Best Western Carlton Hotel

Hotels
•
Best Western
7.9 (4106 reviews)
North Promenade, Near Blackpool Station, Near Casino , Blackpool , GB

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Paid
Children allowed

Facilities

WiFi available
Free WiFi
Parking
Non-smoking rooms
24-hour front desk
Restaurant
Heating
Terrace
Family rooms
Pets allowed
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Friendly, helpful staff (multiple mentions)
Clean rooms and comfortable beds
Good location with sea views and public transport nearby
Excellent and varied breakfast
On-site parking available
Cons:
Some rooms are small/tight and bathrooms feel dated
Parking can be charged, limited or messy
Occasional rude/unprofessional staff incidents
Dog-related smells in some bedrooms and pet-friendly policy
Expensive drinks in the bar and isolated bar cleanliness issues (fruit flies)

Categories

Cleanliness
8.2
Multiple guests repeatedly praised cleanliness of rooms and bedding; several mentions of very clean rooms and attentive cleaning staff. Some isolated cleanliness issues noted (bathroom grime, occasional fruit flies and a dog-related smell in some rooms).
Service
8.7
Service is a strong point overall: many reviews describe staff as friendly, helpful, attentive and obliging (including a praised chef). A few negative incidents (one rude/swearing receptionist, reports of staff avoiding contact) are isolated but reduce the perfect score.
Location
8.4
Location frequently praised: seaside/sea views, quiet area with tram nearby and easy access. Some rooms had poor views or overlooked a car park with rubbish, but location generally a positive.
Room Quality
7.1
Mixed room quality: many report comfortable beds and clean rooms, but multiple guests noted small/tight rooms (family rooms or advertised rooms not matching expectations), dated bathrooms, and rooms that need revamping.
Amenities
7.9
Amenities are adequate: breakfast service is strong and consistent, parking is available (often charged) and fans provided when needed. Some negatives around bar cleanliness (fruit flies) and parking availability/condition.
Value for Money
7
Perceived value is average-to-slightly-below: positive cleanliness and service help value, but extra charges for parking, pricey drinks in the bar, and small/dated rooms lower perceived value for some guests.
Food and Beverage
8.3
Food and beverage generally rated well: excellent and varied breakfasts, good dinner options noted. Some issues reported with bar (fruit flies) and drinks prices being high for guests staying in.
Overall Experience
7.6
Overall stays are positive for many guests (would stay again, great short breaks) due to friendly staff, cleanliness and good breakfast; however isolated negatives (rude staff, dog smell, small rooms, parking problems) temper the overall experience.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-08-13 06:33

Property Description

Stunning Views and Modern Comforts

Luxurious Accommodations: Enjoy modern rooms with flat-screen TVs, en-suite bathrooms, and beautiful sea views. Accessible rooms are conveniently located on the ground floor for ease of use.

Delicious Dining Options: Indulge in a variety of culinary delights at the hotel's restaurant, from hearty breakfasts to vegan and vegetarian dishes. Sip on a glass of wine while admiring Blackpool's sunsets or cozy up by the fireplace in the bar.

Convenient Location: Situated at the northern end of Blackpool Promenade, the hotel is just a short walk from the town centre and major attractions like the Winter Gardens and Blackpool Tower. Plus, with free WiFi and dog-friendly accommodations, the Carlton Hotel offers something for everyone.

Book your stay at the Best Western Carlton Hotel now for a memorable Blackpool experience.

Important information:

Smoking is not permitted on the premises. Fines apply when found in breach of this policy.

When travelling with pets, please note that an extra charge of £15 per dog, per night applies.

