Best Western Glendower Hotel

9 Reviews

Star Travel Rating

4/5

Review type

Accommodation

Date of travel

February, 2016

Product name

Product country

Product city

Travelled with

Wife

Reasons for trip

Relaxation

When you hear the words ‘work in progress’ about an hotel, it can often have an ominous ring, conjuring up visions of half-built hutches on the Costas.

But when it’s the historic Glendower Hotel at Lytham and St Annes, on the Fylde Coast of Lancashire, it’s a pleasure to go along and share the experience of a place working hard to improve its already impressive reputation.

Part of the Best Western family, this hotel on the North Promenade has also been part of the town’s fabric since the 1800s – when for years the lovely building was a ladies’ college – and it inevitably began to feel its age.

Like St Annes’ iconic pier and even the entertainment capital of Blackpool just up the road, its glittering heyday might have been overshadowed in recent years with the headlong rush for package holidays abroad, but its rolling refurbishment programme has breathed new life into a top-class slice of British tradition and has managed to keep that classic seaside feeling, without it feeling at all dated.

The rooms are a case in point, for although the building itself looks a time traveller’s dream of gorgeous Victoriana, you open your door to find fixtures, fittings and facilities as clean, crisp and stylish as in any trendy new-build.

My booking was made at the last minute, so I couldn’t opt for a room with a balcony or a great view of the Irish Sea, but I did get a standard double that would put many a pretentious 5* to shame.

The only thing that could be described as old school is the service, which is efficient, cheerful and attentive, something that’s sadly lacking in a good few other places I’ve stayed in.

That was underlined during breakfast service on the morning after a large, official Saturday evening ‘do’, when dozens and dozens of guests emerged within about half an hour of each other.

There were so many guests that the newly-revamped and rather swish Coast Restaurant, not surprisingly, just wouldn’t have been able to accommodate everyone at once, so one of the Glendower’s large function rooms had been set up in advance, with staff ready for action.

Sunday being Sunday, we didn’t get up at the crack of dawn and we made our way to breakfast a bit later than we would on a working weekday, only to find the whole theatrical operation already in full swing.

No problem – we were greeted and seated in a matter of moments and served with coffee; then after a couple of visits to an impressive juice/cereal/fruit/cold-cuts buffet, we had spot-on waiter service with a hot breakfast cooked to order and delivered within minutes, along with lashings of fresh toast and constant coffee.

Once service was over (and I did notice that no one was left unserved, or arbitrarily turned away at the cut-off time) the tables were cleared with military precision by staff, who were unfailingly polite and smiling, which again is something you don’t see every day, either here or abroad.

We missed out on staying for dinner, due to a function elsewhere on the Saturday night and a need to get home early on Sunday, but I was nosey and asked around about the menu, and I didn’t hear a negative word, except that some diners were disappointed they couldn’t stay an extra night to have another meal.

Sadly, we didn’t have time for lunch, either, but I consoled myself with the thought that Lytham and St Annes is not too far away from my home in the Pennines – and I might need another trip to the seaside quite soon.

Check in and check it out!

David Graham

Join the club

Become a member to receive exclusive benefits

Our community is the heart of Silver Travel Advisor, we love nothing more than sharing ideas, inspiration, hints and tips between us.

Come feel the love on a Princess cruise. You’ll enjoy the MedallionClass experience others simply can’t, and it’s exclusively for everyone. Visit incredible destinations and be involved in the best experiences around each one of them.

Experience more with Princess and connect effortlessly with the world around you, spend time away with loved ones, take a moment for yourself, and fall in love with your holiday of a lifetime, every time.

With over 20 years of experience, Wendy Wu Tours has mastered the art of creating exceptional, fully inclusive tours which showcase the very best of each destination.

Each tour is led by a world-class guide, who will highlight the very best of their homeland, and includes authentic cultural experiences so you are not just seeing the sights, but truly immersing yourself in local life.

Say hello to ease at sea. Ambassador’s purpose is simple: they want to inspire every guest to experience authentic cruising, effortlessly and sustainably. Passionate about protecting our oceans and destinations, their ships comply with the highest industry emission standards and there is no single-use plastic on board.

On your voyage, you will receive the warmest of welcomes from the Ambassador community as you sail upon the friendliest ships afloat.

This is a global co-operative co-owned by local partners using real local experts and guides, which supports local communities, environments and wildlife. It offers travellers quirky places to stay, activity holidays and learning experiences. Not In The Guidebooks gets travellers off the beaten track into local culture with day experiences and longer, immersive adventures.

From wild wellness breaks in Wales to painting in Portugal, sustainable adventures in Mauritius to food safaris in Brazil, this is immersive, exciting travel.

Seabourn’s five intimate ships carry guests to the heart of great cities, exclusive yacht harbours and secluded coves around the world, while two new purpose-built expedition ships will combine exhilarating adventures in remote destinations with the sophisticated amenities of the world’s finest resorts at sea.

From the luxury of all suite accommodations to complimentary fine wines and spirits, and a no tipping policy, Seabourn exemplifies the definition of travelling well.