Reality Check ➔
HOTEL HILTON, LIVERPOOL
THE HOTEL: This 215-room Hilton property opened in late 2009 at the heart of the city's impressive Liverpool One mixed use develop- ment, opposite the famous Albert Dock. It is a ten-minute walk from Lime Street station. THE CHECK-IN: Arriving at 11pm, there were several top of the range sports cars parked immediately outside the hotel lobby, an instant clue as to the hotel's prestige within the city. With the lively PIMA bar right next to the reception area, a raised voice was required to complete the satisfyingly speedy check-in. THE ROOM: My room was on the fifth floor with not a peep infiltrating it from the party below. It was on the concave side of this striking curved building, with floor to ceiling windows and partial views of the Albert Dock. The modern design featured a neutral palette with a touch of green, and lots of mirrors, lamps and shiny surfaces. Besides the hugely comfortable double bed, there was a flatscreen TV, a work surface, easy chair and coffee table, iPod dock, safe, iron and ironing board, kettle with a supply of tea and coffee, plus a minibar that appeared to be jammed shut. The air- conditioning system responded quickly and the small bathroom was smartly laid out. THE BUSINESS: There's paid-for wifi internet throughout the hotel, a business centre, eight
meeting rooms and a boardroom. The Grace Suite can host up to 300 people. There's also a dedicated business floor with upgraded guestrooms and an executive lounge. THE FACILITIES: A good breakfast buffet is served in The Exchange restaurant where contemporary, seasonal menus are offered throughout the rest of the day. The stylish PIMA bar has a VIP area as well as booths that can be reserved, and by night it was clearly a social hot spot. There's also a gym, plus a
➔ HOTEL GRAND HYATT, DOHA
THE HOTEL: The Grand Hyatt Doha is the brand's first hotel in Qatar. Situated in the new West Bay Lagoon district, it is close to the man- made island the Pearl and only a short drive from the financial district, the airport and most other attractions. The interior and exterior decor is in keeping with its setting, with sand- coloured walls and a cool marble interior, centred around a mosaic-tiled pool. THE CHECK-IN: Arriving as part of a large group, we were escorted to the Gold Club Lounge on the fifth floor where we sipped fresh orange juice while our rooms were organised and key cards were distributed. THE ROOM: The Club King room overlooked the grounds and sparkling Gulf with a balcony and lounge chairs. The rooms was decorated in cream, beige and green. The impressive bathroom had a marble tub and a glass- encased rain shower. There was a Nespresso coffee machine and a large desk. THE BUSINESS: The 11 meeting rooms range from 40-104m2, plus a 1,500m2 ballroom. There's a business centre, plus wifi in all public areas, meeting and function rooms. THE RESTAURANT: The hotel has three restaurants and three bars. Dunes, the main bar had a relaxed atmosphere, with fine wines, cigars, cocktails and a glamorous lounge
swathe of bars and restaurants on its doorstep. THE VERDICT: A smart, modern hotel at the heart of this revitalised city, the Hilton Liverpool has clearly earned itself an enviable reputation since opening for business. THE DETAILS: Rates start from £112 on a bed and breakfast basis with regular offers available. Hilton Liverpool, 3 Thomas Steers Way, Liverpool, L1 8LW. Tel: 0151 708 4200; see:
www.hiltonliverpool.co.uk. ANDY HOSKINS
singer in attendance. We sampled a small selection of Thai restaurant Isaan's mezze-style dishes – zesty, crunchy salads, melt-in-the- mouth prawns and fragrant stir fries. Rocca serves Mediterranean dishes, ranging from Moroccan to Italian, including creamy mushroom risotto and herby lamb dumplings. THE FACILITIES: Excellent gym facilities and a large indoor pool, sauna, steam room and plunge pools as well as the outdoor pool and beach. The Arabian-inspired Jaula spa has 12 treatment rooms and another tranquil pool.
THE VERDICT: A stylish, luxurious hotel with excellent service. Right now, there is little to entertain in this new district, other than a mall opposite. But the rate of growth in Doha will surely mean this changes and, in the mean time, taxis are in abundance and the hotel has plenty to occupy guests. THE DETAILS: Rates start from around £150 per night in May. Grand Hyatt Doha, West Bay Lagoon, P.O Box 24010, Doha, Qatar. Tel: +974 4448 1234; see:
www.hyatt.com LAURA GELDER
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