The Merlin Hotel Blackpool Exterior photo

Key details

About the Hotel

2 Charnley Road, Blackpool, FY1 4PF

Near the beach

Guest rating

5.5

/10

5.0

3.2

Loved by The Merlin Hotel guests

Cute staff

Comfy beds

Clean rooms

Great bar area

Free kids drinks

Convenient toilet

"I Stayed in room number 7, it was a very nice and comfy bed, nice quilt, bedding and comfy pillows, I slept very very well."

Karl from United Kingdom

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"Yes this is a budget hotel so don't expect the ritz, how can you complain with 2 rooms for 5 of us for just over £200 in half term, for 5 nights."

Dawson from United Kingdom

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Family-friendly hotel in central Blackpool, a 2-minute walk from Coral Island

Location

The Merlin Hotel is located within a 2-minute walk from Coral Island amusements and the promenade arcades. Blackpool Central Beach is an 8-minute walk away, with Blackpool Tower within a 10-minute stroll. North Pier and the Winter Gardens are both less than 1 km from the property.

Accommodation

The hotel offers family rooms, twin rooms, standard quadruple rooms, and triple rooms with either shared or private bathrooms. Each room includes a dining table, carpeted floors, a TV with remote, and tea- and coffee-making facilities. The hotel provides luggage storage and full-key-access security with CCTV covering common areas and the exterior.

Entertainment & On-Site Amenities

A bar and a games room with a pool table are located in the basement of the hotel. Guests have access to board games and puzzles during their stay. The hotel has a designated smoking area and a shared bathroom with complimentary toiletries.

Safety & Security

The property is equipped with 24-hour security and CCTV in both common areas and outside the building. Fire extinguishers and smoke alarms are installed throughout, and key-access is used on all room doors. Luggage storage is available for guests arriving before check-in or after check-out.

Nearby Attractions

Blackpool Pleasure Beach is 3 km from the hotel, while Trough of Bowland is 40 km away. Coral Island and the promenade arcades are within a short walking distance. King George's Hall is 43 km away, making the hotel a base for exploring both central Blackpool and the surrounding area.

Highlights

Location: 2-minute walk from Coral Island amusements

Rooms: Family rooms, twin rooms, and triple rooms

Entertainment: Basement bar and pool table

Safety: 24-hour security with CCTV and fire alarms

“This is a hotel undergoing positive transformation, driven by genuinely hospitable management. The rooms are generously sized, and ongoing renovations aim for a high standard of comfort. Its central location offers convenient access to Blackpool's attractions, complemented by a welcoming bar area.”

Grace WhitmanContent & Editorial Director at Familyhotels

Location: Very good

7.8/10Review score

View our interactive map

Highlights from guests

Children's AmenitiesKids' Paradise

The kids got colouring books and pens. Staff helped with laptop WiFi. They really made it easy for families.

Emma from Wales

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BedroomSeriously Comfy!

The bed was very comfy with nice quilt, bedding and comfy pillows. I slept very, very well indeed.

David from England

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Media & EntertainmentBasement Fun

The basement bar has a pool table. There are also tellies and music. Kids loved the flashing light.

Jessica from Scotland

Review on

Guest ParkingSecure Parking

There's secure parking in the back yard with CCTV and locked gates, great for motorbikes and peace of mind.

Michael from Ireland

Review on

Choose from a variety of room types

Choose from a wide variety of rooms designed for families, including double rooms, family suites, and rooms with breakfast included

Twin Room
2 persons
650 sq. feet
2 Single beds
Heating
room details
Double Room
2 persons
650 sq. feet
1 Double bed
Heating
room details
Triple Room
2 persons
970 sq. feet
1 Double bed and 1 Single bed
Heating
room details

Show all rooms

Availability and pricing for your selected dates

Book your family’s getaway in a snap with up-to-date availability and pricing!

Facilities

Each family-friendly hotel provides top-notch amenities for an unforgettable stay with your loved ones

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
No pets allowed
24-hour security
Luggage storage
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key access

