The Villa Express
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Summary of reviewsThe Villa Express stands out with numerous positive reviews highlighting its exceptional and strategic location. Conveniently situated just off the M55 motorway, it offers easy access to major sites like Blackpool, Lytham and Preston, making it ideal for travelers attending events or family visits. Guests appreciate the free parking and ease of finding the hotel, which enhances the overall experience.
While the breakfast situation disappoints many due to the lack of on-site facilities, guests find comfort in the clean, spacious and well-maintained rooms. Praise also goes to the friendly, welcoming and professional staff, whose attentiveness significantly improves the stay. Reviews particularly commend the night porter and housekeeping staff, noting the comprehensive nature of the hotel's excellent service.
Dinner options receive mixed reviews with guests enjoying tasty and reasonably priced meals at the adjacent pub when open. However, frequent closures and limited operating hours have posed challenges. The hotel's rooms, while spacious, clean and quiet, do show a need for updating and better maintenance with some guests noting issues with cleanliness, temperature control and outdated facilities.
Cleanliness at The Villa Express appears variable. Many guests find their rooms spotless and modern, but others encounter issues like dusty surfaces and moldy bathrooms, indicating inconsistent cleaning standards. Nonetheless, the positive aspects often overshadow these concerns, particularly the commendable staff and comfortable accommodations.
The hotel also offers decent wifi for basic tasks, though reliability and accessibility can vary. Families find the spacious, clean family rooms a good fit for their needs, despite occasional bed discomfort. The abundance of free parking is another standout feature, appreciated for its convenience and security.
While beds receive mixed reviews with some guests finding them exceedingly comfortable and others noting them as uncomfortable or poorly maintained, the hotel's overall value for money remains evident. Clean rooms, friendly staff and strategic location make it a solid choice for budget-conscious travelers, albeit with room for improvements in certain areas.
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While the breakfast situation disappoints many due to the lack of on-site facilities, guests find comfort in the clean, spacious and well-maintained rooms. Praise also goes to the friendly, welcoming and professional staff, whose attentiveness significantly improves the stay. Reviews particularly commend the night porter and housekeeping staff, noting the comprehensive nature of the hotel's excellent service.
Dinner options receive mixed reviews with guests enjoying tasty and reasonably priced meals at the adjacent pub when open. However, frequent closures and limited operating hours have posed challenges. The hotel's rooms, while spacious, clean and quiet, do show a need for updating and better maintenance with some guests noting issues with cleanliness, temperature control and outdated facilities.
Cleanliness at The Villa Express appears variable. Many guests find their rooms spotless and modern, but others encounter issues like dusty surfaces and moldy bathrooms, indicating inconsistent cleaning standards. Nonetheless, the positive aspects often overshadow these concerns, particularly the commendable staff and comfortable accommodations.
The hotel also offers decent wifi for basic tasks, though reliability and accessibility can vary. Families find the spacious, clean family rooms a good fit for their needs, despite occasional bed discomfort. The abundance of free parking is another standout feature, appreciated for its convenience and security.
While beds receive mixed reviews with some guests finding them exceedingly comfortable and others noting them as uncomfortable or poorly maintained, the hotel's overall value for money remains evident. Clean rooms, friendly staff and strategic location make it a solid choice for budget-conscious travelers, albeit with room for improvements in certain areas.
Dog Friendly Hotel
This hotel in Preston welcomes dogs, providing a comfortable option for travelers with pets.
Family Friendly Hotel
Hotel with Parking
Cheap Hotel
Accessible Hotel
3-Star Hotel
Guest Reviews
The Villa Express boasts an exceptional location with overwhelmingly positive reviews highlighting its convenient and strategic setting. Positioned just off the M55 motorway, the hotel offers easy access and is particularly noted for its proximity to major sites such as Blackpool, Lytham and Preston. Guests frequently mention its suitability for various activities, including commuting, attending events and visiting family. It’s also praised for its accessibility to local amenities and quick links to the Lakes and other destinations.
The secluded yet accessible nature of the hotel makes it ideal for those looking to avoid the hustle and bustle of Blackpool while remaining just a short drive away. It's an excellent choice for travelers attending weddings, dog shows or events at nearby venues like The Villa Wrea Green and Ribby Hall. Guests appreciate the free parking and ease of finding the hotel, enhancing the overall positive experience.
