Best Western Carlton Hotel

The U.K.'s answer to Vegas, Blackpool is a popular seaside resort. A little far from attractions, but across the street from miles of sandy beach, the family-run Carlton is one of the town's larger hotels, making it a popular pick among groups. Solid on-site dining also makes it a favorite among older couples preferring to stay put. Pastel exteriors here embrace traditional British seaside atmosphere, and extensive 2016 renovations make for a fresh, albeit generic finish indoors. The bar has more jazzy decor consisting of patterned carpeting, teal walls, and silver accents. Sea vistas in large lounge and restaurant areas are particularly valuable for those staying in rooms without beach views. The well-known chain moniker draws guests with the promise of reliable comfort, while family-run management provides a more welcome atmosphere. Night porters accommodate late arrivals, as reception closes around 10 p.m.

Surrounding hotels aren't the most attractive here, but panoramic sea vistas are unbeatable, and the hotel is just across the street from sands. The property sits north of Blackpool's main attractions, and while most are in walking distance, guests opt for easy trams, which stop right outside. Rides take five minutes for the North Pier and Blackpool Tower, and 17 minutes for Blackpool Pleasure Beach. They also run to the Sea Life Centre and Central Pier. Taxis are readily available. Concert and event venue, Winter Gardens is a 13-minute walk, as is Houndshill Shopping Centre. Restaurants become more plentiful towards the center. Blackpool North Rail Station is eight minutes on foot. Liverpool Airport is a 20-minute drive, or 25 minutes by public transport. Allow 90 minutes by car from Manchester Airport, and significantly longer by public transport.

Rooms renovated in 2016 have a serene palette of wood furniture, wood or carpeted floors, white bed linens topped with blue bed runners, and blue drapes. They come in reasonably sized Singles, Doubles, and Family Rooms. The latter two offer upgrades to Executive/Deluxe categories with huge statement Blackpool photography behind the beds, plus guaranteed sea views. Amenities include phones, flat-screen TVs, kettles for tea- and coffee-making, desks, and hairdryers, plus ironing facilities, slippers, and robes, in upgraded rooms. No mini-fridges, safes, or AC are provided, although reception stores valuables, and fans combat summer heat. A significant step leading to small bathrooms can take some getting used to, as can variable hot water temperatures, but bathrooms are clean. They come with showers or stand-alone tubs in some, as well as towels and toiletries. Being near a busy roundabout, traffic is audible in some rooms, but sea-facing ones are quieter. There's a fee for cribs. All rooms have free Wi-Fi.

Despite endless dining on the main drag, guests often dine on-site, and the restaurant's burgers, curries, salads, and grilled dishes are well-reviewed. Large, sea-facing windows draw the eye away from chain-like decor, which consists of plum-patterned carpeting and white-clothed tables. The more attractive bar serves all-day light bites alongside well-priced wines, spirits, coffees, and soft drinks. At a fee, the breakfast buffet has "Full English" cooked options, plus a good continental spread. There are no fitness or dedicated kids' facilities, but with so much a tram ride away, guests generally don't mind. Two meeting rooms hold 60 and 90 persons, respectively. On-site parking is plentiful, but at a fee. Wi-Fi is free throughout.