Splash Down To Splash Landings (Alton Towers Hotel)

Member Name: bilbobaginz

Product:	Alton Towers Hotel
Date:	08/08/08 (932 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great themeing and services provided.

Disadvantages: Accessabillity to the theme park.

Recently I stayed at 'Splash Landings Hotel' at Alton Towers theme park with several of my closest friends. I have to say that the whole package was unbelievable, a very enjoyable weekend away.

<--First Impressions-->
I suppose the logical place to start would be my first impressions as I wandered in through the Hotels entrance, arriving in a beautifully themed reception area with a fantastic birds-eye view staring down over splash landings very own indoor adventure swimming pool! - Incredible, I was truely amazed at how much work had been put in to make this area really magical. Children and parents a-like gasped as they walked in through the entrance for the first time, and I was one of them.

<--Service-->
Generally, the people working within the Hotel were very professional, well-dressed and helpful. However, we did come across a minor upset when trying to sign in at the reception desk. Included in our hotel package (ordered online through the Alton Towers website - www.altontowers.com) we were promised free access to the indoor swimming pool, but this service wasn't given (despite a minor argument with the receptionist) - we ended up having to pay a price of around £7 per person for one evenings swim.
I have to say though, after a reletavely bad start, everything from that moment on was perfect.

<--themeing-->
I believe this to be one of the hotels major highlights. The themeing consisted of a creative sea-side style, with wooden flooring and imaginative, colourful carpeting - A sandy beach look, with crashing waves and the odd crab appearing down each hall way. But it didn't stop at floors; all doors, walls, window-frames, tables, chairs, desks and ceilings were of the same wonderful theme. And if you didn't know... Splash Landings is also connected to the origional Alton Towers Hotel by hallways and passages, so as you walk from one building to another the carpet will gradually change from beach to usual hotel carpet in 20 paces!

<--Rooms-->
Our room consisted of one bunk bed and one double be (basically a family sized room - What you will expect to find if arriving in a party of between 2-4 people). We were equiped with the usual freebies: Shampoo (origional source shower gel), biscuits, tea, coffee, milk, a kettle, television (with extra channels, on-screen games and an alarm), A keyboard for controlling the television, a desk, clothing storage, pegs and finally a large mirror. The bathroom came equiped with a decent sized bath, sink, mirror and toilet, so there was litterally no need to leave your room. I was very happy with this great collection of goods, the beds were comfortable and spacous and all the objects mentioned above worked and tasted very nice indeed!

<--Meals-->
Evening Meal - After a fun filled day at the theme park we arrived back at the hotel, collected our bags from the lobby and made our way into the restaurant where an 'all you can eat' meal deal was offered for just £10.00! There was a great range of food and drink arranged in a buffet type setting. it was nicely prepared in clean silver trays (some being heated for the meats, vegetables and other hot foods). The table we found seated 8, and though the restaurant was pritty packed the area was spacous and tidy. After tucking into our meals, drinks were ordered and we sat for a comfortable hour or so, talking away the time. Because of the wide choice in food, everyone was content, my dish being particularly nice.
Morning Meal - Our breakfast was rushed, but it needn't have been. We were so eager to flounder back onto the theme park that we decided it best to spend just 10-15minutes on our morning meal, then catch up at lunch. Breakfast was of a similar setting to the previous evenings meal: Buffet style (though there were considerably less people there to serve you - And equally less people eating) , this time our meal was free (included in the package) and it was once more an 'all you can eat' deal.
The food was great. English breakfasts, serials, breads and pasterys could be chosen at your liking. endless supplies of apple juice, orange juice and water were also included.

<--Accessabillity-->
Access to the park from the hotel entrance could have been made easier. There are several options here: wait for the next bus to transport you safely into the park, catch the monorail (and wait in usually large queues), or simply walk your way up to the parks entrance area.
After waiting for a bus for too long we decided to take the walk. It was snowing. A cold breeze blew down the path we walked and I have to say it wasnt the most practical way to travel.
If you can stand to wait for better transport, then do, unless the weather is considerably better than it was when I was there.

<--Prices-->
Take a look at this website link for information on Splash Landings great prices and deals...

http://www.altontowers.com/pages/prices

<--Extra information-->
Take a look at this website link to find out more about Splash Landings Hotel...

http://www.altontowers.com/pages/staying-over/spl ash-landings

Summary: A fun filled adventure awaits you at this incredible hotel!