HOTEL of the week

The bar and brasserie were voted Hotel Restaurant of the Year at the Blackpool Tourism Awards. Breakfast is busy – get downstairs before 9am because it becomes crowded with people who want to get a full stomach before they go on all those white-knuckle rides. Dinner often comes as part of an

accommodation package, and it’s a very civilised but friendly affair. The menu contains locally sourced food such as Morecambe Bay shrimps (€8.75 if you’re a la carte), and 10oz chargrilled Hereford rump steak and chips (€22). The Big Blue kids’ menu is fun, with make-your-own pizza or tortilla wrap deals (includes pudding, a drink and advice to wash little hands first) for €8.75, as well as smaller portions of adult food.

You’re spoiled for choice. In less than five minutes you’re on the beach, or in the amazing

Sandcastle Waterpark. The hotel can organise an entry wristband to the Pleasure Beach and it even has its own dedicated gate so you can avoid queues. Within 20 minutes’ walk you can enjoy a traditional vanilla cone at Notarianni’s, an Italian dynasty serving ice creams since 1932 in the same shop (notarianni.co.uk). The Tower is a mile away, with its ballroom, circus, dungeons, and breathtaking views.

B&B from €103 a night.