Recently, I was lucky enough to be invited to stay at Innside by Melia, a brand new hotel and rooftop bar that has made its way to Old Hall Street in Liverpool City Centre. Living nearby, I’ve been walking past what was a construction site for months, and have been super excited to see the finished result – and wow, I haven’t been disappointed. With a slick black exterior, the much-loved Gino D’Campo restaurant on the ground floor and Penny Lane’s infamous ‘A Slower Space’ in the foyer – this place has everything for a cheeky weekend (or mid-week!) break.
Innside by Melia Review
The hotel and all its rooms have been finished with a modern, minimalistic interior finished with a chilled out, relaxed vibe. We were lucky enough to be given a gorgeous room on the 14th floor, which meant a spectacular view of Liverpool’s waterfront from its three big floor to ceiling windows.
Our room really was to-die-for. It was super spacious and light, all open plan (except for the toilet) and had a double-bed, sofa and a mini dining area, complete with a coffee machine and waterfall shower. Our booking came complete with a few extra-special touches including slippers and a super-soft fleecey robe, and even a yoga mat spotted hanging up in the corner.
Innside Liverpool is home to both Gino D’Campo’s Italian restaurant (situated on the ground floor) as well as the gorgeous Sky Bar (top of the building) both of which are perfect for a special occasion. We booked In to visit the Sky Bar first before our meal in the restaurant. With amazing views, gorgeous décor and a super long cocktail list, this was the perfect way to while away a few hours.
We went in at around 6pm and the vibe was chilled as it was still light outside, but by the time we’d finished our drinks, the lights had dimmed and here was a DJ on the decks – the perfect day to night transition. After cocktails, it was time to head down to dinner for an Italian feast – complete with a bottle of wine, perfect.
The restaurant had a nice, buzzy atmosphere but wasn’t so loud you couldn’t talk across the table. We were seated in the window and ordered the sharing Chichetti to start, which was a board of brushcettas with different toppings – Parma ham, prawns and chopped tomatoes to name a few. Main courses had to be seafood pasta (I’ve eaten this in Gino’s before and it is to die for) and I went for the seafood linguini option – with some truffle fries to mop up the sauce, of course! Dessert was a creamy Bailey’s panna cotta with ice cream, and a melt-in-the-middle chocolate lava cake. Would 100% recommend it all.
There’s nothing quite like a night of sheer indulgence followed by a stay in a super comfy hotel bed – complete with night-time views of the city. To finish off our stay we headed back down to the restaurant the next morning for a fabulous buffet breakfast, before a walk down the waterfront. Perfect!
If you’re looking to stay in Liverpool for a couple nights or even if you just want to treat yourself to a night away in your own city, check out Innside – you definitely won’t be disappointed!
Writing, instagramming and eating just about anything and everything food related from brunch and dinner in Liverpool and beyond. Fashionista and self-confessed exercise addict @lauragracenicholson
