Originally Posted by
IAN-UK
I resented paying £17 to park my car, and found the reception under-staffed. The road outside the hotel has free parking, but good luck finding a space.
I don't know if it's a Hampton thing, but those I've stayed at seem set up for reception and the bar to be manned by the same team - and at Blackpool the team was often only one-strong. The location is fine if you have business at the airport, work offshore or want to spend a time at the pleasure beach: otherwise you'll be walking or tramming it up to the commercial centre around the north of the town and the Tower.
The plusses are a large breakfast-room / restaurant, and comfortable rooms - though mine went into an irritating mini-tremor when the doors of rooms around me closed.
I've stayed at 4 Hamptons in the UK's NW over the last few weeks. I'd rate the Liverpool one top followed closely by Rochdale, then Blackpool with Manchester some way behind. On future trips to Blackpool, the Holiday Inn next to Blackpool North station is likely to get my business.
The Holiday Inn in Blackpool is fabulous and now my go to place when I need to stay there. Literally across the road from the station, bright modern well furnished rooms and the larger ones are huge. The bar is excellent with an amazing selection, the bar/restaurant has great decor and often live good quality entertainment, parking is significantly cheaper in the nearby (but awkward) multistorey I haven't yet tried the onsite parking. The property is also literally built over the tram stop too (no noticeable noise though).
Breakfast was a SIGNIFICANT upgrade from the Hampton although not entirely to my taste and short of good healthy options.
At the prices compared to the Hampton you would need to be certifiable to choose the Hilton option unless you really needed to be closer to St Annes.
I am surprised that you pick Liverpool as the best NW Hampton though, I hate it and although I would stay there if necessary it has the old green/maroon drab design, a somewhat "festive" atmosphere in the public areas and brekky is a total zoo. It is better than the Hampton Manchester but then so is a cardboard box on the street. The Blackburn Hampton is a class act and by some way in my view the best in the NW.