With welcoming staff and clean, comfortable accommodations, The Villa Express maintains a reputation for excellent service in addition to its optimal location. While some reviews noted minor drawbacks such as the lack of food and drink services and the remote feel for some, the convenience, accessibility and strategic location remain its standout features.
The breakfast situation at The Villa Express has drawn a lot of attention from guests. There seems to be a consistent theme of disappointment due to the lack of on-site breakfast facilities. The attached pub and restaurant, which were once options for guests, have closed down, leaving visitors without a convenient place for a morning meal. While some guests noted that there are nearby facilities to find breakfast, it often requires a short drive and options primarily include basic takeaway bags or external cafes.
On a more positive note, despite the lack of breakfast, guests have generally found the rooms to be clean, comfortable and spacious. The staff occasionally provide coffee and snacks, ensuring a level of convenience and comfort during the stay. The location itself is praised as being in a nice spot, adding to the overall appeal of the hotel despite the breakfast shortcomings.
In summary, while The Villa Express offers a pleasant stay with clean and comfortable rooms in a good location, the absence of on-site breakfast options remains a significant downside for many guests.
The Villa Express seems to have mixed reviews regarding its dining options. On the positive side, guests who managed to dine at the pub restaurant next door found the food to be tasty, well-presented and reasonably priced. Many remarked on the cleanliness and professionalism of the adjacent eatery with some enjoying lovely homemade evening meals and carvery options during their stays.
However, a significant number of reviews mentioned that the pub and restaurant next door were often closed, sometimes permanently since late 2022 or had restricted operating hours and days. This meant some guests were unable to access food or drink facilities during their visit, leading to a lack of onsite dining options. Additionally, there were incidents of booked dining tables being given away and closures due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Overall, while the food at the nearby pub received praise for quality and enjoyment, frequent closures and limited availability posed challenges for many guests looking forward to convenient dining options at The Villa Express.
The Villa Express offers a mixed bag when it comes to its rooms, as reflected in guest reviews. Positives highlight that many rooms are clean, tidy and spacious, providing good value for money and they are often described as comfortable and quiet. Guests particularly appreciate the size of the rooms and the presence of basic amenities like tea and coffee facilities. Rooms are also noted for being easy to find and offering a cozy atmosphere. Several reviews mention the helpfulness of the staff and the welcoming policy for pets, contributing to a pleasant stay.
However, the negative points shouldn't be overlooked. Many guests felt that the rooms were dated and in need of significant updates, including the furniture and bathrooms. Specific complaints noted issues with cleanliness, such as dusty surfaces, cobwebs and dirty carpets. Some rooms had problems with temperature, either being too cold or too hot and certain facilities like toilets and showers were reported as malfunctioning or outdated. Additionally, some guests experienced issues with noise and unpleasant odors.
Overall, while The Villa Express offers comfortable and spacious rooms that meet basic needs, there is a clear need for better maintenance and updates to enhance the overall guest experience.
The bed reviews for The Villa Express present a mixed experience for guests. On the positive side, many guests found the beds and pillows to be exceedingly comfortable, often describing them as large, clean and suitable for a restful night's sleep. Phrases like "amazingly comfortable," "very comfortable bed," and "large comfy bed" paint a picture of a hotel that can offer a cozy sleeping environment. Clean bedding and spacious rooms further enhance the stay for those who were pleased with the bed quality.
However, there were also significant criticisms. Some guests found the beds hard, uncomfortable and equipped with poor quality or thin pillows. Issues like beds being too low to the ground, creaky or consisting of two single beds pushed together were recurring points of dissatisfaction. Additionally, certain beds had protruding springs or mattresses that were quite uncomfortable with some guests unable to have a restful sleep due to these issues.
While the positive reviews highlight moments of comfort and cleanliness, the consistency of comfort seems to be problematic with a fair number of guests experiencing an uncomfortable night's sleep.
The Villa Express presents a mixed bag in terms of cleanliness based on guest reviews. On a positive note, many visitors found their rooms to be very clean, comfortable and tidy with plenty of hot water and clean towels provided daily. Terms like "spotlessly clean" and "clean and modern" were used to describe some guest experiences. Positive feedback also highlighted that the hotel was generally clean, offering ease of access from the motorway and functional amenities.
