Best family-friendly hotels in Liverpool, as recommended by parents

Liverpool has loads to offer kids and grown-ups alike, with a science museum, art galleries, a historic waterfront and a climbing centre to name just a few fun attractions. Famous for its two football teams, the Beatles and its maritime history, there’s something to suit all interests in this vibrant northern city.

Any time you travel with kids, even if its within the UK, finding somewhere to stay that welcomes families and has all the home comforts to make your holiday a relaxing one makes a huge difference. From swish luxury hotels to practical apartments, we’ve rounded up the best Mumsnetter-recommended places to stay with kids in Liverpool.

What are the best family hotels in Liverpool?

• Best overall: StayCity Aparthotel

• Best for budget breaks: Travelodge Liverpool Aigburth

• Best boutique: Hope Street Hotel

• Best with a pool: Novotel City Centre

• Best for free parking: The Liner Hotel

1. StayCity Aparthotel Liverpool Waterfront

StayCity Aparthotel Liverpool Waterfront | Check availability

"Aparthotels have simple but nice 1,2 and 3 bedroom apartments. Cot and high chair are available on request" - recommended by Mumsnet user, Ricekrispie22

"We had a brilliant few days in Liverpool a couple of years ago. We stayed at the Staycity apartments which were ideal. We had two bedrooms and two bathrooms as well as a kitchen lounge area with sofa bed so plenty of space and comparable, if not cheaper than hotels. Centrally located too, would recommend" - recommended by Mumsnet user, littlemisslozza

For all the convenience and comfort of a hotel, plus extra space and the ability to put together an emergency marmite sandwich whenever needed, aparthotels are a brilliant choice for travelling with kids. StayCity is the Liverpool aparthotel Mumsnetters recommend most highly, thanks to its central location, kid-friendly touches like highchairs and cots, and reasonable prices.

Within a mile or so of the hotel you’ll find such iconic landmarks as the Beatles statue, Merseyside maritime museum and the Tate Liverpool. Opt for a one- or two-bedroom apartment to enjoy clean, spacious accommodation and a home away from home.

Nearest train station: James St Station, 130 metres

2. The Liverpool Inn

The Liverpool Inn | Check availability

"If you want two bedrooms, then I’d recommend the studio rooms at The Liverpool Inn. We found it spotless and great value for money. Fantastic location with many top attractions an easy walk away. It doesn’t have a restaurant though, but the studios have a little kitchenette" - recommended by Mumsnet user, Fivemoreminutes1

Right in the centre of Liverpool you’ll find the family-run, kid-friendly Liverpool Inn. Mumsnetters recommend booking a studio suite, which comes complete with two bedrooms, a small kitchen and a bathroom.

The Beatles Story, Albert Dock and the Empire Theatre are all within walking distance, as are the big shopping centres at Clayton Square, St Johns and Liverpool One. Both Anfield and Goodison Park football stadiums are a short drive or taxi ride from the hotel, and it's surrounded by great places to eat and drink.

Nearest train station: Liverpool Central Station (180 metres)

3. The Resident

The Resident | Check availability

"Hasn't got its own parking but this hotel can be good value. They don't do breakfast, but have a little kitchenette in the rooms, and there are lovely places to eat breakfast or brunch everywhere all around. They also serve free wine every night around 6pm. I put a lot of people up there for work but it is good for a family - it's very scouse in a good way and the staff are lovely" - recommended by Mumsnet user, Ihatemyseleffordoingthis

For a stylish stay, The Resident is a great choice. Set in a converted industrial building, rooms at The Resident come with a handy kitchenette, big en-suite bathrooms and characterful decor.

The hotel offers plenty to do on its doorstep, with the historic Chinatown, Albert Dock and the free-to-enter World Museum within a mile. A deluxe double room sleeps four in one large double bed and two fold-out sofa beds. Cots are available on request but no extra beds can be provided, so it’s not one for larger families.

