Following the success of Liverpool being the European Capital Culture in 2008, the Liverpool Tourism board is now attempting to re-brand the city as the Capital of Conferencing. But is it is a claim with any substance?

There is no doubt that with the opening of the BT Convention Centre (part of the ACC Arena which sits proudly on the famous waterfront next to Albert Dock) that this has shot Liverpool up the league table of conference hosting cities, but it still has some way to go to reach the pinnacle. You only have to look at the schedules of, for example, the NEC in Birmingham; Excel in London Docklands and even Manchester Central, in Manchester.

Yes, strides have been made and it is a great coup for Liverpool that the city will be hosting the Liberal Democrats conference accommodation (September 18-22), and Serviced City Pads looks forward to the influx of Lib Dems planning to stay in Liverpool accommodation during their stay – whether that is a hotel in Liverpool or a corporate apartment in Liverpool. But once you go beyond this particular conference, it isn’t a heavily packed conference season at the BT convention centre and this suggests that maybe Liverpool is still struggling to attract the large conference that other cities do. Of course, these rival cities have had something of a head start on Liverpool and we expect that the city will continue to make progress over the forthcoming years, and that the Liverpool hotels and apartment operators will really begin to benefit from conference delegates visiting Liverpool in the future.

At Serviced City Pads, a company that specialises in booking short stay apartments, the conference accommodation opportunity currently remains bigger in places like Manchester, Birmingham and London. Much of this is because they are more established. We also believe that once conference organisers re-discover Liverpool, they will find a thriving city keen to do business and look after it’s visitors. Once people have stayed in Liverpool for the first time, we find that they are enthused about returning for a second and third time. Most cities aren’t lucky enough to have that appeal.

If you are planning to book conference accommodation in Liverpool (or any other UK city) call Serviced City Pads on 0844 335 8866 and we will be delighted to find you the best accommodation at the best price.

But can Liverpool really claim to be the Capital of Conferencing? No, not yet. But it is certainly making strides in the right direction.

There are many reasons for being away from home such as being on holiday or working away for a while, but your requirements for accommodation will remain the same whatever the purpose of your visit. Essentially you will consider the cost of the accommodation, the location and the comfort provided. Many people automatically think that a hotel is the cheaper option but in many cases an apartment works out much cheaper. If you are on holiday with the family in a busy city such as Liverpool the hotels in Liverpool will charge much more for a family room than if you were to select an apartment.

A hotel room also has other negative impacts such as a lack of space and privacy which is essential for most families. It is often the case that a family decides to book a cramped room in one of the hotels in Liverpool thinking that you will only be in the room to sleep, as you will be sightseeing all day. The reality is often different, especially if the weather is bad or if one of the family is feeling ill, you may need to spend some time in the room.

Here at Serviced City Pads we have many apartments that are suitable for a family or large party of people sharing, all with stylish interiors and plenty of space offering the chance for a little privacy. Your dining options will enjoy greater flexibility too as all our apartments enjoy a fully equipped kitchen with dining space.

A major exhibition by Pablo Picassso entitled “Picasso – Peace and Freedom” has opened at Tate Liverpool in the world famous Albert Dock, and runs until 30th August 2010.

This exhibitions brings together over 150 pieces by the master artist and is sure to be a hit with tourists who are staying in Liverpool during the summer months.

Picasso is seen here as a political activist, a communist through and through and a campaigner for peace. He was clearly more than a playboy genius.

Tickets can be bought in advance for £10. It is worth booking ahead to avoid disappointment as this is one of the major events in Liverpool’s cultural calendar and is sure to be top of many Liverpool visitors list.

When you plan your Liverpool city break, be sure to contact www.servicedcitypads.com as we have a wide range of Liverpool city centre serviced apartments, an alternative to staying in a hotel in Liverpool. Serviced apartments in Liverpool offer spacious accommodation and are great value – particularly for families who don’t feel that staying in a Liverpool hotel offers them the right type of location. A serviced apartment with a modern kitchen will enable you to cook family meals at your own convenience without being tied down to a hotel. Cooking for the family will also save money v staying in a Liverpool hotel. Once you return from the Picasso exhibition you will be able to relax in a spacious living room and watch a DVD of your choice – whether that’s a film or something for the kids. The choice is yours!