Children

Board games

Room features

Heating
Dressing area
Tea and coffee facilities
Dining table

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

Carpeted floor

The Merlin Hotel Location

2 Charnley Road, Blackpool, FY1 4PF

Map view

City landmarks

Landmark

The Blackpool Tower

1.3 mi

Landmark

Central Pier

4600 ft

Aquarium

Sea Life Blackpool

2700 ft

Landmark

Madame Tussauds Blackpool

4600 ft

Landmark

Coral Island

2700 ft

Landmark

Blackpool Illuminations

1.3 mi

Harbour

North Pier

1.3 mi

Park

Blackpool Pleasure Beach

1.6 mi

Amusement Park

Sandcastle Waterpark

1.5 mi

Zoo

Blackpool Zoo

1.5 mi

Landmark

Comedy Carpet

1.3 mi

Park

Stanley Park

1.2 mi

Harbour

South Pier

1.4 mi

Landmark

Bannatyne Health Club & Spa

2400 ft

Nearby

Gallery

The Grundy Art Gallery

2000 ft

Winter Gardens 97 Church Street

Winter Gardens Blackpool

2000 ft

Shopping Area

Houndshill Shopping Centre

2000 ft

Library

Blackpool Central Library

2000 ft

Winter Gardens 97 Church Street

Opera House

1000 ft

Squires Gate Lane Hangar 42

Lytham St Annes Spitfire Visitor Centre

1100 ft

45 - 59 The Promenade The Golden Mile

Star Trek: The Exhibition

1700 ft

Church

St John's Church

1100 ft

Shopping Area

The Regent

1200 ft

Promenade

1400 ft

Church

Sacred Heart Church

1900 ft

Blackpool FY1 4NY

The Winter Gardens

900 ft

Central Dr

Coral Island Casino

1200 ft

Bank Hey St

The Blackpool Tower Dungeon

1500 ft

44 Church St

Escape Room Centre

1300 ft

Birley Street

Sculpture

1400 ft

Restaurants

Yorkshire Fisheries

1900 ft

16 Topping Street

Munchys Cafe

700 ft

50A Coronation Street

Greggs - Houndshill

1100 ft

Unit 16 16 Adelaide Street West Unit 16 Houndshill Shopping Centre

The Albert and The Lion

2000 ft

Promenade

Lowery Cafe

900 ft

28 Coronation Street

103 Cafe

1000 ft

103 Coronation Street

Frenchman's Cove

1100 ft

15 South King Street

Pastels Blackpool

1900 ft

2 Cedar Square

Sea Fish

1600 ft

17 Victoria Street Houndshill Shopping Centre

Stevonia Fish & Chips

1300 ft

64 Central Drive

Coral Island Cafe

2000 ft

Central Promenade

Explore Blackpool

Sea Life Blackpool

10 minutes walking

Aquarium featuring diverse marine life, interactive exhibits, and a glass tunnel. Great for family visits.

Coral Island

10 minutes walking

Indoor amusement park with arcade games, rides, and dining options. Perfect for families and thrill-seekers alike.

The Grundy Art Gallery

8 minutes walking

Gallery showcasing contemporary art and local exhibitions. Offers free admission and tours.

Winter Gardens Blackpool

8 minutes walking

Historic entertainment complex with theaters and events. Notable for its beautiful architecture and diverse shows.

Sandcastle Waterpark

25 minutes walking

Indoor waterpark featuring slides and wave pools. Great for fun and relaxation, suitable for all ages.

Bannatyne Health Club & Spa

10 minutes walking

Health and wellness facility offering fitness classes, relaxation areas, and spa treatments. Perfect for unwinding after adventures.

Munchys Cafe

3 minutes walking

Casual eatery known for hearty breakfasts and homemade snacks. Friendly atmosphere perfect for quick bites.

The Albert and The Lion

8 minutes walking

Traditional pub offering British classics and local ales. Charming decor and a lively ambiance, bookings recommended.

Opera House

5 minutes walking

Historic theater featuring live performances, concerts, and comedy shows. Family-friendly events available.

Comedy Carpet

25 minutes walking

Unique art installation with comedy quotes. Ideal spot for fun photos and a break between attractions.

Tips on navigating the city

City Centre
Blackpool 5 min · 1400 ft
Airports
Blackpool International (BLK) 8 min · 3.1 mi
Manchester (MAN) 140 min · 58.0 mi
Train
Blackpool North Train Station 10 min · 2700 ft
Blackpool South Railway Station 23 min · 1.2 mi
Bus
Bus stop 8 min · 2000 ft

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 15:00-22:00

Check-out

from 08:00-10:00

Internet

Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.

Children & extra beds

There are no cots provided in a room. There are no extra beds provided in a room.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Number of rooms:

Family-focused reviews and ratings

Read feedback from other families who have stayed to ensure you make the right choice.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

The Merlin Hotel offers spacious rooms equipped with TVs, kettles, and tea/coffee making facilities, a setup appreciated by many guests. The on-site bar, complete with a pool table, provides entertainment, especially for families. While some guests have mentioned occasional issues with power outlets requiring the use of extension leads, the hotel's location, within a short walk to the seafront and key attractions, is generally considered a big plus.

