Chaps Hotel

What it is and who it welcomes

Chaps bills itself as Blackpool's premier gay hotel. It stands at 9 to 11 Cocker Street, just back from the North Shore promenade, a little outside the busiest bar streets. Chaps leans into that position. It describes itself as a calm, relaxing base where you can have a quiet drink away from the noise, with the bars there when you want them.

It is adults-only. Its own pages do not say it is men-only, so treat it as a gay hotel that is open to the wider LGBTQ+ community and friends. Parties of more than six need to be agreed in advance.

Rooms

There are 16 rooms, each named after a star with a big LGBTQ+ following, including the Bette Midler, Kylie Minogue, Elton John, Judy Garland, Dusty Springfield, Shirley Bassey, Marilyn Monroe, George Michael, Barbra Streisand, Joan Collins, Joanna Lumley and Cher rooms, plus a Mamma Mia room. If you have a favourite, ask for it when you book.

All rooms are en-suite with tea and coffee, and most have a seating area. There is free WiFi throughout. Chaps is one of the few places in the quarter that still has designated smoking rooms. If you book a non-smoking room and smoke in it, you will be charged for cleaning and any damage.

Breakfast, bar and meals

• Breakfast is a full English served in the dining room, with cereal, juice, toast, tea and coffee. It is included when you book direct by phone or through the hotel's own website.
• The bar is a quiet guest bar, aimed at relaxing rather than partying.
• Evening meals are home-cooked and served at weekends for a small extra charge. Order them on the day.

House rules

• Adults only.
• Minimum stay of two nights.
• Groups of more than six by prior arrangement.
• Guests have 24-hour access. Any visitor you bring in is your responsibility and must not be left on their own in the building.
• Smoking only in smoking rooms.

Location

From Chaps it is about five minutes' walk to Funny Girls and about ten minutes to the Winter Gardens. Blackpool North station is roughly ten minutes on foot, or a short taxi ride. Lawrence House and the B and B Blackpool are close by. The seafront is at the end of the street, and the Queen Street and Lord Street bars are a short walk north.

Parking

Cocker Street car park is directly across the road and open 24 hours. Recent prices were £13 for up to 24 hours, £17 for 48 hours, £22 for 72 hours and £25 for 96 hours. There are a few spaces outside the hotel, first come, first served, which cannot be reserved.

Accessibility

Chaps does not publish an access statement. It is an older terraced building, so expect stairs. Call ahead if you need a lower-floor room.

Booking tips

• Weekly deal: pay for five nights and stay for seven.
• Book direct to get breakfast included and the best rate.
• A non-refundable deposit is taken when you book, and the balance is paid on arrival by card or cash.
• If you cancel with less than seven days' notice, you pay the full amount.
• Check-in is from 2pm, and an earlier arrival can be arranged for a small charge. Check-out is 11am, and late check-out can be arranged for a fee. Luggage can usually be stored on your last day.