Staying at the Thomas the Tank Engine hotel

Staying at the Thomas the Tank Engine hotel When I tell my son Ethan that we are going to stay in a hotel dedicated to all things Thomas the Tank Engine, he is more excited than the Fat Controller confronted by an all-you-can-eat buffet .
He knows those friendly locomotives as well as his own family. We have chuckled together over Thomas\' escapades, Gordon\'s adventures and what Henry, James and Toby have been getting up to, so the idea of spending a whole weekend in their world just about tips him over the edge.
Of course fans have long been able to explore the world of railway at Thomas Land at the Drayton Manor theme park, but it is only recently that they have been able to make it a 24-hour experience with a stay at the newly opened Drayton Manor Hotel, which has 11 dedicated Thomas family rooms.
The excitement begins almost immediately upon arrival, when we are greeted by none other than the Fat Controller himself.
The loveable stationmaster is actually on hand twice a day and happily reads stories to the wide-eyed children who huddle around his sizeable frame in the hotel foyer. It\'s quite a sight watching groups of children so enthralled with the cartoon-made-real in his top hat and tails.
As if this celebrity spot is not enough, Ethan is then handed a Thomas bubble bath and magazine as we check in, never has a two-year-old wanted a bath so much.
Mind you, it\'s a struggle to get him to the room. Along the corridors are Thomas-themed play tables, just begging for families to stop off and participate. And of course Thomas Land is tantalisingly set just beyond the hotel doors, calling all fans over to try out the many rides on offer.
Drayton Manor hotel is set within nearly 280 acres of lakes and parkland that was once the home to Sir Robert Peel, former PM and creator of the Metropolitan Police.
I\'m not sure what Sir Robert would make of the decor nowadays, with the themed family rooms boasting wall murals dedicated to the cartoon locomotives, Thomas bedspreads and cushions and even the face of a train at the end of the bunks.
One of our favourite treats during our stay is the character breakfast, where we mingle with some of the human protagonists that have become so familiar to us. Ethan\'s food is almost forgotten as he poses for pictures and delights in pointing out his favourites.
But it\'s not all about the children, there is plenty for us adults to enjoy too.
The Grill Inn restaurant, which is just opposite the hotel, has a children\'s menu and a regular one, complete with an extensive wine list. The highlight of our meal is a rich bread and butter pudding accompanied by sinful clotted cream.
Of course, while the hotel does also cater for adults travelling without children and those who are not obsessed with Thomas the Tank Engine, its primary appeal for families is its proximity to the theme park.
There are special deals available for those booking a stay and attraction entry together and the trip to reach the entrance is certainly easy.
Drayton Manor takes us from the Wild West to a medieval kingdom and on to battle pirates and rough seas with its variety of rides.
The G-Force rollercoaster leaves me pinned against my seat screaming my head off and Apocalypse offers a 50m vertical drop, described by Chanel 5\'s The Gadget Show as the UK\'s scariest ride.
But of course, with a young family in tow, it is not all about pumping my adrenaline. The zoo is a more sedate option for families and for children over ten years old there is even the chance to get up close with meerkats and tapirs in return for a £30 donation which goes towards different animal charities.
Thomas Land is Ethan\'s highlight - no surprises there. The giant indoor and outdoor play areas cause squeals of delight and the Crazy Bertie Bus and Harold\'s Helicopter Tours are two rides we repeat again and again.
Later that evening, tucked up in his Thomas duvet, watching a Thomas DVD on the little player embedded in his bunk, Ethan\'s last sleepy words are \'when can we come again?\' We haven\'t even left yet!