Not content with running Europe's least-exciting visitor attraction – the Blackpool Lights – Blackpool has triumphed once again by hosting Europe's worst hotel.

Nobody enjoys a dirty weekend more than we do, but there is a difference between 'dirty' and 'just plain nasty'.

I can't comment personally, because I have never been, but according to the users of popular travel website, Tripadvisor, the Grosvenor Hotel in the Lancashire town is the very last place in the whole of Europe you want to spend a weekend.
Former guests at the £25-a-night place described it as 'filthy' and 'disgusting'.

One wrote: 'As I opened the door I was greeted by a damp wall and ceiling, tiles falling from the bathroom ceiling, holes in power sockets which were clearly visible (in a family room), the TV cable was hanging down loose, with no remote control.

' As for the Tower view - the windows were so filthy that we could not even see the road!'

Another claimed the lift was 'more frightening' than rides at the Pleasure Beach.

The new owner of the hotel, Sunny Khajuria, responded by saying it was a 'mess' but renovations were underway.

No fewer than eight of the ten worst hotels on the list are in Britain. We put up with a lot when it comes to accommodation, but learn your rights and you will never be abused by the nearest Basil Fawlty again.

• A hotel room is a service like any other. If it does not conform to what you have been led to believe, it is breach of contract.

• Start by recording the problems. Write them down and take photographs on a camera or mobile phone.

• Ask to be moved to a new room. If this happens and the new room is OK, ask for a gesture of goodwill – such as a free lunch – for the inconvenience of moving.

• If the entire hotel is unacceptable, ask to speak to the manager. Show them or her your list and your photographs (or take them to the room personally). Tell them that the hotel has breached your contract and you want your money back immediately or you will take them to court. If they say they will re-credit your money to a credit card, watch them do so and ask for the printed record of the transaction.

• If the room is in a dangerous state – such as faulty wiring – inform Trading Standards who will take appropriate action. The hotel may have to close while the work is carried out.

• Share your experience with other travellers on sites such as Tripadvisor.