The Hope Street Hotel is a lovely addition to Liverpool’s Georgian quarter, an easy-on-the-eye area with cobbled streets, Georgian buildings and black railings. The city’s Anglican Cathedral, Philharmonic Orchestra, Music College and many stylish bars are all on the doorstep.
The décor inside is industrial chic-meets retro, with exposed pink Cheshire brickwork, original parquet flooring, industrial pillars, black leather chairs and 60’s chrome lighting.
From the spacious reception area, head down a flight of stairs to the spa, a sympathetic modern extension with plenty of glass and black pillars juxtaposing the red brick of the hotel.
We were warmly greeted in the reception area - with its light wood floors, mustard and grey chairs and exposed brickwork (a theme) - and handed a grey robe, towel and flip flops, as well as a wristband to operate the doors and (rather interestingly) the jets in the pools.
Changing rooms are spacious and bright, with grey lockers and marble vanity bars with wooden stools and four (yes four) sets of GHD hairdryers and straighteners in handy holders. Five showers equipped with Temple Spa amenities behind glass doors ensure there are no queues even during busier times. Change beside one of two padded light grey benches or nip into the private changing cubicle.
The 15-metre indoor pool is dark, sleek and fantastic for swimming lengths, if a little on the chilly side when first getting in. Use your wristband to turn the water blades on by pushing it against a button – how very high tech. We loved watching our backstroke technique (or lack of it) in the black gloss ceiling mirror above.
At the far end, slope down into a dark relaxation area and crash out on one of four modern comfy loungers, or the double egg chair sofa, and get lost in the hypnotic LED icicle lighting. Between the indoor pool and relaxation area there’s an opening - step down into the warm water to swim out into the large square courtyard vitality pool with several wooden benches and two black open fires.
Use your wristband again to operate several jets and bubble seats – pushing ‘Volcanic’ will awaken a large jet in the centre. Ask a passing spa butler for tea, coffee or fizz – we saw several guests sipping glasses of Prosecco in the pool itself.
A door from here leads to a large thermal area edged by loungers for pre- or post-heat relaxing. The gentle Herbal Sauna accommodates 10 spa goers at a time on wooden benches; for something hotter, enter the moody Aroma Steam Room with its black marble walls, floors and seats. Cool down at the ice bowl afterwards or brave the cold-water drench bucket.
There’s a separate glass room with four hot tepidarium beds, good for relaxing the muscles before a treatment so the spa host told us.
Our favourite thermal experience was the Himalayan Salt Sauna with its orange salt bricks, three levels of wooden benches, and full windows overlooking the Vitality pool and courtyard.
Post-treatment relaxation takes place in the Serenity Lounge with its flickering fire, two arm chairs, chunky rug and glass coffee table creating a warm and cosy setting. Or relax on one of six grey loungers separated by flowing curtains, each with overhead reading lamp. There’s also a hammam and a studio for classes.
We tried a QMS Collagen Contour Facial (80 minutes, £175).
My therapist, Shania, met me in reception and led me to a double treatment room with a huge square Jacuzzi bath in the corner. After explaining the treatment, Shania left the room so that I could get comfortable on the treatment bed, lying face up.
The treatment began with several satisfying tugs on my hair and some scalp massage. While she did this, Shania asked me to take a couple of deep breaths; I instantly knew I was in capable hands.
Shania then began an impressive facial, starting with a double cleanse – adding water to the milky cleanser made it lather up beautifully. A hydrating toner over my face and neck closed the pores.
Next came a two-step exfoliation: a tingling 7% AHA active peel followed by a calming enzyme fluid; both gently applied with a fan brush to banish dead skin. Shania then applied an active exfoliant to my hand and arms.
Skin suitably prepared, Shania placed a setting mask over my eyes and month; while this hardened, she massaged by head. The mask peeled off in one satisfyingly go.
Shania then lay an infused gauze over my face and pumped a foam mask straight from the aerosol onto the material – whilst this locked in the moisture, Shania removed the exfoliator from my hands and arms and massaged a firming collagen body lotion in – be gone, bingo wings.
As if this facial couldn’t get any better, Shania saved the best until last: the most effective, relaxing facial massage; the long firm strokes across my chest and shoulders sent me to the land of nod.
A slick of serum, a dot of eye cream and a dollop of collagen cream and I was ready for my close up. Shania showed me to the Serenity Lounge where I met my spa partner looking and feeling radiant, sipping a glass of fizz and raving about the All about the Glow Temple Spa facial.
Forget floral fragrances, this facial is all about results. And what results: my jaw line looked noticeably contoured, and my skin super plumped.
Lunch is served at several tables and grey and yellow chairs beyond the reception desk, where spa goers can enjoy a two-course meal en robe. Choose from a small menu of starters, salads, pasta dishes and puddings.
Our meatballs al forno to start was melt-in-the-mouth delicious and full of fabulous flavour; our goats cheese flatbread with mozzarella, caramelised onion and pepper light and tasty. Our spa partner tucked into a vibrant looking chicken Ceasar salad. The Biscoff cheesecake sounded too tempting to be missed, and did not disappoint. We washed our lunch down with a glass of fizz – why not?
Hope Street Hotel Spa treatment menu offers something for everyone, book a treatment (or two), take your time enjoying the many facilities. Stay overnight if you can – rooms have great city views.
Pop in for a QMS treatment: you won’t regret it.
Serene Spy
11th July 2024
Spy Likes:
Attentive friendly staff, personalised treatments, imaginative spa food menu and spas that look after their therapists’ wellbeing too.
Spy Dislikes:
Changing rooms and showers that aren't spotless, tatty towels and robes and having to get dressed for lunch.
