Imperial Hotel Blackpool Review: A Surprising 4-Star Stay

Imperial Hotel Blackpool Review

Our stay at the Imperial Hotel in Blackpool began with a surprisingly leisurely start when our room wasn’t quite ready, giving us the perfect excuse to wander off for a walk and something to eat.

By the time we returned to our room, the Westminster Suite (room 111), it welcomed us with a kind of dignified, well-worn charm, the sort that suggests it’s seen more history than the average museum exhibit.

Yes, it was showing its age, but it certainly didn’t lack space: a generously sized living area, a four-poster bed in the main bedroom, and an extra room with twin beds that made us feel like we’d accidentally booked a small apartment.

Breakfast the next morning was a lively affair; we waited a little longer than expected to be seated, but once we finally got to a table, the food was worth the wait.

Location

One of the Imperial Hotel’s biggest strengths is its enviable spot along Blackpool’s iconic seafront. Perched proudly on the North Promenade, it offers front-row views of the Irish Sea and is just far enough from the busiest stretches to feel peaceful—well, as quiet as Blackpool ever gets.

A stroll takes you to the North Pier, and the tram stop conveniently sits right outside, making it easy to zip down to the Tower, the Comedy Carpet, or even all the way to the Pleasure Beach if you’re feeling brave.

The location strikes that perfect balance: close enough to the action to enjoy the fun, but distant enough that you can still pretend you’re staying somewhere sophisticated when the arcades start blaring their greatest hits.

Hotel Services & Facilities

The Imperial Hotel offers a variety of amenities for both leisure and business travellers. There is on-site parking for £10 per 24 hours and complimentary internet access.

The hotel features a bar and lounge area, along with an on-site restaurant that offers a full breakfast buffet, in-room breakfast options, and complimentary tea and coffee.

For business needs, the hotel includes, multiple meeting rooms, and extensive conference facilities. Additional guest services include 24-hour security, a 24-hour front desk, express check-in and check-out, and baggage storage.

The property is entirely non-smoking and features outdoor seating for guests who wish to enjoy the coastal surroundings.

Check-in Experience

Our check-in experienced a slight delay because another guest monopolised the conversation at the reception desk, clearly enjoying their own chatter more than the rest of the queue.

When we finally reached the front, the receptionist politely informed us that our room would not be ready until 3:00 PM. We had arrived shortly after 12:00 PM and already made a reservation at The Beach House for 2:00 PM, so we needed to be flexible with our plans.

On-site parking costs £10 per night, and the staff advised us that breakfast was in the Palm Court Restaurant.

The Room

The Master Sea View Suite, Room 111, was located on the first floor and called the Westminster Suite, and it offered a spacious layout and a practical range of amenities.

The suite includes coffee and tea-making facilities, reliable Wi-Fi, and multiple televisions, with one in the main living area and additional TVs in both the main bedroom and the twin room, ensuring entertainment is easily accessible throughout the space.

The hotel provided bathrobes and slippers for added comfort.

The Living Area

The living area of the Westminster Suite features a leather suite and comfortable armchairs, providing ample seating for relaxation. A dining table, though its well-worn appearance reflects the suite’s age and traditional style.

The kettle, coffee and tea-making facilities are set atop an antique sideboard, adding a touch of vintage character to the space, even if it feels more period charm than contemporary convenience.

Main Bedroom

The main bedroom features a comfortable four-poster bed, which adds a touch of classic elegance to the suite. A wardrobe that included a secure safe offered practical convenience for our one-night stay.

The room also contains two well-worn bedside tables, each with a lamp, reflecting the hotel’s traditional style and long-serving furnishings.

There was a dressing table with a mirror (something some hotels don’t have) and two additional chairs by the window.

The bedroom’s sea-facing windows would allow natural light to filter in, but they need repairing and cleaning to let you see the sea.

Twin Bedroom

The twin bedroom features two twin beds and a dressing table with a mirror, making it ideal for groups or families traveling together. A small television in the corner adds convenience for all guests.

The room includes an adjoining door to another guest room, offering flexibility for families or larger groups traveling together, while remaining securely locked when not in use.

Bathroom

The bathroom was a generous size, equipped with two sinks, a toilet, and a bathtub with an overhead shower and shower curtain. While the layout was practical, we encountered a minor inconvenience when we decided to use the bath and discovered there was no bath plug, requiring a call to reception for a replacement.

The provided amenities included shampoo, body wash, and body lotion from SOAK, offering a pleasant standard selection. As part of our suite stay, we also received additional amenities from Geneva Guild, adding a more premium touch to the overall experience.

Restaurants & Bars

During our stay, we visited the No. 10 Bar, located just behind reception, for a couple of drinks. While not the cheapest option in Blackpool, the pricing was reasonable for a hotel bar, and the setting provided a relaxed spot to unwind. We did not dine at the hotel in the evening, but we did experience breakfast at the Palm Court Restaurant.

We arrived around 10:00 am and waited 10 minutes to be seated because the restaurant was busy. Once seated, tea or coffee was offered, followed by the self-service buffet-style breakfast, which included a selection of hot English breakfast items, cereals, and pastries. The service was efficient despite the morning rush, and the breakfast was better than we expected for a hotel of this standard.

Staff & Services

While the service may not reflect a five-star standard, the staff at the Imperial Hotel were consistently pleasant, approachable, and willing to assist whenever needed. Their friendly attitude contributed positively to the overall experience and helped balance some of the hotel’s more traditional, well-worn characteristics.

Conclusion — Imperial Hotel Blackpool Review ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5 Stars)

Overall, our stay at the Imperial Hotel in Blackpool pleasantly exceeded our expectations. While the building undeniably shows its age and could benefit from some modernisation, its historic charm, spacious suites, and unbeatable seafront location more than compensated for the quirks.

The Westminster Suite offered far more room than anticipated, and despite a few minor inconveniences, such as the delayed check-in and the missing bath plug, the experience remained comfortable and enjoyable throughout.

The staff’s friendly approach, the leisurely atmosphere, and the surprisingly good breakfast all contributed to a stay that felt relaxed and memorable. For travellers seeking a hotel with character, generous room sizes, and excellent access to Blackpool’s attractions, the Imperial Hotel proves to be a solid choice. We confidently give it 4 out of 5 stars and would happily consider returning on a future trip.