'Parking is available onsite on a first come, first served basis (no reservations possible) and a charge of £7.50 per night applies.'This property does not accommodate bachelor(ette) or similar parties.
A deposit may be required at the property.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Airport code: BLA

Location

Property Accessibility

Total Disability Score: 35.71
Public Area
  • Ramp: No
  • Entrance Leveled: No
  • Pet Friendly: No
Reception And Restaurant
  • Reception Hearing Accessible: No
  • Reception Wheelchair Accessible: No
  • Restaurant Wheelchair Accessible: No
Elevator
  • Elevator Audio Signals: No
  • Elevator Braille Numbers: No
  • Elevator Contrasting Buttons: No
  • Elevator Visual Signs: No
Show all accessibility features

Guest Reviews

7.9
Based on 4106 reviews
Cleanliness: 8.2
Service: 8.7
Location: 8.4
Room Quality: 7.1
Amenities: 7.9
Value for Money: 7
Food and Beverage: 8.3
Overall Experience: 7.6
W
Wendy • family_with_children • gb
8
Good
Pros:

The family room was comfortable and not too squashed

Cons:

There had
Been dogs left in rooms down the corridor that
barked a lot.

2026-10-17 • via Nuitee
M
michael • family_with_children • gb
9
2026-10-17 • via Nuitee
A
Alan • solo_traveller • gb
8
2026-10-17 • via Nuitee
D
Debra • extended_group • gb
2
Disgraceful
Pros:

Staff member at breakfast was excellent

Cons:

Mouldy room. Paint peeling after mould treatment Due to be repaired in coming days. Sewage smell in bathroom. Scratching noises in wall cavity, possible vermin behind wall. Low staff morale displayed in customer interaction. Manager lack of response to complaint when asked to discuss concerns.Responded in a cowardly way via staff on reception

2026-10-17 • via Nuitee
S
Steven • extended_group • gb
6
2026-10-16 • via Nuitee
S
Stephen • family_with_children • gb
3
Poor
Pros:

Attitude of reception staff was terrible and unhelpful

Cons:

Room smelled and tele didn’t work and door didn’t shut properly

2026-10-16 • via Nuitee
M
Mark • family_with_children • gb
10
Would stay ag6
Pros:

Location, excellent staff

Cons:

Nothing

2026-10-15 • via Nuitee
P
Pamela • family_with_children • gb
8
2026-10-15 • via Nuitee
S
Steven • couple • gb
1
Pros:

Dear Hotel Management,

I am writing to make a formal complaint regarding my experience at the Best Western Carlton Hotel in Blackpool, where I had booked a Junior Suite with Sea View for an overnight stay on 13 October 2026, at a cost of £135.

On 6 October 2026, I received a message through Booking.com advising me that a £50 pre-authorisation fee was required. Unfortunately, I completely missed this message, and I accept that I should have checked the booking details more carefully.

However, I am extremely disappointed and upset by the way I was treated when I arrived at the hotel to check in.

When the gentleman at reception informed me that I needed to pay the additional £50 pre-authorisation, I apologised and explained honestly that I only had £135 available in my bank account. I explained that I was unable to pay the additional amount and that, as a young family just starting out, money is extremely tight.

Rather than showing any understanding or attempting to help me find a solution, the gentleman literally laughed in my face and made a remark along the lines of, “You’ve gone away for an overnight stay with no money.”

I found this comment incredibly humiliating, disrespectful and completely unnecessary. I was already embarrassed about the situation and had apologised for overlooking the message. To be laughed at and spoken to in this manner by a member of hotel staff was unacceptable.

I understand that hotels may have policies regarding pre-authorisation fees, and I am not disputing the hotel’s right to have reasonable booking conditions. However, I strongly believe that guests should be treated with courtesy, dignity and respect, regardless of their financial circumstances.

The way I was spoken to made me feel judged and embarrassed at a time when I was simply trying to resolve an unexpected problem. A little understanding, professionalism or an attempt to explain the situation politely would have made a considerable difference.

2026-10-15 • via Nuitee
P
P. de Klerk • couple • nl
7
goed
Pros:

leuke kamer met uitzicht op zee.

Cons:

Bijzonder: parkeer geld met reservering en betaling creditcard 7,-

2026-10-15 • via Nuitee
L
Linda • couple • gb
7
Mould around the handles in the bath . Step into the bathroom that was danderous a big trip factor even as it had been m
Pros:

The relaxed atmosphere

Cons:

It is in desperate need of refurbishment . There was areas that weren’t satisfactory .

