Craig-y-Don Blackpool: Unveiling the UK's Best-Kept Secret!
Craig-y-Don Blackpool: Is This Really Blackpool's Best Kept Secret? Let's Find Out! (SEO Optimized)
Alright, alright, settle in, because I've just gotten back from a stay at the Craig-y-Don Hotel in Blackpool, and let me tell you, it’s been a ride. This ain't your typical bland hotel review, folks. We're diving DEEP into what makes this place tick, from the accessibility to the amazing (and sometimes questionable) food, all while trying to figure out if it actually lives up to the “best-kept secret” hype. And, of course, we'll hit all the SEO points to make sure you find this review. Because let's be honest, that's (partially) why we're here. ;)
First Impressions: The Good, the Weird, and the Blackpool.
Let's be real, Blackpool itself is… Blackpool. You know? The lights, the pier, the slightly-too-loud-everything. The Craig-y-Don is a bit of an oasis. It's got a certain… character. It's clean, which is a massive plus, and the staff are genuinely friendly. (More on friendliness later).
Accessibility: Making Sure Everyone Has a Good Time
Okay, major props to the Craig-y-Don for accessibility. We’re talking Wheelchair accessible throughout the hotel, including the restaurants and lounges. I didn't personally need those, but from what I saw, it looked like the hotel did a great job accommodating people with mobility issues. There’s an elevator (a must!), and the hallways seemed wide and easy to navigate. This is a huge win, because let’s face it, not every place in Blackpool is exactly known for its accessibility. Details, like a facilities for disabled guests section on their website really shows that they are thinking about people beyond the typical stay.
Internet: Wi-Fi in the 21st Century (and Everywhere!)
Okay, the internet. This is a big one. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (Big sigh of relief). It's also available in the public areas, so you can check your emails or stalk your ex relentlessly from the lobby (I may or may not have done that…). They do also offer Internet access – LAN so if you are the old school you can use the ethernet cables. The signal was relatively strong, and I didn’t experience any major buffering issues while streaming… ahem… educational documentaries. Other services are also advertised as Internet services.
Cleanliness and Safety: Living in a Post-COVID World
Alright, let’s talk about the elephant in the room (besides that giant inflatable banana someone had). COVID safety. The Craig-y-Don seems to take this seriously. They have Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and rooms are Rooms sanitized between stays. The staff wear masks, and there's hand sanitizer everywhere. They also boast of Professional-grade sanitizing services. There's even Room sanitization opt-out available, if you're weird about it. Physical distancing of at least 1 meter is adhered to whenever possible. All of this is good to see, and it definitely made me feel a bit more at ease. I'm a bit of a germaphobe, so anything that gives me piece of mind is a win! they even have Hygiene certification.
Food, Glorious Food (and the Occasional Oddity)
Let's get down to the important stuff: the grub! The Craig-y-Don's Dining options are pretty varied. They have restaurants, a bar, and a snack bar, and room service [24-hour].
- Breakfast: The Breakfast [buffet] was the star of the show. Okay, confession time: I love a buffet. I’m serious, I live for them. The Craig-y-Don had a pretty decent one. They have Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, and a breakfast takeaway service if your in a hurry. The buffet in restaurant was clean and well-stocked. I may have gone back for seconds…or thirds…or fourths…who's counting?
- Anecdote Time: One morning, I swear I saw a small child trying to make off with an entire plate of bacon. The sheer determination on their face was inspiring. Priorities, people!
- Lunch & Dinner: The restaurants serve A la carte in restaurant. They even have Asian cuisine in restaurant, and Vegetarian restaurant. The happy hour at the bar was a definite plus (and a necessity).
Ways to Relax: Spa Day Dreams and Fitness Center Realities
I'm not gonna lie, I was hoping for a bit more in the relaxation department. Although they offer Spa, and Spa/sauna, with a Sauna. They also have a Fitness center and Gym/fitness if you're feeling energetic. Personally, after the buffet, I was feeling more "horizontal" than "horizontal dumbbell reps." But hey, options are good, right?
