Dixie Dean Hotel to Open across from The Shankly

Posted on 02.08.2017

Plans have been announced for the world’s first ‘Football Quarter’ based in none other than our home city, Liverpool.

Set to become neighbours, the Dixie Dean Hotel will open its doors across from The Shankly Hotel in celebration of Liverpool’s unique footballing culture.

The new luxury hotel will commemorate iconic Everton footballer William Ralph “Dixie Dean”.

An Everton fan as a child, Dean memorably scored a record 60 league goals during the 1927-28 season and was the first Everton player to wear the number-9 shirt.

Famously, when Dean died in 1980 at Everton’s home ground, Bill Shankly commented:

He belongs to the company of the supremely great, like Beethoven, Shakespeare and Rembrandt.

Fans visiting Liverpool or locals looking for an overnight stay in the city will be able to visit the quarter and choose between a stay at the Shankly or the Dixie Dean.

The two teams are very much ingrained in Liverpool’s history and culture. If you grew up in Liverpool, you’ll have spent many years in the school yard answering the age old question of whether you were “a red or blue”.

And whichever side you’re on, it’s the buzzing, friendly rivalry and passion that makes the city so great.

With plans well underway, work on the Dixie Dean will begin in September. And there’s plenty in store for you.

Football fans can look forward to seeing Liverpool’s gothic Jerome and Carlisle Buildings transformed into a luxury 100-bedroom hotel, echoing elements of the Shankly which have proven successful with guests.

Currently, overnight guests and restaurant diners at The Bastion Bar & Restaurant can enjoy an array of Bill Shankly memorabilia and exclusive stories interwoven around the rooms.

Fans can expect a similarly atmospheric feel to the Dixie Dean with history and character radiating from the striking venue. The hotel will be fitted with spacious, unique rooms and of course, memorabilia donated from the Dean family themselves.

Creating a huge variety of new jobs in Liverpool, the hotel will similarly include a bar and restaurant along with a wedding and events venue, expected to attract fans, locals and tourists from all around the world.

Ian Snodin, Melanie Prentice, Melanie’s daughter Scarlet, Ian St John

On Friday 28th July, we were delighted to welcome members of the Dean family to the launch and to hear their excitement surrounding the hotel.

Daughter of the Everton legend, Barbara expressed:

Dixie was great friends with Bill Shankly. They had an enduring friendship despite representing rival teams, so it’s good to see them commemorated side by side. It means their legends will live on.”

Granddaughter Melanie Prentice added:

The Dixie Dean hotel cements my grandfather’s status as a footballing icon, I couldn’t be prouder of the amazing plans for this hotel.

The Shankly Hotel has paved the way for a fresh take on hotels in Liverpool, giving generation after generation the chance to discover Liverpool’s history.

After growing such a fantastic venue in commemoration of Bill Shankly, it’s time to even the score in true red and blue style!