The hotel: The hotel is in a great spot in the rejuvenated Albert Docks area, opposite the Echo Arena and Convention Centre, and a 15-minute walk from the train station.
The check-in: Very friendly staff at check-in. The formalities were dealt with swiftly and I was up to the top, sixth floor, in no time.
The room: A larger than average corner room with great views over the Mersey, the Echo Arena, Albert Docks and, a new-ish addition to the docks skyline, the giant ferris wheel located between the hotel and the riverside. The twin-bed room had plain and simple décor and furnishings in warm rust and sunny yellow hues. There was a small, open wardrobe, decent-size desk with small flatscreen TV, tea and coffee-making facilities, hairdryer and internet connection (at £5 per hour/£10 for 24 hours). A simple bathroom had plentiful towels and toiletries, towelling robe and slippers.
The business: On the first floor are ten rooms of varying sizes, joined by a large break-out area which can accommodate 150 for a reception. Rooms 3, 4 & 5 can open into one large suite taking 100 people theatre style; suite 6 will take 35 people theatre style while the smallest – suites 2 and 10 – take up to ten boardroom style and 20 theatre style. All are air conditioned and with bags of natural day light. Videoconferencing equip-ment can be brought in on request. The day delegate rate is £28 per person per day and includes lunch.
THE FACILITIES: Car parking is at the Echo Arena and Convention Centre. In the hotel, a bar completes the ground floor offering.
THE restaurant: On the ground floor looking out is an open plan restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows. It serves wholesome curries and pies on its dinner menu, backed up by a decent wine list, and the usual help-yourself array of breakfast items in the mornings.
the check-out: Despite there being a busy conference upstairs, the reception desk was empty and I departed the hotel in no time.
THE VERDICT: Good value, friendly and unpretentious hotel that does what it says on the tin, basically.
THE DETAILS: Room only rates are from £69. Tel: 0151 244 3777; www.jurysinns.com Gillian Upton
