The Nadler Liverpool

Dating back to the mid-19th century, the building that houses The Nadler Liverpool represents a genuine piece of the city's industrial history. Originally owned by the famous Vickers steel engineers, it has played the role of printers, cork warehouse, and beeswax traders, until falling abandoned in the 1970s. A pricey renovation in 2008, however, transformed a derelict redbrick warehouse into this über-cool and arty hotel awash with post-industrial chic and contemporary edge. Much emphasis has been placed on retaining and even featuring original architectural elements, including 19th-century timber roof trusses, swathes of exposed brick, and numerous iron girders. In an effort to keep things simple and streamlined, the only public space is a smart and spacious lobby lounge -- though it's not really a place to hang out. With no bar or restaurant there's little in the way of mingling opportunities between the generally younger, trend-conscious visitors who populate the hotel. 

Part of the Ropewalk district, the immediate area looks little drab during the day, however the road the hotel occupies -- Seel Street -- was voted one of the hippest in the UK and is home to some of the city's coolest bars, restaurants, and clubs. Lively Chinatown, said to be the oldest in Europe, is about half-mile away, while the bustle of the city center -- including the famous Cavern Club -- is about 10 minutes on foot in the other direction. It's also a five-minutes' walk to Liverpool Central train station, while the rejuvenated docks district -- with the Echo Arena, Tate Liverpool, and Beatles Story museum -- is under 15 minutes on foot. 

The hotel's 106 rooms are spread over six floors and are all impeccably presented in smart, contemporary, and largely monochrome styling.  Original art and paintings spruce up each room, while some make a feature of the building's original trusses. Rooms are particularly tech-friendly offering HD TVs with free music, games, and an interactive directory, while also acting as routers offering free Wi-Fi. All room also have tiny kitchen areas, with sinks, kettles, microwaves, and mini-fridges, and groceries can be ordered without mark-up. A pillow menu and Gilchrist & Soames toiletries are surprisingly luxurious touches, while triple-glazed windows keep out exterior noise -- however this means they don't open. 

Most of the amenities and features of the hotel have been crammed into the room, and there is no bar or restaurant on-site. A continental breakfast can be ordered up to the room -- for a fee, with a gourmet option slightly higher -- while a range of groceries can be ordered up too, without surcharge. The hotel concierge can also recommend local eateries with take-out, and place orders for guests. Guests also receive discounts on many of the surrounding eateries. Wi-Fi is free, though there's a surcharge for very fast Broadband access. Discounted parking is available nearby.