2026-10-15 • via Nuitee
P
Paul • family_with_children • gb
8
A good stay.
Pros:

Seaview. Super king-size bed. Large bathroom. Very good breakfast.

Cons:

There was a sewage smell in bathroom on arrival. We bought an air freshener which helped a lot.
Not being given a written itemised confirmation list of charges coming out of the £50 deposit taken on arrival when we checked out. The staff member on the desk when checking out stated about our bar bill. We did not go to the bar or order from the bar. She also stated about our dog. We don't have a dog!! A written confirmation as stated would have sorted this out.

2026-10-14 • via Nuitee
S
Stuart • couple • gb
4
Cons:

Let’s start with the corridors. The entire place absolutely REEKED of cannabis! I genuinely thought I’d accidentally checked into a cannabis convention rather than a hotel in Blackpool.

Naturally, I mentioned this to the lady on reception, whose absolutely priceless response was: “Well, it didn’t smell of weed this morning when I was up there.”

Oh, well, that’s fantastic then! Mystery solved, Sherlock! Apparently, if something didn’t smell at breakfast time, it can’t possibly smell six hours later! Perhaps the hotel should employ her as a detective rather than a receptionist. 😂

Outside was another delightful experience, with what appeared to be the local cast of Shameless providing the entertainment. I wasn’t sure whether I was checking into a hotel or auditioning as an extra in a crime drama.

And then there’s the hotel itself. Dated, filthy dirty and ridiculously overpriced. The decor looks like it retired sometime in the 1980s and nobody had the heart to tell it. I’ve seen more inviting interiors in a motorway service station toilet!

For the money they’re charging, you’d expect at least a clean room, a pleasant atmosphere and corridors that don’t smell like someone is cultivating a cannabis plantation.

The only thing five-star about this place is the level of disappointment!

The Great Western Carlton? More like The Great Western Can’t-Believe-I-Paid-For-This!

Would I return? Absolutely not. I’d sooner sleep in my car with the windows down during a Blackpool storm. At least I’d get some fresh air!

My advice: KEEP WALKING! Book somewhere else, save your money and your sense of smell.

ZERO STARS IF I COULD. An absolute shambles of a hotel! 😂

2026-10-14 • via Nuitee
A
Ashley • family_with_children • gb
9
Great value for money, clean and comfortable.
Pros:

Lovely hotel, clean and well maintained. Parking facilities were great and the room was spacious and immaculate. Staff were friendly and helpful. Great value for money

2026-10-14 • via Nuitee
L
Lynne • family_with_children • gb
8
Pros:

The room was clean and tidy and the bed very comfortable. Staff attentive and happy to assist. Breakfast was good. Always hot and plenty of it. Tram stop just outside hotel so easy to get in to centre.
Overall, a very good stay for a seaside town at the end of the season.

Cons:

The shower in our room wasn't great. It would swing between too hot then too cold. Nothing else other than the shower.

2026-10-14 • via Nuitee
H
Hugh • couple • gb
8
Brisk and breezy.
Pros:

Good central location on sea front: easy walk to North Pier and tower, tram stop just outside. Room was comfortable (if small); shower worked fine. Breakfast must have been OK; I don't remember it in detail. Hotel has parking; not all do.

Cons:

No electric sockets at bedside. Step down from bathroom into bedroom kept catching me out; staff were careful to warn us that this would happen.

2026-10-13 • via Nuitee
W
Weston • family_with_children • gb
10
Pros:

The staff were very friendly and helpful

2026-10-13 • via Nuitee
J
Julie • extended_group • gb
9
Good value, clean room and staff were great
Pros:

Location great

Cons:

N/A

2026-10-12 • via Nuitee
S
Sandra • solo_traveller • gb
7
Pros:

There was a problem with our room went to reception and it was sorted immediately 😔 and they gave us a different one to meet our needs .

Cons:

Nothing

2026-10-11 • via Nuitee
C
Cheryl • family_with_children • es
10
2026-10-11 • via Nuitee