Blackpool's BEST Kept Secret? Alumhurst Hotel Awaits!
Blackpool's BEST Kept Secret? Is the Alumhurst Hotel REALLY All That? (My Rambling, Honest Take)
Okay, lads and lasses, let's talk Blackpool. It's… Blackpool. You know? Glittering lights, the Tower, the Pleasure Beach… and then, sometimes, a distinct whiff of… well, let's just say "seasoned nostalgia." But tucked away, they say, is the Alumhurst Hotel. A hidden gem. A… "secret." And yours truly, intrepid reviewer, took the plunge. Buckle up, because this isn't your boring, bullet-pointed review. This is the raw, unfiltered truth.
First Impressions: The Arrival & The Giggles
Finding the Alumhurst was surprisingly easy. Blackpool isn't exactly sprawling (thankfully, after a few dodgy turns in the car park). The outside… unassuming. But inside? Well, it has a certain… charm. Not the sleek, minimalist kind. Think more… grandma's living room, but in a good way. Warm, inviting, and with a slightly musty scent that, honestly, I kind of liked. It's… comforting. Like a hug from a slightly eccentric aunt.
Accessibility & (A Little) Disappointment
Now, I'm not in a wheelchair myself, but I'm always looking out for my friends, and the Alumhurst claims to be accessible. Truthfully? It's a mixed bag. The elevator? Yes, it exists and is reasonably sized. Winning! But maneuvering around the corridors? A little cramped in places. And while there are facilities for disabled guests mentioned, I couldn't exactly find clear information on specific room adaptations. So, while they try, they could definitely up their game in this department. More clarity, blokes!
Rooms: Cleanliness, Comfort, and the All-Important Wi-Fi (and No Bed Bugs, Thank God!)
My room? Lovely! (And clean, which is a massive tick in my book!). Rooms sanitized between stays, they boast and I'm guessing they do, because everything felt fresh. Beds were comfy, the linens crisp, and the blackout curtains (essential after a night on the town) worked like a dream. I'm also a total sucker for a good shower and the separate shower/bathtub was a definite plus. I went for a non-smoking room, which was fantastic. But most of all, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms. No faffing about with codes or weak signals (looking at you, other hotels!). It worked flawlessly! Internet access – wireless, Internet access – LAN, I had all options available to me. In a world where the internet is more important than air itself, it's a huge deal.
RANT TIME: The Unsung Hero of the "Everything You Could Possibly Need" List
The Coffee/tea maker in the room. Thank GOD. Absolute life saver in the morning, especially considering the… Breakfast in room option. (More on that deliciousness later). Free bottled water? Yes, please! Hair dryer? Check. Ironing facilities? Yes, and I'd happily use them, if I had a need. The little things that really make a difference. Seriously, the Alumhurst gets it.
The Spa & Relaxation: A Bit of a Fizzle, Sadly
Right, the good stuff… or, well, the aspired good stuff. Let's be honest, the Spa was… compact. Sauna, steamroom, massage. It all sounded amazing on paper! But in reality, it needed a little… oomph. The pool with a view? The view was of… a wall. (Don't get me wrong, the pool was lovely - it was just not that impressive of a view). It wasn't quite the luxury experience I was hoping for. The gym/fitness was… a treadmill and some dumbbells. Fine for a quick sweat, but don’t expect a full on work out. They try, bless 'em, but it's not the main event.
The Food & Drink: From Breakfast Bliss to… Just Okay
Now, this is where the Alumhurst shined. Breakfast [buffet] was truly amazing! I mean AMAZING! A real treat. A la carte in restaurant was available, too, and the Asian breakfast (yes, really!) was phenomenal. I'm a sucker for a good bottle of water after a night out and I was very grateful. The coffee shop had a wonderful atmosphere. It was seriously one of the best hotel breakfasts I’ve had in ages. Think fresh fruit, proper cooked breakfast, and pastries that could tempt even the most dedicated dieter. The breakfast takeaway service was a nice touch, too, if you're in a rush.