We find that most people who decide to book a serviced apartment for the fist time are so glad that they have done so. They often never look back and tend to stay in a short stay apartment instead of a hotel room whenever they go on UK city breaks in the future.

Serviced apartments Liverpool are fantastic alternatives to Liverpool hotels whether you are visiting Liverpool on business or pleasure. To see the choice of available apartments just go to www.servicedcitypads.com.

Liverpool has famously rebuilt its splendour since the late 1990s to become a thriving city that is the centre for many businesses as well as a popular tourist centre. Liverpool is easily reached from anywhere in the United Kingdom by road or rail and is convenient for visitors wherever you live. Many people come to Liverpool to see the home of the Beatles who became famous in the sixties and all the places that are associated with the Beatles such as The Cavern and Penny Lane. There are many other places of interest in Liverpool for you to visit whether you are visiting for a weekend or a month.

Liverpool is also easily reached from many overseas locations with John Lennon airport being convenient for many flights. There is also a wealth of Liverpool airport hotels to choose from although these can work out to be inconvenient and expensive, depending upon your length of stay and purpose of your visit to Liverpool.

Liverpool airport hotels are convenient but can also be very busy and distracting places which is not conducive to good business. Anyone who is thinking of staying in Liverpool on a business trip may prefer accommodation in the centre of Liverpool which will provide peaceful surroundings as well as home comforts, enabling you to relax whilst you work.

Here at Serviced City Pads we offer a wide range of serviced apartments in Liverpool that are suitable for business or for a party of visitors in search of fun in Liverpool. Our apartments can also work out much cheaper than Liverpool airport hotels as well as being much more convenient.

Hotels in Liverpool are currently a popular choice of accommodation. There are many reasons for this popularity but it is likely in the future this will change. Travellers are beginning to realise they have more options when looking for accommodation in this city.

Hotels offer guests a safe space all of their own where they can unpack, unwind and sleep. Hotels can provide visitors with a place to stay for however long they require and can be booked in advance, so travellers have peace of mind before travelling. Hotels also offer those staying with them somewhere clean and comfortable to spend their time. Their furniture may be basic but is normally adequate and standard facilities are also commonly available.

Hotels in Liverpool are popular because they provide visitors to the city with standard accommodation, and this is just what many travellers automatically expect to stay when taking a trip.

However, serviced apartments in Liverpool can provide visitors with all that hotels can and even more. They provide guests with somewhere spacious, comfortable, safe and clean where they can make their own little piece of home whilst they are away. Serviced apartments can be booked in advance and with a range of apartments available, can be tailored to your individual wants and needs. Luxury serviced apartments in Liverpool are also fully furnished and many offer a high quality and luxurious environment.

At Serviced City Pads, we urge those which normally stay in hotels in Liverpool to explore our collection of apartments instead. Our serviced apartments are convenient and luxurious and are available for all budgets.

Liverpool is a vibrant and current city offering visitors a great deal to see, do and experience. Many arrive in the city each day for a trip of business or pleasure and therefore require accommodation.

There are numerous hotels in Liverpool available, and this may be the most obvious option when looking for somewhere to stay. However, this may not be the best solution when looking for accommodation in Liverpool.

Hotels can be extremely expensive and may not even offer you a great deal for your money. If travelling on a smaller budget, cheap hotels in Liverpool may be an option but accommodation of this kind can be even more disappointing.

Common issues with cheap hotels are small and basic bedrooms, basic facilities, and unappetising food. For many, the majority of affordable Liverpool hotels just don’t provide a comfortable and inviting place to stay.

Serviced apartments offer city visitors something different and very special. Serviced apartments in Liverpool are spacious, luxuriously decorated and come fitted with everything a guest may need for a relaxing and enjoyable stay. Apartments of this kind are located conveniently throughout Liverpool and are available for all budgets too.

