Head for Points

Review: Radisson RED Liverpool – convenient and characterful

Head for Points sent this email to their subscribers on May 31, 2023.

View this article online
   
THE W H N E FLYER Spend Avios. Sip wine. Buy a bottle of wine from just 3.49 1000 Avios. Shop now Q
 
 
Turn business purchases into rewards
and keep your cashflow flowing
The American Express® 
Business Gold Card
FIND OUT MORE
 
 
 
31 May 2023 by Rhys Jones

Review: Radisson RED Liverpool – convenient and characterful

This is our review of the new Radisson RED hotel in Liverpool.

In the past few years, Liverpool has seen a flurry of new hotel openings as the city gains increasing prominence in the UK and abroad. In fact, I arrived just ten days after Eurovision had finished, with lots of Eurovision branding still visible throughout the city.

The Radisson RED is one of the most recent, having opened in December. In a couple of days I will also be reviewing the new Municipal Hotel, part of Accor’s MGallery brand, which has only been open a matter of weeks.

Both are conversions of existing historic buildings. In the Radisson RED’s case, this is the original Victorian railway hotel connected to Liverpool Lime Street station designed by Alfred Waterhouse, who also designed London’s Natural History Museum.

The hotel website is here.

Review Radisson Red Liverpool hotel

We paid cash for our stay and Radisson was not involved in arranging this review in any way.

What is a Radisson RED, exactly?

Before I get started, a quick note on Radisson’s many confusing brands. I am often asked what the difference is between a Radisson RED, a Radisson Blu and even a ‘standard’ Radisson …. to which my answer is that I’m never quite sure.

For whatever reason, Radisson’s brands often seem overlapping and difficult to distinguish. And if I can’t tell the difference then I can’t imagine what it’s like if you don’t work in travel! Having done a bit of digging, here are, to the best of my knowledge, the key differences:

  • Radisson: the ‘original’ brand and largely present in the United States, where it currently has a poor reputation. Radisson is in the process of rehabilitating the brand and introducing it to Europe.
  • Radisson RED: this is Radisson’s attempt at a cool and trendy brand aimed at millennials. In line with what we millennials (apparently) want, these hotels have a bigger focus on modern design and technology but tend to be more select-service.
  • Radisson Blu: this is Radisson RED’s grown-up sibling. As a full service brand, you can expect all the bells and whistles such as room service, laundry and (often) spa services.
Review Radisson Red Liverpool hotel

Where is Radisson RED Liverpool?

It doesn’t get much more convenient than this, particularly if you’re coming from London, because the Radisson RED Liverpool is literally attached to Liverpool Lime Street station. Just turn right when you exit and you will soon see it, with the neoclassical St George’s Hall directly across.

Review Radisson Red Liverpool hotel

For many years the building was used as student halls of residence, before undergoing extensive renovation works and conversion to a hotel. A Wetherspoons, bizarrely, still occupies the lower ground floor on the left hand side.

Inside the Radisson RED Liverpool hotel

First impressions are fantastic, through the main entrance and into lobby area with grand staircase curling around:

Review Radisson Red Liverpool hotel

This is, admittedly, not a huge space. There is a bit of seating on the right and the reception desks on the right, and that’s basically it.

In keeping with the select service style of the Radisson RED there are two self-service check-in desks where you can check yourself in. It was very quiet when I arrived so a member of staff did it all for me.

Review Radisson Red Liverpool hotel

Rooms at Radisson RED Liverpool

I had booked a standard room at the Radisson RED hoping that my meagre Radisson Rewards Premium status – which I get from my American Express Platinum card – would get me an upgrade to a room with a view of St George’s Hall. I was right.

Review Radisson Red Liverpool hotel

On the left is an open wardrobe, mini bar and tea/coffee facilities complete with chunky Nespresso Virtuo machine:

Review Radisson Red Liverpool hotel

On the right is the bathroom. This is a good size, albeit with only a shower and no bathtub. The walls are finished in concrete-grey tiles whilst the vanity is in black marble. I did find it mounted inexplicably low – a literal pain when you are 6’2″.