Rooms & Available in all rooms:
So, the Rooms were comfortable and relatively modern. The Bathroom was clean and well-equipped. They also have great amenities like Bathrobes. Here's a quick rundown of what you can find: Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
Services and Conveniences: From Concierge to Cash Withdrawal
They have a Concierge desk, and also offer Cash withdrawal, and even Laundry service.
For the Kids: Bringing the Bambinos?
The Craig-y-Don is Family/child friendly and they have Babysitting service available, which I didn’t personally require but is a great option for families.
Getting Around: Parking, Public Transport, and…Taxis?
They have a Car park [free of charge] which is a massive win in Blackpool. I drove, and finding parking can be a nightmare. There's also Airport transfer (if you're feeling fancy) and Taxi service.
The Verdict: Is Craig-y-Don the Best-Kept Secret?
Look, is the Craig-y-Don perfect? No. Does it have some rough edges? Absolutely. But it's clean, the staff are friendly (seriously, they're really friendly!), the location is pretty good, the accessibility is excellent, and the buffet is… well, it's a buffet. And honestly, it checks a lot of boxes.
Final Thoughts
I’d recommend the Craig-y-Don. It’s a solid choice for a Blackpool stay, and it's definitely worth checking out. And hey, if you see a small child trying to smuggle bacon out of the buffet, give him a high five for me. You know, from a distance. Socially distanced high five. ;)
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What We Offer:
- Unbeatable Value: Enjoy competitive rates and special offers.
- Accessibility for All: Embrace the freedom of a hotel designed for everyone with fully accessible rooms and facilities.
- Unforgettable Experiences: Dive into a world of fun with the Blackpool Illuminations, Tower, and Pier all within easy reach.
- Safety and Cleanliness Guaranteed: Your health and well-being are our top priorities. Relax and enjoy your stay with our enhanced cleaning protocols.
- Fantastic Food: From hearty breakfasts to delicious dinners, our dining options are sure to please the whole family!
But that's not all! Book now and receive:
- Complimentary Breakfast Buffet: Start your days off right with our delicious breakfast buffet!
- 10% Discount on Spa Treatments: Indulge in some well-deserved relaxation with a massage or facial.
- Free Parking: No need to worry about parking fees – we've got you covered!
Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity! Blackpool awaits, and the Craig-y-Don Hotel is the perfect place to call your home away from home.
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Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is Craig-y-Don, Blackpool, unleashed. And trust me, it's going to be a wild ride.
Day 1: Arrival and That Bloody Promenade
10:00 AM - Arrival at Blackpool North Station. "Right, in we go!"
- Train was late, obviously. Stood on the platform, practically vibrating with anticipation, then battling the usual station chaos. Bloke in a Union Jack hat was ranting about the Queen, a toddler was screaming, and I was praying my luggage would actually arrive with me.
10:30 AM - Grab a Taxi/Walk
- Taxi's a rip-off here. Decided to walk in the light rain, to see the sights: Blackpool's famous Promenade. I was filled with feelings; the feeling of wanting to go back home.
11:00 AM - Check-in at the B&B, "Seabreeze Shack"
- Okay, "shack" is a generous term. More like a slightly crumbling terraced house with nautical themed everything. The lady, bless her heart, seemed permanently surprised to have guests. Room smells vaguely of damp and disappointment. But the view! Well, if you squinted past the overflowing bins, there was a sliver of sea.
- She was so lovely and offered help with everything and even provided some tea while I settled in.
12:00 PM - Lunch:
- Fish and chips, naturally. Found a chippy promising "the best fish in Blackpool". It wasn't. But the chips were decent and that greasy smell of vinegar and deep-fried goodness, is nostalgic.
1:30 PM - Promenade Amble.
- Alright, this is the "must-do" promenade walk. So much to see - the bright neon lights, the arcades, the people, the smells. I walked on.
