A Blackpool hotel manager has released a direct statement to a guest who took one look at their 'room down in a basement' and left.
Bella Vista Lodge has the prestigious title of number one on TripAdvisor's list of 'special inns' in Blackpool. In fact, over 200 guests who have visited the hotel have given it high praise.
The seaside hotel has even received a rare five out of five stars and has been remarked as a "guest house in the heart of Blackpool'. The location is only a five-minute walk away from Blackpool Tower and boasts nine recently renovated bedrooms which have all been fitted with en-suite bathrooms, Lancs Live reports.
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Despite this, not everyone was as impressed with their stay. A one-star review of the location said they disliked it so much they had to book somewhere else.
The review states: "Wanting to visit Blackpool and see the lights which are spectacular we drove for about six hours. When we arrived at the place I had prepaid £132.00 for two nights room only basis, the room was down in a basement reached by narrow uncared for steps. the room itself was dingy and in need of a complete redecoration and replacement of the sad carpet.
"The road itself is rundown with dilapidated properties. parking in the area is a nightmare and carpark charges are high. We decided to not even stay at the Bella Vista Lodge, so we went to the Tourist Information Office and managed to book into The Blackpool FC Hotel which was £85.40 for two people including breakfast/parking and our small dog."
However, the owners made a point of replying to the rare negative review. They wrote: "Thank you Ken for your review. Our large king room has recently been decorated and, as other guests have stated on their reviews, is a lovely spacious room with its own entrance.
"In relation to parking, I checked the streets nearby for a space for you, and advised where the nearest cheaper car parks are, as the one at the end of our street is around £20 for 48 hours. You don’t mention any of this in your review and give me 1 star for service!
"Regarding facilities, the room has a fridge, coffee machine, iron/ironing board, hair dryer, superior hospitality tray including Piper crisps and galaxy hot chocolate, 40” smart TV, again no mention of this in your review!
"The Blackpool fc hotel is a 15 minute walk away from the centre, which is why you will have found parking much easier. We take all feedback on board, however yours is unjust, so I have reported your review to Tripadvisor. Regards, Paul."
Other reviews have been much more positive, however.
One guest wrote: "Absolute fantastic stay at Bella Vista Lodge. We were greeted by Dan, a lovely upgrade as a Birthday surprise! Our room was spacious, warm, immaculately spotless!
"Lots of clean towels, huge TV and the most comfortable bed I've slept in. Do not hesitate booking here, you will not be disappointed. Thank you for our lovely 2 night stay."
This guest also agreed that the beds were some of the comfiest they've slept on. They said: "Brilliant stay so friendly and helpful close to everything we need. Bed super comfortable room excellent standard clean and fresh. Can't wait to stay again. We definitely be back looking at when we be booking again."
Another guest added: "Went for a short weekend stay to see a few of my partners friends who were local. As we was only staying for two nights we just wanted a bed to sleep in. The room was spacious and extremely well looked after. We was greeted on arrival and the owners/staff could not have been more helpful. I would highly recommend this place to anyone coming to Blackpool."
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