Europa-Park: More Than Just A Theme Park
April 12, 2018
As we established in part 1 of our guide to Europa-Park, the resort is far too big to be covered in one day. Two days would probably be enough, but three would mean you get to take advantage of all the facilities as well as experiencing all of the rides. With that being said, you are going to need somewhere to stay during your time in Rust.
Luckily enough, Europa-Park has plenty of options to suit every budget. There are six themed, 4-star or higher hotels on site, catering for different types of guests and offering a range of different facilities. Let's take a look at your choices.
This is the hotel that we stayed in during our visit and, after seeing all of the other hotels available, it remained one of our favourites. It is themed on 1920s New England, with a seaside feel running through everything. There are little boats and anchor sculptures lining the corridors, the children's bunk beds in the family rooms are in the form of rowing boats and an impressive ship provides the largest table in the Harborside restaurant.
Outside, a typical lighthouse towers over a beach-like area. This houses six suites, with the most presidential of all being that named after John F Kennedy, situated right at the top. This two-tiered accommodation features a sauna, Jacuzzi and 360-degree views of the park. The hotel has 225 rooms in total and is great for families.
The most exciting part of the Hotel Colosseo is situated outside, not that the inside is too shabby either. As you approach the side entrance, you're greeted by a piazza area that immediately tells you that you've been transported to Rome. Fountains dance out of the ground in front of you, a ruined arc of the Colosseum can be seen behind, and all around there are people enjoying alfresco meals in the various outside restaurants.
Inside, a Michelangelo-style fresco adorns the roof of the reception area and the rooms are distinctly Italian. Themed suites include those named after famous Italian figures such as Leonardo da Vinci and Casanova, whilst there are even rooms in the ruined Colosseum away from the main building. When you're not having fun in the park, adults can unwind in the sumptuous Roman bath spa area while the kids enjoy can wet fun of their own in the water playground. The Hotel Colosseo has around 250 rooms and is perfect for families with small kids.
Continuing the European vibe that is felt all around, the Hotel El Andaluz is themed around a Spanish Finca (estate). Light floods into reception through the glass roof and a Willy Wonka style elevator can take you up to your stylish room. Again, the accommodation is themed throughout, with little touches such as authentic washing hanging on lines outside adding to the ambience. We particularly liked the way the location of children's beds seemed to get more and more creative as we went on, even being behind cupboard-like doors in some instances.
A great area in which to relax is the courtyard in the middle of the hotel. A heated pool is framed by immaculately kept gardens and traditional sculptures. This is definitely the place to be when the sun is shining. The Hotel El Andaluz has 192 rooms in total and is great for couples and families.
Those who understand a little bit of Spanish will know that the Hotel Castillo Alcazar is built in the form of a castle. A medieval castle to be exact, and anyone staying here can't help but be transported back in time. If the building itself didn't set the scene enough, the gates, beams and impending knights in shining armour are enough to have the little ones looking around in amazement.
There's also the panoramic Buena Vista Club, which provides an excellent vantage point from which to sip a cold drink and admire the views. Another water playground beckons the children to splish and splash to their heart's content and the Castillo buffet restaurant offers many different ways to refuel after a hard day's adventuring. The Hotel Castillo Alcazar has 120 rooms and is great for families.
The Hotel Santa Isabel is the smallest in the resort and offers an intimate feel that attracts more romantic couples than families with young kids. It is themed on a Portuguese monastery and the staff go about their business dressed as monks. There's even a real chapel where you can get married if you wish.
With a focus on the tranquil side of life, the hotel offers an extensive spa area with no less than five treatment areas. There's also a panoramic sauna, relaxation room and couples are invited to enjoy their chosen wellness experience together. That's not where the serenity ends though as you can head outside to the heated pool which also has an indoor area. Finally, dine in style on the terraces of the Sala Santa Isabel buffet restaurant and watch the stars come out to greet you.
Other accommodation options include in the circus themed Circus Rolando guesthouse, which is located right next to the park entrance. This is a smaller hotel with rooms that sleep up to four people and guests can head over to either of the Spanish-themed hotels for breakfast. Furthermore, there's the option to camp in the Native Indian themed wigwams, log cabins and waggons, whilst guests can also bring their own caravan and stay on one of the 200 pitches without the need for a reservation.
There are many benefits to staying at the resort when visiting Europa-Park. Not only do you get your own private entrance; you can also get early access to ride the rides before anyone else. Free parking is available on site and guests are welcome to use any of the facilities at any of the different hotels. For more information or to book your Europa-Park experience, call our friendly team today.