- But, the wind! My hair became a crazed bird's nest within seconds. Nearly lost my hat. Saw a seagull try to steal a chip. Classic Blackpool.
3:00 PM - Arcade Mayhem.
- Went into an arcade, spent a few quid on some games, managed to win a fluffy unicorn. Then tried to win some money, that was a fail.
6:00 PM - Dinner at a local, The Star Fish
- Ordered the sea bass, which was just bland. But the atmosphere was great because the locals, I'm guessing, came in and joined in the fun. Enjoyable evening.
8:00 PM - Promenade Walk.
- I decided to walk, the lights were lovely. Just a walk.
Day 2: Blackpool Delights, or "Where's My Dignity?"
- 9:00 AM - Breakfast at the B&B:
- The "full English" was a culinary adventure. The sausage was questionable, the beans tasted suspiciously like they'd been sitting out since the Blitz, but the toast was alright. Fuel for the day!
- 10:00 AM - Blackpool Tower
- Went up Blackpool Tower, that's the big tower, for a view. The view… was okay. The glass floor nearly gave me a heart attack. I found it far too unnerving. Also some bloke was proposing to his girlfriend when I was there.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch:
- Had some sandwiches and snacks.
- 1:00 PM - The Blackpool Pleasure Beach
- Look, I love rollercoasters. I do. But after the Tower, I was feeling delicate. So, I watched the rollercoasters and had an ice cream.
- 4:00 PM - Shopping.
- Went shopping, found some fun gifts, bought some Blackpool rock.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner at the B&B:
- I ate what I had.
- 7:00 PM - Sleep.
- I slept.
- 9:00 PM - Sleep.
- I slept.
Day 3: Farewell, Blackpool, or "Get Me Outta Here!"
- 9:00 AM - Breakfast at the B&B:
- Went for breakfast.
- 10:00 AM - Walk
- Walked around to get some air.
- 12:00 PM - Check-out from B&B
- Said goodbye to the owners.
- 12:30 PM - Travel Back Home.
- Yay, finally.
Final Thoughts:
Blackpool… it's a place. It's loud, it's a little rough around the edges, and sometimes, you just want to run screaming. But there's a certain charm to its unapologetic tackiness, its sheer energy. It's definitely an experience. Would I go back? Maybe. But next time, I'm bringing earplugs and a strong sense of humor. And maybe a flask of something stronger than tea. Because, let's face it, you're going to need it.
Raleigh-Durham Airport's BEST Kept Secret: Microtel Inn & Suites!
Craig-y-Don Blackpool: Your Unfiltered Guide (Because Let's Be Honest, Blackpool Needs It!)
Alright, alright, settle down. Craig-y-Don, huh? Sounds posh, doesn't it? It's in Blackpool. And let me tell you, after years of dodgy arcades and questionable chips (and trust me, I've had MY share), I'm willing to stake my claim that Craig-y-Don is the… well, the *least* disappointing bit of Blackpool. So, strap in, because this isn't your standard travel brochure.
So, what *is* Craig-y-Don, exactly? It's not a secret mountain, is it? (Please say no.)
Nope, no mountains. It's a resort town, part of Blackpool. Think of it as Blackpool's slightly less-tacky, slightly more-refined (operative word: *slightly*!) cousin. It’s got a lovely promenade, some pretty decent hotels (some aren't!), and, crucially, it's away from the absolute *carnage* of the Pleasure Beach.
Okay, maybe "refined" is pushing it. Let's say… "less frantic." Think slightly calmer sea, slightly more reliable ice cream vendors, and a distinct lack of screaming children at 3 AM. (Usually.) I've stayed in places where the seagulls are more polite than the guests. And trust me, that's saying something about both the seagulls AND the guests of SOME Blackpool accommodations.
Is it really a "best-kept secret?" Seems ambitious.
