Malmaison, Liverpool

Malmaison is our favourite secret retreat with our little boy. We love the absence of other children, as strange as that sounds, it's nice to not be in a hotel surrounded by lots of families. It feels like a real escape. Liverpool Malmaison is our favourite Mal by far. The decor is absolutely stunning and so appealing to both adults, yet grand enough and breathtaking enough for children to be completely taken aback by it. Due to the location there are lovely quirky features such as the Beatles artwork and a suspended yellow submarine which hangs in the centre of the rooms. Rooms are spacious and contemporary and complementary roll out beds and bedding are provided for those who travel with children. Rooms have kettles, TVs and gorgeous bathrooms with toiletries as well as a payable mini bar and in-room menu for room service. The restaurant is bistro style and serves honest but modern English food. Steaks are often found on the menu, my partner ate Scouse while we were there, in good spirit. An example of modern twists was my starter, game roll instead of sausage roll. Lovely. Wine experts are on hand and staff are more than welcoming of small children offering smaller plates of adult dishes to suit their appetite. Breakfast, if you get it in your room rate as we did, is excellent. From cutesy classics such as egg and soldiers to full on bacon butties or continental light bites. Children are free to pick cereals or fruit as well as hot food, whatever they please which I always find encourages them to eat a bit more, when they can select their own choices. Hot breakfast is table service, continental is buffet style. A lovely place to escape with children who can behave - it feels like a real break away for everyone and as though the adults are being treated as well as the children. A good base for exploring Liverpool and introducing children to the Beatles' history.