However, there are recurring concerns that detract from the overall experience. Several guests noted issues such as cobwebs on ceilings, dusty curtains and mold in bathrooms that indicate a need for more thorough cleaning. Specific complaints included dirty carpets, rusty towel rails and stained bedding. There were also reports of lingering odors, dust on various surfaces and unclean communal areas. These critiques suggest that while some rooms may meet cleanliness expectations, consistent upkeep across all areas of the hotel is lacking.
In summary, while the Villa Express has the potential for a clean and comfortable stay, attention to detailed cleaning and maintenance seems variable. Guests may experience either an immaculate room or one that falls short of cleanliness standards, highlighting a significant area for improvement.
The reviews for 'The Villa Express' reveal a consistent theme of friendly and helpful staff, making it clear that guest interactions with the personnel significantly enhance the experience. Many guests specifically praised the staff for being welcoming, polite and attentive upon arrival. The receptionists particularly stood out with numerous mentions of going above and beyond to accommodate requests and address any issues.
It's evident that the staff's professionalism and friendliness left a lasting impression on many visitors, contributing to a pleasant stay. Specific mentions of the night porter and housekeeping staff emphasize the comprehensive nature of the excellent service provided throughout the hotel. Although there were occasional comments about unhelpfulness or rudeness, these instances appear isolated and overshadowed by the overwhelming positivity directed towards the staff's overall demeanor and attentiveness.
Overall, the staff at The Villa Express are highlighted as a key positive aspect of the hotel with guests consistently noting their friendly nature and readiness to assist, thereby significantly contributing to an enjoyable stay.
The wifi situation at The Villa Express has a mix of experiences from guests. On a positive note, many guests found the internet to be decent and good enough for tasks like watching online TV with some specifically describing it as reliable and very good. Additionally, some reviews mentioned that basic wifi was indeed present and that any initial trouble with the wifi was eventually corrected. However, there were also several complaints. Some guests experienced consistent issues such as being logged out frequently or no wifi at all for extended periods despite contacting the staff. Others found the wifi service poor from the beginning and mentioned a lack of wifi codes in the room information. Generally, while the hotel does offer wifi, the quality and reliability appear to be inconsistent based on guest experiences.
The Villa Express offers an abundance of parking options that guests frequently highlight as a positive aspect of their stay. The hotel provides plenty of free parking, making it convenient for travelers, particularly those needing space close to motorways or airports. The parking is quite effortless and easily accessible with many guests appreciating the ample, sufficient and secure spaces available. The hotel’s strategic location next to a restaurant and its ease of check-in are also mentioned as added advantages. However, some guests noted the need for improvements in the car park area, specifically regarding security and the absence of designated disabled spots. Despite these occasional concerns, its overall parking convenience stands out as a strong feature.
The Villa Express offers several attributes that make it a suitable destination for families. Reviews highlighted that the hotel provides a clean and spacious family room, making the stay comfortable and enjoyable for both parents and children. Descriptions such as perfect for a young family and nicely fit family's needs were frequently mentioned, indicating that the hotel's accommodations cater well to family requirements.
Several guests noted that the hotel is family-friendly and a good fit for family of four appeared multiple times, showcasing its popularity among small families. Activities and services geared toward making stays enjoyable with children also received positive feedback, making it easier for mums and providing a positive experience for families overall.
However, a few areas for improvement were identified. Some guests mentioned discomfort with the family beds, pointing out issues like springs sticking up. Despite this, the hotel remains a good option for families looking for a convenient and accommodating place to stay.
The Villa Express offers exactly what one would expect for the price paid: a straightforward and no-frills experience similar to budget chains like Travelodge and Premier Inn. It provides decent three-star facilities and services overall, making it good value for money. The hotel is generally clean with particular attention given to room cleanliness, bathroom cleanliness and carpet cleanliness.
The staff, including the helpful reception and cleaning services, contribute positively to the stay, providing friendly and efficient service. Check-in is easy and essentials like tea and coffee in the room, TV availability and comfortable beds are all taken care of. Some rooms even offer good views, adding a pleasant touch to the stay.
Despite the budget nature, guests find the hotel suitable for short stays with its great location adding to the convenience. Additionally, the hotel offers free car parking and a 24-hour front desk, enhancing its value proposition.
However, there are some downsides. The hotel could benefit from a more thorough clean and the shower cubicles are notably small. During certain periods, there may be no breakfast available due to the closure of the adjacent restaurant/bar, a circumstance occasionally influenced by Covid restrictions.