The bar, however. Needs work. Happy hour? Non-existent. The poolside bar? Didn't exist. The restaurants? All-in-all, my experience was, as I said, just okay at best, which was a shame.
The Service & Safety: A Mixed Bag
The staff were lovely. Honestly, genuinely friendly and helpful. Staff trained in safety protocol, they were, and the Hand sanitizer was everywhere. Safe dining setup, I have to say, was top notch. They clearly take hygiene seriously. Cashless payment service, was available and the check-in/out [express] was a breeze.
However, the doctor/nurse on call was a bit of a moot point. Front desk [24-hour]? Yes! Security [24-hour]? Apparent.
Things to Do & Getting Around: Blackpool's Promise, Alumhurst's Advantage
Blackpool, being Blackpool, offers things to do aplenty (you're in Blackpool, after all!). The Alumhurst's location is decent – not right on the seafront, but a short, easily walkable distance. Car park [free of charge] – brilliant! Taxi service – readily available. Airport transfer? Not that I know of, but I did not go looking.
The Verdict: Secret Worth Keeping? (Mostly!)
Look, the Alumhurst isn’t perfect. The spa could be better, the food on certain areas of the menu could be higher-end, and the accessibility could, at times, prove tricky.
But, for the price, the cleanliness, the genuinely friendly staff, and that unbelievable breakfast… yes. Absolutely. It's a solid choice. A diamond in the rough. It’s almost a secret worth keeping. Almost. And if you are looking for a charming, comfy, and well-managed stay, without the flashy hotel experience, this is absolutely for you. Would I go back? Definitely. Especially for that breakfast. Seriously, it's worth it alone!
Escape to Paradise: Bahiamarela Boutique Hotel & Spa, Buzios, Brazil
Alumhurst Adventure: Blackpool, Brace Yourselves! (A Messy Itinerary)
Alright, so listen up, because I'm about to unleash my meticulously unplanned trip to Blackpool onto the world. The Alumhurst Hotel, you say? Sounds quaint. Probably smells vaguely of seaside and regret, like every Blackpool B&B I've ever encountered. But hey, I'm optimistic! (Mostly. Ask me again after the first seagull dive-bombs my chips).
Day 1: Arrival & Immediate Existential Dread (and hopefully some decent fish and chips)
- 14:00 - Arrival at Alumhurst (hopefully not smelling vaguely of despair): Driving down was an adventure in itself. The GPS, bless its little digital heart, tried to lead me through a farmer's field at one point. Almost lost it, swore I saw a unicorn (probably the stress). Now, unpacking the bags. Fingers crossed the room isn't a dungeon. (Mental note: Check for bedbugs IMMEDIATELY).
- 14:30 - Room Inspection & Settling In: Found the room! It's… well, it's a room. The wallpaper features a pattern of what I think are roses. Or maybe mutated cabbages. Time will tell. The view? Let's say it's "optimistically obscured" by the next building. I'm now officially debating whether to unpack or run screaming back to the car. Decided to unpack, mostly because the thought of packing a suitcase a second time fills me with a deep, profound exhaustion.
- 15:30 - Blackpool Promenade Perambulation: Time to hit the Golden Mile. First impressions: Loud. Full of blinking lights. And the air? A heady mix of salt, sugar, and the faint, alluring aroma of deep-fried everything. I feel like I've entered a different dimension.
- 16:30 - Fish & Chips Quest: This is crucial. I'm on a mission. The ultimate Blackpool fish and chips. After a quick Yelp search (because even my chaos needs a little structure), I'm heading for… (let's see if I can remember)… Harry Ramsden's supposedly. Pray for me.
- 17:30 - Fish & Chips Verdict & Promenade Stroll: Okay, the fish & chips from Harry Ramsden's exceeded expectations. It was glorious, greasy, and utterly worth it. I may or may not have accidentally inhaled half a carton the size was absurd. The seagulls, predictably, were plotting my demise. I survived the assault, mostly.
