I have reviewed this hotel previously, back in autumn 2009 when the hotel was brand new. I've stayed at the hotel many times between then and now, but I thought another review was in order.

I stayed on this occasion as I was having a weekend in Liverpool, and here purely because it was a cheap option to kick-starting my quest to retain top tier loyalty status. Consequently I took the bus (86A) from Liverpool 1 after checking out of the Hilton where I had stayed the previous night. The bus drops you off in front of the terminal, so the route to the hotel is the same as it is for airport passengers, in that you cross the drop off zone, enter the car park and go to floor 5. If one drives,location is just off the main dual carriageway from Runcorn Bridge to the city. The hotel has an open air, semi-exclusive car park area on the roof of the airport car park, directly in front of the hotel.

Check In was quick - the staff turnover hasnt been huge and I see the same faces visit to visit. All are friendly and efficient. I was allocated room 601 which is a large corner room adjacent to the lifts. Enterring the room is curious as it is a corner - you have to use your room key to enter a small hallway, which contains the doors to 601 and 602. So you effectively have double security at these rooms.

The bed is comfortable, there is a work desk and a reasonably sized bathroom which contains a toilet, sink and large shower area. Wifi is available and is free to all guests.

The rooms still appear brand new. The fittings in the bathroom gleam, - the white wear is polished and presentable, and the chrome on taps etc sparkles. Towels remain soft and fluffy, and unlike the higher spec Hilton in the city, face flannels are available.

I ate in the hotel...a small range of hot bar food is available of an evening - the usual suspects of Chicken Tikka, burger etc. Breakfast is served in the same area, but whilst dinner is ordered at the bar, breakfast is self service. The choice is good -n I had cereal, bacon, sausage, scrambled egg and toast which is tasty and hot. My only criticism with breakfast is that the staff are too good at clearing tables. I poured myself an orange juice, set it down on my table, went back to get my toast from the toaster, and by the time I returned to my seat, the orange juice had been cleared.

Efficiency aside, the only other gripe is that the chairs in the lounge area appear to be the wrong height to eat comfortably at the numerous tables. It's not impossible to eat but if the chairs were an inch or two higher, it would be perfect.

Amusement was provided by the airport provided departure information screen in the hotel lobby, which indicated that the gate for the Isle of Man flight would open 465168 minutes - over 300 days!!! Not the hotels fault and people were even photographing this!

So this hotel is highly recommended. The minor gripes are exactly that, minor, and the entire environment still feels brand new. This will remain my hotel of choice for budget stays in Liverpool.