There are hotels and then there are hotels; the Titanic is undoubtedly one of the latter and not a place which should typically be limited to this category; more so an experience; a destination in its own right and a place where a surreal calm descends upon entering the doors of this, Liverpool’s flagship property.
So called because it was here, in England’s city of friendly faces that the White Star Line was founded in 1845; the shipping company responsible for the Oceanic, the Republic, the Atlantic and of course the Titanic, tragically and infamously lost in 1912, bearing the city’s name on her stern.
Historically, the Port of Liverpool, as well as being a thriving maritime hub, housed huge red brick warehouses; offering storage for imported rum and tobacco, from far flung locations; the docks, the heart of the city’s trading. Instantly recognizable and something of a landmark on the city’s map, both the Rum and Tobacco warehouses still stand proud, having, in most part, survived World War 2 bombings and are a beacon of Liverpool’s industrial heritage.
Due to a thankful regeneration; breathing life into Liverpool’s dock area, the Titanic has been reborn, in the shape of a 153-bedroom luxury hotel, risen from the ashes of red brick and steel girders, the Rum Warehouse on Stanley Dock has been perfectly transformed into the city’s star attraction hotel. Much care and considered planning of Liverpool’s sleeping giant has ensured the majestic heritage remains very evident in the building which additionally houses new conference, banqueting and exhibition space; all on grand scale and with an awe-inspiring replica of the Titanic’s staircase, an impressive design centrepiece.
As with the ship, the building similarly attracts attention and is the chosen destination for high profile guests and the leisure and corporate markets, which is only set to expand as the grade II listed Tobacco Warehouse, sitting across the water from the Titanic, is in line for the next phase of sympathetic redevelopment which shall see luxury apartments, bars and shops, once again lighting up Stanley Dock.
Stepping into living history, the hotel is once more a thriving focal point with an air of heritage and a buzz of 21st century. Recognition of the Titanic’s location and story is abundant, no less so than within the preserved vaulted brick ceilings, open beams and stone floors, which have been restored, reflecting Liverpool’s history, and, coupled with the authenticity of a museum are expertly combined into a luxuriously expansive space.
It would be remiss, considering the Titanic’s story, not to have an enviable range of rums and the Titanic’s Rum Bar does not disappoint with a heady range from the most exotic global locations; make your choice and sit at the bar or in one of many relaxed and varied seating areas with views out onto Stanley Dock, where the imports were traditionally landed. The sheltered colonnade terrace matches the interior with its expansive space; perfect for alfresco gatherings and photo opportunities.
Then there’s Stanley’s Bar and Grill, where dining is as formal or informal as you prefer; showcase spaces, private nooks and stylish areas to meet, talk, eat and drink; all under intimate lighting and once again, views over the water; a reminder that the space is soaked in an industrial legacy; unsurprising that scenes from Peaky Blinders were also filmed on the hotel’s terrace, recognising and transporting history through time.
My experience at dinner was unrushed, relaxed, and perfect in every way. The service effortlessly professional; the food unpretentious, yet unforgettable and with an added attraction of watching the expert kitchen team at work; another string to the open-plan experience, striking a perfect balance of comfort and luxury.
The Titanic emits an atmosphere of belonging, warmth, and the utmost in contemporary elegance; the team are naturally friendly, the service professional and the product, on every level; exemplary.
Spending the night in a luxuriously expansive space, which cannot be described as a mere bedroom, is undeniably ‘extra’ and not an experience reserved solely for royalty; football, showbusiness or other. The literal titanic bedrooms are where the owner and mastermind behind the Titanic’s very ethos, extended the luxury of space to each guest and in turn, cleverly raises the experience and the hotel into the destination venue marketplace; don’t just spend the night, stay as long as your schedule allows – you will not be disappointed.
And whilst there, do not omit to venture below ground where the hotel’s luxury Maya Blue Wellness Spa dwells; a subterranean sanctuary where it is impossible not to sink into pure relaxation whilst skilled therapists take you on a journey of tranquillity and rejuvenation. Believing in an experience and not a visit, the spa embraces the same ideology within its red brick arches, subdued lighting and calming embrace.
“There’s never enough time to do all the nothing you want”. Bill Watterson
The Titanic personifies the word ‘character’; it seeps through the walls and is in every turn and every breath; offering a comforting knowledge that you are not in a faceless space anywhere in the world, you are in the Titanic, Liverpool; no mistaking.
I was speaking to a friend recently who expressed one of life’s harsh reminders that tomorrow is not guaranteed, and we shouldn’t be spending time merely wishing we were somewhere else. Life is literally too short not to embrace your desires and this was one of mine. I drove for a long time to be there and would absolutely do it all again in a heartbeat, such was the therapeutic nature of my stay at Liverpool’s best.
Many years ago, a great part of industrial heritage was lost; yet we were fortunate enough to gain a great namesake; perfect in location, style and embodying the history of a time gone but never forgotten. The Titanic is established in the annals of history, is also a fabulous part of our present and a shining light on the horizon of our future.
https://www.titanichotelliverpool.com/
Must Visit pointers:
Must Eat: the breakfast sausages
Must Use: the hotel parking
Must Use: the hotel’s conference, events and meeting spaces; from small meeting room requirements to large weddings and charity events; the great walls ensure every space is private and quiet
Must Book: The Spa (in advance)