Blackpool - there is accommodation here to suit all requirements, whether you are on a hen or stag night and basically want something cheap and cheerful to rest your head, whether you are of the old generation and prefer something a little more cosy, friendly however within a budget, whether you are staying on business and your company are paying your expenses or whether it is a special occasion or you just have expensive tastes, there are a couple of prestigious five star hotels that a fit for royalty... well maybe not that upper class.

I have visited Blackpool every year since I was a kid, just for day trips or for weekend breaks and over the years I have probably stayed in every single type of accommodation you can think of, however I do have my favourites. Blackpool is by far not one of the superior seaside resorts that I have been to, but its and old favourite and is only two hours drive away from where I live and I can never say that I have had a bad experience in Blackpool, only good memories.

When I think back to my childhood, the hotels that we stayed in were not the same as the standards that I enjoy, my family always opted for the not cheaper option, however the privately owned hotels with the more homely feel and home cooked food. Nothing spectacular inside however more than adequate for all your requirements. Looking back on them now they seemed very old fashioned, however times have not changed and when visiting Blackpool even to this day, they still remain the same, probably had a coat of paint over the years, but the carpets still look the same and the wood on the walls, than went out with the ark, however, this generation I feel enjoy this and one day I will probably find myself returning to this sort of accommodation.

I have stayed in quite a few nice hotels in Blackpool, my favourite has got to be the Big Blue Hotel, which is situated adjacent to the Blackpool's Pleasure Beach and I would consider it to be one of the most prestigious within the area and also seems the first choice when celebrities are in town as we have bumped into one or well known faces in this hotel, which comes as a surprise. I found myself walking down a corridor and seeing Kevin from Coronation Street walking the other way, when you recognise someone, I automatically say hello to them in my own way and ended up saying to the poor guy, Alrite Kev, realising straight after what I had done and felt as if I could crawl up my own backside, and die of embarrassment.

The Big Blue Hotel is part of the Best Western Chain and is very superior to other hotels within Blackpool in many ways. The standards of this hotel are beyond excellent and I will continue to return to this hotel, no matter what the occassion, just because its a pleasure to be there. The hotel itself is very modern, marble floors and modern decor give a very fresh appearance of the place. The rooms are amazing, even when staying in a standard room, you fell like you have been upgraded for some reason, the beds are huge, and very comfortable, i am fussy about beds too, you also have a very decent sized bathroom that is well lit and very nice, and a small living area to if you want to lounge around and not lie on the bed, not that I ever used this area though.

The food within the Big Blue Hotel is superb too, accommodation rates are for bed and breakfast, evening meals are available at an extra charge within the restaurant, however being in Blackpool who wants to eat in a hotels when there is so much to do. Breakfast was buffet service, with a variety of hot and cold, english and continetal food available, so something for everyone and is always a pleasure to have plenty of options for breakfast.

The Big Blue is by far the best hotels that I have stayed in however there is also a close second, which is always my second option. The Viking, this is part of the chain Choice Hotels, in which there are several of these located in Blackpool, two down towards the North Pier end of the promenade and one located just opposite South Pier which is the one we stayed in. I always like to be closer to South Pier, there seems more to do at that end.

The Viking Hotel, also had its own club, club being a comedy club that housed various comedians, some very wel known and reputable and some trying to start their career and make a name for themselves. This attracts the family type people that have kids and don't want to go to far at night however would like a drink and a bit of entertainment and when its all under one route then who can complain.

When entering the Viking Hotel, it is a complete different atmosphere, it is rather old worldy and has that home feel, with the creaky floorboards which i do like as it gives the place character. The sheer warmth of the place makes it cosy and it does attract a lot of pensioners who have probably a few more pennies and are treating themselves to somewhere more expensive.

The rooms in the Viking are quite big, have twin beds though, so if you are not happy about that you have to put them together and hope that you don't fall down the crack in the middle. The rooms have all the accessories that you could require, en suite, an ample sized bathroom with quite a good sized bath in it, TV, tea and coffee making facilities, it generally a nice place to rest your head.

The good thing about the Viking is you do get bed, breakfast and evening meal, which is waiter service and the staff are very pleasant and seem to stay there year on year. The food is fantastic, with a very varied menu, which is always good, and the view looking over the sea through the big glass windows is nice, slightly raised from the straight so you are not directly eye level with passers by to ensure your privacy.

The Viking is a little cheaper than the Big Blue and you get your evening meal too included, worth a stay, but gets booked very quick.

I have also stayed in bed and breakfast's which have been home to Mr and Mrs Bedbug, on my hen night as we went there for the weekend. I'm not going to go int detail of where but if you pay cheap don't expect too much in return.

Lots of choice and full of hotels, you will always find somewhere to rest your head.