Clifton Arms Hotel, Lytham St Anne's

...takes its name from the Clifton family. They were the main landowners in the area. There are many references to the Clifton family locally. Their family seat was Lytham Hall. This is open to the public on occasion. It is now owned by an insurance company. (AXA)

The Clifton Arms Hotel was first erected on Clifton Street, in the space that is now Park Street, on or around 1794. This was apparently a coaching inn. Its successor, the current ...
...all buildings comprising the hotel were raised to the same height. Clearly the hotel was built at the height of Victorian society. Its appearance is very much that of a grand old Victorian lady. The hotel however has moved well into the 21st Century.

There is limited parking for the horseless carriages at the front of the hotel, At the right hand side of the holel is access to a large well lit car park. There is only a single entrance ... more

This Hotel is in the prime position in Lytham. It faces the 2 or so miles of Lytham Green. There are scenic views of the Welsh hills and the Pennines in the distance and views of the Ribble Estuary. Close by is the famous windmill.

The hotel takes its name from the Clifton family. They were the main landowners in the area. There are many references to the Clifton family locally. Their family seat was Lytham Hall. This is open to the public on occasion. It is now owned by an insurance company. (AXA)

The Clifton Arms Hotel was first erected on Clifton Street, in the space that is now Park Street, on or around 1794. This was apparently a coaching inn. Its successor, the current hotel, was built in 1840 on West Beach. In 1875 all buildings comprising the hotel were raised to the same height. Clearly the hotel was built at the height of Victorian society. Its appearance is very much that of a grand old Victorian lady. The hotel however has moved well into the 21st Century.

There is limited parking for the horseless carriages at the front of the hotel, At the right hand side of the holel is access to a large well lit car park. There is only a single entrance and exit. Getting out to turn accross the flow of traffic can be difficult sometimes.

When you enter the hotel you are immediately struck by the muted colour scheme. There are well presented prints of local views in the foyer. There are the inevitable glass cases of quality goods by local retailers too. The desk does not immediately face you. There are open areas in the front part of the hotel. This lends an air of airyness. It could so easily be claustrophobic. The lighting is very efficient and the hotel is well lit without appearing overly bright or dark. Just right!

One is immediately struck by the friendliness of the staff, they are helpful and attentive without being in your face. Again the uniform while being traditional, does have a sense of modernity. The staff also seem happy, willing to talk to you without being patronising. It does seem to be a happy ship.

The hotel is clean, there seems to be very little chipped paintwork - there is alsways something that needs attending to but on the whole the place looks and is well maintained. The gents toilet on the ground floor is well appointed. Everything worked. There are hand dryers on a central column, it smelt fresh and is obviously checked at regular intervals. Again well lit.

The function room which we used was well decorated, good bar, plenty of friendly staff, they did not seem to wear down as the night progressed. The prices were expensive - 2 large soft drinks were £4.30! The DJ was adequate but not good - far too much talking and repeating himself. I don't think the hotel had appointed him. Again well decorated and lit. I don't know what the hire of the room was. The food was clearly freshly prepared, hot and very well presented. No tacky paper plates here!

Prices! The standard tarriff
Single room £100 per night
Double £130
These prices include a full English breakfast, ensuite and the usual stuff, Tea/coffee, trouser press etc. The rooms are well appointed several notches up from your Travel Lodge. The service is exemplary - but they still have that lack of individual feel to them. You could be in a hotel anywhere.

They have special offers throughout the year - this is a golf town. Ring them and get a brochure.

Conclusions - the best hotel on the Fylde coast bar non because:

Upside:
Service is excellent, clean, well lit, feel secure, well positioned for the town and sea front. 4**** hotel.

Downside:
Expensive. Sometimes have to book in advance - can get busy.

Stay in it if you can afford it - you won't find a better hotel - most of the well known golfers on the European tour stay here when taking part.

Jol

 

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