Blackpool's Hotel 33: The Hidden Gem You NEED to Book Now!
Blackpool's Hotel 33: The Hidden Gem – Honestly, You ACTUALLY Need to Book This! (Rambling Review Ahead)
Okay, so I'm just back from Blackpool, and let me tell you, I'm not usually one for the… vibrant seaside town. But Hotel 33? Hotel 33, people, is a game-changer. Forget the fish and chips wrappers blowing down the promenade, this place is a proper little oasis. Seriously, I'm still dreaming about it. And you know what? You NEED to book it. Like, right now. Before the secret gets completely out.
Let's dive in, shall we? Because I'm still buzzing and I have thoughts.
(Accessibility & Safety: Okay, this is important. I'm not a mobility expert, but here's what I gathered.)
First off, the accessibility side of things. They have facilities for disabled guests, and I did see a wheelchair accessible elevator, which is HUGE. Plus, CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside the property made me feel seriously safe, which is always a plus when you're exploring a new place. There's a 24-hour front desk and security, which is a relief if you're like me and have a penchant for wandering around at 3 AM after a few too many cocktails.
And can we talk about cleanliness and safety? This is where Hotel 33 truly shines. They've clearly put a TON of thought into this post-pandemic world. There's anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, and rooms sanitized between stays. They even had hand sanitizer EVERYWHERE. I'm talking everywhere. It was like a sanitizing paradise! The staff are clearly trained in safety protocol, and they even use professional-grade sanitizing services. Honestly, I felt safer there than I do in my own house sometimes. Plus, there was a first aid kit close by just in case. (Though, thankfully, I didn't need it!) The room sanitization opt-out available is reassuring too. You know, for those of us who feel like they're making a break for it as soon as they can. Bonus points for stuff like individually-wrapped food options and a safe dining setup. They've really nailed it. Also, they even offered me a doctor/nurse on call.
(Internet, Internet, Glorious Internet!)
Okay, enough on the serious stuff (for now). Wi-Fi in all rooms, and it's free! Amazing! And the Internet access – wireless was super swift, like, lightning-fast streaming swift. Seriously, I could upload Instagram stories without a hitch, which is a MUST for a travel review, obviously. They also have Internet services, and Internet [LAN] if you are old school (which, you know, I am sometimes). This is absolutely essential for a digital nomad like myself.
(Rooms & Amenities: Living the Dream (Almost))
My room? Absolutely gorgeous. Honestly, I was expecting a bog-standard hotel room, but this was… different. Okay, look, I am not always the best at maintaining my hotel room (I always make a mess) BUT the daily housekeeping made things bearable. My air conditioning worked like a dream (essential, trust me!), and the blackout curtains were a lifesaver after a long day of… research (read: eating doughnuts). I slept so soundly! Loved the extra long bed! Oh, and the complimentary tea in the room. Small touch, big win. They also provide free bottled water. I also really appreciated the smoke alarms and smoke detector because, y'know, safety first!
The bathroom was lovely; loved the separate shower/bathtub, and the slippers. I love me some slippers! The hair dryer was actually powerful, unlike some hotels. I am going to say the same about the towels and bathrobes.
However… I did have a minor issue. The ironing facilities were… well, I couldn’t find them. I’m a terrible traveller, I always crumple my clothes, so I ended up looking like a crumpled piece of paper. Maybe I missed it? Or maybe it was in those secret hotel vaults? I didn't ask the staff. I am also not sure what the mirror looked like. Perhaps it was hidden in the secret laundry, or behind the safe? I don't know. But the rest was good for the price. I'll just say that.
(Dining, Drinking & Snacking: Seriously Good Grub!)
Okay, this is where things get really good. The hotel's restaurants are fantastic.
Breakfast: I woke up late every day, so I went with the breakfast service offering. Loads of options. Breakfast [buffet] if you are into that sort of thing. They also had alternative meal arrangement, which is great for people like me who are fussy! They offered a Western breakfast and a bunch of Asian dishes in the restaurant for early birds! The coffee shop served a mean cappuccino.
Lunch & Dinner: I ate ALL my meals there. The restaurants were divine. Loads of desserts in the restaurant, I swear I was eating soup in restaurant like every single day. One day I had a salad in restaurant. I didn't eat any Asian cuisine in restaurant, but the International cuisine in restaurant was amazing. Also, the vegetarian restaurant option!
