A city centre venue has become Liverpool’s first hotel to hold AA’s five-star statusDan Haygarth Liverpool Daily Post Editor and Regeneration Reporter
14:28, 24 Oct 2025Updated 15:40, 24 Oct 2025
The Team Rooms at the Municipal Hotel Liverpool(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
Liverpool now has a five-star hotel in AA’s industry-recognised ratings. The Municipal Hotel and Spa in Liverpool city centre has received AA’s five-star rating, making it the first and only hotel in the city to hold that status.
The Dale Street venue, which is part of Accor’s MGallery hotel collection, is now placed among the best hotels in the UK, less than three years after opening its doors. Before now, The Hillbark Hotel and Spa in Frankby was Merseyside’s only five-star option.
Following the inspection of the Municipal, the AA team praised the property for its beauty, charm, grandeur, character, and luxurious touches. They noted that the overall service levels were consistently high, supported by a strong hospitality culture with a team dedicated to guest care.
About it, the AA overview said: “The Municipal Hotel and Spa MGallery Liverpool is a luxurious hotel set within a beautiful Grade II–listed landmark in the heart of the city, crowned by a grand clocktower.
“This former government building has been transformed into a contemporary space while retaining much of its original features, grandeur and charm. Rooms range from cosy classics to lavish suites, all designed with meticulous attention to detail.
“Enjoy all-day dining in the grand Palm Court atrium bar, dinner and breakfast in its adjacent Seaforth Brasserie restaurant, or indulge in afternoon tea at the Botanic Tearoom. A modern spa, a fully equipped gym, an attentive team and the signature Bath Butler service complete the experience.”
About its five-star-rated hotels, the AA said: “AA-rated five-star hotels in the UK offer luxury stays and top-notch amenities to travellers seeking a sophisticated and indulgent experience.
“These hotels are known for their opulent décor, world-class dining options, and exceptional customer service. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a luxurious base for exploring the sights, a 5-star hotel is sure to impress.”
The Municipal Hotel Liverpool(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
Alongside the five-star AA rating for the hotel, Seaforth, a brasserie-style restaurant at The Municipal, has been awarded an AA Rosette, an award for culinary excellence given to restaurants in the UK based on the food quality.
Housed in the former council offices, the historic Grade II listed Municipal Building on Dale Street, the hotel is the result of a £70m restoration. It opened in May 2023 and features 179 rooms, a restaurant, an afternoon tearoom, a bar and a spa.
It also boasts the Palm Court Bar, Seaforth restaurant, the Botanic Tea Room and the Thermae Spa, which has a 16-metre indoor swimming pool with city views, a sauna, a steam room, a laconium, experience showers and a jacuzzi.
Annie Brown, general manager, said: “We’re incredibly proud to have received five-star status from the AA and to have been awarded an AA Rosette for Seaforth.
“These awards are a true testament to the unwavering passion, dedication and hard work of our excellent teams who consistently go above and beyond to provide exceptional service and create lasting memories for our guests.”
In addition to the AA five-star rating for The Municipal Hotel & Spa and an AA Rosette for Seaforth, The Municipal has also recently been shortlisted for Large Hotel of The Year in the Liverpool Tourism Awards, as well as being named as a finalist in the recently announced Good Spa Guide Awards 2025.