The Aberford

We came out of season while the new owners were updating some of the rooms. Everything looked clean and tidy, and we were surprised that breakfast plus unlimited tea and coffee while it was served were included. There are a couple of really good, cheap bars within walking distance too.

For what we paid, the room did what we needed, and the staff were lovely. We came to Blackpool mainly for the illuminations and Lightpool, so we only wanted a basic place to sleep and wash. The hotel is close to the main attractions, and booking directly at a reasonable price worked out fine despite my worries from some reviews. We arrived early hoping to leave our bags; a lovely young male staff member greeted us, and his manners were excellent when we saw him again at breakfast. Our room was ready, and a woman showed us in. The tea and coffee had been removed, but staff sorted that quickly and wiped the area down again. The room was a little worn and could use a spruce-up, with some patchy paint, but that was only cosmetic. The room, bed, sheets and bathroom were clean, all the fittings worked, and the electric shower had adequate pressure. There were plugs by a mirror, which you don't always get in hotels. Breakfast was included, adequate, and set us up for the day. It wasn't slow, and the woman serving was polite. A few things could be improved. The bed was fine, though a mattress topper would help. We heard some loud conversations from other guests, especially later at night, including language that wasn't ideal for a family room. Fortunately, that only happened the first night, and staff may have addressed it. The windows could use lined curtains to cut the draughts, even though the room was heated well by a large radiator. The windows were clean enough for old windows, and we kept the curtains shut. I'd also suggest a sign by the door or smoking area to remind people there are ground-floor rooms and to be considerate.

The rooms are basic, as you'd expect for the price, but ours was clean enough and the bed was comfortable. Noise from other guests was awful because the walls are so thin. Breakfast was a letdown too. We had bacon on the first morning, then turkey bacon for the next three, with no warning that it wouldn't be regular bacon. I booked the Aberford because of the good reviews for the full English, but it disappointed me, and I won't return.

I booked because the online reviews looked great, but they were misleading. We arrived and were shocked by how unhygienic and run down the room was, and it seemed to lack basic health and safety. The service was disgraceful. I wish I’d checked the photos people had posted. Don't book if you value yourself and your hard-earned money. I'd give it zero stars if I could.