Could try www.booking.com ....has quite a few blackpool hotels etc all with real reviews from real guests so you know what you are getting into:). Some good midweeks offers going on right now.

Hi Liz

There is a lot of work ongoing in Blackpool at the moment. Look at accommodation in North Shore Area. There are some lovely places and its only a 10 minute tram ride into town. Quiet location for a good nights sleep

have a look at Blackpool Tourisms official site

www.visitblackpool.com

the hotels on their have been accredited by the council

Thanks, I'll have a look and let you know how I get on.

Hi Liz, I was in exactly the same boat as you. Used to holiday in Blackpool every year from I was 10 until I turned 17 and it was the highlight of my year. I absolutely loved the place. We went back about 8 years ago (we are a couple in our 40s too) and like you vowed that we wouldn't return. It was so full of hen and stag parties and could have done with a facelift. But talking about the good old days earlier this year we got nostalgic and decided to go for the weekend in June and came back with very mixed feelings.

We always stayed at the North end but this year, having looked at endless accommodation, we decided to stay at the South end in the Big Blue Hotel. Would thoroughly recommend it. It was obviously more expensive than other properties but had it not been for the Hotel I think we would probably not have stayed. Some of the other properties surrounding it looked very nice from the outside and we were just across from a tram stop so being a bit further out didn't matter so much.

There is a lot of work going on which has to be commended however I think Blackpool Council have a lot to answer for letting it get into the state it has and should be pumping money in to restoring the old girl to its former glory and cleaning up the image that it has, especially along the prom where the just seemed to be boarded up shops, lap dancing clubs and rock shops. It is unfortunate that this is the impression you are left with and it is really unfortunate for those genuine accommodation and tourism providers who are trying to make Blackpool a place to which you want to return.

I was glad I had gone, loved the Big Blue Hotel and would stay there again but as a base to explore the surrounding area and not Blackpool itself. At least not until a lot more work has been done. The visit has left me yearning for the gold old days.

All I can say is go and see what you make of it yourself but I think it is worth spending a bit more to stay in a Hotel which you are sure is up to standard.

hi liz

we had the same problem so many places to choose from,we are going on monday 4th and staying at the glenwalden on north shore it looks really nice and has good reviews the owner was very friendly when i phoned to book i will let you know when we get back on the 8th if thats not too late

I have always loved Blackpool for what it is, a seaside town within a short journey, full of hustle and bustle and noise and good old Northern landladies!..and now in my late 30's I feel no different than when I was a kid, and still get excited when I see the tower!!..we are going in Sept for 4 days staying at The Baron, never stayed here, any comments welcomed, has average to high reviews, but I am not one for moaning about the amount of sausages on the breakfast or one toilet roll in the loo!..just want clean and cheerful. were away for our 11th anniversary, and looking forward to it.

Clobo,

Thanks let me know how you get on.

Mrs Bouquet-I thought the Council Accriditation Scheme had been withdrawn with the emphasis now on the real and meaningful Visit Britain National Scheme.

I hope this is the case as a move like this will allow visitors to compare Blackpool properties with a National Standard not a Blackpool one.

My message would be simple-if a property is not in a national scheme of any sort-Visit Britain or AAthen treat it with great caution. This would be especially true if it "self classified"-i.e. gave its own view of where it would be if it were in the scheme.

"Great northern landladies" you'll be hard pressed

to find one most are southerners that have cashed in on the cheaper properties up north and try to run a business unfortunatley most of them fail and turn there properties either into flats for the polish and indian hospitality workers or into stag and hen

establishments. Its hard to hear a northern acent in blackpool at the moment