Review Radisson Red Liverpool hotel

The mirror is partially heated, which is helpful if you need to look at yourself after a hot shower! Annoyingly, there are no towel rails for the hand towels.

Review Radisson Red Liverpool hotel

Toiletries are Radisson RED own-branded, with shower gel, shampoo and conditioner.

Review Radisson Red Liverpool hotel

Here is the bedroom:

Review Radisson Red Liverpool hotel

It was, in my opinion, a little tight – especially around the desk, which drastically reduces egress. It is even worse when in use, as you can just about squeeze into the chair before it hits the back of the bed.

Review Radisson Red Liverpool hotel  L L

Radisson hotels seem to have a penchant for gigantic photographic portraits of strange people wallpapered across their rooms, and the Radisson RED seems to be no different:

Review Radisson Red Liverpool hotel

I wasn’t the biggest fan of the mattress, although that is always subjective. I can only describe it as cardboardy.

On the left of the bed was a modern-but-old-looking rotary telephone:

Review Radisson Red Liverpool hotel

Connectivity was good, with lots of sockets and USB-A ports around.

A large TV was mounted above the desk, with options to connect your own device.

Finally, here is the view:

Review Radisson Red Liverpool hotel

Overall it’s a good room, although the clearance round the bed and desk is narrow. The bathroom and entry hallway are spacious.

In terms of public spaces, there are few (well, none) here. In addition to the lobby you have the gym, which appears to be styled after a nightclub. Fancy a jog in the dark? You can have one here.

Review Radisson Red Liverpool hotel

Breakfast at the Radisson RED Liverpool hotel

Breakfast is served in the Stoke restaurant on the ground floor, next to reception. If you don’t purchase a breakfast-inclusive rate you can add it for £17.95 which is what I did as it seemed to be (marginally) cheaper.

Review Radisson Red Liverpool hotel

It’s a nice, light filled space:

Review Radisson Red Liverpool hotel

Breakfast is your standard buffet service with a full range of Full English Breakfast bits and bobs. The cook will also do you a fried egg if you want.

Review Radisson Red Liverpool hotel

and

Review Radisson Red Liverpool hotel

Other items include mini pastries, juices, yoghurts, cold cuts etc. Here is my breakfast:

Review Radisson Red Liverpool hotel L big - -

Conclusion

Hotel conversions of heritage buildings aren’t something unique in Liverpool – virtually every other hotel is, including the Municipal which I visited next. The good news is that, unlike other conversions, this property appears to have relatively few original interiors, which means that the hotel has had a fairly clean slate to play with.

The result is fresh, modern rooms with walk-in showers. Whilst the room isn’t huge, it does at least offer a decent sized desk, even if it cuts into the usable floor space around the bed. You also get a coffee machine which isn’t always guaranteed at this level.

Rooms start around £85 per night. Radisson Rewards is now revenue based, so you can redeem your points for a discount off any cash rate at roughly 0.2p per point.

You can find out more, and book, on the hotel website here.

For something a bit more upmarket, stay tuned for my review of Accor’s new Municipal Hotel Liverpool.

 
 
Click here to read comments on this article
 
UNWIND SOMEWHER BEYOND YO
 
DISCOVER MORE GREAT OFFERS
Avios
Top Avios earning bonuses

175 BA questions, answered

Avios peak and off-peak calendar
 
Hotels
Top hotel points bonuses

Get elite status from credit cards

Our luxury hotel booking service
 
Credit Cards
Top credit card bonuses

What is the best Avios credit card?

What Amex bonuses can you get?
 
 
tw   in   fb   mail
We’re always here to help you make the most of your Avios, Virgin Points and hotel points. If you have any questions or want to get in touch, send us an email at [email protected] or reach out on social media.
Please forward this email to any friends or family who you think may be interested in improving how they travel.

If you were sent this email by a friend and would like to subscribe, click here.
 
