Adelphi Hotel & Spa

With columns and balconies, the limestone exterior of the seven-floor Adelphi Hotel & Spa retains the original elegance from its heyday as a luxurious lodging for train passengers in the 1900s. Featured on the National Heritage List for England, this hotel once attracted celebrities and presidents -- from Frank Sinatra to Franklin D. Roosevelt. Bob Dylan, as the story goes, waved from the balcony of the hotel in the documentary “Don’t Look Back.” Despite the lovely original architectural designs and impressive details like marble paneling, crystal chandeliers, and arched doorways in reception halls, the property has a few rough edges. But travelers willing to look past the old-fashioned carpeting and dated furnishings will find an affordable stay in central Liverpool.

The location of this hotel, which is near the M6 and M62 motorways, appeals to travelers commuting by train since it’s a three-minute walk to the Liverpool Lime Street Station. In the immediate area is the St. Johns Shopping Centre, fast-food restaurants, markets, pubs, and lively -- and often noisy -- nightlife. Behind the hotel is paid parking. Some of Liverpool’s attractions and museums can be reached in about 15 minutes on foot, including the Beatles Story, Albert Dock, Mersey Ferries, Liverpool Cathedral, and Merseyside Maritime Museum. Fans can reach Beatles landmarks like the Casbah Coffee Club, Paul McCartney's childhood home, and John Lennon's childhood home in 30 to 40 minutes by public transport. By train it’s 40 minutes to the Liverpool John Lennon Airport. London is two hours and 30 minutes by train. 

It’s easy to imagine what rooms were like in their heyday thanks to their preserved architectural details and antiques, including light fixtures and marble fireplaces. Unfortunately, furnishings feel old-fashioned and are sometimes in disrepair. Some, like rumpled black leather couches, bring the room down. Rooms are spacious and feature tall ceilings, wood furniture, carpeting, heavy drapes, and wall molding. The most basic lodging option is the City Room with double beds and no windows. Standard Single Rooms suit solo travelers, while traveling friends may prefer Standard Twin or Triple Rooms. Accessible rooms are close to the elevator and have bathroom rails. More space is provided in Executive Rooms, Twin Suite Rooms, and Double Suite Rooms, while Four Poster Suites, as the name implies, feature canopy beds. Every room has tea- and coffee-making facilities, flat-screen TVs, irons, and some have trouser presses. Bathrooms are standard with shower/tub combos or roll-in showers; some suites have whirlpool tubs. Travelers should note that only the internal rooms are air-conditioned, but these rooms lack windows.

Guests gather in the morning in the modernly furnished Jenny’s Restaurant and bar that features murals, beautiful ceiling designs, and an English breakfast buffet that gets crowded with long queues. Crompton’s Restaurant offers French cuisine and a bar. The Wave Bar, a traditionally designed English pub, has a popular happy hour, flat-screen TVs, a pool table, and vintage arcade games. For late-night cocktails there’s an American bar. The hotel’s 16 conference rooms -- including a grand ballroom with beautiful columns and gold designs -- appeals to conference organizers and can accommodate up to 1,500 people.

The game room features a pool table, and the hotel also hosts bingo nights here. Also on the same floor is the Spindles Health & Leisure Club with a nice heated pool, sauna, steam room, and hot tub. Aerobics classes and yoga are offered, and there’s also a fitness center that provides cardio machines, free weights, and a squash court. Wi-Fi is free throughout.