Hotel Review
Location
The Boulevard Hotel is nestled between the beach and Pleasure Beach theme park on Blackpool’s Ocean Boulevard in South Shore. It‘s a 25 minute gentle stroll along the seafront from North Pier, with trams running along the promenade at up to 15 minute intervals and taking only ten minutes. The nearest tram stop is Burlington Road West, just across the road from the hotel.
There is also a Pleasure Beach tram stop but this is not quite as convenient as it is located at the opposite end of the theme park from the hotel. We travelled by train, arriving into Blackpool North on a direct Northern Rail service between York and Blackpool. From London, there are regular Avanti West Coast services from Euston to Blackpool North taking under three hours. For those arriving by car, the town is located just off the M55 motorway with ample parking at the hotel.
Arrival and check-in
As our bags were not too heavy we took the opportunity to enjoy some sea air and strolled along the pancake flat seafront to the hotel. The hotel’s entrance overlooks the theme park rides with the steel girders of ‘The Big One’ the UK’s tallest rollercoaster almost touching the edge of the building.
We received a warm and friendly welcome from the reception staff in the open plan lobby who quickly checked us into our room, took an interest in our plans for the weekend and offered maps and advice. We were also offered a wake up call and our choice of morning newspapers. As well as a welcoming bowl of fruit, I liked the idea of a dish of miniature pieces of Blackpool rock. For those of you who aren’t familiar with rock, it’s a type of hard stick shaped boiled sugar that’s been popular at the British seaside for generations.
The Room
We took one of the shiny new lifts up to our room on the third floor, the doors opening onto a sophisticated light wood corridor which had a Scandi feel. As soon as we entered our room, it all looked so wonderful, that we knew instantly we were going to enjoy our stay. Our deluxe executive room came with sea views, just perfect for watching the sunset over the Irish Sea.
There was a super king size bed and a whopping 55″ television which could be viewed without the need for my glasses, from both the bed and the large, comfortable sofa. Slipping between the crisp white bed linen felt so luxuriating, I was asleep in seconds.
The sumptuous Designers’ Guild furnishings oozed luxury and it felt heavenly as our feet sunk into the thick carpet. A wooden floor sub-divides the lounge and sleeping area and this works exceedingly well. Overlooking the floor to ceiling windows was a full height table and chairs, with a coffee table in front of the sofa and a dressing table/ desk against the wall. Ticking the box for me were the large number of plug sockets, each with USB sockets, just what we all need to charge our numerous electronic devices.
Near to the door were a set of coat hooks, another useful addition as often when we have to hang our coats in the wardrobe, it leaves little room for anything else. A cleverly designed dressing area contains hanging space where a pair of cosy dressing gowns were ready for our use. There’s also a hairdryer, iron, ironing board and a large digitally operated safe big enough to store a laptop.
Next to the wardrobe we found a well stocked hospitality tray with a selection of teas, coffee and hot chocolate, not to mention irresistible packets of Scottish shortbread. Thoughtfully, the fridge had been stocked with a generous supply of milk and complimentary bottles of Voss water.
Next to the dressing area, the opulently appointed marble bathroom featured twin basins, an over bath high powered rainfall shower, range of luxury toiletries and a generous supply of luxuriously thick towels.
Dining
The opulently furnished restaurant has an informal air serving an all day menu and during the evenings a la carte. A buffet breakfast is available each morning and after being shown to a window table, we tucked into a selection of fresh fruit, yoghurt and cheese followed by the ‘Full Lancashire’ which was cooked to perfection. We were in no hurry to leave and relaxed sipping our coffee whilst catching up on the news in the Sunday papers.
The Facilities
The spacious entrance lobby leads into the bar and restaurant which has lots of comfortable armchairs and sofas overlooking the sea. Art work adorning the walls relates to the adjoining Pleasure Beach and seaside with pictures and sketches of heritage carousels, roller coasters and performers on display.
To one side of the lobby, a door leads into a fully equipped gym.
Out and About
The town has plenty to offer whatever the time of year and with a tram stop just across the road there’s no need to use the car. 24 hour public transport tickets cost £6. We actually downloaded the BPL Transport App to our phones, reducing the fare to £5.60.
Breathe in the fresh air with a walk along the promenade, and go up the famous Blackpool Tower for views as far as the Lake District on clear days. Take to the floor of the Tower Ballroom and dream you’re on Strictly Come Dancing then spend an evening at the theatre. We timed our visit to coincide with a visit to the stunning Grand Theatre to see the Nutcracker performed by the Russian State Ballet and with the Opera House also nearby, there’s a varied programme of plays, musicals and shows to enjoy in the resort.
Overall
The hotel gets a big thumbs up from us, everything about our stay had been perfect, from the warm welcome on arrival to our gorgeous room, relaxing lounges and delicious breakfast offerings. It’s the sort of hotel that you want to linger in and not want to leave. All the staff we came into contact with were efficient and helpful, clearly taking a pride in the hotel and their roles within it.
The Boulevard Hotel opened in June 2019 at a cost of £12m and is just what Blackpool needed to attract discerning guests to the resort. The world famous Blackpool Pleasure Beach theme park is on the doorstep, home to the UK’s tallest rollercoaster ‘The Big One’ as well as the classic Big Dipper wooden rollercoaster which I vividly remember taking rides on in my thrill seeking days along with the more sedate Log Flume.
The hotel features 120 rooms and 18 suites, most with either a sea or theme park view. Just in case you’re wondering, the rooms are all soundproofed so although you can see all the action from the hotel windows, guests are not disturbed by noise. It was tantalising, staying so close to the theme park and it not yet having opened for the season, that I now have an urge to return to re-live my youth and enjoy a rush of adrenaline on some of these iconic rides once more. The park opens at weekends from 15th February with half price offers until 29th March.
Details:
The Boulevard Hotel, Ocean Boulevard, Blackpool FY4 1PL. Tel: 01253 336073
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We were guests of The Boulevard Hotel and as always all views and opinions are entirely my own.
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