We booked this hotel based on reviews on this site early in 2005 for a visit over Christmas for two adults and a teenager. When I read the most recent reviews before we left, it made me nervous (I actually wrote to Best Western about my concerns but never received an acknowledgement or response). Let me say the room size (family room) and bathroom was fine for three with all our luggage and Xmas presents (couldn't say the same about our previous stays at the two Marriotts). We only had four hangers when we first arrived, but that complaint was quickly attended to, however, they couldn't do anything about the ancient plumbing, which resulted in the toilet taking 7-8 minutes to refill before someone could flush again - a little inconvenient for three people and it taking about five minutes for hot water to run in the shower. Staff were helpful, when you could find them, but often there was no-one in the bar, at reception or answering the phone. Breakfast was fine when it was individually cooked (probably because there were few people there a couple of the days we stayed), but eggs, either fried or scrambled, don't work on a hot buffet - they were hard and looked like they'd been around for a while. Overall it wasn't as bad as some of the previous reviews, but we wouldn't stay there again as we do like more modern accommodations (no stairs so you have to haul heavy suitcases up and down) and a fridge in the room for drinks and things.

With the suspension of the Woolton Redbourne Hotel my wife and I have been desperately looking for an equivalently nice place to stay in Liverpool. The Alicia is not it. We have stayed 3 times to give it a chance, after the second I left a note detailing problems with room (dirty). The next time I arrived the first rooms window opened directly over the restaurant slop bin, the basin and toilet were dirty and the floor had not been hoovered in a while. I transferred to another room, better view but floor the same and I had to ask for the bathroom to be cleaned and it also had mouldy fittings etc. The breakfasts are good and the Hotel has the potential to be a nice place to stay. At the moment after visting Spain where I could stay in the luxury of a Parador for the same money, found one and two star Hostal's at a third of the price twice as clean and well appointed I am embaressed for this countries Hotel Accomadation.

We stayed at the Alicia at the end of August, and were rather surprised by the quality of this 3 Star hotel. In general it is showing signs of neglect in the bedroom we stayed in (dated with a slightly grimey bathroom) and also in the dining room, where tables and chairs were chipped and worn looking.

The staff were warm and friendly, however, which in part compensated for the shabby surroundings. On the evening we dined in, there was one lady servicing the restaurant and she was very friendly and pleasant. We were, however, a little taken aback by her stained uniform and it would have been nice to have been offered (a) a drink while we chose or food and (b) a wine list.

The bedroom itself was fine, and reasonably clean, and there was a good selection of good quality toileteries and also biscuits and drinks (including herbal teas, hot chocolate and decent coffee).

The choice and quality of food in the restaurant was good, and the breakfast was also of a very good standard with pleasant service and good selection of items on offer.

Our overall impression is that this hotel urgently needs a re-fit, and also attention should be paid to the housekeeping standards - we were not thrilled to find a used condom outside our window!

This hotel had been recommended by some family friends, however the hotel did no where near meet expectations.

My Mum and I checked into the twin room 34 in the newer section towards the rear of the hotel. I was reminded of a prison cell when I opened the door. It was a very small rectangular room the width of a single bed with a wardrobe squeezed in at the foot of the bed. Due to the space constraints there was barely enough room to access the second bed by the window on foot! Again the space constraints of the room length left very minimal spacing between the two beds as well- overall the room had a very claustrophobic feel. The bedroom was fairly clean but it had a slight air of neglect, aided by some cigarette burns in the bed linen and decor that was starting to look a bit shabby.

The ensuite was also small and poorly cleaned with hair and dirt evident in the corners of the room. There were several cracked tiles around the bath which had acquired mildew along with the blackened tile sealant. It was not a bath you would want to relax in! The walls were obviously very thin too - we could hear the lady in the bathroom next door running her bath and singing to herself.

When we complained to the front desk we were offered another room (number 25). This room was in the older section of the hotel. As such the ceilings were higher and the room was much larger. The design of the room was rather strange as you enter into a narrow corridor before you get to the main bedroom, but overall the room was an improvement. The bathroom was still not maintained to the standards I would expect but it was better than our previous room. The Gilchrest and Soames bath/shower gels etc were a nice touch.

I was feelng much happier about our room until I got into bed that evening. I could feel every hexagonal spring structure in the entire mattress, and needless to say had a very poor nights sleep.

Breakfast the next day was nice with a range of pastries/cereals and hot food.

Overall both my Mum and I were very disappointed with this hotel. Perhaps we were unlucky with our rooms given that a friend recommended it to us, but I believe this hotel is starting to show the signs of poor maintenance. Further there is no way that the small rooms in the rear of the hotel justify the price tag they allocate to it.

The hotel makes much of the awards and accolades they have been given, I however would take these with a pinch of salt, they appear to be riding on the coat tails of past successes. I really don't believe this hotel is a true 3 star, the rooms are very cramped, even by European standards and the hotel does not seem to be receiving the investment it requires. We will be writing to Best Western to complain as this hotel falls far from their usual standards.