Blackpool Holiday Inn named best in UK and Ireland as it celebrates 2nd birthday
“We’ve played our part in showcasing everything Blackpool has to offer”
Blackpool’s Holiday Inn is two years old - and there’s triple cause for celebration.
It’s not only ‘Happy Birthday’ to the hotel which has changed the face of the area around the resort’s North railway station, but the hotel also rings in the occasion as the No 1 Holiday Inn in the UK and Ireland. Plus, the hotel’s General Manager, Mark Winter, was recently named RBH’s General Manager of the year for 2025.
In that time, the 144-room four-star establishment at the heart of Blackpool’s Talbot Gateway Development has welcomed more than 150,000 guests and seen ‘incredible’ growth in corporate guests, with an increase of more than 140 per cent from year one to year two.
Manager Mark Winter and his team have also provided an overall total of 20,000 rooms to conference delegates attending conventions, exhibitions and conferences in Blackpool alongside a global travel surge, with markets such as USA growing significantly into the resort.
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Mr Winter said: “What a ride it’s been - almost as thrilling as the Big One,
“Over the past two years, we’ve been proud to welcome guests from near and far to this iconic seaside destination.
“From leisure stays and special occasions to hosting conference delegates visiting the Winter Gardens and Blackpool Conference and Exhibition Centre, we’ve played our part in showcasing everything Blackpool has to offer.
“Together, we’ve helped put Blackpool on the international stage once again; supporting its continued growth as a world-class resort and destination for both business and leisure.
“A huge thank you to our incredible team, our wonderful guests, and everyone who’s been part of our journey so far.
“You’ve helped us create something we’re really proud of.”
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Holiday Inn Blackpool is owned by Blackpool Council and operated by RBH Hospitality Management under licence from IHG Hotels and Resorts and its No 1 in the country distinction is being celebrated on the side of HGV seen all around the nation’s roads network.
Since its grand opening by actor Jack P Shepherd of TV’s Coronation Street in May 2024, the Holiday Inn’s restaurant facilities - a key part of the offering to guests and the general public have successfully switched from a Marco Pierre White branding to the Platform 9 bar and kitchen.
One recent review on Tripadvisor said: “A lovely dining experience, the food was incredible hats off to the chef” while another enthused: “The food was incredible, presented beautifully and great value for money. The restaurant itself had great atmosphere with chilled vibes that even made us sit in the bar area after our meal for a few extra drinks.”
As the hotel moved into its third year and beyond as a flagship part of the new-look Blackpool, Mr Winter added: “Here’s to more success, more memorable stays, and continuing to champion Blackpool for years to come.”
‘Mini Canary Wharf’
The creation of a ‘mini–Canary Wharf’ is promoting Blackpool to an increasingly global audience as an all-year round international visitor destination. That’s the view of the manager of one of the resort's leading hotels regarding the Talbot Gateway development.
Mark Winter, general manager of Holiday Inn Blackpool, described the £350m mixed-use regeneration project as “an economic game changer”, creating a central business district and civic quarter for more than 8,000 workers and students and helping to attract a rising number of corporate and commercial visitors.