A FAMILY hotel is beating the recession blues with a little help from the King.

An Elvis impersonator is one of many tribute acts entertaining guests at the newly-refurbished Best Western Calcot Hotel's popular dinner nights.

Last Thursday the Bath Road hotel near Junction 12 in Calcot held a party to showcase its new look 80 bedrooms and revamped ballroom.

Mr Presley, aka Mike Nova, a former holiday camp manager from Newbury, said: "I think people enjoy coming to events like this because it is something a bit different from your average night out."

He was joined by host Dame Edna Beverage, complete with gladioli, who said: "I do love doing it here. I'm a people person. A people-aholic."

She is played by impressionist Lesley Guinness who, confusingly, is a woman. She added: "It is great because you can get away with insulting people and they don't take offence because it is such a ridiculous outfit." The hotel attracts business visitors during the week and draws in local guests for dinner and entertainment nights at the weekend, many featuring artists or themes supplied by Spotlight Entertainment Agency.

Agency owner Lynette Maja said: "There are very few venues around like this where there is a ballroom, a choice of menu on the night and a dance floor."

The hotel has been owned by the Dunn family since 1974 and director Ian Dunn said: "I think in a recession, people don't stop going out - they are just very selective about where they go."

The celebration night also included a buffet, cariacaturist, band Pop of Ages and 20 Brazilian dancers.

Guest Ray Miles, a builder who works in Reading and has visited the hotel for 25 years, said: "We thoroughly enjoy it. It is a great atmosphere. You are made welcome and it is reasonably priced."