St Elmo Hotel Blackpool: Your Dream Blackpool Getaway Awaits!
St Elmo Hotel Blackpool: My Dream Blackpool Getaway? Let's See! (And Hope!)
Okay, so St Elmo Hotel Blackpool promises me my "Dream Blackpool Getaway." Bold claim, St Elmo, bold claim! Blackpool, let’s be honest, is a vibe. Think arcades, chips, sea air, and enough neon to melt your retinas. So, can St Elmo live up to the hype? Let’s dive in, shall we? Buckle up, buttercups, because this review is going to be… well, me.
First Impressions & Accessibility - Can Grandma Get Around?
First off, I'm not exactly a mobility expert (thank goodness), but I did poke around the "Accessibility" section. Good news, folks! They’re claiming "facilities for disabled guests." Hallelujah! The elevator is a HUGE plus (I’m thinking of my Aunt Mildred, who’d be eternally grateful), and I saw mentions of wheelchair accessibility – a big tick. Now, whether that translates to easy accessibility, I can't definitively say, but the foundations seem to be there.
Cleanliness & Safety – Are We Safe from the Sea Gulls and… Germs?
This is HUGE right now, isn't it? The St Elmo's throwing around terms like "Anti-viral cleaning products," "Daily disinfection in common areas," and "Rooms sanitized between stays." Alright, alright, St Elmo, you've got my attention! They even have "Hand sanitizer" strategically placed everywhere! I'm envisioning a sanitizing army marching through, which is reassuring. They're taking this seriously, which is what matters. They mention "Staff trained in safety protocol," which feels like a sigh of relief. They mention "Physical Distancing of at least 1 meter" and a "Safe Dining Setup." This is not a bad start.
The "Hygiene certification" mentioned is good, and things like "Cashless payment service" make sense. And the "Room sanitization opt-out available" is a nice touch for the more… laissez-faire amongst us.
The Rooms – Ah, The Crucible of Comfort… Or Not?
Okay, let’s peek at what’s in the rooms (and, crucially, not). This bit is a bit of a laundry list, but bear with me…
- Air conditioning: Phew! Blackpool can get surprisingly toasty.
- Wi-Fi [free]: Yes! Essential for uploading my vacation selfies.
- Desk, Laptop workspace: Gotta keep up with those emails, even on holiday…
- Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea: Essential. Honestly.
- Blackout curtains: Sweet, sweet sleep.
- Bathtub, Separate shower/bathtub: Luxury! (Or at least, what I consider luxury).
- Non-smoking: Excellent.
- Alarm clock, Wake-up service: Useful, unless you're like me, and rely on the sheer terror of missing breakfast.
- Hair dryer: Praise the lord! No more soggy-haired selfies.
- Ironing facilities: Because wrinkles are the enemy.
- Safety/security feature: Good, because Blackpool is Blackpool.
- Window that opens: Fresh air is always a winner. And escape routes if the seagulls get in… (Kidding! …Mostly).
- Additional toilet : Always appreciated.
- Bathrobes, Slippers: A touch of class, right?
I didn't see anything about a private beach. I’d say the rooms sound pretty well-equipped, but let's be real, the actual experience will depend on the quality of the equipment.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Fueling the Fun… or Disaster?
Alright, the food situation. This is crucial for me. I NEED fuel for my Blackpool adventures!
- Restaurants: Plural! Promising.
- Room service [24-hour]: Heck yes! Late-night munchies are a must.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Buffet? Okay, my inner glutton is already doing a happy dance. "Alternative meal arrangement" is also a good sign.
- Coffee shop: Caffeine fix, check!
- Bar: Because, hello, vacation!
- Snack bar: For those between-meal cravings.
- Poolside bar: If the pool's any good.
They've got "A la carte in restaurant", which is good but the "Buffet in restaurant and "Breakfast takeaway service" will be useful if you are in rush.
The options for the menu are also good with "Asian breakfast" and "International/Asian/Western cuisine in restaurant."
Things to Do – Beyond the Bumping Cars…
Right, this. What can I actually do at the St Elmo, and how does it align with "Dream Blackpool Getaway?"
- Fitness center: Okay, maybe after all those chips. This tells me it’s not just a hotel, it’s trying to be a resort.
- Pool with view: Intriguing.
- Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom: Ooh, fancy! Relaxation is KEY.
- Massage, Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath: Sign me up!
- Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: Double win!
- Terrace: Potential for people-watching.
- Casino: Okay, not mentioned.
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: This is obviously geared towards families. Blackpool is a goldmine for families.
Getting Around – Navigating the Blackpool Maze:
How do you get there and back?
- Airport transfer: If you fly, fantastic. If you drive like me, no stress.
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site]: Crucial. I don't want to spend half the holiday circling for parking.
- Taxi service: Always handy.
- Bicycle parking: Why not?
- Car power charging station: For the EV owners.
Services and Conveniences – The Fine Print
This is where the hotel either shines or disappoints:
- Concierge: Brilliant for all those touristy tips.
- Daily housekeeping: Crucial. No one wants to make their own bed on holiday, seriously.
- Laundry service, Dry cleaning: Useful.
- Cash withdrawal: Handy.
- Luggage storage: Essential for early arrivals/late departures.
- Elevator: Makes life easier, especially after a long day of walking.
- Meeting/banquet facilities, Indoor venue for special events, Outdoor venue for special events: Nice for those traveling for business.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Always a temptation.
- Air conditioning in public area: Phew, again!
- Wi-Fi for special events: Useful if you're hosting an event.
For the Kids – Keeping the Little Monsters Happy
As mentioned earlier, this hotel looks pretty family-friendly:
- Babysitting service: A win for the parents.
- Family/child friendly: Great.
- Kids facilities, Kids meal: Always essential.
My Final Thoughts & A (Somewhat) Dreamy Verdict
Okay, so is the St Elmo the ultimate Blackpool experience? I don't know, I would need to be there to know, but on paper, it ticks a lot of boxes.
Things I like: The cleanliness and safety measures are very nice. The pool, spa, and fitness center are a major draw, promising actual relaxation. The 24-hour room service, breakfast buffet, and on-site dining options make me happy. It seems to be designed for both families and couples.
Things I’m wary of: Ultimately, the proof is in the pudding (and the chips, of course!). I'd want to see how well-maintained the facilities are, how friendly and helpful the staff are, and how the overall atmosphere feels. Realistically, it's not a five-star resort, but it sounds like it could deliver a really enjoyable, hassle-free break.
My Emotional Reaction? I'm cautiously optimistic. I'm picturing myself, sunbathing by the pool, cocktail in hand, after a day of pure, unadulterated Blackpool fun. That sounds pretty dreamy, right?
Final Rating: Based on the information, it sounds like a solid contender for a great Blackpool getaway! I'd give it a solid 4 out of 5 stars.
Book Now and Get a Free Blackpool Rock Tasting!
Here's my offer:
Book your stay at the St Elmo Hotel Blackpool today for any stay in the next three months and receive a free box of Blackpool Rock upon arrival! Plus, for the families, kids stay at 50% off!
Escape to Paradise: Uncover the Magic of Split Rock Resort!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your meticulously planned, Instagram-perfect travel guide. This is my Blackpool survival guide, and trust me, after a weekend at the St. Elmo Hotel, you’ll need one.
Blackpool Bonanza: A Rambling Itinerary (With Added Existential Dread and a Side of Chips)
Day 1: Arrival, Awful Weather, and the Unexpected Charm of a Creaking Bed
- Morning (or what passes for it after a train from… let’s not talk about where): Arrived! The train was delayed, naturally. I swear the announcer said "Welcome to Blackpool, where delays are part of the experience." He wasn't wrong. The sea air immediately smacked me in the face, which would've been refreshing if it wasn't also chucking sideways rain.
- First Impression: Blackpool. It's… a look. Think faded glamour mixed with a desperate plea for attention. The prom is a vibrant, slightly overwhelming assault on the senses. And the smell? A potent cocktail of salt, chips, and something vaguely… fishy. (More on that later.)
- Afternoon: The Holy Grail - St. Elmo Hotel. Found it! The St. Elmo Hotel. Okay, let's be honest, the exterior is… well, let's just say it doesn't scream "luxury." It does scream "character." And by character, I mean "dusty antiques, questionable plumbing, and a distinct aroma of boiled cabbage."
