Raffles on Hornby Road is a gorgeous small independent hotel that makes an instant impression with its stunning lounge and bar area, alongside genuinely beautiful bedroom decor. Our room was a little on the smaller side, and the television positioned facing only one bed could make movie nights tricky on a stormy evening in, but the room itself was cozy. While the shower took a moment to get going, replacing it with a modern dual-head rainfall shower system would be a fantastic finishing touch to the room's comfort.
What truly sets Raffles apart and elevates it far above standard Blackpool accommodations, however, is the exceptional breakfast. Served in a beautiful, elegant dining room, the food quality and presentation were flawless. Alongside cereals, yoghurts, and great coffee, the little touches of sophistication were wonderful—like chilled apple juice served in elegant stemmed glassware, and fresh milk brought out in charming little individual glass bottles.
As a visually impaired guest, my son read through the menu options for me, starting with the full English and porridge before we spotted the Eggs Benedict. It turned out to be one of the absolute best I have ever had—the eggs were spot-on and the hollandaise sauce was rich and perfect. It is a rare, high-end treat that feels miles away from typical Blackpool hotel fare and ranks as one of the finest breakfasts I have ever enjoyed in the area.
Overall, a truly special boutique stay.