Tag: Hospitality

Ribby Hall Village & Spa Hotel

Twenty-five years ago, the Harrison family began developing what has since become one of the UK’s most popular holiday destinations. In the mid-1990s, they acquired a partly developed, dilapidated caravan site in Wrea Green, Lancashire. At the time, the 100-acre plot contained a few rundown caravans and some old cowsheds, but its potential was undeniable. Today, Ribby Hall Village, still under the ownership of the Harrison family, welcomes over a million visitors annually and has become a favourite for families, individuals, and businesses alike. The transformation of Ribby Hall Village began in 1994 with the construction of 175 cottages, 350… Read more »

The Cliffs Hotel

The Cliffs Hotel occupies a prominent position on Queen’s Promenade in the North Shore area of the town. Built in 1921, the hotel is an impressive example of Baroque-style architecture, featuring a striking combination of red brick and yellow terracotta. Its distinctive gables, adorned with horizontal stripes, add to its architectural charm. Currently owned by Choice Hotels Ltd, the Cliffs offers 160 bedrooms, maintaining its reputation as a significant destination for visitors. In 1936–37, architect Halstead Best undertook a major expansion of the hotel, including the addition of an underground car park. By this time, the property had grown to… Read more »

The Savoy Hotel

The Savoy Hotel, situated just north of Gynn Square, stands as a fine example of early 20th-century hospitality architecture. Constructed in 1915, this iconic establishment belongs to a series of grand red-brick and red-terracotta hotels built around the turn of the century. Designed by architect T. G. Lumb, the Savoy Hotel’s bold and sophisticated design not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also underscores the durability of its materials. In 1935, the hotel underwent a notable expansion with the addition of a sun lounge, crafted from Hathern’s cream faience. This enhancement, executed by T. G. Lumb in collaboration with architect… Read more »

The Imperial Hotel

The Imperial Hotel, originally part of the Puma Hotels Collection, is a distinguished 4-star establishment situated on the northern promenade. Established in 1867, this magnificent Victorian red-brick building was erected on the site of what was once Claremont Park before its conversion into a hotel. Over its long history, the hotel has seen multiple changes in ownership. It was managed by Barceló Hotels for many years before being taken over by The Hotel Collection in June 2014. In 2017, the hotel embarked on a new chapter when it was acquired by Singapore’s Fragrance Group for £12.8 million. Famed for its… Read more »

The Viking Hotel

The Viking Hotel in Blackpool, established in 1924, has been a significant fixture on the town’s South Shore for nearly a century. Built during a period of significant growth in Blackpool, the hotel was designed to meet the needs of an increasing number of tourists flocking to the seaside resort. From its early years, the Viking Hotel has been known for offering high-quality accommodations and a range of amenities. As Blackpool developed into a major destination for entertainment and leisure, the Viking Hotel played a key role by hosting various events and performances. Within the hotel, “The Talk of the… Read more »

Queens (Hydro) Hotel South Shore

The Queen’s Hotel, established in 1852, holds a prominent place as a historical landmark in South Shore, boasting a rich and diverse past. Initially constructed as a hotel, it provided accommodation and amenities to travellers, showcasing the spacious and refined architectural style characteristic of mid-19th-century establishments. By 1856, however, the Queen’s Hotel underwent a transformation, becoming the College Français, an educational institution designed to serve French-speaking students. This change from a commercial venture to an academic facility reflected the community’s increasing demand for specialised education. The College Français symbolised a pivotal era in which educational institutions adapted to cater to… Read more »

The Doric Hotel

The Doric Hotel was originally known as Wrigley Terrace. The Taylor Family acquired the hotel in 2000 and in later years became part of the Waterside Hotel Group alongside the Park House Hotel and Pavilion on the Prom. The Doric Hotel reopened its doors on 10 February following a five-week closure for renovations. This latest development is part of a significant investment in the property, totalling £250,000, which positions the Doric Hotel as a standout among Blackpool’s 3-star establishments. The refurbishment included a complete transformation of key communal areas such as the reception, lounge, bar, and corridors. The updates reflect… Read more »

Elgin Hotel

The Elgin Hotel in Blackpool, originally built in 1937, began as a modest boarding house before evolving into one of the town’s well-loved seafront hotels. Over the decades, its management has expanded and modernized the property, transforming it into a distinctive accommodation that merges four adjoining Promenade hotels from the 1930s. This unique history gives the hotel’s 89 en-suite rooms individual character, with each varying in size and layout. Known for its warm, family-run atmosphere, the Elgin combines traditional charm with high standards of service, offering a memorable stay for guests whether they’re visiting for leisure, business, or a festive… Read more »

Sands Venue Resort Hotel & Spyglass

The opening of the Spyglass Bar offers a sneak peek into what Blackpool’s £30 million Sands Venue Resort Hotel will bring when it eventually opens on the Promenade. Although the hotel itself remains unfinished, the £600,000 Spyglass Bar began welcoming guests on 26 August 2021. Despite a £10 million loan from Blackpool Council, the hotel project has faced delays due to ongoing disputes between the developers and contractors. Developer Peter Swann, along with the hotel’s official website, maintains that the Sands Venue Resort will be Blackpool’s first five-star hotel, offering a luxury spa, gym, conference rooms, valet parking, and stunning… Read more »

The Original Coasters Restaurant

Coasters Restaurant was first built in the late eighties or early nineties. Sometime afterwards, the marketing manager from Blackpool Pleasure Beach approached Malcolm Clement from Prontoprint on Whitegate Drive about getting a new menu designed. Malcolm then subcontracted the work to Encore Design, which was taken over by Deeper Blue twenty years later. Like the designers, it would appear that Coasters Restaurant has moved on too… from Ocean Boulevard to inside Blackpool Pleasure Beach. The new restaurant has a somewhat more restrained decor than before. The old place had actual roller coaster carriages converted into dining booths whereas the new… Read more »