- 18:30 - The Blackpool Tower (Maybe?): Thinking about going up the Blackpool Tower. Or maybe not. Towers give me the heebie-jeebies. But the view… Hmm. Decisions, decisions. Probably chicken out. Too many people, too high up, too much history of dubious architectural integrity. (Just kidding… I think). Let's put this on the Maybe-Later list.
- 20:00 - Evening Entertainment (If I Have the Energy): This is where it gets dicey. Blackpool entertainment. I've heard horror stories. Maybe a quiet drink in the hotel bar? Or perhaps brave a show? The choice is mine! Actually, the choice is "how much energy do I have left after that monstrous plate of fish and chips?" The answer, right now, is minimal. Hotel bar it is. And hopefully, they serve something stronger than tea.
Day 2: Lights, Camera, (Possibly) Action!
09:00 - Breakfast (at the Hotel): Fingers crossed for a decent breakfast. Nothing fancy, just a little… not-horrible. I mean, a good English breakfast can make or break a day. Here's where I'm ready to make a bet whether it's going to be greasy or genuinely awesome.
10:00 - Exploring the Pleasure Beach: Okay, I've officially caved. I'm going to the Pleasure Beach. The sheer chaos of it all is… well, it's beckoning. Thinking of riding the Big One. Or at least watching some crazy people ride the Big One. I'm already slightly terrified.
11:00-16:00 - Pleasure Beach Debauchery: This is where the day gets hazy. Rides, screams, sugar rushes, and potential motion sickness. I will report back… if I'm still functioning. Pray for me. I'm pretty sure I saw my life flash before eyes at some point, but it was all worth it.
17:00 - Afternoon Tea & Resting My Weary Bones: After all that excitement, I deserve some cake. And a cup of tea that isn't instant. Possibly in Alumhurst's (hopefully) charming tea room. Or maybe I'll just collapse in a chair and stare at the ceiling.
19:00 - Tower Time! (Maybe): I'm starting to think maybe I can do the Tower. Or maybe I'm just trying to be brave. The view is supposedly amazing in the evening. Let's see if I can conquer my fear of heights (and possibly get a good photo for Instagram).
20:00-21:00 - Show Time! (Or not. Really not): Let's get real. I'm beat. Is going to the theater a possibility? Probably not. Are going to bed early an option? Most probably.
21:00 - Bedtime Sleep is calling me. The sea air, the fish and chips, the rides… all have taken their toll. To be honest, my feet hurt. I'm going to need all the strength I can get for… whatever tomorrow brings.
Day 3: Farewell, Blackpool (And Possibly My Sanity)
- 09:00 - Breakfast & Packing: Another hotel breakfast. Another opportunity for culinary disappointment (fingers crossed for edible sausages). Time to pack. Wish me luck trying to organize the mess of souvenirs, wet swimsuits, and general stuff.
- 10:00 - Last Stroll on the Promenade: One last look at the sea, the lights, and the general glorious madness. Maybe a final ice cream? Or am I all fish and chicked out? Let's save the ice cream for next time.
- 11:00 - Check Out from Alumhurst: Goodbye, little hotel! Hopefully, you won't remember me (or the trail of crumbs I’ve left in my wake).
- 12:00 - Departure: Time to head back to reality. Blackpool, you beautiful, chaotic beast. I'm both exhausted and exhilarated. I need a shower, a nap, and a strong drink. And maybe another trip to the seaside… someday.
Disclaimer: This itinerary is subject to change at any moment, possibly every five minutes depending on my mood and the weather. Expect delays, unplanned deviations, and general chaos. But hey, that's the fun of it, right? Wish me luck (I'll need it). Blackpool, here I come!
Unbelievable Baan Sin Suk: Chiang Rai's Hidden Paradise Revealed!
Alright, alright, so the Alumhurst. What's the actual *vibe*? Is it, like, posh? Or... Blackpool-y?