Bar: The bar was well-stocked with booze, the perfect spot to unwind after a long day pretending to be an explorer. They sometimes offered happy hour. I also got to try their bottle of water and their poolside bar.
Room Service: The 24-hour room service was great for when I was too lazy to leave the room. Seriously recommend all the things. This will save your life.
(Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Time to Chill (or Be Active!))
Right, so you're in Blackpool. You're going to want to see the Tower, the Pleasure Beach, the works. But Hotel 33 has its own ways to de-stress, too.
- Spa: They have a full spa, including a sauna, steamroom, and various massage options. I spent way too much time in the sauna. It was pure bliss. They also had body scrub and body wrap options.
- Pool: There's a swimming pool [outdoor], and a swimming pool. I enjoyed the pool with view. You can see the sea!
- Gym: There’s a fitness center (I didn’t go, because… let's face it), but it's there if you're feeling energetic.
(Services & Conveniences: Little Things That Matter)
Let's talk about the perks. They really went above and beyond!
- Check-in/out: The check-in/out [express] option was a godsend after a long journey.
- Helpful staff: The concierge were genuinely helpful. They knew all the best places to go (and which ones to avoid!).
- Food: They did food delivery!
- Currency Exchange: They also had cash withdrawal services.
- Extras: Luggage storage, safety deposit boxes, laundry service.
(For the Kids: Family-Friendly Fun!)
Also… the family/child friendly services made me feel all warm and fuzzy, despite not having kids. There's a babysitting service (in theory), and they have a kids meal.
(Getting Around & Other Bits & Bobs)
- Car Park: Car park [free of charge] – amazing! Blackpool parking can be a nightmare. They also have a car park [on-site], which is even better.
- Airport Transfer: I didn’t need it this time, but the fact that they offer an airport transfer is really handy (as are taxi service).
The One Slight Hiccup…
Okay, I have to be honest. I did find a tiny, tiny, TINY flaw. The coffee/tea in restaurant ran out near closing time one day. But honestly, I’m being picky. And it really didn't matter, because there was more at the coffee shop. And the staff were quick to help.
So, Why Should YOU Book?
Because Hotel 33 isn't just a hotel; it's an experience. It's a haven. It's a place where you can actually relax and enjoy Blackpool without the usual chaos. The staff are lovely, the food is divine, and the rooms are gorgeous. It's clean, safe, and it's got everything you need. It's the kind of place that makes you want to extend your stay, just to soak it all in. And, honestly, for the price? Insane value!
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Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is… well, it's my trip to Hotel 33 Blackpool. Prepare for emotional whiplash, questionable decisions, and the distinct possibility of me losing my keys.
Day 1: Arrival and the Grand Illusion (of Cleanliness)
- 13:00 - Arrival at Blackpool North Station. Trains… ugh. Always delayed, always smelling vaguely of desperation and chicken korma. Found myself sandwiched between a screaming toddler and a chap whose socks clearly hadn't seen the inside of a washing machine this millennium. Note to self: Pack industrial-strength nose plugs for future train travel.
- 13:30 - Taxi to Hotel 33. Tried to charm the taxi driver with a witty comment about the Blackpool Illuminations, but he just grunted and pointed out the "lovely" view of a derelict amusement arcade. Okay, point taken. Blackpool's not exactly sparkling, is it?
- 14:00 - Check-in at Hotel 33. Right, first impressions. The lobby… let's just say it has a certain… charm. A faded elegance, perhaps? Or maybe just faded. The guy at reception, bless him, looked like he'd seen a ghost (or maybe just years of Blackpool tourist horrors). He handed me a key and… a slightly crumpled map of the area. "Good luck," he mumbled. Foreboding much?
- 14:30 - The Room: A Love/Hate Relationship. Okay, let's be real. It's… compact. Like, could-almost-touch-both-walls compact. Bedspread looks like it’s been to a few parties, and I'm not talking birthday parties. Now, there's a stain on the pillow-case… but under the slightly questionable exterior, it works, it is clean enough, the view from the window is actually pretty cool. overlooking the sea and everything. Ah, the salty air! Everything will be alright. I'm going to love this place.