- The Room Revelation: My room? Let's call it "cozy." The bed creaked every time I breathed. Which, admittedly, made me feel like a Victorian ghost hunter. But hey, at least there was hot water, even if it took about ten minutes to arrive and then scalded me.
- Anecdote: I swear I heard the kettle whisper to me. It was probably just the wind whistling through the window, but the image is still hilarious.
- Evening: Promenade Pilgrimage & A Chip Disaster. Wandered down to the promenade. The lights! They're spectacular! I mean, gaudy, flashing, overwhelming at the same time. I found myself staring at the lights, overwhelmed.
- Decision: I needed chips. Essential. Found a chippy that looked promising. Ordered a mountain of chips, and sat down on a bench and had them with some salt and vinegar. I made it about three bites in when the wind, the dreaded Blackpool wind, decided to launch a full-scale chip attack on my face. I was covered—absolutely covered. My face, my jacket, the nearby seagulls.
- The Emotional Fallout: I laughed. Then I cried a little. Then I ate the remaining chips, defeated, and went back to the hotel, where I'm pretty sure the ghost of a Victorian woman was judging my chip-covered existence.
Day 2: Lights, Leisure, and the Deep-Fried Dilemma
- Morning: Actually managed to get a decent breakfast! The St. Elmo's breakfast was a greasy feast of fried everything. Bacon, sausage, eggs, a questionable substance that may or may not have been hash browns. Fuel for the day, I thought.
- Opinion: The food was… edible. Let's leave it at that. They did give me extra toast, which was a win.
- Mid-day: Blackpool Tower Okay, I had to go up the Blackpool Tower. It's mandatory, right?
- The Observation Deck: The view from the top was pretty incredible. Even with the drizzle. You see everything (but more importantly, you're far away from the prom!). I even ventured onto the glass floor! Slightly terrifying, but also exhilarating.
- The Tower Ballroom: Walked around the old vintage ballroom. I even saw some people dancing. My feet hurt after walking so much.
- Afternoon: The Arcade and the Deep-Fried Question. Spent the afternoon in an arcade, losing small coins I had. I was trying to find a winning game, but it wasn't happening today. Afterwards, I saw a deep-fried Mars Bar.
- The Deep-Fried Dilemma… Again: I looked at that deep-fried Mars bar. Contemplated life choices. The audacity! I have been warned about this. And I decided to give the Mars bar a try. It was… an experience. Sweet, greasy, and surprisingly not terrible. (Don't judge me.)
- Evening: Dinner and a show. Or, more accurately, dinner and a pub quiz. We didn't know all the answers, but we had a good time.
- Final thoughts: Blackpool. It's a rollercoaster of emotions. It's a place where you can laugh one minute, and be slightly horrified the next. But it's undeniably… Blackpool. And as I sat on my creaky bed in the St. Elmo Hotel, I realized I wouldn't have traded it for anything. Well, maybe a slightly less creaky bed. And less rain. And fewer chips. But still, Blackpool. It's got heart. Even if it's a slightly battered, deep-fried, chip-covered heart.
Day 3: Departure, Reflection, and the lingering aroma of Blackpool (and maybe boiled cabbage)
- Morning: Farewell Feast. More of that breakfast. Said goodbye to the St. Elmo. I had to leave!
- Final thoughts: Packing, a train ride home, and the memories of Blackpool.
Important Notes:
- Pack: Waterproof everything. Seriously. And a sense of humor.
- Embrace the Chaos: Blackpool isn't about perfection. It's about the unexpected.
- The Chips: Be careful.
- The St. Elmo: It has… charm. Just bring ear plugs.
- Would I go back? Absolutely. Maybe. Okay, probably. Because, Blackpool.
St Elmo Hotel, Blackpool FAQ: Because Even Blackpool Needs Explaining!
Okay, spill the tea: What's the St Elmo Hotel *actually* like? Is it as glamorous as the photos?
Right, let's be real. The photos? They're... well, *photos*. They probably had the best lighting and a filter or two. The St Elmo? It's a classic Blackpool experience. Think cozy, slightly faded seaside charm. Think grandma’s guest room mixed with a touch of "ooh, look at the views!" (more on that later). Is it the Ritz? Nope. Is it full of character? Absolutely. Expect floral wallpaper, maybe a wonky light switch or two, and the faint scent of… well, Blackpool. (And a good breakfast, don't worry, we will later.)