Nearest train station: Liverpool Central Station (180 metres)

4. Travelodge Liverpool Aigburth

Travelodge Liverpool Aigburth | Check availability

"I would stay in Travelodge Aigburth road - free parking and 15/20 minutes into town on a bus" - recommended by Mumsnet user, MyDcAreMarvel

"Aigburth Travelodge is really close to two metro stations. 10 minutes into the city centre. My friend lives just round the corner. It's a nice area" - recommended by Mumsnet user, Toddlerteaplease

For a reliable, simple and budget-friendly place to rest your head at the end of a hard day’s sightseeing, a Travelodge is the ideal place to book. This one in the leafy suburb of Aigburth is rated by Mumsnetters for its easy travel links into the city centre, free parking and bargain room rates.

Nearby you can take a stroll along the Mersey through Otterspool Park and Promenade, or take a guided tour of the Beatles’ childhood homes. Family rooms come with a king-size bed and one or two additional pull-out singles. Rooms are on the small side and there are showers rather than baths, so it might not be the best bet if you’ve got babies or toddlers.

Nearest train station: Aigburth (0.6 miles)

5. Crowne Plaza Liverpool City Centre

Crowne Plaza Liverpool City Centre | Check availability

"The Crowne Plaza in Speke is great value. There is a bus stop to town directly outside and you get access to the David Lloyd gym next door as part of the package. It's also walking distance from Speke Hall and a short hop to Lark Lane and Beatles sights" - recommended by Mumsnet user, JanetandJohn500

"Hotel prices can be hefty in Liverpool so I would book early where you can. The Crowne Plaza has parking, it’s near the waterfront, Albert Dock etc but only about 10-15 mins easy walk to shops and restaurants" - recommended by Mumsnet user, Bearsbearsbears40

If you’re looking for a hotel with plenty of facilities, go for the Crowne Plaza. There’s a fully-equipped gym, a 20-yard indoor swimming pool and sauna, plus a restaurant and bar on-site. Family rooms come with two generous and comfortable double beds, and you can splash out for a guaranteed view of the waterfront.

Located in the centre of the city, it’s well placed for walking around Liverpool’s most famous sights. Head into the Tate Liverpool and make a beeline for the gallery’s Clore Learning Centre, which houses free activities for kids as well as a space to relax. Grab a beanbag and share a picture book or take on a drawing challenge to make the main exhibitions come alive for kids.

Nearest train station: James Street (400 metres)

6. Novotel Liverpool Centre

Novotel Liverpool Centre | Check availability

"We have been to Liverpool as a family a number of times and have enjoyed staying at the Novotel. It has a car park pretty much next door and a small swimming pool in the basement. It is right in the centre of the city" - recommended by Mumsnet user, MissClementine

"I second the Novotel , right in the city centre, nice bar , decent breakfast and pool is a plus. I have stayed there for £25 a night before. Only Fools & Horses bar is nice and quirky" - recommended by Mumsnet user, pumpkinpie01

For a good balance of comfort, style and value for money, Mumsnetters recommend the Novotel chain. This Liverpool hotel is right in the city centre, with Albert Dock, Chavasse Park and the Beatles Story all a stone’s throw away.

Queen Rooms come with a sofa bed that can sleep two kids, and cots are available on request. There’s a pool, a gym and a restaurant in the hotel, and you can even bring your dog.

Nearest train station: Liverpool Central (320 metres)

7. The Liner Hotel

The Liner Hotel | Check availability

"The family cabins at The Liner are quite quirky and you get a double room and an adjoining twin room" - recommended by Mumsnet user, Fivemoreminutes1

For pirate fans and land-lovers alike, The Liner Hotel is a quirky choice for family stays in Liverpool. Decorated to look like an old-style cruise liner, kids will love the nautical details and huge indoor fish tank in the restaurant.

Parking is free for the duration of your stay, and there are a number of room choices for a family of four. Standard family rooms have adjoining bedrooms and a shared bathroom, or go for the spacious penthouse suite with views across the city centre.

