The Sefton Hotel (Blackpool, United Kingdom)

The owners, and staff, of the hotel are extremely helpful and will go out of their way for special requests, like late check-ins or early check-outs, or vice-versa. They will even accommodate special dietary requests for breakfast and dinner. It seems as if anything request is met with a willing attitude.

While the hotel is generally considered a two-star, the meals rate much higher than that. The food is freshly prepared with quality ingredients and there is plenty of choice and plenty given on the plates. Plus, a full English breakfast, nicely prepared, is always a delight.

You'll know you aren't at a cold and impersonal hotel as soon as you step through the door. The warm welcome and comfy rooms will soon make you feel right at home. It isn't an uptight stay with strangers, but a leisurely stay with new friends.

The rooms, and overall building, need a bit of updating. The spaces are cramped and the décor feels dated, rather than new and modern.

There are several maintenance issues at the hotel. Walls and ceilings need painting and some features just don't work. The shower pressure and temperature fluctuates. The WiFi is spotty and the whole place shows wear and tear.

The place is more of a bed and breakfast rather than hotel. The owners live on site and many of their personal choices are part of what you get. You'll have to endure several dogs running about and barking all night. They are even allowed in the eating areas. Also, while some rooms are labeled non-smoking, the whole place smells of stale smoke and some rooms overlook the outside smoking area.