Hot spots: Legoland Hotel, California

A themed hotel adjacent to the Legoland amusement park in Carlsbad, California, where guests get to continue the adventure after the park shuts at 5pm.

If you're a fan of the interlocking plastic blocks - or a kid - it's a hoot. The hotel is geared to those aged between two and 12. It's bright and colourful, inside and out, and there are Lego blocks everywhere.

Absolutely. The lobby area has a large Lego pit in which children can immerse themselves, should there be a long line at check-in. Behind the reception desk stands a wall created out of some 6,000 Lego mini-figures. In the cafe, Mini's Lounge, there is an interactive Lego castle to hang out in. There are also large blocks in the pool to play with. All told, some 3,422 Lego models are dotted throughout the hotel, made from some three million pieces. A large Lego dragon that breathes smoke is at the entrance, while in the lobby a bubble-blowing monster sprays mists of water on young guests.

There are 250 of them, making this the largest Legoland hotel (there's another in Malaysia, one is being built in Florida and the flagship is in Denmark, centre of the Lego universe.) Guests choose from three themes: pirate, kingdom or adventure (above). Each room has a separate sleeping area for up to three children, with a bunk and pull-out trundle bed and television. Room doors have a peephole at child's-eye level and the bathrooms have toilet-training seats. Little ones even have their own treasure chest - but they have to complete a treasure hunt to find out the access code. Inside the chest are surprises that will keep them busy, while parents relax.