Liverpool’s only five‑star hotel is a 1868 sandstone former council building that now houses a full‑service spa, a restored atrium bar, and 179 bedrooms under Accor’s premium MGallery Collection. This guide unpacks the Municipal Hotel’s ownership, its controversial paid‑spa model, and exactly what to expect from a stay.

Last checked: 2026-06-11

Hotel Name: The Municipal Hotel & Spa Liverpool – MGallery · Star Rating: 5-star · Location: Dale Street, Liverpool · Unique Feature: UK’s only MGallery hotel

At a glance: key facts about the Municipal Hotel & Spa Liverpool

1 Heritage building

• Housed in Liverpool’s former Municipal Building, a 19th‑century sandstone council office on Dale Street (Women’s Health UK)

2 Only UK MGallery

• Branded as part of Accor’s MGallery Collection and described by Accor as the UK’s only MGallery hotel (Accor)

3 179 bedrooms

• Accor lists 179 modern and luxurious bedrooms, along with six unique boardrooms (Accor)

4 Thermae Spa & pool

• Thermae Spa features a 16‑metre indoor pool with city views, Himalayan salt sauna, steam room and four treatment rooms (Women’s Health UK)

Snapshot facts – Municipal Hotel & Spa Liverpool

Attribute	Detail
Hotel Name	The Municipal Hotel & Spa Liverpool – MGallery
Star Rating	5‑star
Location	Dale Street, Liverpool
Unique Feature	UK’s only MGallery hotel
Number of Bedrooms	179
Original Building Year	1868
Indoor Pool Length	16 metres
Check‑in / Check‑out	3:00 PM / 12:00 PM
City Accommodation Tax	£2.40 per room per night

Who owns the Municipal Hotel?

The Municipal Hotel & Spa Liverpool is owned and operated by Accor under its MGallery collection. Accor’s official listing describes it as the UK’s only MGallery property (Accor). The historic building was originally designed by architect Alex Langsam for Liverpool Corporation, but the hotel is a private luxury enterprise; the “municipal” name references the building’s past civic use, not public ownership today.

A common confusion involves Mark Wahlberg’s “Municipal” apparel brand – that is an entirely separate business with no connection to the hotel.

Who is Alex Langsam?

Alex Langsam was the architect of the original Municipal Building on Dale Street, completed in 1868. The building served as Liverpool council offices until it was converted into the hotel (Women’s Health UK).

Is the Municipal a 5 star hotel?

Yes – the Municipal Hotel & Spa Liverpool is officially rated 5‑star, making it Liverpool’s only five‑star hotel. Accor’s branding, the suite of amenities, and editorial reviews consistently affirm this classification (Accor; Head for Points).

“The Municipal has got to be one of the best (if not the best) hotels in Liverpool.” – Rob Burgess, Editor, Head for Points

Head for Points contrasts the Municipal with more limited‑service Liverpool hotels like Radisson Red, noting that the Municipal offers full room service, a spa, and the historic Palm Court – elements typical of a five‑star property.

Where do celebrities stay in Liverpool?

Luxury hotels naturally attract high‑profile guests. While Taylor Swift reportedly chose the Titanic Hotel (a four‑star property) during her Eras Tour stop, the Municipal Hotel also hosts celebrities due to its five‑star status and central location. No named celebrity stays are confirmed in official sources, but editorial reviews suggest it is a common choice for performers and business figures visiting Liverpool (Head for Points).

The pattern: Liverpool has only one five‑star hotel, so any celebrity requiring the highest tier of accommodation likely ends up at the Municipal – or, on sold‑out nights, at the Titanic Hotel.

What is the goal of a municipal hotel?

Historically, the term “municipal hotel” referred to publicly owned or operated lodging for civic purposes. Today’s Municipal Hotel Liverpool uses the name to honour the building’s heritage, but operates as a private luxury enterprise under Accor. The goal, according to its positioning, is to offer a full‑service five‑star experience – blending heritage architecture with modern spa and business facilities (Women’s Health UK; Accor).

Women’s Health describes the hotel as marrying “magnificent former council offices” with a contemporary spa and dining. The building’s historic Palm Court atrium is the visual centrepiece, housing the main bar and lounge.

Why this matters: Guests should not expect a publicly‑funded civic hotel; the name is a heritage label attached to a high‑end commercial property.

Alternatives in Liverpool

For travellers seeking a different five‑star experience, the Titanic Hotel Liverpool offers four‑star luxury with a historic docklands setting. The Municipal, however, remains the only five‑star full‑service hotel within the city centre proper.

For a deeper look at the hotel’s history and amenities, check out our detailed guide to the Municipal Hotel Liverpool.

Frequently asked questions

What amenities does the Municipal Hotel offer?

The hotel provides 179 bedrooms, a full‑service Thermae Spa (16‑metre pool, Himalayan salt sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi, treatments), Palm Court bar and lounge, Seaforth Restaurant, fitness centre, seven meeting rooms, and coworking spaces (Accor; Expedia).

Does the Municipal Hotel have a spa?

Yes – the Thermae Spa includes a 16‑metre indoor pool, Himalayan salt sauna, steam room, laconium, experience showers, ice experience and four treatment rooms. Access costs approximately £30 extra for hotel guests (Women’s Health UK).

What is the address of the Municipal Hotel?

The Municipal Hotel & Spa Liverpool – MGallery is located on Dale Street, Liverpool, Merseyside.

How many rooms does the Municipal Hotel have?

Accor lists 179 modern and luxurious bedrooms, along with six boardrooms (Accor).

Who is the owner of the Municipal Hotel?

The hotel is owned by Accor, operating under the MGallery Collection – the UK’s only MGallery property.

Does the Municipal Hotel offer breakfast?

Breakfast is served in the Seaforth Restaurant with options including full English, vegetarian, vegan and gluten‑free (Booking.com).