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Liverpool also has many serviced apartments which are perfectly located for the shops and offer an affordable and flexible alternative to the hotels. Book into BridgeStreet right in Liverpool ONE shopping centre, which has a choice of stylish one, two and three-bedroom apartments, or have a look at Posh Pads, which offers particularly luxurious city centre serviced accommodation that can be booked nightly, weekly or monthly. Otherwise, try Cocoon at International Inn, a budget boutique pod hotel. Each cocoon is priced per room, not per person, and even comes with its own iPod docking station.

Southport also has some lovely accommodation on offer at The Vincent as well as the beautiful boutique Ambassador Townhouse on Bath Street, while Formby Hall Golf Resort & Spa is a sumptuous, rural affair set in 135 acres of lush parkland.

The Wirral Peninsula has more historic country offerings that might be the ideal counter to frantic city centre sightseeing and shopping. Mere Brook House is a charming Edwardian country house, while the black and white luxury Grade II listed Hillbark Hotel in Frankby is steeped in history. Thornton Hall is also a four-star hotel with great spa and country setting. Lastly, dont forget the stately home splendour of Knowsley Hall, Prescot, although a minimum number of rooms usually have to be booked (ideal for groups visiting the races or girly spa breaks).