Overall, The Villa Express proves to be a clean, functional and affordable option for an overnight stay, particularly if luxury is not the priority.
The Villa Express demonstrates a mixed bag of accessibility features for guests with disabilities. The hotel provides accessible rooms and bathrooms and there are facilities tailored for shorter stays at a good value for money. Guests appreciate the spacious rooms that are easy for wheelchairs, along with available parking for those with disabilities.
On the downside, some areas lack accessibility, such as the absence of a lift and pathways that are too narrow for easy wheelchair navigation. Certain disabled rooms have been described as cramped, dated and poorly positioned, making them difficult to navigate and turn around in. Despite these setbacks, the availability of ground floor rooms is a positive, offering easy access without the need for an elevator.
Furthermore, meals can be requested as needed and there is the convenience of a restaurant next door. This makes dining accessible even if on-site options are limited. Overall with some necessary improvements in accessibility and practicality, The Villa Express offers a fair option for disabled travelers, especially for shorter stays.
The Villa Express offers a welcoming atmosphere for guests traveling with their dogs, making it a great option for pet owners. The hotel provides the convenience of allowing pets to stay for an additional £10 per night, which is appreciated by those who enjoy having their furry friends accompany them on trips. The location proves advantageous for those attending the Blackpool Dog Show, adding to the hotel's appeal for dog show participants.
Guests frequently highlight the dog-friendly environment, describing the accommodation as adequate for pets. The hotel's restaurant is also praised for being accommodating to dogs, ensuring a comfortable dining experience. The ability to bring pets is often considered a bonus for travelers.
However, there are a few considerations for prospective guests. Some reviews mention that the presence of dog hairs on the carpet detracts from the overall cleanliness and there have been isolated reports of guests experiencing issues like flea bites after their stay. Additionally, some guests noted that dogs barking during the night affected their rest.
Overall, The Villa Express is noted for its pet-friendly policies and convenient location for dog-related events, making it a suitable choice for those traveling with dogs, despite a few areas where improvements could be made.
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Location
The secluded yet accessible nature of the hotel makes it ideal for those looking to avoid the hustle and bustle of Blackpool while remaining just a short drive away. It's an excellent choice for travelers attending weddings, dog shows or events at nearby venues like The Villa Wrea Green and Ribby Hall. Guests appreciate the free parking and ease of finding the hotel, enhancing the overall positive experience.
With welcoming staff and clean, comfortable accommodations, The Villa Express maintains a reputation for excellent service in addition to its optimal location. While some reviews noted minor drawbacks such as the lack of food and drink services and the remote feel for some, the convenience, accessibility and strategic location remain its standout features.
Breakfast
On a more positive note, despite the lack of breakfast, guests have generally found the rooms to be clean, comfortable and spacious. The staff occasionally provide coffee and snacks, ensuring a level of convenience and comfort during the stay. The location itself is praised as being in a nice spot, adding to the overall appeal of the hotel despite the breakfast shortcomings.
In summary, while The Villa Express offers a pleasant stay with clean and comfortable rooms in a good location, the absence of on-site breakfast options remains a significant downside for many guests.
Dinner
However, a significant number of reviews mentioned that the pub and restaurant next door were often closed, sometimes permanently since late 2022 or had restricted operating hours and days. This meant some guests were unable to access food or drink facilities during their visit, leading to a lack of onsite dining options. Additionally, there were incidents of booked dining tables being given away and closures due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Overall, while the food at the nearby pub received praise for quality and enjoyment, frequent closures and limited availability posed challenges for many guests looking forward to convenient dining options at The Villa Express.
Rooms
However, the negative points shouldn't be overlooked. Many guests felt that the rooms were dated and in need of significant updates, including the furniture and bathrooms. Specific complaints noted issues with cleanliness, such as dusty surfaces, cobwebs and dirty carpets. Some rooms had problems with temperature, either being too cold or too hot and certain facilities like toilets and showers were reported as malfunctioning or outdated. Additionally, some guests experienced issues with noise and unpleasant odors.
Overall, while The Villa Express offers comfortable and spacious rooms that meet basic needs, there is a clear need for better maintenance and updates to enhance the overall guest experience.