Review score

Based on 7 verified reviews

7.8 /10

Very good

86%

Recommend

Breakfast

8.7/10

Location

7.8/10

Paid Wi-Fi

5.0/10

Facilities

6.0/10

Pros

Helpful staff

Comfortable rooms

Good location

Bar area

Cons

Filthy divan

Broken TV

Dirty toilet

charlotte from united kingdom

Family with children

double room private bathroom

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: February 12, 2026

9.5/10

charming surprise

smart tv ideal location comfortable bedding excellent staff

the staff were excellent. the room featured a smart tvwith entertainment options similar to home.. a definite plus. i found the location ideal, as it was close to attractions. the bedding was very comfortable.

the shower head holder was broken. positioning the shower head correctly was difficult.

Facilities

9/10

the hotel includes a bar and a pool table located in the basement area. guests can access these amenities for relaxation and entertainment . the bar offers a selection of beverages.

Service

10/10

the staff greeted guests at the door and directed them efficiently. the manager was lovely. staff members, providing helpful assistance.

0 Helpful

Owen from United Kingdom

Family with children

Double Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: November 30, 2025

8/10

fresh towels helpful staff

the staff was helpful upon arrival. the room included fresh towels and soap (which was a nice touch).

the tv remote was missing from the room.

0 Helpful

Joe from United Kingdom

Family with children

Double Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: November 26, 2025

9/10

double bed fresh bedding clean shower

the room had a double bed with fresh bedding the quilt was plump and the pillows were clean i found shower facilities in the bathroom the shower was clean.

i had difficulty accessing all the plugs in the room to charge my devices.

0 Helpful

Alexander from Germany

Single

double room

3 nights in October 2025

Reviewed: October 29, 2025

5/10

cold room fluctuating shower temperature

the room i had was quite cold, even with the provided small electric heaters it wasn't enough. there was no hot water at the sink, so washing was difficult, and the shower temperature fluctuated dramatically from hot to lukewarm to freezing. i also found mould around the shower cubicle, along with a hole in the wall and peeling ceiling paint.

0 Helpful

Isaac from United Kingdom

Family with children

double room private bathroom

3 nights in August 2026

Reviewed: September 16, 2025

8.5/10

surprisingly good stay

cute staff comfortable room friendly feeling

the staffs are very cute and helpful. the room are nice and comfortable. i felt very welcome here.

the hotel dont have park. i has to park on the road, and my car was broken into.

Location

9/10

the hotel is locate a couples minutes from the beach. it is convenient for families who want to spend time by the sea. coral island is also nearby.

Facilities

8/10

the room include a smart tv, so it feel like been at home. the hotel offer showering facilities, what is convenient for freshening up after a day out. bedding is clean, and the quilt and pillows are plump.

0 Helpful

Ryan from Ireland

Family with children

Double Room

3 nights in August 2026

Reviewed: September 09, 2025

8.5/10

A Pleasant Stay

accommodating managers entertaining pool comfortable beds convenient location

The managers were indeed accommodating, addressing our needs promptly and with a smile. A bar area with a pool table kept the kids entertained. They especially loved playing pool. The room offered everything needed for a comfortable stay, and the beds felt very comfy and tidy. I found the location convenient. It was close to the town and key attractions.

Access to power outlets was limited, requiring some rearrangement of furniture.

Dining

8/10

The breakfast buffet featured a good variety. I enjoyed the fresh pastries. There were ample seating options available in the dining area and the coffee machine was easy to use.

Service

9/10

The staff were very friendly and approachable. They answered all my questions quickly. Check-in was efficient, and any minor issues were resolved promptly. I especially appreciated their warm smiles.

Rooms

9/10

The room included fresh towels and toiletries, a detail I always appreciate (especially after a long day of travel!). The provided kettle was functional, allowing me to make tea in the room. The bedsheets were crisp and clean.

Facilities

8/10

The hotel included a bar and a pool table. The Wi-Fi was free and easily accessible throughout the hotel. I liked that the vending machine had a selection of drinks and snacks available 24/7.

0 Helpful

Mark from United Kingdom

Family with children

double room

3 nights in June 2026

Reviewed: August 28, 2025

6/10

a decent stay

convenient location friendly staff ensuite bedroom unclean shower full bin pizza box

the location was convenient. i liked that it was close to attractions. the staff were friendly and always ready to help. the bedroom with ensuite was nice.

the shower room looked unclean with its all-black design. there was a full bin in the room. i noticed a pizza box was left by the bed (it seemed like a previous guest's forgotten meal).

0 Helpful

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