Securing an affordable hotel that doesn't compromise on comfort or location can feel like a near-impossible task for travellers. However, one Liverpool establishment is proving that budget-friendly stays can still offer a premium experience, having just been crowned the UK's best cheap hotel for 2026.
Award-Winning Budget Accommodation in the Heart of Liverpool
The Resident in Liverpool has claimed the number one position on TripAdvisor's prestigious list of the 10 Best Cheap Hotels in the UK for 2026. This remarkable achievement is bolstered by its additional status as the top-rated hotel overall in Liverpool, out of 623 properties reviewed on the platform. The hotel's consistent excellence was further recognised in May with a Tripadvisor Traveller Choice Award.
The key to its success lies in a compelling combination of value, style, and position. Rooms at The Resident start from just £62 per night, yet guests find themselves in a brilliantly central location. The hotel is situated within Liverpool's vibrant Ropewalk neighbourhood, a mere five-minute walk from Liverpool Central station, placing the entire city within easy reach.
Stylish Comfort in a Historic Setting
Housed within a converted 19th-century warehouse, the hotel retains its historic red-brick exterior while offering a sleek, modern interior. The business model focuses on what matters most: exceptionally comfortable rooms. Instead of investing in often-underused facilities like gyms or restaurants, The Resident channels its efforts into creating a serene and well-appointed guest environment.
The rooms are designed with an elevated, minimalist British style. Expect crisp white linens, plush cushions, and thoughtful amenities including high-quality toiletries and a Nespresso machine. A significant bonus is the inclusion of a compact mini-kitchen in each room, featuring a fridge, microwave, and tea/coffee facilities. As one satisfied guest noted in a review, "Room was small but really nice and comfortable, very clean, had everything you needed."
Exploring Liverpool from the Perfect Base
The lack of an on-site restaurant is hardly a drawback given the hotel's prime setting. The surrounding Ropewalk area is famed for its cobbled streets, buzzing with an array of independent bars, cafes, and restaurants. For a culinary tour, guests can visit the nearby Duke Street Food & Drink Market, which hosts a variety of global street food vendors indoors.
Culture is also close at hand. A 15-minute stroll leads to the iconic Royal Albert Dock, home to major attractions like the Tate Liverpool, the Maritime Museum, and The Beatles Story Museum. Despite the lively nightlife on the doorstep, including popular venues like Heebie Jeebies and the themed Alcotraz cocktail bar, reviewers praise the hotel's quiet rooms, with one stating, "Although it's close to bars and clubs you wouldn't know that in the room it was super quiet."
By prioritising core comforts and an unbeatable location, The Resident in Liverpool demonstrates that an affordable price tag does not require a compromise on quality or experience, rightly earning its place at the top of the UK's budget hotel rankings.
