It was established in 1867 and is situated in a large Victorian red brick building, in what, before development, was Claremont Park.

[4] Queen Elizabeth II stayed at the hotel when visiting Blackpool, as did Charles Dickens[5] as have many other British Prime Ministers.

[4] In 2002, US President Bill Clinton and Prime Minister Tony Blair stayed at the hotel for the Labour party conference.

[9] In 2023 the historic turkish baths of the hotel were extensively restored by volunteers from Blackpool Civic Society.

Bands that performed at the Imperial Hotel include UFO, Judas Priest and Joy Division.