We at Serviced City Pads have a collection of stunning properties available in Liverpool. Our serviced apartments have all been developed thoughtfully to provide guests with somewhere comfortable and luxurious to stay. Explore our range of luxury serviced apartments in Liverpool and you will surely find the type of accommodation you are looking for.

Serviced City Pads, the serviced apartment booking company set up in Liverpool in 2007 initially had the aim of booking serviced apartments for corporate stays in Liverpool as well as people spending a weekend in Liverpool with family and friends. Over the last 2.5 years Serviced City Pads has grown it’s apartment listings across the UK to include serviced apartments London, short stay apartments Edinburgh, Birmingham conference apartments amongst many other UK cities. 

Despite the obvious advantages of staying in a serviced apartment v a Liverpool hotel, many corporate clients still prefer to stay in a hotel in Liverpool (or any other city that they happen to be staying in). The main reason for this is that most Liverpool city centre hotels have a bar and restaurant where the guest can relax after a tough day in the office.

It has become clear that Serviced City Pads should be offering a choice to it’s corporate guests. By offering Hotels in Liverpool as well as Liverpool serviced apartments (it would make sense for the company to start this work in Liverpool and then manchester as it is in these cities where the organic google rankings are best). Other UK cities will follow if the company enjoys success by offering hotels and serviced apartments.

Chris Rose, Managing Director at Serviced City Pads commented, “We feel that our conversion rates into bookings from corporate enquiries will increase if we can offer our customer hotels as well as apartments. The same applies to tourists. Some prefer to stay in a Liverpool hotel during their stay, whilst others prefer the additional space of an apartment. The more choice we offer our customer, the more chance we have of increasing their loyalty to our company. There is a danger that by concentrating solely on offering serviced apartments that we disappoint customers who want to stay in a hotel - of course, some guests may be happy to stay in a holiday apartment when booking a stay with their family, but then want to reserve a hotel room in Liverpool city centre when they are working away from home alone.

Liverpool now has a fantastic offering in terms of new city centre hotels. Novotel and Hilton both recently opened new hotels near to the Liverpool One retail area, plus Base2Stay Liverpool – a boutique hotel in the Ropewalks regeneration district - will be opening in the Summer of 2010. There are also many other options for the Liverpool visitor.

Listing hotels in Manchester also represents a big opportunity for Serviced City Pads, and this is something that will happen towards the end of 2010.

We will be delighted to speak with all General Managers of Liverpool city centre hotels about listing their properties with us and let them know what we can do for them.”

For further information about listing your hotel or serviced apartments with us please call Serviced City Pads on 0844 335 8866 and ask for Chris.

October 9th 2010 would have been the 70th birthday of Liverpool icon, indeed global icon, John Lennon. It is 30 years since Lennon was murdered outside his New York apartment building and  the city has celebrated his life since. Lennon’s city of birth now plans a 2 month festival of music, poetry and film, starting on what would have been his 70th birthday.

Many people will see this as an opportunistic stance taken by a Liverpool City Council that is happy to encourage even more Beatles tourists visiting Liverpool on the back of fairly tenuous link. 

Others will argue that is is fitting for Liverpool to celebrate the life of one of it’s most famous sons. Where else, and who else, could such a celebration be carried out?

Chris Rose, Managing Director at Serviced City Pads said, “Whatever people think, this 2 month celebration will increase the number of tourists visiting Liverpool and that can only be a good thing for the local economy. We expect to be booking accommodation in Liverpool for visitors from as fay away as the USA and Japan. The reality is that the Beatles brand is the biggest pull that Liverpool as a city has. Something that places like Manchester, Leeds and Bristol can only dream of. Many snipers will say that scousers are over sentimental and flog a dead horse. I simply don’t think this is the case.

This is more great news for the new hotels in Liverpool that have opened over the last 12 months, including the Hilton Liverpool and Novotel, as well as the Liverpool city centre serviced apartments.

Liverpool can’t rely on corporate travellers in the same way that Manchester can, so it is the leisure side of the tourist market that it really needs to take advantage of.