Nearest train station: Liverpool Lime Street (90 metres)

8. Pullman Hotel Liverpool

Pullman Hotel Liverpool | Check availability

"The Pullman Hotel was great when we stayed. Views across the city and fab breakfast . Think we paid around 60 a night" - recommended by Mumsnet user, Runkle

Located right on the waterfront, the Pullman is a huge, modern hotel boasting over 200 rooms. Extra beds and cots are available free of charge, but you do need to contact the hotel ahead of time to make sure they can accommodate you.

Rooms have stunning views across the Mersey and the historic city centre, and the hotel is well-placed for exploring Liverpool’s cultural centre. There’s a gym, a restaurant with a theatre-style kitchen, and Mumsnetters tell us the breakfast is to die for.

Nearest train station: James Street (1 mile)

9. Hope Street Hotel

Hope Street Hotel | Check availability

"This is the area in which the two cathedrals are located, and also hosts a range of good places to eat. It is 'up the hill' and so a short walk down to where most of the other action is. The girls would like the area around Bold street, which is young and student'y, and which also has lots of interesting places to eat - such as 'Leaf'. Very popular" - recommended by Mumsnet user, Justhadathought

For a luxury stay in a characterful hotel, Hope Street is a perfect choice. Opt for the studio family room, which sleeps four with one extra bed or cot available on request. The rooms are spacious and homey, with hardwood floors and plenty of room to spread out - plus pets are welcome.

There’s an adults-only spa on-site which guests can access for an extra charge, and an award-winning restaurant serving modern British cuisine. The restaurant has a kids’ menu with crowd-pleasing favourite such as tomato pasta and sausage and chips.

Nearest train station: Liverpool Central (680 metres)

10. YHA Liverpool Albert Dock Hostel

YHA Liverpool Albert Dock Hostel | Check availability

"It's pretty good and really central. We use it as we have three kids and can get decent family rooms instead of the expense of two hotel rooms" - recommended by Mumsnet user, Starlingsintheslipstream

For a cheap and cheerful stay, the YHA offers quadruple rooms with bunk beds for as little as £39 per night. Rooms are surprisingly spacious and you get a private bathroom but you will need to bring a travel cot as the hostel doesn’t provide them.

There’s an on-site cafe and bar serving breakfast, lunch and dinner and the hostel is within easy reach of all Liverpool’s best family-friendly things to do. However, the area is renown for its nightlife and the hostel has no curfew, so it could be one to avoid for light sleepers.

Nearest train station: Moorfields (270 metres)

Is Liverpool good for families?

The city is chock full of culture and history, and there’s always a family-friendly element to its attractions. Whether it’s the Clore Learning Centre at the Tate, the family-oriented World Museum or free child-friendly events at the Maritime Museum, you can be sure of a warm welcome in Liverpool.

Which area of Liverpool is good to stay in?

Liverpool city centre is the best area for your family trip to the city. Kids will love looking out of the window to see the Mersey and the Liverpool Wheel, and most of the main attractions are within walking distance of each other. That said, the city has great public transport, so if you do opt to stay a little further out, you’re in no way at a disadvantage.

What are the best family attractions in Liverpool?

The free-to-enter World Museum is a brilliant place to take the kids. For an extra dose of culture be sure to visit the Maritime Museum, Imagine That and Tate Liverpool. Kids will love blowing off steam at the trampoline park Spring City, or the Climbing Hangar. The Everyman Theatre often has family-friendly shows on, so don’t forget to check what’s on before you go.

What’s the best family-friendly hotel in Liverpool?

The best family-friendly hotel in Liverpool is the StayCity Aparthotel. Offering spacious, comfortable and well-equipped rooms in a central location, Mumsnetters rated this their top pick for family trips to Liverpool.

How we chose our recommendations

Because we know that there's nothing like a real recommendation, we first headed to the Mumsnet forums to find out which family hotels in Liverpool were being recommended.

We then did some online research, looking at what family hotels and apartments in Liverpool had won accolades or had been featured in 'best choice' lists, and what customer reviews said about them. Having collated all that information, we then narrowed our list down to the best family hotels in Liverpool at the moment.

Why you should trust us

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