Beds
However, there were also significant criticisms. Some guests found the beds hard, uncomfortable and equipped with poor quality or thin pillows. Issues like beds being too low to the ground, creaky or consisting of two single beds pushed together were recurring points of dissatisfaction. Additionally, certain beds had protruding springs or mattresses that were quite uncomfortable with some guests unable to have a restful sleep due to these issues.
While the positive reviews highlight moments of comfort and cleanliness, the consistency of comfort seems to be problematic with a fair number of guests experiencing an uncomfortable night's sleep.
Cleanliness
However, there are recurring concerns that detract from the overall experience. Several guests noted issues such as cobwebs on ceilings, dusty curtains and mold in bathrooms that indicate a need for more thorough cleaning. Specific complaints included dirty carpets, rusty towel rails and stained bedding. There were also reports of lingering odors, dust on various surfaces and unclean communal areas. These critiques suggest that while some rooms may meet cleanliness expectations, consistent upkeep across all areas of the hotel is lacking.
In summary, while the Villa Express has the potential for a clean and comfortable stay, attention to detailed cleaning and maintenance seems variable. Guests may experience either an immaculate room or one that falls short of cleanliness standards, highlighting a significant area for improvement.
Staff
It's evident that the staff's professionalism and friendliness left a lasting impression on many visitors, contributing to a pleasant stay. Specific mentions of the night porter and housekeeping staff emphasize the comprehensive nature of the excellent service provided throughout the hotel. Although there were occasional comments about unhelpfulness or rudeness, these instances appear isolated and overshadowed by the overwhelming positivity directed towards the staff's overall demeanor and attentiveness.
Overall, the staff at The Villa Express are highlighted as a key positive aspect of the hotel with guests consistently noting their friendly nature and readiness to assist, thereby significantly contributing to an enjoyable stay.
Wi-Fi
Parking
Family
Several guests noted that the hotel is family-friendly and a good fit for family of four appeared multiple times, showcasing its popularity among small families. Activities and services geared toward making stays enjoyable with children also received positive feedback, making it easier for mums and providing a positive experience for families overall.
However, a few areas for improvement were identified. Some guests mentioned discomfort with the family beds, pointing out issues like springs sticking up. Despite this, the hotel remains a good option for families looking for a convenient and accommodating place to stay.
3 Star
The staff, including the helpful reception and cleaning services, contribute positively to the stay, providing friendly and efficient service. Check-in is easy and essentials like tea and coffee in the room, TV availability and comfortable beds are all taken care of. Some rooms even offer good views, adding a pleasant touch to the stay.
Despite the budget nature, guests find the hotel suitable for short stays with its great location adding to the convenience. Additionally, the hotel offers free car parking and a 24-hour front desk, enhancing its value proposition.
However, there are some downsides. The hotel could benefit from a more thorough clean and the shower cubicles are notably small. During certain periods, there may be no breakfast available due to the closure of the adjacent restaurant/bar, a circumstance occasionally influenced by Covid restrictions.
Overall, The Villa Express proves to be a clean, functional and affordable option for an overnight stay, particularly if luxury is not the priority.
Accessible
On the downside, some areas lack accessibility, such as the absence of a lift and pathways that are too narrow for easy wheelchair navigation. Certain disabled rooms have been described as cramped, dated and poorly positioned, making them difficult to navigate and turn around in. Despite these setbacks, the availability of ground floor rooms is a positive, offering easy access without the need for an elevator.
Furthermore, meals can be requested as needed and there is the convenience of a restaurant next door. This makes dining accessible even if on-site options are limited. Overall with some necessary improvements in accessibility and practicality, The Villa Express offers a fair option for disabled travelers, especially for shorter stays.
Dog Friendly
Guests frequently highlight the dog-friendly environment, describing the accommodation as adequate for pets. The hotel's restaurant is also praised for being accommodating to dogs, ensuring a comfortable dining experience. The ability to bring pets is often considered a bonus for travelers.
However, there are a few considerations for prospective guests. Some reviews mention that the presence of dog hairs on the carpet detracts from the overall cleanliness and there have been isolated reports of guests experiencing issues like flea bites after their stay. Additionally, some guests noted that dogs barking during the night affected their rest.
Overall, The Villa Express is noted for its pet-friendly policies and convenient location for dog-related events, making it a suitable choice for those traveling with dogs, despite a few areas where improvements could be made.
No, The Villa Express doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at The Villa Express.
Yes, The Villa Express welcomes dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at The Villa Express.
No, The Villa Express doesn't have a gym.
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