Where to Stay
From Bolton Interweb
Bolton is not what you would call a tourist town although it would like to think it is. Although historic and highly significant in the Industrial Revolution, it is basically a relatively dirty former major centre of heavy engineering in the process of transforming. Nevertheless there is some beautiful scenery to the North, the metropolis of Manchester to the South, and enough to keep you occupied for a long weekend. The shopping is pretty good, the Town Hall a majestic example of Victorian architecture, plus a magnificent sports stadium, cinemas, a lively nightlife from Thursday to Saturday, a bowling alley, a casino for the flash harrys, and theatres. It has to be said that for a town of its size the facilities are really outstanding.
When it comes to places to stay Bolton has its share of the traditional British bed and breakfast establishment. Not particularly cheap nor inspiring, opt for one of these if you really are trying to save money but be prepared for a drop in standards if you are an overseas visitor.
In recent years Bolton has been the beneficiary of several brand new chain hotels, aimed probably at the corporate market, but generally clean and comfortable. There are two at the Middlebrook Shopping complex next to the Reebok football stadium and close to the Horwich exit of the M61 motorway. Another can be found by coming off the M61 at the Bolton Town Centre exit and turning left at the Shell petrol station about a mile towards the town. A Moat House stands right in the town centre and is famous for a fire a couple of years ago that received national news attention.
The Pack Horse, also in the town centre is a traditional hotel with public bars on the ground floor.
The Last Drop, signposted from the M61 as an "attraction" and located near the village of Bromley Cross to the North East of Bolton, is probably the premier place to sleep and possibly the most expensive. But there again there is an indoor heated pool, a cobbled square, a choice of dining options, and a lovely location. But be warned! The food and drink is relatively expensive and perhaps not the best in town.
