Mercure Blackburn Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa 4 estrelas

Recently stayed at the Dunkenhalgh for a few nights. The very first thing we noticed was how friendly and welcoming all the staff were. This continued throughout our stay. BUT, the ineficiency within the service they provided was evident in all departments. They all worked hard, tried to appear professional but made mistakes all to often. The organisation and staff training is certainly something that should be examined! The hotel itself is tired and really could do with maintenance and redecoration. The bathroom, door was falling off in our room, the electric radiator did not work. Food was good but often confused and wrong choice served. Breakfast is Ok (£16.50, I think). But very little choice. Sadly, like so many hotels in Britain these days, they seem to run with a very tight budget that reflects in poor service and conditions.

Amazing experience! Me and my mum visited for a weekday getaway. We were greeted by Becky and Lucy, they were warm, welcoming and genuinely overall great at introducing us to the hotel. We were upgraded to a different room for free, the breakfast was lovely, and the spa room fantastic. Thank you again to Becky, Lucy and the Dunkenhalgh Hotel and spa for a lovely, relaxing experience. Will definitely return 😍

My wife booked several tickets for a Taylor Swift tribute act at the Dunkenhalgh in early 2024, at a cost in excess of £200. The event was cancelled due to illness: no fault of the Dunkenhalgh, of course, but they continually refuse to refund the money whilst demonstrating a staggering level of incompetence and lack of customer care. Or, they’re thieves. When she first called about a refund, a few weeks after the even was cancelled, my wife was informed by the Dunkenhalgh that they would need time to organise this for everyone and would call her soon to inform her when it might happen. They'd had time, but okay, fair enough I suppose. I mean, it would be better if they'd taken the initiative themselves rather than sit on everyone's money going, “La la la, nothing to see here,” and presumably hoping no on mentioned it, but whatever. A month passed without a phone call so my wife called them (shouldn’t have to, should she?) and was informed that the person dealing with the matter wasn't in at that time, and was asked to call back when they were. She didn't bother asking why only one person was allowed to handle refunds; instead, she did as requested, called back on the given day and spoke to this revered employee (let's call her Rita Refund), who informed her the money would be refunded "soon". Another two months passed without a refund, so my wife called again and was informed that Rita Refund wasn't in again (come on Rita, sort your attendance out) and was asked to call back when she was. Again. So she did, again, and this time Rita Refund informed her that the refund had been issued. When my wife politely explained that she wouldn't be calling if that was the case, would she, Rita - it's not like her hobby is to call badly managed, run-down establishments and chat to elusive employees about bogus financial claims - Rita said to leave it with her and she'd look into it. Uh-oh. So my wife "left it with her." For another month (around four now). And when Rita Refund had - shocker! - failed to call, my wife phoned the Dunkenhalgh and was informed that Rita Refund wasn't in at that time, and was asked to call back when she was. (Jesus, Rita, what do you work, like six hours a week?). So she did, and you’d imagine at this point that Rita would apologise profusely for her constant rudeness and lies, wouldn’t you? Well she didn’t do that, but what Rita did to was explain that there'd been a mix-up and the refund had been issued to someone with a similar surname. (Great work, Rita! We’ve got some Biff, Chip and Kipper books here that we don’t need anymore. Shall I pop them round so you can learn to read?) Upon receiving this tacit admission of Rita’s imbecility, my wife asked a more politely worded version of the question: How is that my problem and why have you not sorted it or called me? and was informed the matter would be resolved soon and her refund would, finally, be issued. Another month passed, and when Rita Refund had once again failed to call (hey Dunkenhalgh, just a thought, but have you considered maybe I dunno, say sacking Rita, painting a face on a melon and putting it in her chair to do her job? I don't think it would make a massive difference plus you’d be saving a salary, and the retention of monies seems important to you), my wife phoned the Dunkenhalgh and was informed that Rita Refund wasn't in at that time and could she please call back when she was. Six. Months. So. Do not trust the Dunkenhalgh Don't go there, for any reason. Don't book a room, don't book a meal (if they even do meals: I've never been in despite living near because it looks like a bit of a s__t hole to be honest), don't book a conference or wedding or anything, because the Dunkenhalgh is a big fan of taking your money off you, but not so much about providing a service and even less keen on paying you back when it fails to do so.

Very pleasant stay. Room was more of a little house on a little street rather than a stay in a hotel. No umbrellas available, ehich they could do with investing in. I did ask for the heating to be put on/ fixed as a small radiator doesn't do. The radiator at the door did come on the same afternoon but again, other 2 in the room off and broken. Pool is nice and clean. Sauna rooms nice but whilst there I witnessed someone " snot" into the provided shower in the wetroomarea what everyone has to go on and a guy taking a shave in the steam room! Maybe send a member of staff to look about and do a check in there now and then or some signs up ? Food was nice, staff lovely , becky on reception very nice and helpful.

Booked with spa breaks which was DBB a bottle of Prosecco and spa access and complimentary upgrade to an executive room. Should’ve know on check in that it wasn’t going to be great as I had to fight to get the upgraded room that had been part Of the booking. To be fair the room was nice and the bed was one of the most comfortable I’ve slept in. That’s about all of the good points. Spa was not great - the pool was freezing, changing rooms, both male and female, were grotty and in need of refurbishment. Saunas were ok. But It’s not a thermal journey as advertised. No hot tub or anything that made it feel spa like. Didn’t have a treatment so can’t comment on that. Decided not to eat in the restaurant and asked for room service. This took over 2 hours and 2 visits down to ask where it was. When the food did arrive it was cold and underwhelming. Breakfast was just ok. Very busy and a basic offering. Definitely not 4 stars and in need of a revamp was my overall thought and we wouldn’t be back in a hurry.