The Astor Hotel

I booked three rooms at The Astor Hotel, Blackpool, for two nights, and the experience was profoundly disappointing. The conditions caused considerable distress to my family and fell far below what was advertised on the hotel's website and Booking.com. On arrival, the property was visibly in disrepair and bore little resemblance to its online promotional images. Thick dust and an unpleasant smell throughout the building suggested poor routine maintenance and hygiene. The listing said on-site parking was available, but there was none. I had to leave my car on a nearby street, which was inconvenient and ultimately led to damage to my vehicle. For Room 1, the quadruple family room, there was no receptionist when we arrived. I had to call a mobile number to get into the building. There was no staff presence at reception at any point during the stay, making it extremely difficult to raise concerns or ask for help.

It's clean, the staff are lovely, and the price is very good. But the hotel is hotter than the sun. I was so worried about dying in the heat I might as well sleep in the car. No need for a hairdryer or clothes, but bring portable AC if you've got it.

The room smelled bad and the place felt more like a prison. I don't know when they took the photos, but it can't have been this decade. We booked two nights, then spent the second night in the car because we were so worried about catching something. The staff I did see didn't seem bothered or to care, and I'm not sure they speak English. Avoid this place.

The location is good, the lift worked well, and the TV and bed were good too. Inside, though, there was no welcome, just a number to call, and the hotel was very dark. Our room was nothing like the one we'd booked. It was small, with peeling paint, damp walls, dirty carpet, stained bathroom tiles, curtains hanging off, no hot water, and a smell of incense. Breakfast was only scrambled eggs and beans. We didn't trust eating there given the condition of the hotel.