Tr avel report LIVERPOOL
There are seven floors, all of which are designed and furnished as a tribute to the infamous ship – the first storey, named The Cabins, giving you an instant idea of what’s on offer.
We stayed on the London Floor, the third, in a luxury double room with a host of creature comforts that made it difficult to venture out.
Complimentary Prosecco went down well, as did a double whirlpool Jacuzzi bath and an entertainment system that included Netflix.
The real jewel in the crown at 30 James Street – quite literally – however, is the rooftop Carpathia restaurant where breakfast and dinner is served.
Night or day the views are stunning, as is the food and the fact that the room contains several original artefacts from the RMS Carpathia ship which rescued the 705 Titanic survivors in 1912.
The dinner menu changes seasonally, but we opted for the old favourite, fillet steaks, and weren’t disappointed by the stunning meltin-the-mouth quality.
There’s an unmistakably historic feel about 30 James Street, and we found more of the same on offer, albeit for different reasons, at Signature’s Shankly Hotel just a short walk across town where we headed for the second night of our stay.
Bill Shankly’s first match in charge of Liverpool in 1959 was actually against Cardiff City at Anfield. The Bluebirds triumphed 4-1 and the game features in a time-line tribute to the great man’s tenure which runs across the ceiling of the foyer and into the dining room.
And whether you support the Reds or not, whether you are a football nut or not, you cannot fail to be captivated by the Shankly legend that pours out of the photographs, medals, old programmes, inspirational Shankly quotes and other memorabilia, all of which lends the hotel its unique feel.
“Liverpool was made for me and I was made for Liverpool” is the encapsulating Shankly pearl that greets you from behind reception as you enter the lobby. There really is a genuine mystique around the legacy this Scotsman left his adopted city that leaves its mark on you.
The Shankly family has fully endorsed the establishment, with some members of the family, including Bill’s grandson Chris, employed there.
Yet while the place drips Anfield nostalgia, it also ticks all the boxes you would want ticked at a hotel of its standing.
A highlight was afternoon tea in the Bastion Bar, served on a multistorey wooden rack with a choice of tea, coffee or a glass of bubbly.
There were more delicate finger sandwiches and moreish cakes than we could eat.
We needed a doggy box afterwards to take the leftover loot back to the room, which staff were more than happy to provide.
The added bonus on a Saturday afternoon was the opportunity to keep track of the football, with screens showing Sky Sports’ results dotted all around.
Later on, live music – a real staple of Liverpool nightlife – made the bar an atmospheric hive of activity and the perfect way to get in the mood to explore some of the huge number of venues in the bustling city centre.
So popular is the Shankly already, that Signature has plans to open a hotel opposite in tribute to Everton legend Dixie Dean, linking the two venues via an overhead walkway.
If those plans come to fruition, this particular corner of Liverpool will be a must-stay location for footy fans, not just on match weekends but at any time.