The views! Is the St Elmo really that close to the sea?
Oh. My. Goodness. THE VIEWS! Okay, I'm getting a bit carried away. Yes! Absolutely. You're practically *on* the seafront. I mean, cross the road, and you're dodging seagulls and the salty spray. My *first* morning there? I threw open the curtains from my room (a bit small, to be fair, but hey, location, location, location!), took a deep breath of that glorious, briny air and just... *beamed*. Honestly, that view? Worth the price of admission. Sunset over the Irish Sea? Forget about it, pure magic. Pure, Blackpool magic. I would not trade that for the world. Seriously. (And yes, sometimes the wind is ridiculous, but that’s part of the charm, isn't it?).
Breakfast! Is it a full English or just cereal and a sad banana?
Breakfast at the St Elmo? Okay, now we're talking! It's a *proper* breakfast. Full English? You betcha. Think sausage, bacon, eggs (cooked how you like 'em!), beans, toast... the works. They were even generous with the coffee (thank goodness, because a holiday in Blackpool *requires* caffeine). Honestly, I was so stuffed every morning, the thought of lunch was a distant dream. And the staff? Cheerful, even at 7 am. Mad respect. I am a breakfast person. You'll be happy.
Are the rooms clean? I'm a bit of a clean freak…
Cleanliness? Alright, let's get real again. It's clean. Not "surgically sterile" clean, mind you, this is a busy, well-loved hotel! But it was clean enough. The bedsheets were crisp, the bathroom was functional, and I didn't see any creepy crawlies, and I looked! (I have a phobia, don't judge). I’d give it a solid, enthusiastic "good". Hey, you're in Blackpool, not a five-star spa retreat. Embrace the slightly worn charm! (And maybe bring your own anti-bacterial wipes, just in case. I always do!).
Parking – is it a nightmare?
Parking in Blackpool? Ugh. It's a constant struggle. The St Elmo *does* have some parking, but it's limited. My advice? Try to get there early to grab a space. If not, there's usually street parking (pay-and-display, of course), but be prepared to walk a bit. I ended up in a tiny side street two blocks away, which, honestly, wasn't the end of the world – more exercise, right? (lies, I'm lazy!). But plan ahead! Check with the hotel directly when you book. This could be the make-or-break thing for some. Especially if you have a lot of luggage like me.
What's nearby? Is it close to the attractions?
Location, location, location! The St Elmo is *perfectly* located. You’re within easy walking distance of everything – the Pleasure Beach (screaming! Seriously, the rollercoasters are AMAZING), the Tower (iconic!), the arcades (prepare to lose a tenner!), the piers, the shops… You name it, it’s nearby. Tram stop practically on the doorstep. You can't get a better base for exploring Blackpool. Honestly, for the price and the convenience, it’s a winner.
I read some reviews about noise… is it loud?
Noise. Ah, Blackpool. The soundtrack of a vibrant, slightly chaotic, seaside town. Yes, it *can* be noisy. Especially if you're in a room facing the promenade. You'll hear the seagulls (always the seagulls!), the trams, the general buzz of a bustling resort. My room wasn't directly on the front, thankfully, so it wasn't *terrible*. I'm a light sleeper, so I always pack earplugs. Seriously. Pack earplugs. And if you're a super-sensitive sleeper, request a room at the back. But hey, it's Blackpool! Embrace the chaos a little. It's part of the experience! Don't expect silence, expect fun!
Are there lifts/elevators?
Lifts? Yes! Thank goodness, because lugging suitcases up several flights of stairs after a long day of arcade games and candy floss is nobody's idea of fun. This is Blackpool, so they probably weren't state of the art, but they worked. And that's all that mattered! Another plus point for the slightly older travellers in the audience.
Would you stay there again?
Yes. Absolutely, yes. Despite the occasional creaky floorboard and the slightly faded wallpaper, I would. The location is fantastic, the breakfast is a winner, the staff is lovely, and the view… oh, that view. It’s a solid, reliable, good value base for exploring Blackpool. It's honest Blackpool. It's Real Blackpool. It's got that certain Blackpool charm. I probably will – as soon as I can get back! So, yes, go for it! You won't be disappointed (unless you hate sea views... in which case, Blackpool might not be for you!).
