East Park Drive, Blackpool, United Kingdom | (888) 551-4925
Set in extensive grounds with country retreat feel
Located within 10 minutes' drive of Blackpool Pleasure Beach and the M55
Full 18-hole golf course with 12 water features and a bar at the 18th hole
Modern yet homey rooms all include bathtubs and free Wi-Fi
Extensive leisure facilities include two pools, spa, and tennis and squash courts
Popular old-fashioned Italian-American restaurant
Ample on-site parking free of charge
Starbucks on-site
Rooms lack air-conditioning
Small windows in rooms
Fee to use spa facilities
Limited swimming hours for children (pro for some)
The Village Urban Resort Blackpool is an upscale, country retreat surrounded by extensive grounds and an 18-hole golf course, located 10 minutes' drive from Blackpool Pleasure Beach. A huge 2011 renovation modernized all areas of the hotel, including its 172 rooms -- all of which are cozy, but can lack natural light and feel stuffy (there's no air-conditioning). The range of facilities is very impressive, especially for the sports lover, and the two pools are a good size. Rates aren't cheap, but guests get a lot of bang for their buck, and there's nothing comparable in the area.
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Scene
A '90s country retreat surrounded by lush landscaped grounds
Set in 230 acres of picturesque heathland and lake estate, the Village Urban Resort feels like a real country retreat, albeit one built in the early '90s. The estate includes an 18-hole golf course, which takes up of most of its grounds, while the main building is also surrounded by swathes of manicured lawns, pretty flowerbeds, and an abundance of trees and shrubbery. A 2011 £6 million renovation can be seen throughout the property, nowhere more so than the low-lit, moodily decorated lobby area, with plump gray sofas, gray plaid carpeting, and black faux-reptile skin circular banquette. Hallways are more bright and colorful, and feel mismatched with the reception area, but do provide a welcome splash of color.
Location
Within 10 minutes' drive of the M55 and Blackpool Pleasure Beach
The hotel is located at the end of a private drive, just off of a main road leading out of Blackpool, on England's northwest coast. Being situated just 10 minutes' drive from the M55 highway means the location is convenient for people arriving by car, however public transport links are limited. Blackpool Zoo is just next door, and Stanley Park is a 10-minute stroll away. Blackpool's famous seaside and Pleasure Beach is also about a 10-minute drive away, while Blackpool International Airport is 15 minutes away by car.
Rooms
Modern yet homey rooms all include bathtubs and free Wi-Fi
The hotel has 172 rooms, all of which benefitted from the 2011 renovation project. Decor is modern yet homey, with matching striped carpets and bedclothes, and contemporary furnishings. Rooms come with Sealy Posturepedic beds, while technology includes free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs with satellite channels. Smart, modern bathrooms all have bathtubs and showers, though toiletries are wall-mounted and generic. Rooms lack air-conditioning and, although there is a fan, can get hot in the summer. Windows also tend to be a bit small so there's not a lot of natural light.
Features
Excellent range of facilities includes indoor and outdoor pools and tennis and squash courts
The hotel features a full 18-hole golf course with manicured fairways and a dozen water features to make things challenging, as well as a driving range, gold hop, and a bar overlooking the 18th hole. Excellent health and fitness facilities include a large gym, large indoor and outdoor pools, spa area, sauna and steam room, and even tennis and squash courts. Access to the gym is free, but there's a fee for access to the spa facilities. Dining comes in the form of Buca di Beppo, decorated in the style of an old-fashioned Italian-American New York eatery and serving mostly pizza and pasta. The Victory Pub and Kitchen serves drinks and specializes in burgers, while there is also a Starbucks on-site. Ample parking is also available on-site for guests free of charge.
