Magical hotel, even more so at Christmas - do go (Alton Towers Hotel)

Member Name: bucksfizz66

Product:	Alton Towers Hotel
Date:	06/06/09 (190 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: The service was excellent, the attention to detail could not be faulted.

Disadvantages: Expensive but cheaper than Lapland

I first stayed in the Alton Towers Hotel last year with a works conference, all of the delagtes were split between the two hotels but I stayed in the main Alton Towers hotel. I enjoyed my time here so much I returned with my family for one is their Christmas weekends - what can I say - magical.

Undoubtedly expensive (£210 for one night) but if your never going to make it to Lapland consider going here instead. The check-in time is late afternoon but you can arrive earlier in the morning and get going on the attractions. Dinner was included in the price but you need to book a time slot on arrival so the earlier you do this the better as you don't want to be tool late with little ones.

The hotel foyer entrance is absolutely fantastic with the centre piece being Sir Algenons pirate ship with hot air balloon - spreading from the foyer floor down to the bar / restaurant floor. There is a Santa postbox in the foyer and if your child writes a letter and puts their name and room number and posts before 10pm they will get a letter from santa back the next morning posted under your room door.

The facilities for the Christmas event - they have reindeer which you can stoke and take your pic with, Santa is there of course and you have to book a time slot for him, at the hotel, then you queue and one of his elves will lead you down to Santas temporary UK base, this is a very genuine looking Santa, my daughter at this point was completely awe struck and in traditional Alton Towers style and format your child / children and even the parents can have their picture taken - you then have the option to buy this or further copies. There was also a hot pork bap stall outside, staying for the night means you have full use of the Splash Landings park and can also play 9 holes of Extraordinary golf (its an 18 hole course) for free - this crazy golf course is based on the Alton Towers rides and was great fun. There was also the elves playground (basically funfair rides) for little ones which is free with their wristbands given - these however were never checked.

In the evening there was a family disco in the conference facility area that connects this hotel to the Splash Landings hotel. There was also a pirate show by Sir Algenons ship (this show is on all year round as I also saw this whilst there with work).

The rooms are spacious, our room had a double bed and bunkbeds in along with TV, hairdryer and all the usual facilities you would expect from a hotel of this standing. I prefer the Alton Towers hotel to the Splash Landings one, the whole experience and finish is more magical.

The environment here is magical - as though you have stepped into another world - take the time to take your children - you won't regret it.

Summary: You must take the time to go - you won't regret it.