The Mercure Blackburn Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa, Exclusive Hire

Good hotel but it took us 5 minimum to walk from the reception to the room! We had young children so would have appreciated a room nearby rather literally at the end! Overall an average hotel to stay! nothing special or extra ordinary. Only good thing was location

Had the most wonderful 3 night stay. The room was great and the staff were exceptional, really friendly and helpful. Special mentions for Amy, so lovely and always smiling. Nick went out of his way to get someone to sort my pass key sorted when it didn't work and finally Sam, for just being so helpful when checking me out. I will definitely be back. Thank you all.

Comfortable, clean rooms with complimentary tea/coffee, and various beautifully smelling soaps in the bathroom. Bar and restaurant staffed by welcoming, attentive personnel. Food- glorious. Some issues I'm not impressed with- as an independent travel agent, this was known prior to my arrival, I handed my business card to the receptionist. She handed it back right away telling me she didn't need it. Really?? Advance notice to the hotel made them aware I was visiting because of a family gathering but I would be sharing my experience to followers and clients of mine. Eg there was a long delay over booking on arrival, and couple issues in the bedroom, all which should have been attended to prior to my arrival (confirmation of my booking received few weeks ago but i will be writing a complaint to management giving greater details about the problems encountered booking in). Lack of communication to guests about what is the 'usual' practice, if a guest's deal is B&B but they decided to have dinner and booked a table, is an unforgivable fauxpar. On this occasion, thinking the bill would be added to my room, I later found it wasnt- the guest was 'chased' to their room for payment by staff from the dining room (card reader in hand that didn't work!! Went outside into the courtyard with the member of dining staff, card reader still didn't work- was able to pay cash to reduce the levels of anxiety, irritation, frustration and embarrassment paying the bill for my meal outside my room, in full view and within ears of fellow guests. Disgusting and very poor practice). Would give this hotel another visit sometime and hope to see great improvement- the slight tweaks are easily carried out by the hotel in 'looking after the best interest of their clients!!