Harley Young enjoys a relaxing stay with a pop of colour at one of Liverpool’s newest hotels
IHG Hotels & Resorts chose Liverpool as its first UK location to launch its new series of luxury lifestyle hotels known as the Vignette Collection, and what a location they chose.
Slap bang in the middle of Duke Street, The Halyard at Ropewalks Liverpool pays homage to the city’s maritime heritage with subtle and tasteful decorative elements throughout.
February 2024 marked the inaugural UK opening for this collection, and opening of The Halyard, adding to IHG’s fast-growing Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio. I was kindly invited to stay overnight and check out the hotel's amenities, including onsite restaurant Voyagers helmed by chef Jake Parry.
Arriving at The Halyard, you’ll notice three things: the entire place smells absolutely divine (thanks to the calming Temple Spa scents used throughout the building); the reception area is rainforest green, leafy and inviting (perfect for unwinding with a book); and the team are the most welcoming bunch you could ever wish for - right from the off the receptionist greeted me with a friendly smile and treated us with great care.
Taking the elevator up to one of 133 bedrooms, you’ll find playful splashes of colour intertwined with artwork made from rope and rustic, industrial furniture - all of which gels incredibly well together to create a modern, clean and clutter-free yet homely appearance.
With a vanity area dividing the bathroom from the bedroom, the rooms almost feel like your very own apartment, equipped with everything you could need (coffee machine, robes and slippers, fridge with complimentary soft drinks etc.). Complete with a decent-sized TV, desk, armchair and a Juliet balcony (or your own private patio if you’re lucky enough to bag a suite on the top floor), you’re well set for a short stay in the city.
Those looking to keep fit whilst travelling can do so in The Halyard’s state-of-the-art gym, boasting beautiful views of Liverpool’s skyline and the latest fitness equipment to get the most out of your workout.
There’s also a boardroom available for hire, whether you’re a guest staying at the hotel or not, meaning you’ll never get caught out if your boss decides to arrange a last-minute business meeting.
After touring the hotel, it was time to head back down to reception and through the lounge to Voyagers; a real well-put-together space that feels more like a standalone restaurant than one adjoined to a hotel.
Combining mosaic tile flooring with sage green velvet chairs, black marbled tables and Parisian blue banquettes, Voyagers has the air and sophistication of a French bistro while the menu focuses on high-quality British dishes.
Relaxed and unpretentious, the all-day dining venue offers brunch classics, small plates and classic bar fare. Dave and I opted for social small plates from the evening dining menu, including the rather moreish duck croquettes and ultra-rich sticky glazed short rib.
One dish that caught our attention was the roasted beetroot and Granny Smith apple salad, paired with black garlic ketchup, sorrel and Cabernet Sauvignon - beautifully presented, light and refreshing, this was the perfect accompaniment to cleanse the palate and quash any flavour fatigue in its tracks.
Drinks wise, the bar and restaurant menus both have a decent list of wines, beers and cocktails, including a separate page for non-alcoholic tipples including one which was so nice I had it twice.
The following morning, I woke after a wonderfully restful night’s sleep, made use of the rainfall shower and delightful Temple Spa toiletries, and headed back downstairs to Voyagers for breakfast.
Guests were already tucking into their morning meals, the smell of freshly cooked bacon wafting through the air causing my mouth to water as I eyeballed the generous spread of continental items available. Turning to the cooked food menu, I already knew what I fancied - the full breakfast, complete with all the trimmings and eggs done your way (poached for me).
The breakfast arrived promptly and tasted as good as it looked. There was plenty on the plate to fill you up until lunchtime and then some. The waiting staff were on hand to keep our juice glasses topped up, which was a very nice touch.
The Halyard is an excellent addition to Liverpool’s growing list of quality places to stay. It’s perfectly situated and the staff are an absolute credit to IHG Hotels. It’s somewhere I can see myself returning to very soon, whether that be on business or simply for a good night’s kip.
Find out more about The Halyard and Voyagers on Confidential Guides.
The Halyard Liverpool, 123 Duke Street, Liverpool L1 4JR
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