This is the highest rated AA hotel in Scarborough, and I'm convinced that they'll achieve their four star status in the next year or so. This hotel has seen an unpresidented level of investment over the last three years, including spa and excellent fitness suite. A great place to relax and a great place to do business.

The Shepherds Hotel is ideally situated on the A66, just outside Cockermouth, with loads of parking. The 27 bedrooms are smart and consistent whichever room you get. The restaurant offers 'hot rock' cuisine which initially sounds gimicky, but is rather good fun and very tasty as the meat is very carefully sourced from local suppliers. Unlike lots of 3 star hotels, the staff here are great; chatty and responsive whether your a corporate customer or in the area for fun.

Christine Dougal and her man have taken the bold step of purchasing the hotel next door, knocking through and giving themselves a massive 34 bedrooms to maintain. A huge amount has been achieved in terms of internal refurbishment and 2008 will see the outside get a facelift too. Ideally situated near to the town centre and the sea front.

Unlike the vast majority of properties in Blackpool, Philip has taken the Holmsdale Hotel down the route of getting a national inspection, and while we all have our gripes with the ratings system, it does demonstrate a commitment to quality. The Holmsdale is a good 3 star and ideally suited to couples or small groups of adults, as you won't be finding an children here.

Debra and Bill have taken a traditional Blackpool sea front hotel and turned it into an award-winning business. The location is excellent and the prices are unfathomable, just insist on a seaview room. As with many resorts, Blackpool's real beauty is out of the main season, so consider a short break in the early Spring or late Autumn/Winter period.

Andrew and Lyn pride themselves on the quality of their welcome and warm hospitality, which is undoubtedly why they manage to secure so many repeat bookings. They're much larger than the average Blackpool Guest House, but somehow manage to retain an excellent level of service. With the greater number of rooms comes with some parking [please call to arrange first], a good sized lounge and separate bar area.