At the beginning of December we started our Christmas celebrations
With a long promised return to Thomas Land at Drayton Manor
My sister and her family live in the Peak District
So we met her there and had a wonderful time
A magical start to our festive season
We stayed for two nights in a Holiday Inn Express
Close to Drayton Manor Theme Park
The hotel was easy to find and within 15 minutes drive of the park
The Holiday Inn Express is in Lichfield
And it is a family friendly hotel
It is easy to drive to
On an Industrial estate
Just off the M6 Toll
Next to a McDonalds and a Frankie and Benny’s
It is a great place to stay to explore the local area
We drove up to Lichfield early in the morning
We arrived early, before our rooms were ready
As they often do
Esther and William had travelled in ‘holiday pyjamas’
The hotel manager without hesitation
Provided us with a room to get dressed in when we arrived at the hotel
The hotel welcomes families
And offers packages that include accommodation and trips out
With a range of Drayton Manor options
When we returned from Thomas Land
And explained to the hotel that there had been a mix up
With the tickets they gave us for the park that day
They refunded us the money it had cost us without question
While the error was being dealt with
The receptionist chatted to Esther and William about their day
We had adjoining rooms in the hotel
A double and a family room
We were staying for two nights
And find that adjoining rooms mean we all get a lot more sleep!
The rooms were clean and warm
With plenty of space for us all to eat, sleep and play
The beds were comfortable
And we all slept really well
After our first night
We were ready for another exciting day
The Holiday Inn Express in Lichfield is close to Chasewater Country Park
Where throughout December they run a Santa Special on their steam railway
My sister booked the day for us all
We had no idea what to expect
I think our expectations were quite low
But actually we had the most wonderful time
A lovely family day out
Esther and William love trains
They loved exploring the station
They loved seeing Father Christmas on the rails
The train journey was not so long that the children were bored
After the round trip we explored the sheds
Finding the old engines and Christmas displays
Watching the miniature railway
The queue was not that long to see Father Christmas
But even if it had been we would not have minded
Trains to watch, hot drinks and mince pies
It was a pleasure to wait
Though not very warm!
Father Christmas was lovely
Generous with his time and his presents
Each child was given multiple presents
Esther, William and their cousin loved opening their gifts
It was wonderful to watch them
Chasewater really fired up our festive spirit
We had a truly wonderful day
After lunch at a local pub
We headed back to our rooms at the Holiday Inn
To relax and sleep before driving home
Before we headed for home
We had breakfast
Breakfast at The Holiday Inn Express is quick and easy
A self service buffet with just enough choice not to overwhelm
Esther and William were allowed Frosties and apple juice as a special treat
I had yoghurt and croissants
David had sausages and eggs
We were able to eat our fill before settling our bill
And heading for home
With full tummies and happy hearts filled with very special Christmas memories
With my sister living not too far away
I am certain that we will return to The Holiday Inn Express again one day
If you need to stay in the area of Lichfield
I can heartily recommend the hotel as a place for you to stay too
Clean and comfortable
Family friendly
Great breakfast
Handy location
Free wifi
Interconnecting rooms
A place to eat, sleep and play
We were given reduced rates at the Holiday Inn Express in return for an honest review