Here’s the latest I can share based on recent publicly available sources.
Core answer
- The Glass Tower Hotel in Blackpool opened in mid-April 2026 following a major refurbishment, with the rebrand of The Royal Carlton Hotel on Central Promenade into The Glass Tower and its restaurant-bar XI (Eleven).[1][3]
Overview of recent developments
- The property is part of Central Beach Leisure’s investment, described as a £3.5m makeover that coincided with rebranding and a fresh dining-bar concept, aiming to position Blackpool as a more upscale destination on the promenade.[3]
- The Glass Tower emphasizes sea-view rooms, modern facilities, and tech features including facial-recognition entry and self-check-in, aligning with a premium boutique experience on Blackpool’s seafront.[5][3]
- Local industry coverage notes that The Glass Tower and related projects form a broader wave of investment in Blackpool’s hospitality and serviced accommodation sector, with more suites and related properties planned to come online in the near term.[2]
What visitors are saying (early impressions)
- Early video and review coverage from travel/youTube content creators highlights a notable opening period, a £3.5m makeover, and the new branding, with emphasis on sea views, upgraded rooms, and the XI restaurant/bar concept.[1][3]
- Tripadvisor listings as of 2026 show The Glass Tower Hotel as a 38-bedroom boutique option on Blackpool Promenade, described as a bold, modern Art Deco-influenced property with strong design and a focus on comfort and style.[7][5]
Related context
- The Glass Tower is part of Blackpool’s broader hospitality evolution, including other new or refreshed properties in the area, and is positioned to attract both leisure and business visitors to the Central Beach Leisure cluster on the promenade.[2]
Illustrative note
- If you’d like, I can pull precise current opening hours, room types, and pricing for the Glass Tower Hotel and XI restaurant, or summarize recent local press pieces in a concise bullet list.
Citations
- The Glass Tower Hotel opening and branding details are reported in coverage about the £3.5m makeover and rebranding from sources discussing Central Beach Leisure and Blackpool’s seafront developments.[3]
- Reception of the opening and property features including facial recognition entry and self-check-in are described in reviews and promotional content around the launch.[1][3]
- Local industry update on investment in The Glass Tower and related hospitality developments in Blackpool is documented in regional business coverage.[2]
- Visitor reviews and hotel description on Tripadvisor corroborate the property’s boutique, 38-bedroom status and Art Deco-inspired design.[5][7]
If you want, I can narrow this to a brief “What’s new this week” update or compile a quick comparison with nearby Blackpool hotels.
Sources
Blackpool Tower, built in 1894, was once the tallest structure in the whole of the British Empire. These days, it's a landmark of Lancashire's favourite resort town. It crowns the Promenade as it rises a whopping 158 metres above the Irish Sea, offering sweeping views of the coast and the city alike. You can find 5 attractions inside the tower,...
uk.hotels.comNow open for bookings, The Glass Tower and Eleven represent the latest major investment in further improving the hospitality and leisure offering of Blackpool via Central Beach Leisure. Central Beach Leisure has spent a total of more than £15m on the hotel and premier serviced accommodation schemes in Blackpool and on the Fylde Coast, with 35 suites available and another 45 coming on stream by May. Luxury serviced accommodation owned and managed by the business includes Park Road Suites, 59 St...
www.lancashirebusinessview.co.ukDrone and rescue team are currently at the scene after a suspected fire broke out at top of iconic Blackpool Tower
www.independent.co.ukBook Glass Tower Hotel, Blackpool on Tripadvisor: See 589 traveller reviews, 232 candid photos, and great deals for Glass Tower Hotel, ranked #12 of 95 hotels in Blackpool and rated 4 of 5 at Tripadvisor.
www.tripadvisor.co.ukBook Glass Tower Hotel, Blackpool on Tripadvisor: See 11 traveller reviews, 39 candid photos, and great deals for Glass Tower Hotel, ranked #47 of 96 hotels in Blackpool and rated 4 of 5 at Tripadvisor.
www.tripadvisor.co.uk