If you're planning a trip to Alton Towers, I would highly recommend you extend your visit to incorporate a stay at The Alton Towers Hotel. It is the most fascinating place I've stayed in.

In the centre of the hotel, from the ground floor to the top of the building, is a huge Jules Verne style boat/balloon type thing!

There is generally something unexpected around every corner.
Even the lifts are amazing. You step inside and notice that it's done out like a boat or submarine - porthole, green and slimy looking, nice! Then you press the button - the lights go out, then as the lift sets off lights flash in the ceiling and scary music plays!

There are also several 'characters' who wonder about the hotel. From a drunk bulter, to an explorer with oversized looking glass and butterfly net.

What amazed me though was that these people stayed in character all the time, not just when there was children about. At one point I happened to look out of the 4th floor window and saw the 'explorer' examining things with his looking glass right at the other end of the grounds, with no-one else in sight. I don't know if anyone else saw him, but that was one thing that i really remember about my stay there.

The rooms are all themed, standard rooms are either 'pirate' or garden' and the facilities are good. There are also a number of specially themed suites to choose from - including a cadburys chocolate suite!

The food is also fantastic, the staff friendly, and even though during my stay there the 400 rooms were filled to capacity, the hotel, even the bars and restaurant seemed quiet and peaceful.