 
Head for Points
 
 

Text-only version of this email

This is our review of the new Radisson RED hotel in Liverpool. In the past few years, Liverpool has seen a flurry of new hotel openings as the city gains increasing prominence in the UK and abroad. In fact, I arrived just ten days after Eurovision had finished, with lots of Eurovision branding still visible […] View this article online   Booking a luxury hotel? Get additional benefits with our exclusive service   THE W H N E FLYER Spend Avios. Sip wine. Buy a bottle of wine from just 3.49 1000 Avios. Shop now Q Turn business purchases into rewards and keep your cashflow flowing The American Express®  Business Gold Card FIND OUT MORE 31 May 2023 by Rhys Jones REVIEW: RADISSON RED LIVERPOOL – CONVENIENT AND CHARACTERFUL This is our review of the new Radisson RED hotel in Liverpool. In the past few years, Liverpool has seen a flurry of new hotel openings as the city gains increasing prominence in the UK and abroad. In fact, I arrived just ten days after Eurovision had finished, with lots of Eurovision branding still visible throughout the city. The Radisson RED is one of the most recent, having opened in December. In a couple of days I will also be reviewing the new Municipal Hotel, part of Accor’s MGallery brand, which has only been open a matter of weeks. Both are conversions of existing historic buildings. In the Radisson RED’s case, this is the original Victorian railway hotel connected to Liverpool Lime Street station designed by Alfred Waterhouse, who also designed London’s Natural History Museum. The hotel website is here. Review Radisson Red Liverpool hotel We paid cash for our stay and Radisson was not involved in arranging this review in any way. WHAT IS A RADISSON RED, EXACTLY? Before I get started, a quick note on Radisson’s many confusing brands. I am often asked what the difference is between a Radisson RED, a Radisson Blu and even a ‘standard’ Radisson …. to which my answer is that I’m never quite sure. For whatever reason, Radisson’s brands often seem overlapping and difficult to distinguish. And if I can’t tell the difference then I can’t imagine what it’s like if you don’t work in travel! Having done a bit of digging, here are, to the best of my knowledge, the key differences: * Radisson: the ‘original’ brand and largely present in the United States, where it currently has a poor reputation. Radisson is in the process of rehabilitating the brand and introducing it to Europe. * Radisson RED: this is Radisson’s attempt at a cool and trendy brand aimed at millennials. In line with what we millennials (apparently) want, these hotels have a bigger focus on modern design and technology but tend to be more select-service. * Radisson Blu: this is Radisson RED’s grown-up sibling. As a full service brand, you can expect all the bells and whistles such as room service, laundry and (often) spa services. Review Radisson Red Liverpool hotel WHERE IS RADISSON RED LIVERPOOL? It doesn’t get much more convenient than this, particularly if you’re coming from London, because the Radisson RED Liverpool is literally attached to Liverpool Lime Street station. Just turn right when you exit and you will soon see it, with the neoclassical St George’s Hall directly across. Review Radisson Red Liverpool hotel For many years the building was used as student halls of residence, before undergoing extensive renovation works and conversion to a hotel. A Wetherspoons, bizarrely, still occupies the lower ground floor on the left hand side. INSIDE THE RADISSON RED LIVERPOOL HOTEL First impressions are fantastic, through the main entrance and into lobby area with grand staircase curling around: Review Radisson Red Liverpool hotel This is, admittedly, not a huge space. There is a bit of seating on the right and the reception desks on the right, and that’s basically it. In keeping with the select service style of the Radisson RED there are two self-service check-in desks where you can check yourself in. It was very quiet when I arrived so a member of staff did it all for me. Review Radisson Red Liverpool hotel ROOMS AT RADISSON RED LIVERPOOL I had booked a standard room at the Radisson RED hoping that my meagre Radisson Rewards Premium status – which I get from my American Express Platinum card – would get me an upgrade to a room with a view of St George’s Hall. I was right. Review Radisson Red Liverpool hotel On the left is an open wardrobe, mini bar and tea/coffee facilities complete with chunky Nespresso Virtuo machine: Review Radisson Red Liverpool hotel On