Village Hotel Blackpool

The bar prices were the one real downside. Two double G&Ts cost £25, or £27 before the 10% app discount, even though the gin was the same and other drinks, like lager or Guinness, weren't priced consistently from one order to the next. A pint of diet coke was £5 when a bottle from their vending machine costs £2.50. Beer wasn't too bad, just a little above normal, but those other prices are hard to justify. I'm all for making a profit, but that's daylight robbery. Still, the place was gorgeous, in stunning surroundings. Breakfast was delicious, the facilities were great and the staff amazing. I could hardly fault it otherwise, and the room was nice. The single bed was a bit small, but it didn't matter for my two-night stay.

The hotel has lovely, well-kept gardens and a great big car park. It's close to the zoo and park, and only nine minutes from Blackpool seafront. We used the leisure facilities, which were clean, and the food was great. We had a lovely stay and I'd definitely go again.

The pub and grill was a little pricey, and when we went, service was very slow, though the food was okay once it came. Breakfast staff struggled during the busy period too, with cooked items and juice often running out. Even so, it's a lovely hotel by Blackpool Zoo, with plenty of parking and friendly staff at check-in. Our room was spacious and the bed very comfortable. There's lots to do on site, including lovely indoor and outdoor pools. Check when the pool is busy, as it can fill up. The golf course looked nice, but we didn't get to use it this time. I'd recommend staying here and will book again when I'm in the area, perhaps eating at quieter times.

The breakfast was bright, cheerful and well organised, with coordinated staff and a good range of fresh, good-quality food. One small suggestion: staff greeting guests could ask for their names instead of their room numbers, then connect the two and use the name. It makes arrival feel more personal and helps guests feel recognised and valued, a technique some of the best hotels use very effectively. The hotel restaurant and pub offer a wide range of food and drink, and the staff were helpful. I contacted the hotel before my visit to ask for a late checkout, and they granted it automatically until 13:00. I appreciated that, and my privacy during that time was respected. The young woman who checked me out was very warm and friendly. Earlier, I left my keycard in the room as a test of the replacement process. They verified my personal details before issuing another key, which gave me confidence in the security. Room 469 was modern, high quality and had a nice view over the grounds. The large bed, with both a double and a king, was extremely comfortable, thanks to its thick duvet and substantial mattress topper, almost like another duvet. I could control or switch off the heating, and open the window for fresh air. There was a large flat-screen TV, desk and small comfortable chair. The Wi-Fi was strong, and I slept very comfortably without disturbance. The bathroom was a good enough size, with a large separate shower and a bathtub. Toiletries and towels were good quality, though the soap, shampoo and other items couldn't be reached from the bath. The decor was coordinated and modern. The spa is one of the highlights, with large indoor and outdoor pools and an indoor hot tub at a comfortable temperature. The pool area had been refurbished since my last visit and felt calm and relaxing. Staff were attentive, and the area felt secure. The hotel is clearly set up for families, with ample parking. The initial check-in was smooth, with helpful staff, clear directions to the lift and breakfast times explained. The room-numbering system is peculiar, with the first digit relating to the floor, which can be confusing, though signage is generally good. This three-star-plus hotel generally delivered a five-star experience for quality and customer service. It was a pleasure to return.