Hotel Review:
Location:
School Lane Hotel is a stylish boutique hotel housed in an 1850’s building located along a quiet lane just steps away from the heart of the Liverpool One shopping district with its many high end shops, bars and restaurants.
Getting there: Liverpool is well connected by road via the M6, M62, M58 and M56. The hotel does not have its own car park however guests can benefit from a discount code at the nearby QPark on Hanover Street. If arriving by rail, Liverpool Lime Street station is just a 10-15 minute walk from the hotel. The station is well connected to the national network with Avanti West Coast services taking under three hours from London Euston.
Arrival and check-in:
The hotel is tucked away down a quiet, narrow street and was easy to locate. Guests arriving to check-in just need to press a buzzer by the door for access as the ground floor is only home to an entrance lobby. We took the lift up to reception on the first floor where we received a warm and friendly welcome. The lobby is light and airy with its wooden floors, open plan lounge and feature glass art installations by Katerina Christou. After a speedy check-in we were soon heading back to the lift to reach our room up on the 6th floor.
The room:
Corridors are tastefully furnished with thick pile herringbone patterned carpets with rooms leading off having solid light oak doors. We’d been booked into one of the spacious King rooms which was decorated in a chic neutral Scandi style with light wood furnishings, high ceilings and two large original sash windows flooding the room with natural light.
The super king size bed was dressed in high quality linen and with power points and USB sockets beside the bedside tables it proved easy to charge our devices overnight. A large television was mounted for viewing from either the bed or chair and the dressing table/desk was set out with a kettle, mugs, coffee bags, a selection of teas and packets of delicious Borders biscuits.
The stylish en-suite had quality fittings with a walk-in rain shower, thick fluffy towels and luxurious Temple Spa toiletries. Although we were only staying for two nights it was good to find ample storage space with the fitted wardrobe containing both hangers and shelves.
Dining:
School Lane Hotel styles itself as room only but this isn’t actually the case as complimentary freshly baked pastries and coffee are served each morning in the lobby lounge. On both mornings we enjoyed delicious croissants and a pain-au-chocolat accompanied by freshly brewed coffee.
The hotel does not have a restaurant but as there are so many places to choose from close by it’s not a problem. Guests wishing to dine at 1931 (the sister hotel’s excellent pizzeria on Hope Street) receive a 20% discount, see Wine and Dine below.
The Facilities:
The hotel has 55 rooms with reception open 24/7 for guests needs. Wi-Fi was easy to connect to and worked well throughout the building. The lobby lounge has comfortable seating with a small shop along one wall offering light snacks, drinks and chocolate. Although facilities may appear few, everything the hotel does offer is extremely well done.
Out and About:
With the School Lane Hotel being perfectly placed for exploring the city sights on foot here are my suggestions of the best things to see and do in the city.
Liverpool One
The School Lane Hotel lies in a tranquil corner of Liverpool One, a gleaming development containing over 170 stores and restaurants spanning Paradise and Hanover Streets. It was constructed on the site of the former Old Dock which had been infilled back in 1826. Chavasse Park is a beautifully landscaped garden with winding pathways leading up a terraced hillside with graduated steps to the roof terrace. The park forms a scenic link between the waterfront and Liverpool One.
Pier Head
The famous Liverpool waterfront is without doubt one of the most beautiful parts of the city. Pier Head was the point of departure for millions of migrants from Europe to America and further afield. The elegant skyline is dominated by three majestic early 20th century buildings referred to as The Three Graces which were constructed as symbols of the city’s international wealth and prestige. These architectural gems consist of the Royal Liver Building, The Cunard Building and the Port of Liverpool Building.
The Royal Liver Building is adorned by two Liver Birds, the city’s landmark. Designed by Walter Aubrey Thomas, construction of the iconic structure began in 1908 and opened in 1911 as the home of Royal Liver Assurance.
I recommend taking the Royal Liver Building 360 tour which takes visitors on a 70 minute guided tour that includes an immersive audio video experience inside the clock tower. Take in the breathtaking views from the 10th and 15th floor balconies and get up close to the iconic Liver Birds themselves. Royal Liver Building 360 Experience
The Beatles Statue
The statue of the Fab Four has taken pride of place on Liverpool’s Waterfront since December 2015. The famous Cavern Club donated it to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the band’s last Liverpool gig.
