You’ve probably seen the headlines. For over a decade, the Adelphi Hotel Liverpool has been the punching bag of the British hospitality industry. It’s a place where the chandeliers are worth thousands, but the carpets might make you want to burn your socks.
Honestly, it’s a weird vibe.
Walking through those massive Edwardian doors on Ranelagh Place feels like stepping into a movie set where the budget ran out halfway through filming. You have these soaring Portland stone walls and marble pilasters that look like they belong in a Bond film. Then you look closer. There’s a stained ceiling tile here, a flickering light there, and a general sense of "what on earth happened?" that permeates the air.
The Titanic Connection and the Glory Days
The Adelphi wasn't always a "budget" option. Far from it.
Back in 1914, when the current building opened, it was widely considered the most luxurious hotel outside of London. We’re talking about a place that had its own heated indoor swimming pool, Turkish baths, and even a shooting gallery. It was designed by Frank Atkinson, the same guy who did the interiors for Selfridges in London.
People actually came here to eat turtle soup.
I’m not joking. The basement used to house heated tanks filled with live turtles. It was a signature dish. If you were anyone—literally anyone—in the early 20th century, you stayed here.
🔗 Read more: Why Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station is Much Weirder Than You Think
Famous Faces in the Hallways
The guest list is basically a history book.
- Winston Churchill held strategy meetings here.
- The Beatles were regulars before they became global deities.
- Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, and Bob Dylan all graced the corridors.
- Cilla Black even held her wedding reception here in 1969.
There is a persistent rumor that a young Adolf Hitler worked as a waiter in the kitchen before WWI, though historians generally treat that as more of a local legend than a verified fact. Still, the fact that people even talk about it tells you how much weight this building carries in the Liverpool psyche.
The Sefton Suite is a trip in itself. It’s a near-exact replica of the First Class Smoking Lounge on the Titanic. Why? Because Liverpool was the Titanic's home port. The city was the gateway to the New World, and the Adelphi was the last stop for wealthy passengers before they hit the Atlantic.
What it’s Actually Like in 2026
So, why is it currently sitting at a 2.5 or 3-star rating on most review sites?
Ownership changed in 1983 when Britannia Hotels took over. Since then, the narrative has shifted from "glamour" to "managed decline." For 11 years straight, Britannia has been voted the worst hotel chain in the UK by Which? magazine.
You’ll find reviews from last week that are a total coin toss. One person will say they got a massive, clean suite for £40 and had the best night ever. The next person will report a broken bed, a "stifling" room where the radiator won't turn off, and a bathroom floor that hasn't seen a mop since the 90s.
💡 You might also like: Weather San Diego 92111: Why It’s Kinda Different From the Rest of the City
It’s inconsistent. That’s the problem.
The Safety Concerns
It hasn't all been just about dirty carpets. There have been serious, tragic incidents. In 2022, a 21-year-old guest, Chloe Haynes, was killed when a heavy wardrobe fell and crushed her. It led to massive investigations and renewed calls from local MPs for the hotel to be sold or even compulsorily purchased by the council.
As of early 2026, the hotel is still operating. There are signs of small improvements—some rooms have been refurbished with "modern" bathrooms—but the sheer scale of the building (over 400 rooms) means a full restoration would cost tens of millions.
The Architecture is Still Jaw-Dropping
If you can ignore the "tired" furniture, the building itself is a masterpiece. It’s Grade II listed for a reason.
The Central Court is top-lit and features pink marble pilasters and French doors. The Hypostyle Hall has four massive Ionic columns and Empire-style decoration. You can feel the ghost of the 1920s in the woodwork.
Kinda makes you sad, doesn't it?
📖 Related: Weather Las Vegas NV Monthly: What Most People Get Wrong About the Desert Heat
You see these incredible architectural bones buried under layers of budget-hotel management. Most locals in Liverpool have a love-hate relationship with the place. They love the history; they hate that it’s become a "blight" on the city centre.
Realities of Staying at the Adelphi Hotel Liverpool
If you’re thinking about booking a room, you need to go in with your eyes open.
The Location is Unbeatable
You are a 3-minute walk from Lime Street Station. You’re right next to the Empire Theatre. You can walk to the St. George's Hall or the shopping at Liverpool ONE in minutes. For the price—often the cheapest in the city—it’s hard to beat the convenience.
The "Old" Experience
Expect high ceilings and long, slightly creepy corridors. Some guests have even claimed the place is haunted by a "mischievous" phantom in the kitchens. If you like The Shining vibes, you might actually enjoy the atmosphere.
The Amenities Situation
- Parking: It exists (around 250 spaces), but it’s extra. Usually around £13–£15 for 24 hours.
- Breakfast: Served in Jenny’s Restaurant. It’s a standard buffet. Some love it; some say it’s "passable."
- Wi-Fi: Usually free in public areas, but it can be spotty in the rooms.
Actionable Advice for Your Visit
If you decide to brave a stay at the Adelphi Hotel Liverpool, do these three things to ensure you don't end up writing a 1-star review:
- Request a Refurbished Room: When you check in, ask specifically for a room with a "new bathroom" or one that has been recently updated. They do exist.
- Check the Bed Immediately: Before you unpack, test the bed and check the sheets. If there’s an issue, go back to reception immediately. Don't wait until 11 PM.
- Bring Your Own Toiletries: While they provide the basics, the quality is exactly what you'd expect from a budget chain.
The Adelphi is a survivor. It survived the Blitz, it survived the decline of the ocean liners, and it’s currently surviving its own reputation. Whether it’s a "shame" or a "bargain" really depends on which floor you end up on.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
- Check Recent Photos: Use sites like TripAdvisor or Booking.com and filter for "Most Recent" to see what rooms look like this month, as conditions change rapidly.
- Explore the Public Areas: Even if you aren't staying there, walk into the lobby and look up at the ceilings. It costs nothing to see the architecture, and it's the best part of the building anyway.
- Compare Alternatives: If the mixed reviews scare you, look at the Radisson RED or The Liner, which are both nearby and offer more modern standards.