Hampton by Hilton Liverpool City Center

The location was excellent and breakfast decent, but the room wasn't acceptable for what we paid. It was over £300 for two people for two nights, and the couch was heavily stained with marks in different colors and sizes, plus holes, scratches, and other visible damage. It looked like it had been picked up straight from the street. The bed linen had hair and stains on it. Reception only arranged a replacement after I asked several times, not after my first complaint. We weren't offered a different room or any reduction in price. Very disappointing for that cost, and I wouldn't recommend it.

The team made this stay for me. Everyone was polite, efficient, helpful with our questions, and the fourth star is for them. They could film the corporate training film here. Check-in was quick, with the usual form filling. My wife joined me for my one night work trip, and while this brand doesn't offer the group's spoil the kisses packages like flowers or prosecco, staff are happy to work with any local arrangements you make yourself. Parking on site is easy and discreet. The rate isn't amazing, but the underground area has roller shutters, which felt reassuringly secure in the city centre. The room was bright, airy, clean and spacious enough, though the sit up chair could use some attention or replacing. Someone had turned on audio description on the Samsung TV, but I found my way through the accessibility menu and switched it off. Breakfast was mostly good, with plenty of hot, fresh choices. A waffle iron is a novelty in a UK hotel. I ordered veggie sausages, which came promptly and were decent, something that can be hit and miss in hotels. Both coffee machines had issues: one only dispensed watery hot chocolate, and the other stopped serving all hot drinks after I'd had half a cup of coffee. The conveyor toaster, though, deserves special praise. It actually worked properly, making perfect toast on the first try at a decent speed. After 40 years of hotel breakfasts around the world, I never thought I'd see one without fiddling with knobs, sending toast through twice, or getting a burnt mess. Apparently getting one of these to work is technically harder than putting a man on the moon, so warm congratulations. The hotel is close enough to walk to the action or take a short cab ride, but just far enough out to avoid late night noise. The free taxi phone in the lobby connects to Delta cars, and they were quick and well priced.

We had an accessible room, which worked perfectly for us since my wife needs a mobility scooter to get around. Our dog Alfie was welcome too. A couple of small issues came up, but they were fixed straight away. Thanks to all the staff, especially Kort, for making our stay so pleasant. Nothing was too much trouble. We'd recommend this hotel and book here again if we visit Liverpool.

The view across the dock was an added bonus, and the room, bed, shower and toilet were all fantastic and well maintained. With family, I found it great value for money, and the location is terrific, right opposite Albert Dock and Liverpool's main attractions. Breakfast is free, but the morning rush is absolutely a madhouse. The coffee machines weren't refilled quickly enough, so we ran out of coffee towards the end. I strongly recommend the hotel.