The hype
Guests love the location and the friendly staff, but many feel the rooms are starting to look worn and dusty.
Malmaison Liverpool
$150-250/ night
Book this if You want a moody, industrial-chic vibe right on the Liverpool waterfront, steps from the Liver Building.
Why People Love It
- Stunning views of the River Mersey and Royal Liver Building from Club rooms
- The 'Gothic Manhattan' aesthetic that feels sexier than a standard chain hotel
- Location is unbeatable—quiet enough at the docks but a 10-minute walk to the city center
Quick Take: It’s got the signature Malmaison sex appeal, but the 'tired' rooms and aggressive air conditioning noise might kill the mood.
Reviewed by @travelcheapwithchloe: I honestly booked this for the location near the Docks, but the food deals blew me away. That Thursday steak offer is dangerous! The room was super moody and stylish, felt way more expensive than it was. Definitely my go-to spot in Liverpool now.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'boutique' lighting is so dark in the rooms and bathrooms that guests struggle to apply makeup or shave.
- You love a dark, moody aesthetic with velvet and industrial touches
- You want to be near the cruise terminal or Pier Head
- You appreciate a lively bar scene right in your hotel
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Generally good daily service, but frequent reports of dust on skirting boards and 'missed spots' in corners.
- Bathroom hygiene: Black tiles show limescale and water marks easily; grout is usually clean but some reports of slow drains causing buildup.
- Maintenance: Rooms are feeling 'tired'—scuffed furniture, peeling wallpaper in wardrobes, and worn carpets are common complaints.
- Linens & towels: Towels are generally fluffy and clean; bedding is high quality but check pillows for firmness.
- Odors & scents: Usually smells of the signature Malmaison scent (figs/amber), but some rooms have a lingering musty or AC smell.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Loud, rattling air conditioning units
- Corridor noise due to heavy doors slamming
- occasional ship horns if facing the river (though some find this charming)
Before you book
Good to know
- Breakfast is a mix of buffet and hot a la carte items, but can be pricey (~£18-21) if not included.
- The 'Liverpool Waters' car park next door is convenient but expensive; validate your ticket at reception for any potential small discount (though often full price applies).
- Food hygiene rating is currently 'Good' (4/5 or 5/5), avoiding the recent 1-star slump of other nearby luxury hotels.
What to pack
- Earplugs (essential for the AC noise)
- A portable makeup mirror with a light (the bathroom lighting is notoriously dim)
- Your own conditioner (hotel toiletries are decent but small)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Club Deluxe Room (for the guaranteed river/Liver Building views)
- Signature Suites 'Bella' or 'Bertie' (huge, themed, best views in the house)
Rooms to avoid
- Standard Double rooms on lower floors facing the office block (dark and overlooked)
- Rooms near the elevator (noise bleed is real)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would love a room on a higher floor facing the River Mersey or the Royal Liver Building, away from the elevators. Please ensure the AC unit in the room has been recently checked for noise.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there a pool?
No, there is no pool. There is a small gym, but some machines are reported as 'tired' or broken.
How much is parking?
There is no hotel parking. The adjacent Liverpool Waters car park costs around £23.50 for 24 hours.
Is it pet friendly?
Yes, dogs are welcome for £25 per night. They get a bed and bowl, but aren't allowed in food service areas.
What is the 'Kitchen Table'?
It's a special dining experience in the Brasserie where you can sit right by the pass and watch the chefs cook—ask to book this specifically.
Can I check in early?
Check-in is 3 PM. Early check-in is subject to availability and usually incurs a fee (often £20-£50 depending on timing).
Is it near the city center?
Yes, it's about a 10-15 minute walk to Liverpool ONE shopping center and the main bars/restaurants.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Ask for a 'Club' room upgrade at check-in; they sometimes offer it for a reduced rate if availability allows.
- ✨
The 'Malmaison Breakfast' is huge—you can often skip lunch if you load up on the buffet and a hot dish.
- ✨
There is a 'secret' back exit toward the Princes Dock that is a quicker shortcut to the cruise terminal.
5 things to know before you go
💡The bathroom sinks are often shallow and flat-bottomed, meaning they drain very slowly and leave residue.
💡The 'Gothic' black bathrooms look cool but show every speck of dust and water spot.
💡You can hear the plumbing from the room above if they take a shower late at night.
💡The 'river view' sometimes includes a lot of concrete dock before you see the water.
💡Room service tray charges can be steep—check the fine print on the menu.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Malmaison Liverpool is located and what's nearby.