The hotel is ideally placed for Blackpool and the Lakes as it is right next to a couple of motorways that will take you either into the center of Blackpool (M55) or the Lakes (M6). The breakfast is indeed much better than that you'd get in a lounge. If a lounge was important there is only one hotel nearby with a lounge - the Manchester Airport Marriott, but its not that great and Preston is preferable.

Preston is likely to be similar to the Forest of Arden as it is a "Country Club" rather than just a standard Marriott, so more focused on a pleasant break.