As zoo keepers to one cat and two children (Mia, 5, and Alfie, 6), my partner, James, and I very rarely get to go away. If we can find someone to look after the delinquent cat, then we usually bale out rather than face the oxymoron of a 'restful' break with the kids

They're too little by some years to have their own room but they're not the sort of children to sleep next to us, unless we lay in silent darkness, as rigid as soldiers, which isn't restful, or a break.

Needless to say, I jumped at the chance to try out a family room at the newly-completed Holiday Inn Chessington, which claimed to have solved this problem.

The nearest station (Chessington South, a 10-minute walk) took less than 35 minutes from London Waterloo, although going by car would probably be useful with younger children in buggies as the driveway to the hotel wasn't particularly pedestrian-friendly.

Safari theme

The new hotel has a safari theme throughout: lots of grasses and reeds, faux animal prints and Africa-inspired colours. It's certainly a far cry for the bland image of corporate chain hotels, even if the slight starchiness of a classic Holiday Inn is still simmering just below the khaki surface.

It sits right next to Chessington World of Adventures and as we went around the zoo, we realised we could see not only the hotel, but our very room, a stone's throw from all the animals and birds. Of course, we got terribly excited that perhaps we'd hear the night-time call of lions and tigers from our room, but sadly not. Perhaps that would have been expecting a little too much of the safari theme.

The hotel has a bar and a Brasserie and Grill, which serves delicious, modern meals and boasts a well-thought-out wine list. The children were well catered for: three courses of indulgent comfort food that was down their traps and all around their faces in minutes.

Our one complaint? The beautiful, floor-to-ceiling windows let all the setting sun right into the squinting faces of the diners.

Sleeping den

The sleeping den was a real parents' touch. While the children were very much in the same suite as us, their little area was sheltered from the light and noise of our television by the bathroom in between. We were able to chat, watch some trashy TV in bed (a rare treat!) and drink room-service pots of tea, all without waking the sleeping beauties.

Even more amazing, the little beds were evidently so comfortable and the curtains so good at blocking out light, that we all slept in until 9.30am!

The kids were a little too young to really appreciate having their own television, although the next morning my son enjoyed watching something different to his sister, who usually dominates the schedules and on this occasion dived head first into our bed on Sunday morning and demanded Hollyoaks.

We finished the stay with a morning dip in the lovely warm pool and left for London rested and giggling at our pictures from the trip.

Holiday Inn, Chessington

Leatherhead Road
Chessington
Surrey KT9 2NE
Tel: +44 (0)870 890 0567 Fax: +44 (0)870 890 0568
E-mail: enquiries@holidayinnchessington.co.uk
Website: www.holidayinnchessington.co.uk