Best Western Carlton Hotel

This was our first stay, but it won’t be the last. The hotel is really dog-friendly, which is hard to find in a clean, good hotel. We’ve stayed in some real grot holes, but this place is lovely and relaxing, with lots of gorgeous dogs and a welcoming feel. The staff are friendly, the room was great with a superior sea view, and everywhere was clean. A few things in the room are a little dated, but that wouldn’t put me off. The bathroom radiator couldn’t be adjusted and got VERY warm, though turning down the room radiator cooled the room. There’s a big TV with services like all4 and Netflix if you have an account. The food was amazing, with lots of choice and served HOT. You have to order your eggs unless you want scrambled, but they came quickly. Can’t wait to come back!

The hotel was very clean, and breakfast the next morning was lovely. The food was good too, especially the delicious chocolate brownie. Mike served us, and he deserves 5 stars. He was polite, charming and chatted with us for ages. He even showed us the dog treats they sell, which we were happy to buy from him. The gentleman who checked us in was lovely as well. But we wouldn’t stay again. We came for one night to see the Christmas lights. Our room was tiny and very dated, with hardly enough space to move around. The weather was awful, so I tried to dry the dog with the hairdryer, but it caught fire within seconds. The shower was like something from the Krypton Factor, comical but in need of replacement. At 8pm, there was a couple arguing and fighting in the room next door. Earlier, two bar staff had argued loudly behind the bar, where children and families could hear. The woman called Mike lazy, incompetent and unreliable, which I disagree with. I heard later that he was her boyfriend. She shouted at him and seemed to do nothing else. There was no professionalism, eye contact or customer service. It felt like a fight festival instead of a family hotel.

The location was good and there was on-site parking. Breakfast was great and the service was good too. The rooms are small, with the door opening straight against the bed. Some guests were running around noisily at night, so the soundproofing needs work.

We weren’t sure what to expect bringing our dog to Blackpool, but the Best Western Carlton Hotel was fabulous. The room was modern, spacious and very clean, the buffet breakfast was hot and delicious, and the staff were friendly and helpful. Our dog was made very welcome. There are two jars of biscuits and fresh water for pets in the foyer, and we could take our dog anywhere in the hotel. The restaurant even has tables with lovely sea views where he could join us. A big thank you to all the staff. We can’t wait to return. Five stars, and I wish I could give six.