Radisson RED Liverpool opened in December 2022 inside the former North Western Hotel next to Lime Street station, returning the Grade II-listed Victorian building to hotel use for the first time since 1933. The £30m restoration delivered 201 rooms behind Alfred Waterhouse's turreted 1871 facade.
The essentials
Group Radisson Hotel Group (Radisson RED)
Opening December 2022
Rooms & suites 201 rooms
Segment Upscale/Lifestyle
Designer Koncept ID (lead designer Paul Scott)
Entry rate From £80 Learn more → The place Set inside the former North Western Hotel, a turreted Alfred Waterhouse building from 1871 directly beside Lime Street station and facing St George's Hall in Liverpool's civic quarter.
The concept The North Western Hotel closed as a hotel in 1933 and spent the following nine decades as offices and, briefly, student halls, before a roughly £30m restoration returned it to hospitality use for the first time in 90 years. Radisson's lifestyle brand RED took on the conversion, pairing Waterhouse's fairy-tale turrets and towers with a contemporary interior by Koncept ID that leans on 1960s pop references: a nod to Liverpool's music-city identity rather than a straightforward heritage pastiche.
The brand's informal, art-forward positioning gives the building a livelier register than a conventional restoration of a Victorian railway hotel might have taken, and it reopened its doors on 13 December 2022, almost exactly ninety years after the original North Western went dark.
Dining & wellness The hotel includes a bar and all-day dining space typical of the RED brand's format, along with a basement gym and meeting rooms; specific restaurant branding beyond the group's standard RED concept was not independently confirmed.
Our take An unusually well-matched pairing of building and brand (RED's pop energy stops the Waterhouse landmark feeling like a museum piece) though the station-side location and compact bathrooms won't suit every guest.
Google guest reviews 4.5/5 · 448 reviews
This was one of the best hotels during our 7-day trip to England, where we stayed in a different city each night. Its location is perfect; it’s right in the center, making it very easy to reach everywhere. It is within a short 5 to 10-minute walk to all the active and social spots you’d want to visit day or night.
I didn't have any issues with cleanliness either. Despite being an allergic asthmatic, I experienced no triggers at all, and I am very grateful to the staff for proactively assigning me a more comfortable and relaxed room because of my condition—that meant a lot to me. The bathroom and bedding were spotless. Additionally, I would like to specially thank the receptionist with glasses who worked the night shift. I had forgotten my charging cable and couldn't charge my phone, and they were incredibly helpful and kind. No matter what I asked, they answered with such a sweet attitude; they were very attentive and accommodating.
As I said, it was one of the best hotels of my trip, and if I return to Liverpool, I would definitely choose this place again. However, there was one issue: we wanted to have a drink at the hotel bar in the evening, but we were told that due to a private event, we couldn’t be admitted. They offered to send drinks to our room, but we really wanted to enjoy the atmosphere of the bar itself. As someone in the tourism industry, I found it a bit disappointing that staying guests were excluded from the bar area in this way. I strongly believe that if they hold such events in the future, they should give priority to their hotel guests
Very nice hotel, big, clean and classy. The entrance is very nice and was greeted warmly by the reception staff. Car park literally round the corner £6 for 24 hours, bargain!
The bed was very comfortable, air conditioned room and a coffee machine. We had a complimentary bottle of water in the fridge and the room was of a nice relaxed vibe.
Short walk into town where we had a meal and done a bit of shopping.
The breakfast is very good
Overall a great stay
Super hotel, perfectly located right next door to Lime street Station.
From outside a very impressive victorian exterior, on the inside a modern contemporary feel.
A hotel with a wide range of appeal. The history of the origional hotel and the extensive revamp is clear to see and appreciate.
The staff are friendly and professional, from front of house to bar and waiting staff. Great expresso martinis to be had.
The rooms are well equipped and a good size with great wall art and a coffee machine to boot. Fully air conditioned as the windows do not open, considering its busy central location that's not a bad thing.
On the whole a great hotel, good value for money and if like me you are over 50 don't be put off by the young vibe..
I would not recommend this hotel based on my experience.
1. I specifically booked and paid extra for a larger twin room, but on multiple occasionse everytime I was initially given a smaller room. The staff seemed intent on convincing me to accept the cheaper room instead of the one I had reserved. As someone unfamiliar with the city, it felt like they were taking advantage of the situation. Each time, I had to insist on receiving the room I had actually booked and paid for.
2. Getting the correct room(you actually reserved and paid for) involved lengthy arguments with the staff, sometimes lasting close to an hour. This is not something guests should have to deal with after a long journey.
3. The staff would often make excuses and allocate rooms without a refrigerator, then ask guests to “adjust” instead of providing the room with the expected amenities. When I insisted on receiving a room with a refrigerator, the staff became rude and unprofessional before eventually providing the appropriate room.
4. Even as a premium customer staying for multiple nights, I was not provided with complimentary water bottles, which is a basic courtesy offered by many hotels.
5. The staff, including the manager, were often rude, dismissive, and unhelpful. Customer service was disappointing throughout my stays.
After several bookings at this hotel, I have come to the conclusion that customer satisfaction is not a priority for them. Guests should not have to argue to receive the room type and amenities they have paid for. As a result, I have cancelled my future bookings and will be staying elsewhere. There are far better options available for visitors looking for a pleasant and hassle-free stay.
We had a fantastic stay here with a really good breakfast. Staff are friendly and the hotel is spotless. Our room was very comfortable with plenty of space and a great bathroom. The location is in a beautiful area with historic buildings and the theatre is almost next door. Next door on the other side is the train station.
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