Gresham Hotel

Let me start by the positives. The Staff - female receptionist was welcoming and extremely helpful, offered to store our case until check-in! The general manager was also the same - welcoming and friendly, always on hand. We managed to secure this hotel when most places were closed. Found the hotel very close to town... with a lovely array, of what could be described as, “druggies and/or alcoholics” hanging about round the streets. Check-in was smooth and quick although navigating the maze of a hotel to find our room was fun. As this room was one of the last available it was a “quad room” which had two double beds. Attention to detail is lacking in the bedrooms - 1. Curtains and blinds stained and dirty 2. Walls were dirty and full of marks on them 3. Water pressure very very very low 4. No spoons for tea/coffee 5. Only one bedside table for a double bed 6. Bulbs not working in all lights Apart from this, the bed was comfortable and clean After a drink in the bar, and after a long day bed called, but sleep did not. Hot room (outside wasn’t even hot and radiator not on), screaming drunks outside and if that wasn’t enough someone attempting to enter our room at 4:30am (good job I locked the door) I have to say the bed, staff and access to town are the only things that have any positives.

When we arrived , downstairs looked like it could be okay. However, do not be fooled. The staff seemed constantly disinterested and like you were just a pain for them to be there rather than actually be glad of the custom. The main problems were when we saw the room. They were absolutely filthy, smelly and disgusting. We were in room 33 on the second floor, the corridors and stairs along the way were dirty and smelly and the room was even worse than that. Dirty marks all over the walls and ceiling and the paint on the walls was all peeling off. The radiators and skirting boards were full of dust and it was really unclean throughout the whole room and bathroom. Shower had all mould around it and on the tiles in the bathroom. We had no hot water so we informed the staff on reception and they just said “run it for a few minutes , it always takes longer on that side of the building.” We ran it for 30 minutes and still no hot water, we had to turn the shower on just to wash our hands! Speaking of the shower, it was the smallest and slowest shower I’ve ever had in my life! The only positive was the beds were quite comfortable but other than that it was a vile experience. Had I not had children with us we wouldn’t have even stayed but it was too late in the evening to cart them off somewhere else. A member of staff (older male) who I presume was the manager but I don’t know if he is or not was extremely rude both times we saw him during our less than 24 hours there and he was very abrupt and aggressive towards other guests as well as us which we witnessed during our stay. On the morning we checked out I had my hands full with bags and our two little girls and he didn’t even come out to see us or ask about the stay or anything he just shouted in a very loud and aggressive manner “don’t forget to leave me your key”. Overall this hotel needs a whole new make over and a deep clean and they need to train their staff in politeness and some basic customer service skills. I would never return here even if I was paid to. A great location is the only good thing I have to say.

We stayed with family on Saturday 1st Feb, and had requested a 'quiet room' due to having young children and needing to be up early on Sunday morning for a street dance competition at the Winter Gardens. The location was excellent - 5 minute walk from the seafront and opposite where we were going. Check in process was smooth; however, the room looked tired and old, and did not reflect some of the more modern rooms that the photos suggested were on offer. We found: threadbare carpet, broken window pane, dirty towel supplied, chewing gum left on the wire basket in bathroom suggesting that the room had not been thoroughly cleaned, toilet seat broken, poorly assembled furniture. Worst part came at 11.45pm when we were woken by a pool tournament in the room below, sounding loud enough as to be in our own room. Then woken again between 1 and 2am by people coming to rooms, banging through the corridor. The walls are clearly thin and have no sound proofing, so be prepared. Never again; cheap night but a mistake to book here.

I stayed for one night in January as I passing through Blackpool. The hotel was chosen based on the low cost and location. It was an easy ten minute walk from the train station and about five minutes from the main coach station. I arrived very early, about four hours ahead of check in, and went to the hotel to ask if I could drop my bag off ahead of check in, the receptionist was very helpful and said as the room was ready I could check in straight away. The room was clean, comfortable, en-suite and had a tv and tea/coffee making facilities. For the price I paid I thought it was excellent. There is a bar in the hotel, but it seemed to be closed while I was there as it was low season. The town centre, beach, Blackpool Tower and all other attractions are very near by, there are also two excellent pubs very nearby, Alberts Microbar and 1887 Brewroom, which brews excellent beers. Five star rating based on very good value, good facilities for the price and helpful staff.

Stayed here for one night whilst visiting Opera House, Blackpool, very comfortable bed, staff very obliging especially Eden, would definitely stay here again. Ideal position for Winter Gardens. Room spacious, very clean and warm .