Tam O'Shanter

My mother-in-law treated my partner & I to a long weekend back in June 2015. Upon arrival we were greeted by the owner who seemed very nice, she informed us that she had tried to get ahold of us to see what time we would have arrived which I thought was a nice thing to do. (She couldn't get ahold of us for some reason, I cant remember). We were shown to our room and was pleased with the room. We were told about breakfast and what time it would be served. She also mentioned that they were wanting to redecorate as they had not long bought the place. As we were shown to our rooms I asked about the wi-fi and she said they had wi-fi but it was on the lower floor so we might not of gotten it (I wasn't really bothered, just curious) . The only problem with the room was the window, it wouldn't shut properly. The location was perfect! Not even a 5 minute walk from the beach which we were pleased with, not a long walk to food places either. Great location! Few days passed and one morning at breakfast we asked where the closet launderette was and she gave us directions, she then asked how much washing we had and we told her it was just a few things, she said to save us a walk & some money she'd do it for us, which in my opinion was a lovely thing to do, not many B&B's would offer. The last day we had a few hours to kill before we got the train home, kick out time was 9/10 (I can't remember) but we had asked Tricia if she had somewhere to keep our bags for the time being, she said she'd keep them behind the bar as the breakfast area was locked when not in use. It was my partners & my first holiday away together and we couldn't have asked for a better time / service. Thank you for making us feel welcome!!

I had the misfortune to stay at this disgrace of a B&B last year with family and friends, and I can safely say it's the worst accommodation I've experienced anywhere before. When we were let in, we were met with the overwhelming stench of wet dog! Once we'd paid cash, as the credit card machine was broken, we were escorted to our room up two flights of narrow and dirty stairs. There were electrical wires hanging from cupboards on the way up the stairs. Once we got in the room it smelt damp, and none of the bedding had been provided for the bunk bed we requested for our daughter. We requested this to be told it would be brought up later The room was dirty as were the windows, and the window did not close properly. The Kettle was in a dangerous place near the TV and had not been Portable Appliance Tested for some time, approximately 6 months out of date. I checked the other devices and found these to be similarly out of date. The bedding and room both looked like they'd not been changed since the last occupant. I would have left there and then, but we'd already paid in full and it would have been tricky to get suitable accommodation at short notice elsewhere. We had a two night stay and on neither night would my wife sleep under the covers as she was very unhappy with the cleanliness of the room. On a positive note the Breakfasts were pleasant, but the rude language and tone used by the landlady were intimidating to the children present. The one thing in its favour is its central location to the sea front and entertainment. But sadly this is not enough to make me stay here again.

I have to echo the last few reviews I'm afraid. This was the worst place I've ever stayed! At the time of booking TA reviews were good & their own website made the place sound good, price was around midrange, not the cheapest but not luxury. We only wanted a weekend in Blackpool to see the illuminations before going on to a caravan holiday on the Monday so the Tam O'Shanter seemed to fill the bill. I think we must have been there on the same weekend as the previous reviewer. I started to get worried in the week before when I tried all week to ring B&B to let them know our approximate arrival time as it's quite a long journey from Kent. No reply all week & no reply to my email direct to their website. After looking at more recent reviews I said to my husband that I thought maybe it had changed owners & the new owners didn't have access to website? I think I was right with this as it has changed owners although all the info in the room was about its previous existence, and it still sounded lovely! The owner, Tricia finally rang me on the Friday evening to find out what time we were arriving - I said approx 3.30 and she said that her husband might be there to let us in. She said they had changed telephone number so I asked for a contact number and she gave me her husbands mobile number. Well thank goodness she did because when we arrived at 3.30 there was no one there, place was all locked up & looked dreadful on the outside. There was a note taped to the door giving a mobile number to ring so someone could let us in but no reply, what a welcome after a long journey! Luckily I had the other number so rang that & she finally arrived to let us in. It was just as described in previous recent reviews, dirty & stale smelling. She just showed us straight up the grubby stairs to our 'king size ensuite' room with tv & refreshment facilities. OMG I've never seen anything like it! As previously stated, whole place was filthy, Windows disgusting, certainly wouldn't use the kettle or the one dirty mug although the water wasn't suitable for drinking, not the owners fault but I think they could have supplied an initial small bottle of water. As it was she didn't even tell us, luckily I had brought my own. The bedding seemed clean enough or I would not have stayed & the shower worked well although it wasn't clean and did have the rusty nail on the floor to avoid! Such a very tiny bathroom though. Also the same view over the disgusting back yard. The owner just let us in, took our money - cash only- and I had to tell her how much the balance as she tried to charge me an extra £20 & then said breakfast was at 9.30 and left. The advertised lounge bar area was locked until opened for breakfast in the morning & locked again after we were hurried out after finishing breakfast. It's a shame because it's in a great location & there were some nice looking b&bs nearby but I think it's just easy money to them because they obviously don't put anything in to the place or do any work on it, it's probably not even been cleaned since the previous owners left if the summer seasons cigarette butts outside are any indicator! I was very glad to leave & get to my nice cosy caravan in Fleetwood on the Monday. It was my first visit to Blackpool & at first it put me off but on the whole i liked it. Will stay somewhere else next time though!