The Liverpool economy has suffered on the back of LFC’s dismal early exit from this season’s Champions league – evenings where Liverpool hotels and apartments alike where full of Irish and Norwegian reds fans.

The 2 month extravaganza that will showcase John Lennon and pay tribute to the man and his will act as a timely boost to businesses in the city.”

Serviced City Pads is the professional booking company that is based in Liverpool city centre. It has serviced apartments listed across the UK and deals with both corporate and leisure stays. If you would like to know more about serviced apartments as an alternative to staying in a hotel, then please call 0844 335 8866 and ask for Chris Rose. To get a better idea of the types of apartments that we have available for your stay then please go to www.servicedcitypads.com.

Serviced City Pads, the serviced apartment booking company is working with Liverpool taxi company E2A cabs. The deal sees E2A offering discounted fares to Serviced City Pads customers on pre-booked black hackney cabs from Liverpool John Lennon airport into either Liverpool or Manchester city centres. Customers simply have to call or email E2A prior to arrival in Liverpool and quote SCP1 to receive a 10% discount. As well as saving customers money this initiative should also help guests to save time and beat the queues at the airport. As a customer of Serviced City Pads you will receive full details of how to order your airport taxi on your booking confirmation.

Chris Rose, Managing Director at Serviced City Pads commented, “We deal with many customers who fly into Liverpool and are staying in either Liverpool or Manchester city centre – particularly groups of football supporters from Ireland who organise cheap flights into Liverpool and then head the short distance up the M62 to Manchester. It made sense for us to be able to offer these customers a chance to pre-book a taxi that would save them time and money before heading off to their serviced apartment.

We are working on a number of initiatives with E2A that we hope to announce in the coming weeks.    

Serviced City Pads has serviced apartments listed across the UK and works with both the corporate and leisure sectors of the accommodation market.

If you would like to discuss potential business opportunities with Serviced City Pads please call 0844 335 8866 and ask for Chris Rose. Why not take a look at our website www.servicedcitypads.com to get an understanding of who we are and what we do.

It is great news that Sir Robin Knox-Johnston has agreed to be Chairman of the steering group that will oversee the running of the Liverpool Boat Show 2011. Sir Robin was recently quoted as saying, “I have had the pleasure of experiencing Liverpool’s sheer love of yachts and all things connected to the sea through my association with the Clipper Round the World yacht race, the Tall Ships event, and Liverpool’s year of the sea.” 

The Liverpool boat show will run from April 29th to May 8th 2011 with boats being exhibited at the Albert Dock, Salthouse Dock and Canning Dock – these make up the largest number of Grade 1 listed buildings in the UK and form part of Liverpool’s famous waterfront adjacent to the incredible Three Graces.

It seems strange that Liverpool, a city with such a rich boating and maritime history, hasn’t had such an eventy on it’s calendar before 2011. The staging of this event heralds another leap forward by a city that was in tatters 20 years ago. Liverpool’s economic progress has been rapid and the city was recently celebrated as European Capital city of Culture in 2008, and the city celebrated in style.  

It is claimed that the Liverpool boat show will become an annual event which will inject Millions of Pounds into the Liverpool economy.

Chris Rose, Owner at Serviced City Pads said, “This is another fantastic shot in the arm for the Liverpool economy, with upwards of half a million additional people visiting Liverpool each year for the Boat Show. Of course, for a company like Serviced City Pads it is great news. We will be able to offer great deals for visitors to stay in hotels in Liverpool as well as serviced apartments in Liverpool. As well as organising accommodation for paying visitors we will also be speaking to the exhibiting boat companies as well as the event organisers to arrange Liverpool hotels and apartments for their staff staying in Liverpool for the duration of the show.”

Serviced City Pads works with the vast majority of serviced apartment operators in Liverpool as well as many other cities across the UK. During 2010 we will also be adding a hotel offering that will complement our already wide range of serviced apartments. This is great news for the Serviced City Pads customer who will have an increased choice across a wider range of accommodation.

Serviced City Pads can be contacted on 0844 335 8866 to discuss your accommodation requirements. Alternatively, visit us at www.servicedcitypads.com.