Blackpool hotel bought by Starboard

The team behind Burnley's Holiday Inn Express, Starboard Hotels, has acquired the The Best Western Carlton Hotel in Blackpool.

The Carlton, a feature of the resort’s North Shore, is to undergo a sympathetically designed, gradual renovation programme ensuring the hotel’s unique reputation as a firm favourite with families, tourists and business guests remains at the forefront of it’s offering.

“Our acquisition of The Best Western Carlton is a positive step into Blackpool’s hospitality sector,” said Paul Callingham, Starboard Hotel’s managing director.

The sale of The Best Western Carlton to Starboard Hotels is also hoped to have a positive impact on Blackpool’s jobs market as the new owners will be engaging with local colleges and schools, offering apprenticeships and other career opportunities.

Under Kerian’s management, Burnley’s Holiday Inn Express recently won the Intercontinental Hotel Group’s Developing People award, recognising the hotel’s outstanding achievements in encouraging people to pursue a career in the hospitality industry.