the right is the bathroom. This is a good size, albeit with only a shower and no bathtub. The walls are finished in concrete-grey tiles whilst the vanity is in black marble. I did find it mounted inexplicably low – a literal pain when you are 6’2″. Review Radisson Red Liverpool hotel The mirror is partially heated, which is helpful if you need to look at yourself after a hot shower! Annoyingly, there are no towel rails for the hand towels. Review Radisson Red Liverpool hotel Toiletries are Radisson RED own-branded, with shower gel, shampoo and conditioner. Review Radisson Red Liverpool hotel Here is the bedroom: Review Radisson Red Liverpool hotel It was, in my opinion, a little tight – especially around the desk, which drastically reduces egress. It is even worse when in use, as you can just about squeeze into the chair before it hits the back of the bed. Review Radisson Red Liverpool hotel L L Radisson hotels seem to have a penchant for gigantic photographic portraits of strange people wallpapered across their rooms, and the Radisson RED seems to be no different: Review Radisson Red Liverpool hotel I wasn’t the biggest fan of the mattress, although that is always subjective. I can only describe it as cardboardy. On the left of the bed was a modern-but-old-looking rotary telephone: Review Radisson Red Liverpool hotel Connectivity was good, with lots of sockets and USB-A ports around. A large TV was mounted above the desk, with options to connect your own device. Finally, here is the view: Review Radisson Red Liverpool hotel Overall it’s a good room, although the clearance round the bed and desk is narrow. The bathroom and entry hallway are spacious. In terms of public spaces, there are few (well, none) here. In addition to the lobby you have the gym, which appears to be styled after a nightclub. Fancy a jog in the dark? You can have one here. Review Radisson Red Liverpool hotel BREAKFAST AT THE RADISSON RED LIVERPOOL HOTEL Breakfast is served in the Stoke restaurant on the ground floor, next to reception. If you don’t purchase a breakfast-inclusive rate you can add it for £17.95 which is what I did as it seemed to be (marginally) cheaper. Review Radisson Red Liverpool hotel It’s a nice, light filled space: Review Radisson Red Liverpool hotel Breakfast is your standard buffet service with a full range of Full English Breakfast bits and bobs. The cook will also do you a fried egg if you want. Review Radisson Red Liverpool hotel and Review Radisson Red Liverpool hotel Other items include mini pastries, juices, yoghurts, cold cuts etc. Here is my breakfast: Review Radisson Red Liverpool hotel L big - - CONCLUSION Hotel conversions of heritage buildings aren’t something unique in Liverpool – virtually every other hotel is, including the Municipal which I visited next. The good news is that, unlike other conversions, this property appears to have relatively few original interiors, which means that the hotel has had a fairly clean slate to play with. The result is fresh, modern rooms with walk-in showers. Whilst the room isn’t huge, it does at least offer a decent sized desk, even if it cuts into the usable floor space around the bed. You also get a coffee machine which isn’t always guaranteed at this level. Rooms start around £85 per night. Radisson Rewards is now revenue based, so you can redeem your points for a discount off any cash rate at roughly 0.2p per point. You can find out more, and book, on the hotel website here. For something a bit more upmarket, stay tuned for my review of Accor’s new Municipal Hotel Liverpool. Click here to read comments on this article UNWIND SOMEWHER BEYOND YO DISCOVER MORE GREAT OFFERS Avios Top Avios earning bonuses 175 BA questions, answered Avios peak and off-peak calendar Hotels Top hotel points bonuses Get elite status from credit cards Our luxury hotel booking service Credit Cards Top credit card bonuses What is the best Avios credit card? What Amex bonuses can you get? tw   in   fb   mail We’re always here to help you make the most of your Avios, Virgin Points and hotel points. If you have any questions or want to get in touch, send us an email at [email protected] or reach out on social media. Please forward this email to any friends or family who you think may be interested in improving how they travel. If you were sent this email by a friend and would like to subscribe, click here. Head for Points  
Show all

The Latest Emails Sent By Head for Points

More Emails, Deals & Coupons From Head for Points

Email Offers, Discounts & Promos From Our Top Stores