Pictured: Hotel manager, Martin Wright, alongside The Fat Controller and theme park Managing Director, Colin Bryan on the hotel turret

The 4-star Drayton Manor Hotel officially opened its doors to guests on Monday 15th August. 

Drayton Manor Theme Park's Managing Director, Colin Bryan, Hotel Manager, Martin Wright and popular Thomas & Friends™ character, The Fat Controller, were at the launch to cut the ceremonial ribbon and welcome the hotel's first guests personally. 

The hotel boasts 150-bedrooms, all of which have wi-fi access, air-conditioning, an en-suite bathroom and LCD TVs as standard. Each room has a stylish, contemporary interior, complete with a unique framed photograph of one of the theme park's rides. Guests can choose from a range of rooms including standard, family, interconnecting, executive and deluxe rooms, as well as three presidential rooms, each with fantastic views overlooking the theme park and grounds, for those wanting that extra something special. 

Eleven rooms are Thomas & Friends™ themed, each with a hand-painted scene on the wall and ceiling, depicting a different character from the Thomas & Friends series, along with unique themed bunk beds, and train track patterned carpets in the corridors leading to each room. 

Guests can choose from two restaurants, Parklands Brassiere and Parklands Restaurant as well as two bars, Parklands Bar and the Carousel Bar, so guests will never be stuck for a choice of fine food and drink.

The hotel will also be a popular venue for both private and corporate events as it includes a beautifully styled, large hospitality suite, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows. This suite can accommodate up to 150 delegates for the likes of conferences, exhibitions and product launches or wedding parties and other celebrations. In addition, the hotel has three smaller rooms, each accommodating up to 12 people, making them ideal for board meetings. 

Colin Bryan comments: "It's been a long time coming and we're all really pleased that the hotel is now ready to welcome visitors through the door. With the hotel now open, we can turn Drayton Manor into more than a theme park, it will become a leisure resort where families can come and enjoy a few fun filled days away from it all and let our excellent hospitality team take care of all their needs."