Ambitious, you say? Okay, maybe "best-kept" is a *bit* of a reach. But compared to the main strip? Yes. Absolutely. It's definitely a step up from the guy in a Spider-Man costume trying to sell you knock-off sunglasses. You're more likely to find a peaceful walk along the prom, the *sound* of the sea, and a decent chippy. Maybe. I've had some disasters. One time… oh, the chips were so soggy, I swear they could have single-handedly sunk a cruise liner. But I digress.
Look, Blackpool in general gets a bad rap. And sometimes… it deserves it. But Craig-y-Don gives you a taste of the coast without feeling like you've wandered into a human zoo. It's a refuge. A small, slightly battered, seaside refuge.
What can I *actually* do there? Beyond, you know, sighing at the sea?
Right, let's move past the sea-sighing, though admittedly, it's a perfectly valid option. (I do it a lot. Helps with the existential dread, you know?) Okay, things you can DO:
- Stroll the Promenade: It's longer, cleaner, and less crowded than the main Blackpool one. And by "cleaner," I mean… well, you're still in Blackpool. But it's *relatively* cleaner.
- Visit the local shops: Expect bucket and spades, sticks of rock, and maybe, just maybe, a slightly less-offensive souvenir. I bought a genuinely terrifying ceramic clown there once though. Seriously. Its eyes followed me. Eerie.
- Eat Fish and Chips!: This is Blackpool. It's mandatory. Find one that doesn't involve chip-induced depression. Ask the locals. They usually know the decent ones... though don't be shocked if they say go for chips elsewhere.
- Gaze at the Views!: A great angle of the Blackpool Tower and other local sites, if you want to risk leaving Craig-y-Don. The views can be breathtaking, even with the occasional smell of the sea air. Also, the wind is always blowing. Always.
- Stay in a Hotel... or try to!: This is the ultimate crapshoot, honestly. Research. Read reviews. And pray. Because some hotels can be... well, let's just say they've seen better days. I once stayed in a place where the shower head dispensed more rust than water. It was an *experience*.
Okay, the hotels. What's the verdict? Am I signing up for health code violations?
Alright, buckle up, because this is where it gets *real*. Hotel experiences in Blackpool are like Russian roulette. You *might* get a decent room, a clean bed, and hot water. Or you might get… well, let's just say you might start questioning your life choices. I've had both. The highs are pleasant. The lows? Let's just say I still have nightmares about that stained carpet.
My Hotel Horror Story (God, I need to get it off my chest…): Right, so, this one time, in Craig-y-Don, I booked a hotel, thinking, "Hey, it's by the sea! Surely, it can't be *that* bad." Oh, how wrong I was. The room? Tiny. The view? Of a brick wall. The carpet? A swirling vortex of questionable stains I'd rather not analyze. There were *marks* on the walls. And the bathroom… oh, the bathroom. A single, lonely tap dispensed tepid, rust-tinged water. The toilet? A monument to the previous occupant's dietary excesses. I swear, I caught MRSA just from looking at it. The wifi? Non-existent. The breakfast? Cold, congealed… something. I think it was supposed to be scrambled eggs. I left after one night, defeated, emotionally drained, and utterly disgusted. I still get a cold sweat when I think about it. I paid good money for that! It's a tragedy. I am still traumatized! Please, look up reviews! Then check again! And again!
The moral of the story? Research, research, research. Read reviews. Look at *recent* photos. And if the price seems too good to be true… it probably is. Go for the slightly more expensive (and hopefully, less horrifying!) option. Trust me. Your sanity will thank you.
Is it good for families?
Yeah, it can be. A LOT depends on the family. Kids are pretty resilient, they're generally happy to be where there's sand and rides, it has the attractions and there are family-friendly places to eat. However, if you're looking for a Disney experience, maybe not. If you're looking for a classic seaside experience with a bit more of a relaxed vibe? Possibly. Avoid the main drag, stick to Craig-y-Don and its immediate surroundings, and you should be alright. Just keep that in mind that everyone's idea of a good time is different.
Okay, so what's the *worst* thing about Craig-y-Don? Be honest.
The worst thing? Honestly? It's still Blackpool.Searchotel
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