the incredible interiors of the Palm Court, but to try their fantastic cocktail list – the Mersey Paradise will satisfy your sweet tooth and your inner tourist.
Neighbourhood
You’re just a short walk away from Lime Street train station, making this a convenient place to rest your head. Once you’ve stored your bags, head left down to Castle Street where you can dine at some of the city's best restaurants, or walk just a little bit further if you want to do some sightseeing at the Albert Dock. Oh and if you’ll allow me one more moment to indulge in The Municipal’s history, its exact location is on Dale Street, one of the first seven roads that originally made up the city centre of Liverpool.
Nearby
Mowgli: An Indian restaurant born in Liverpool, loved by locals and visitors alike.
Ex-directory: This cocktail bar is Liverpool's worst-kept-secret, but although its speakeasy status is well-known, the novelty of entering the bar through a phone box never wears off.
Liverpool Central Library: Still in the mood for some history? You're not far from Liverpool's historic Grade-II listed library, which features an incredible Victorian reading room.
Time Out tip
Book in for one of the city’s best afternoon teas during your stay at The Municipal if you want to spend as much time as possible in the Palm Court (once you've seen it in person, you probably will).
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