Museum of Liverpool
The Museum of Liverpool is a landmark building that was erected on Liverpool’s Pier Head in 2008. The Museum is dedicated to the history of the city, its local heritage, sporting and creative achievements. From its huge windows, soak up the stunning views looking across to the Three Graces. Entrance free. Museum of Liverpool
Royal Albert Dock
Albert Dock lies close to Pier Head and was officially opened by HRH Prince Albert in 1846. It is characterised by its monumental warehouses grouped around a system of docks. In 2018, the Dock was granted a Royal title to mark its role in the city’s maritime history. Today, Royal Albert Dock is one of the largest groups of Grade 1 listed buildings in England and remains a fine example of one of the world’s major trading centres. In addition to shops, bars and restaurants Albert Dock is home to the following museums:
Merseyside Maritime Museum
In 1986, the Merseyside Maritime Museum was the first museum to open in the Dock, located in an old warehouse that was used to store tea, silk, sugar and spirits. Since then it has also become home to the International Slavery Museum. Its galleries document Liverpool’s seafaring past, the fateful maiden voyage of the Titanic and the city’s 300 year old waterfront trade history. Merseyside Maritime Museum
The Beatles Story
This award winning attraction tells the story of four boys from Liverpool – John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr who went on to form one of the most successful bands of all time. From their small beginnings through to the height of their careers visitors can experience it all through an immersive journey.
Relive Beatlemania of the 1960’s through replicas of memorable locations including the Cavern Club and Abbey Road Studios. Whether you’re a Beatles fan or not, the museum is totally absorbing with its interactive exhibits such as a yellow submarine. The Beatles Story
Tate Liverpool
The Tate is currently closed due to renovations and in the meantime two small temporary galleries have been set up close by on Mann Island at RIBA North. Admission free. Tate Liverpool
St. George’s Quarter
This historic district includes some of the city’s finest architecture with classical style Victorian and Edwardian buildings. These include the magnificent St. George’s Hall, Liverpool Central Library, World Museum Liverpool and the Walker Art Gallery all centred around St. John’s Gardens.
Walker Art Gallery
Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool
With one of the largest public collections of art in the country outside London, the Walker Art Gallery is a great way to spend an hour or two. Galleries boast a vast collection of drawings, paintings and sculptures from as far back as the 13th century.
Liverpool Central Library
Next to the Walker Gallery, stands the city’s spectacular Central Library which is approached via a “Literary Pavement” celebrating the city’s considerable contribution to the written word. The Library is a unique blend of historic and modern architecture as the building dates back to 1860 combining original features with a modern entrance hall incorporating a glass dome with criss-crossing staircases up to the ceiling.
Don’t miss the beautiful circular Picton Reading Room which is an absolute delight with its walls lined with dark wood shelving packed from floor to ceiling with books. In the centre of the room is a monumental wooden pillar topped with a vast flower-shaped lamp symbolising the illumination of knowledge.
Chinatown
Liverpool’s Chinatown starts from the top of Duke Street and continues along Nelson Street and is home to one of the oldest Chinese communities in the country with its collection of supermarkets, bars and restaurants. The district has a traditional Chinese arch that was imported from Shanghai and constructed by expert Chinese craftsmen. The arch not only welcomes people into Chinatown but also celebrates the twinning of Liverpool and Shanghai. Standing at 15 meters tall and adorned in over 200 dragons it is a beautiful way to enter Chinatown and celebrate the rich culture.
Georgian Quarter
Explore the Georgian Quarter with its cobbled streets, Georgian townhouses, restaurants and pubs. The city boasts some of the largest collections of Georgian architecture outside of London taking in the streets of Rodney, Catherine and Falkner. Reflecting the city’s rich history, these houses display a wealth of decorative features from wrought iron railings and balconies to ornate doorways and fanlights.
Wine and Dine
1931 Restaurant
For one of the best pizzerias in town head to 1931 on Hope Street. Watch pizza dough being hand stretched at the open kitchen whilst sipping wine and savouring the delights of a sharing board starter.
Our pizza and pasta mains were prepared to perfection and who could resist tiramisu for dessert. 1931 Restaurant
Salt House Tapas
Located close to the hotel in Liverpool One, Salt House Tapas offers a varied selection of delicious tapas utilising the freshest, locally sourced ingredients.
Each of the meat, fish and vegetable dishes we ordered were delicious, with the char grilled lamb rump and the pan seared sea bass fillet being outstanding. Friendly service, attractive decor and an outdoor terrace for warm, sunny days. Salt House Tapas
Overall:
From the welcome we received on checking-in to returning to collect our luggage late in the afternoon on the final day all the team members we came into contact with were very polite and helpful. Our room was superb, the breakfast pastries and coffee just what we needed to start the day and the location couldn’t be beaten. It was hard to believe that the hotel was so quiet being in the midst of Liverpool One but we encountered no noise at all and slept soundly both nights. For pared down luxury, School Lane Hotel wins hands down.
