I'm a fan of the Hampton by Hilton chain of hotels, having stayed at several around the UK. They…read moreexcel themselves in value and comfort and in my humble opinion offer way more than a similar chain that has the word "Express" in in!
Unconventional is what I am, as I didn't fly in, but arrived in to Liverpool Lime Street Railway Station, from London, and caught the 86A bus to the airport (an experience all of its own). There is a method in my madness, I was here to meet a client.
From a distance, I could see the hotel from the bus, as I got close to the airport, but wasn't sure of the distance to the terminal.
I'd need not have worried as the bus stops outside the departures area and the hotel is atop the multi-storey car park. You can't miss it, I didn't and believe me I could miss most things!
I walked across the road and entered the car park lobby. A sign says to enter the lift and go up to the fifth floor. I did that, turned right, walked out of the door at the end, turned right and right again (less than fifty paces. Ok, give or take a few) and was straight in the lobby.
First impression was that the area was light and airy, and was spotlessly clean. I walked up to the check-in desk and was warmly greeted a few seconds later by a charming young lady who, having confirmed that I'd checked in online, swiftly handed me my keys, a voucher for a snack and a soft drink (I'm a Hilton HHonors Silver member), as well as a code for the complimentary wifi.
Let's not beat about the bush here, Scouse hospitality is just great, and I was made to feel so welcome.
I made my way to the lift to go up to my room, on the 11th floor, walking past a well equipped gymnasium. Goodness me, the corridors are wide, well lit and once again spotless. They also smell good, in a fresh way, if that makes sense.
My room, 627, was located at the end of the corridor (my choice, as I'd checked in online and had picked my room from the choices I was given (a handy app makes life so easy), and upon entering I noticed how big it was, how light and airy and clean, so very clean. There's a big double bed that is extremely comfortable and to die for (I did try and stick it in my suitcase, but for some strange reason, it wouldn't fit ).
A wide screen TV, with enough free view channels to keep anyone happy, tea/coffee making facilities, and a great bathroom (this hotel has showers, no baths), with shower gel, hand wash and body lotion in containers, as well as large thick, fluffy towels. The toilet has one of those slow/quiet close mechanisms (clever!), so you don't wake anyone up in the night. There's great space for clothes storage and to cap it all, complimentary wifi that is fast and really works! I was like a pig in muck, so to speak.
If you've ever stayed at an airport hotel before (other than a Hampton by Hilton), you'll know you'll pay exorbitant prices and get minute portions.
Well, stay at a Hampton by Hilton and you'll pay sensible prices and get a decent portion to boost. There's a limited, but very good, menu with enough choices for everyone. Dinner is available from 1800 - 2200 (6pm to 10pm), but if you arrive after that, either due to a frosted flight or just a late arrival, fear not. There's four great pizzas to choose from, available 24/7. Perfect!
If you have children, they have a dedicated menu all of their own.
There's a good bar with sensible prices too.
A continental breakfast is served from 4am (yes, really), and from 6am scrambled eggs, baked beans, sausages and fried sliced potatoes come online. There are cereals, croissants, muffins and bread (for toasting), fruit juices, tea and coffee. It's a help yourself buffet and all you can eat too. For those with a flight to catch, there's a flight information screen so you can watch and eat at the same time, safe in the knowledge that you'll be in terminal in just a couple of minutes.
What more could you ask? Well, if someone can invent a way of the kettle being on when you get to your room, I'd be in seventh heaven! Seriously though, this hotel has all you want, combined with great staff too. Oh, room rates are pretty darned good too.