A stay at the Alton Towers Hotel provided a convenient but pricey base for a family visiting the theme park. The hotel's steampunk theme, inspired by fictional explorer Sir Algenon, impressed both adults and children, though some aspects felt basic for the cost.
The Hotel Atmosphere
The large atrium featured a ship-shaped stage with live music and entertainment in the afternoon. Later, staff led games for children, creating a lively and slightly chaotic bar area. The theme extended throughout, with Victorian-style gas lamps and explorer murals in the Moon Voyage room.
The Moon Voyage Room
The room was clean and comfortable, with a separate kids' area containing bunk beds and its own television. This allowed parents to watch adult programming while children enjoyed CBBC. The bathroom also carried the theme, but one morning the door locked from the outside, requiring a trip to the lobby in pyjamas to find staff. The issue was fixed within an hour.
Dining Experience
Dinner was at Flambo's Jambo, an all-you-can-eat buffet in the Splash Landings Hotel. The spread included peri peri, tacos, roast dinners, and Chinese dishes, with a giant waterwheel and lively entertainment. Food was adequate, but children were most excited by the ice cream machine. Breakfast, included in the stay, was served buffet-style at the Secret Garden Restaurant. It offered basic hot food, cereal, pastries, and pancakes—enough to fuel the journey home.
Overall Value
For families with a long drive, the hotel's location is the main draw. Packages include one-day theme park admission, 9-hole golf, and breakfast. A current promotion offers free child waterpark entry with an adult ticket. Rooms start from £106 per person for an Explorer Room. While the hotel is fun and well-maintained, some details felt lacking, such as no bottled water or refill stations. However, visitors expect theme park prices, and the convenience of staying onsite after a long day is a significant benefit.
