THESE are the first pictures of the £55m Hilton Liverpool which opens on November 17. The hotel overlooks Chavasse Park and is a cornerstone of the Liverpool One development.

Built on the site of the old customs house, the hotel reflects the city’s trading and maritime history.

Its main bar is the Pima bar, named after a high-grade American cotton, while cotton is used in glass wall panels and buds are the inspiration of the design of the light fittings in the main entrance.

The River Mersey has also provided inspiration to the hotel’s designers, with artwork behind the hotel reception illustrating the river’s path, and the rose wood floor sweeping through the reception area.

It goes up to the main banqueting room on the first floor, the Grace Suite, which can be split into three separate rooms.

General manager Marcus Magee said: "Liverpool has a reputation for style and individuality. Here at Hilton Liverpool, we have done our best to exceed the high expectations of this great city."

The hotel will initially employ 180 staff, which will increase to more than 200.

It has been planned for more than four years, although Hilton had been targeting the city for some time before then.

"Hilton has been looking to move into Liverpool for many years now and it’s just fantastic that vision has come to reality," added Mr Magee. "We are very proud to be associated with Liverpool. I think we will help each other – if Liverpool is busy, then all the businesses within Liverpool are busy.

"We have high expectations of not just ourselves but working with other business partners to make that vision come true."