Queens Promenade Hotel

This exterior of this restored Victorian townhouse is nothing to shout about, sandwiched between competitor hotels, with car spaces and a small outdoor paved patio area for guests that want to brave the fresh Blackpool sea breeze. As guests enter, there’s a cozy sun lounge to the right, with large tartan upholstered armchairs for relaxing with a promenade view. A corridor leads to a small reception counter and huge bar and lounge area, with a wooden dance floor, for late night boogies to live music, which is hosted regularly by the hotel depending on the time of year. Despite the entertainment on offer, this hotel is peaceful and relaxed, and hen and stag parties aren't allowed as they are at other properties in Blackpool. Instead, the hotel is frequented by holidaying families and elderly couples. Unlike many other older hotels in the area, there is elevator access to all floors. 

The Queens Promenade Hotel is located on a quiet seafront strip in Blackpool that's largely populated with competitor hotels. The town is a popular destination for English summer holidays. Guests are across the road from Blackpool Beach and the beachfront promenade, and a six-minute drive from the well-known Blackpool Tower, that was opened on the verge of the 20th century and stands 158 meters tall (518 feet). For those seeking bars and clubs, Talbot Square is a five-minute drive, but be prepared -- this is a popular pick for hen and stag parties. Blackpool Pleasure Beach, a lively amusement park and favorite spot with the families that frequent the hotel, is 12 minutes away by car, or 26 minutes by tram. The tram stop is one-minute away from the hotel on foot. Blackpool’s main train station, Blackpool North, is a five-minute drive from the hotel, and Manchester Airport is just over one hour away by car, or two hours away by train. 

The hotel’s 26 rooms have a fresh floral scent and a straightforward maroon and white color scheme. Rooms are simple and well-kept, ranging from Single to Family Rooms, all featuring a blend of modern and dated accents. Striped curtains aren't the most attractive, but brightly colored floral or figurative prints brighten up the otherwise bland walls. Rooms have industrial-style carpets and light wood veneer, Ikea-style furniture. Front rooms feature promenade and sea views, while rooms at the rear of the building only look onto neighboring buildings. Overall, rooms provide homey comfort, with memory foam mattresses, flat-screen TVs, and free high speed Wi-Fi. The hotel's warm hospitality comes through with thoughtful extras like a free bottle of water and biscuits on the coffee- and tea tray, replenished daily. While bathrooms are clean and modern, most are cramped, with little floor space for drying off or using the sink -- all have shower/tub combos and some have sinks external to the bathroom. Trams are audible from some sea facing rooms, but not loud enough to cause a ruckus.

A warm and inviting hotel that’s in tune with its guests, the Queens Promenade Hotel offers a much raved about, free, cooked-to-order English breakfast, as well as fresh juice, cereals, and a morning brew for breakfast. The on-site lounge bar hosts regular live music acts during certain times of year, and there’s a free pool table to keep guests amused on those bracing Blackpool winter nights. During warmer months, the terrace is available for drinks as well. The hotel has free on-site and off-site parking and there is free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.