Boulevard Hotel Blackpool

BACKGROUND The £12 million newbuild Boulevard Hotel opened last summer. It is managed by Amanda Thompson OBE, who is also managing director of Blackpool Pleasure Beach, which was founded by her great-grandfather in 1896. Manchester Airport, served by Emirates, is an hour’s drive away.

W H AT ’ S IT LIKE? Set between the beach and the theme park, the hotel’s location is a real surprise. The entrance faces the theme park – turning the corner from the main road, we were almost in Blackpool Pleasure Beach itself.

For the most part, the sophisticated interiors are a world away from its whimsical setting. Doors open into a light, airy lobby, which leads on to the bar and eventually the restaurant. Thompson took a personal interest in the interior design – the hotel exudes a sense of warmth and care that comes from being a family business.

Interiors are in a palette of muted greys that is relaxed and smart, with interest added via texture on walls and fabrics, and artworks reference Blackpool. Furnishings, upholstery and wall coverings come from Ralph Lauren, designers Guild, Tetrad and Andrew Martin, while elegant lighting is by a local supplier. The hotel aims to cater to both leisure and business visitors drawn to events hosted in the town; I’d say it has been successful.

WHERE IS IT?

On Ocean Boulevard. The centre of Blackpool is ten minutes away by tram. Virgin Trains serves Preston from London Euston, with connections to Blackpool.

ROOMS There are 120 rooms including 18 suites, some of which have balconies overlooking the beach (and thus enjoying a fine sunset).

The rest of the rooms are organised into Executive (22 sqm), Deluxe Executive

(28 sqm) and Family (28 sqm) categories. All have a super-king bed or twin beds, 55-inch TVs, air conditioning and superfast wifi. Plug sockets include a USB port, there is a large safe, and the fridge is stocked with complimentary water. All rooms also have an iron/ironing board, hairdryer, bath and shower, and 24-hour room service is available.

My Executive twin room was plush and comfortable with a good selection of task and mood lighting. The bed gave me a good night’s sleep. Many rooms have sea or park views – I had the former, which was great for sunset but the park views are tremendous fun, too. There was a comfortable chair and a table beside the window, and a good-sized desk for work, next to which was a kettle. Wardrobe space was plentiful. The bathroom had marble surfaces, dark wood and a large mirror, and the over-bath shower was powerful.

FOOD AND DRINK The restaurant and bar have an opulent look and are worth visiting whether or not you are staying. The food was delicious, with the monkfish scampi in a light, crisp batter and wasabi and lime mayonnaise being particularly good. A buffet breakfast of hot and cold items is also served here as part of the room rate.

LEISURE There is a decent gym. Guests also get free entry to the park, with rides at an additional cost.

The sophisticated interiors are a world away from its whimsical setting

BUSINESS The hotel has an impressive conference centre with a welcome area and break-out spaces. Two larger rooms can be joined together to create space for 150 delegates banquet-style.

VERDICT The location is great, staff are friendly, rooms luxurious and comfortable and the restaurant is fine. Everything has been carefully considered and the business facilities are top-notch.