Blackpool June 2017
Time again for our annual trip to the UKs Benidorm. One big difference you don’t go to Blackpool for the weather. However, we love it as it doesn’t take a day to get there and sometimes you indeed get good weather and this year we did. All week in sizzling sunny high seventies temperature.
This year we were trying a new accommodation. For many years since its conversation from a pub we stayed at the Travelodge opposite the north pier. The rooms and breakfast were lovely but most important to us the location was ideal. Nice and central near all the places we liked visiting the most. The Tower, Winter Gardens, Opera House, Houndshill Centre and the two Wetherspoon pubs the Albert and the Lion and the Layton Rakes both serving excellent evening meals in lavish surroundings. Unfortunately the Travelodge three years ago was taken over by the Ibis Group. We tried it at double the price and half the facilities now on offer – massive rip-off. So we tried an hotel on the north promenade. Good but too far away from the centre. Last year a B&B near Funny Girls. Once again good but in need of a facelift.
So early this year I researched Tripadvisor and booking.com guides for recommended accommodation in the central area. The trouble with hotels in this area especially around the Tower is they tend to cater for groups of hen and stag parties. No sleep in any of those. After two days of diligence I found the Craimar Hotel, 32 Hull Road, Blackpool FY1 4QB (01253 622185). It ticked all my boxes. So a twin room with daily breakfast was booked. This year we decided to go on the train which we found to be no problem in fact more enjoyable than the car.
We arrived at the Craimar mid afternoon to be met by Paula who immediately took our luggage and showed us to Room 8 up a couple of flight of steps. We were given three keys, one for the room the other two for the main and inner ground floor doors. On surveying the room it was of standard size and clean (Check box). Beds comfy (Check), Bathroom lovely with lots of toiletries (Check), TV and radio with alarm (Check), Fan (Check), small fridge (Check), hairdryer (Check), ironing board (Check). All boxes checked – I think we have found The Place.
Anyway come morning breakfast. Nice pleasant room on ground floor. I ordered a Full Monty. On a large plate was two of sausages, eggs, fried bread, lots of mushrooms, beans, plum tomatoes and locally made black-pudding with lashings of HP brown sauce. A feast fit for King Adrian. Complimented by superb service.
On an evening after sun, fun filled days we strolled back to the hotel. The bar was open and we spent an hour or so with Paula her partner Craig and other guests once again in a lovely room complete with pool table. We have found Shangri -la. Will book again and would highly recommend if your boxes check ours.
As you can see from the photos we had a fabulous time in wonderful weather.