Oh god, the *vibe*. Okay, brace yourself. It's... Blackpool-y, but in a *good* way. Think: slightly faded grandeur, with a healthy dose of "we've seen things," and a dash of "we're not perfect, but we're trying, bless 'em." It's not a five-star experience, darling. But it has *soul*. You know? Like, you feel like you're stepping into a place that's seen generations of families having a right good time, from stag dos to family reunions with questionable karaoke. It's worn, you see the history, the love. It's lived in. And frankly, that appeals to me waaaay more than some sterile, airbrushed hotel chain.
Okay, so, the rooms. What's the deal? Do I need to bring my own sheets?
Sheets... no, you probably won't need to bring your own (thank god!). The rooms are perfectly adequate, I'd say. I stayed there last year with a bunch of friends, and one of my mates, bless him, he's a bit of a drama llama, went on about the 'stain' on the duvet. Honestly?! Who cares?! It’s Blackpool! He’s used to the Ritz! But the bed was comfy enough, the shower worked (mostly!), and you have to remember, you're in a beachfront hotel! The view? Oh, the view! Depending on the room you choose – the sea view! Just magnificent. Sunsets that’ll genuinely knock your socks off. Just glorious.
Let's talk about the food. Because let's be honest, hotel food can be a gamble. What's it like?
Okay, the food. It's… *honest*. Breakfast is a proper fry-up. I mean, proper. Think: fried eggs that have seen action, bacon that's crispy, and enough tea to float a battleship. It's not Michelin-star dining, but it's exactly what you need after a night of Blackpool shenanigans. Now, the *dinner*... I remember one specific night, they were doing a carvery. Oh, the roast beef was a masterpiece, and the gravy. Oh, the gravy! Delicious, and probably kept me alive for a while. It's not gourmet, like I said. It's hearty, it's filling, it's comforting. And after a long day of walking the pier or trying to win a teddy bear at the arcade, it's utterly perfect.
So, what's the *best* thing about this place? Spill the beans!
Okay, okay, the BEST THING?! Besides the view (seriously, I’m still dreaming of that view), it’s the *staff*. Honestly. The people who run this place, they are *gems*. They're friendly, they're helpful, they're genuinely *nice*. I went with my nan last time, bless her, she’s a proper fuss-pot. The staff actually looked after her. They offered a lovely cup of tea for her, made sure everything was perfect for her. Like, really perfect. It’s personal; they remember your name; they treat you like family. And honestly, in this day and age? That's a rare and precious thing. They seem to genuinely *care* about you having a good time. THAT'S what makes it special. That's why it's a "best kept secret" in my book. People are a right laugh, the atmosphere is great, the food – well, I've said that already! It's an experience! I can’t wait to go back!
Any downsides? Because nothing's perfect, right?
Downsides... Okay, let's be *real*. The decor? Let's just say it's… not cutting edge. It's got that "classic Blackpool" vibe, which, depending on your taste, might feel a little dated. Some of the rooms could benefit from a bit of modernisation. The lifts are… well, they *work*, but they're slow. Painfully slow. Embrace the stairs, you'll get your step count up! And the internet? Don't expect lightning fast speeds. But honestly? These are just small things. Minor quibbles. Things you'd probably find in ANY Blackpool hotel! It's not a luxury hotel, but it is a hotel with character, charm, and most importantly, heart. And those things, I'd take over a shiny new build any day of the week.
Would you recommend the Alumhurst Hotel? Honestly.
YES! Absolutely, without hesitation! Look, if you want a sterile, predictable, cookie-cutter hotel experience, then go somewhere else. But if you're looking for a taste of real Blackpool, a friendly welcome, a good laugh, and a place that feels like a home away from home? Then the Alumhurst is *perfect*. Honestly, I can't wait to go back. I'm already planning my next trip! Just don't expect the Ritz. Embrace the Blackpool charm, embrace the imperfections, and embrace the FUN! You won't regret it. Trust me. And tell them I sent you. (They won't remember, but hey, it's a nice thought!)
