I have always wanted to go to Liverpool. I’ve wanted to see the Beatles Museum and seek out that world-famous ”scouse brow” for a while now. When presented with the opportunity to road-test one of Travelodge’s newly refurbished hotel’s, I jumped at the chance to head to their Liverpool Central The Strand digs this weekend just past. Based on Albert Dock’s you can’t deny that this hotel has an envious spot in Liverpool. With great views, great shops and wonderful bars surrounding the spot, you were literally spoilt for choice. The hotel stands like a rather large, glass boxed giant over the road and is imposing but mimics the ultra modern mixed with the old on this long street that lines the docks, The Strand.
Once checked in by the friendly staff members we headed upstairs to room 315, we were on the left side of the building so we were warned that the room gets hot so they open the window, close the curtains and give a fan. Now as a total scaredy-cat of puppets, Travelodge’s new advert #travelodgical has literally had me terrorised. I’m not going to lie I had to do a little rekey of the room, after checking under the bed and behind the shower curtain I was relieved to say that there were no scary puppets in our room. I knew I could sleep easy now.
The rooms were spotless and smelt extremely fresh – in fact, it was one of the cleanest hotels I have ever stayed in, and that is among a few! So it really is a bold statement to make, but Travelodge you win this one. The amenities of the room itself were that of a mid-range hotel except you won’t have Lenny Henry jumping on your bed for you this time. Equipped TV, desk, shower room, tea & coffee facilities, everything had a slick, modern touch to it. It did lack a hairdryer, so if you were staying for more than a night or two I’d heavily recommend you to take one with you. All in all, it was a pleasant space to be in. With a view over the dock and a king sized, very comfy bed we were set for our little weekend away.
Now, if anyone tells you Liverpool isn’t windy, they are lying! The sun shone beautifully for our full break away but battling the winds was our biggest contender! Given that it was the weekend we sought solace in a few bars & decided to pursue a few beverages of the alcoholic kind to really kick-start our few days away!
We visited a cute little bar & restaurant called Brasco Lounge on Albert Docks, then we moved on to TGI Fridays in Liverpool One. Both of which had our chosen poison readily available. Once we had a few drinks lining our stomach’s, I’m not going to lie we decided to head back to the hotel for a little snooze before we headed out. Doesn’t he look comfortable?
After a little nap we were refreshed and decided to hit the shower and get ready for the night ahead. It would be no surprise that copious amounts of cocktails were once again, drunk. I don’t know what it is about Liverpool, but it just has such a cool edge about it. It feels much more relaxed, where you feel you can happily enjoy a few drinks!
After a plea via Twitter the wonderful, Sophie of SophieCliff.com suggested we try Gusto on the Albert Docks I was all over it after quickly googling their Menu, if I could thank Sophie a million times I would. We had one of the best nights. Despite us not being able to get a table until 9.45pm (I’m sure you can imagine that more beverages took place during the 2 hour slot) it made it very clear that this was the place to eat.
After my delicious starter of Mussels in a creamy white wine sauce, James enjoyed tiger prawns we moved on to our main, mine being a prawn linguine and Mr C a meat feast pasta! We both agreed that it was one of the best meals we had enjoyed the most in a long time. The atmosphere was electric, the food to die for, the staff so tentative. I’m so glad to learn that a Gusto is heading to Leeds very soon!
After a couple more Peach Bellini’s we decided it was time to head back to the hotel and rest our weary heads. It had to be one of the most slumber some, dreamy sleeps I have had. The king sized bed was so comfy. We both woke up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day. But not before we filled our little aching tummies at breakfast. There were plenty of fresh hot options along with pastries, croissants and cereal too.
Our bellies suitably filled we decided to head out and about and visit The Beatles Story. I can’t wait to share this post with you as I have a lot of photos & I learnt a lot about the band that I was before oblivious too. It’s quite compelling seeing John Lennon’s infamous glasses & George’s first guitar stood before you. Without saying too much, if you are in Liverpool, GO!
Have you been to Liverpool before? Or do you have a city break coming up where you are staying at a Travelodge? Let me know your travel suggestions, I have the travel bug & I crave to visit new and exciting places, be it in the UK or further afield.
Bee xxx
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