Sipping a glass of cold Chardonay in the smart and sophisticated surroundings of The Big Blue Hotel bar it’s difficult to imagine that I am only yards away from Blackpool’s award winning Pleasure Beach, globally recognised as one of the world’s leading theme parks.

The Big Blue Hotel provides the perfect hotel for just any about any occasion at any time of the year – but the best thing about this place is its not just another theme park hotel that caters solely for families this is hotel with style and class and can be anything you want it to be.

It’s the perfect place for those who want to get a fix of the rides and thrills of the Pleasure Beach from the latest attraction Valhalla to the 100 year old Big Dipper which celebrates its birthday this month with a great party in August.

The Pleasure Beach doesn’t forget the kids either with the only Nickelodeon area with 12 rides celebrating their heroes including SpongeBob SquarePants and characters from Paw Patrol. .

Theatre breaks, themed events, cabaret and dazzling shows like Las Vegas nights and even a pantomime take place in venues in the park and of course you won’t want to miss the glittering spectacle of the famous ice show that has been mesmerising audiences since the early 1930’s.

The Big Blue caters for couples and also great for a romantic weekend especially if you want to pop the question on one of the twilight rides in August or September. The restaurant is great for a celebratory meal afterwards or you can book one of the Big Blue’s suites and opt for room service watching a stary sky from your Juliette Balcony.

Its also the perfect location for the business traveller as its quiet and the rooms are spacious and within easy access of the motorways and there’s Wifi and some really relaxing space when the days business is done.

From the moment I drew up to the Big Blue into their free and spacious car park I knew this was going to be a hotel with many different personas.

The reception is large, airy and spacious and the whole process is so streamlined it doesn’t take very long to register and the reception staff are dab hands at doing fast seamless check-ins. The area has plenty of seating but I must admit if you want to avoid the rush perhaps wait until later than the official check in time.

My room was on the 3^rd floor and thank goodness was accessible by lift. Although I spend a lot of my year reviewing hotels and resorts not only in the UK and Europe but  all over the world I must admit I did get lost in finding my room number.

However I was rescued by a lovely housekeeping lady with the same name as me Liz. She showed me the way along the corridor to my room and even helped me with my bags and an unruly laptop. The housekeeping staff at Big Blue are some of the friendliest and most helpful I have come across in a very long time.

Opening the door to my room I was very impressed by what I saw. I was staying in a Deluxe double. By hotel standards this was a large room. The interior design was chic and cutting edge and blended seamlessly with every attention to detail being observed and beautifully co-ordinated fabrics from The Designers Guild.

The king size bed was so comfortable and dressed with crisp linen and the pillows are amazingly soft. I was impressed by the high quality of the pristine fluffy gowns and slippers all embellished with the hotel and park logo – these were the perfection relaxation accessory.

The far end of the room had a polished wood floor and there were two sinkable arm chairs one with a pouffe style foot-stool to rest those tired feet after a day on the park.

The room had all the modern technology including a flat screen T.V., Wifi and superbly constructed lighting.

What I really did love was the long desk that had room for my laptop and papers, my makeup case and also space for me to pen a few stories. The desk also had a comfy seat and a large hospitality tray with lots of goodies including Yorkshire Tea!

The large marble bathroom had both a nice deep bath and over bath shower and the basin had lots of room around it for toiletries etc. I loved the large mirror and the good quality range of toiletries provided – and the fluffy towels were sheer bliss.

I also appreciated the wooden shelves in the bathroom – ideal for putting makeup, toilet bags and hair brushes etc on – as when I am travelling with my partner we always fight for space around the basin!

The room also had a good hanging space and all the usual accessories including hair dryer and iron and ironing board.

What I really liked was the view from my window, which had a Juliette Balcony (and there was also a fan in the room in case of hot weather by the way). It looked over the park and rides  and below in the grass I had to laugh there were models of tigers and zebras.

Adjoining the Blues Bar is the Brasserie with  an a la carte menu and market menu  in the evening with cuisine that caters for all tastes. The Brasserie also has a day menu until 5.00pm or you can order tasty bar snacks until around 9.00pm or there is a 24 hour room service.

The tables and seating are well choreographed with great spaces and break out dining areas which gives it a spacious feel and allows diners in the evening to enjoy some privacy.

I chose from the day menu as I was going to the premiere of the Hot Ice Show and had no time to sample the restaurant’s  dinner menu.  I decided on a home made burger and I was not disappointed. It was thick succulent and tasty and came with all the trimmings plus a great sauce.

The bar is particularly relaxing with great seating perfectly spaced and has a rather sophisticated aura. It has a great selection of wines, beers and spirits and is open until late. You can always fine a quiet spot I am told and I did.

The Big Blue Hotel is perfect for any occasion even if you don’t take advantage of the rides. It’s just across the road from the South Prom and there’s a tram stop near. It’s also a great starting place for a walk up to Squires Gate on the South Prom or if you want to sample the other side of Blackpool there’s trams from just outside the hotel.

I was really sad to say goodbye to the Big Blue but I shall certainly be returning very soon.

The Big Blue Hotel, Clifton Drive, Blackpool FY4 1ND Tel: 01253 400454

Or visit www.bigbluehotel.com to book or for special packages.

For details of the Pleasure Beach visit www.blackpoolpleasure beach.