- 15:00 - Pre-Dinner Stroll on the Promenade. Blackpool Promenade can't be beaten! It's just… full on, isn't it? The smell of chips, the thrum of the arcade machines, the shrieks of laughter… or is it screams? You can't tell sometimes. Got myself a massive, greasy cone from a street vendor. Immediately regretted it. Why do I do this to myself? Note to self: Pack indigestion tablets. This place is loud.
- 18:30 - Dinner at a Local Pub (name withheld to protect the innocent). Ordered fish and chips, which, bless them, came with the traditional "mushy peas" (which look and taste like something that has been left in the back of the fridge for a month). The pub was chaotic, in a good way, and ended up chatting for hours with a local, let's just call him "Dave", about absolutely everything: the Illuminations, the decline of the British seaside, and the proper way to make a Yorkshire pudding (apparently, it's a highly contested subject). The pub dog, a grizzled old terrier, kept trying to steal my chips. Couldn’t even be mad.
- 21:00 - The Illuminations! I have a confession… I got slightly emotional watching the Illuminations. The lights, the music, the sheer bananas-ness of it all… it's magical. Pure, unadulterated, slightly-tacky-but-totally-wonderful magic. I'm a sucker for a bit of kitsch, I guess. Found myself humming along with the cheesy pop music. Don’t judge me.
- 23:00 - Bedtime (and the realization that the shower pressure is pathetic). Okay, the shower’s a fizzer. More like a trickle than a deluge. But, who cares? I am truly content.
Day 2: Roller Coaster of a Day and a Terrible Ice Cream
08:00 - Wake up, groaning (thanks, Dave, for the beers). Ugh, need coffee. Lots of coffee. And maybe some aspirin.
09:00 - Breakfast at Hotel 33. The "full English" was… an experience. The sausages looked vaguely worried, the bacon was crispy, but overall, not the best.
10:00 - A Day at Pleasure Beach. The Roller Coaster Saga: This is where things got WILD. Blackpool Pleasure Beach is a sensory overload in the best way possible. The noise, the colours, the sheer joy of it all! I decided to embrace my inner child and ride every single rollercoaster I could.
10:30 - The Big One. OMG. I am a scaredy-cat. I screamed the whole way around, genuinely thought I was going to die, but the adrenaline was incredible.
11:30 - The Grand National. Less scary, but still thrilling. I rode this one twice.
12:30 - Lunch - More Fish and Chips. Yes, I have a problem. No regrets.
13:30 - Nickelodeon Land: Embracing my inner child.
14:30 - The Ice Cream Disaster. Got a soft serve ice cream: the worst. The texture was icy and the flavour was pure chemicals. I threw it away, because no. Just no.
16:00 - The rest of the day: Back to the hotel to recharge, and get ready to explore more
18:00 - Dinner.
20:00 - Walk on the beach .
21:00 - Back to the room
22:00 - Sleep
Day 3: Goodbye, for now!
- 08:00 - Pack (and try not to leave anything behind … again).
- 09:00 - Breakfast (again).
- 10:00 - Check out, take the train.
- 12:00 - Arrive home and then… just maybe… book another Blackpool trip.
Final Thoughts:
Blackpool is… Blackpool. It’s not perfect, it's rough around the edges, and frankly, it's a bit bonkers. But it's real. It's fun. It's full of life (and chips). And, despite the occasional questionable food and the somewhat dodgy hotel shower, I honestly, truly loved every single, messy, imperfect minute. Blackpool, you magnificent, mad place. I'll be back.
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Hotel 33: Blackpool's Sparkling Secret (and How to Snag a Booking!)
Okay, spill. What's the ACTUAL deal with Hotel 33? Is it really *that* good?
Alright, alright, don't yell! Yes. And no. It's complicated. Look, Blackpool's Blackpool, right? Expect the unexpected. Hotel 33 isn't your soulless chain hotel. It's quirky, it's charming, and honestly? It feels like you've stumbled into a secret. Like, you're in on something the rest of the Blackpool hordes *don't* know. But that charm? It comes with a healthy dose of "Blackpool authenticity," which means... well, we'll get to that.
So, "quirky" how? Does that mean the shower is a converted washing machine?
Haha, no! (Although, that would be memorable!). Think more "boutique Victorian" meets "slightly eccentric Blackpool artist." Picture plush velvet, maybe a slightly wonky antique mirror, and walls bursting with artwork. Their decor is truly unique. No two rooms are the same; some are spacious, some are snug as a bug in a rug. One time I stayed in a room with a FOUR-POSTER BED! Seriously, like, a real-life, swoon-worthy four-poster. I felt like royalty... until I stubbed my toe on the ornate foot of the bed at 3 AM. #worthit. But that’s the thing: you’re never quite sure what you’re going to get, which is part of the fun. It's certainly NOT generic, let's put it that way.
Are the owners weird? Because hotels always have weird owners.
Okay, this is where things get interesting. The owners? Let's just say they're... passionate. They pour their heart and soul into Hotel 33. They're not actors, or trying too hard to be something that they aren’t. They genuinely love the place. They're the kind of people who'll sit and chat with you over breakfast, tell you all the best local chippy spots, and maybe even share a secret about the history of the building. They're... well, they’re Blackpool. In the best possible way. It’s not the Ritz, it's the heart and soul of what makes Blackpool unique.
Breakfast. What's the breakfast situation? Full English? Continental? Cereal from a box?
Breakfast is GOOD. We're talking a proper Full English, cooked to order (and I'm fussy about my black pudding, trust me). They always have fresh fruit, too. One time, I had the most delicious breakfast. Properly cooked. I didn't want to leave the table. They even ask you for any allergies or preferences beforehand. They really care. I’m not going to lie, after a night out in Blackpool, a good breakfast is a *lifesaver*. Think fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, the works. Though, I would say, don't be late, as they are human after all. I got there one morning about 10 minutes before they were supposed to close, and I could sense they were getting ready to pack up, but still, they were lovely about it.
Location, location, location! How's the hotel situated, geographically?
PERFECT. Well, okay, almost perfect. It's a few steps from the Promenade, close enough to smell the sea (and the sea air, let's be honest!), but tucked away just a little bit from the absolute chaos. It means easy walking access to the Tower, the Pleasure Beach, shops, everything! But it's also quiet enough that you can actually sleep at night... Unless, of course, the seagulls are particularly rowdy. (And trust me, they often are.) Finding a parking space can be a bit tricky. But that's Blackpool. Everything’s walking distance though. The location is pretty ideal, honestly. As long as you're okay with a bit of a walk to the Pleasure Beach, which isn't too bad!
The rooms... What can expect in terms of rooms? Cleanliness and features.
Okay, clean is the operative word, and that's HIGHLY IMPORTANT. They have made sure that all rooms are squeaky clean. I have been to some dodgy hotels in my time, but this has always been a great experience. It's modern, not too much clutter. The rooms are always well-cleaned, and the bathrooms are spotless. There's free WiFi, although sometimes it's a bit patchy (again, Blackpool!). The bed has very comfortable mattresses, very important! Also, I am a sucker for a good shower and the water pressure is fantastic. Sometimes they even have little extras, like biscuits or a nice selection of teas. It's not a sterile, clinical experience, it’s more like a cosy guest room where you can actually RELAX. I didn't see any dust bunnies! Big plus!
Any negatives? Nothing's perfect. Give me the lowdown.
Alright, here’s the honest truth. It’s NOT the cheapest in Blackpool. You’re paying for that charm, that personal touch, and the fact that it's a cut WAY above the average. If you're on a shoestring, yeah, it might not be the best choice. The parking situation is, as mentioned, a bit of a pain. Sometimes you have to park a few streets away. Also, like I said, the WiFi is ok sometimes. And occasionally, and this is VERY Blackpool, you might hear something from the street – a rowdy stag do, some overly enthusiastic seagulls! But honestly? It's part of the experience. It’s not some sterile, bland hotel. You are staying in Blackpool, baby!
Booking advice? How do you actually *get* a room at this "hidden gem"?
BOOK. NOW. Seriously. Do not delay. Hotel 33 is popular, and for good reason. They're getting BUSY. I've been caught out before. Their website is easy to use. Check Booking.com or Expedia too, sometimes you find a gem. Call them direct! You might catch them in a good mood. They are so friendly and open. Book in advance, especially if you're going during peak season (Illuminations, school holidays, etc.). Don't be afraid to ask for specific room types, they're usually pretty accommodating. And be prepared to be charmed. You'll have a fantastic time, I promise. Go. Now! Go! Just...leave a room for me, will ya?
One more question. Would you recommend this hotel to your mum?
OMG, good question. My mum loves a nice hotel. My mum is also a bit of a princessBook Hotels Now
