As part of our visit to Alton Towers Waterpark, we booked an overnight stay at the Splash Landings Hotel using our Merlin Annual Passes.
We have regularly stayed at the Chessington Resort Hotels with our passes, but this was our first stay at the Alton Towers hotels.
Alton Towers have also recently launched their stargazing pods and woodland lodges too, however they were booked up when we decided to visit, so the Splash Landings Hotel was the next cheapest option for the night.
Booking
Booking was simple online via the Merlin Holiday Club. We found the Friday night to be cheaper than the Saturday, however we were close to the arrival date, so the restaurants had already booked up.
We booked into the waterpark for the Friday as we had booked some time off work, and then stayed overnight in the hotel on that night.
Check in
Check in was from 3pm. We checked in online via a link that had been sent to us before hand – it was straight forward, and meant we could use a screen when we were able to get the keys to the room, to simply scan in the barcode and get our room keys printed. There were friendly members of staff on hand to help too.
Once the machine printed the keys, it told us our room number and the staff member showed us where to go to our room.
The hotel room
We booked a Beachcomber room, which is their standard room offering.
You can upgrade to other room types including an Ice Age or Pirate Room, however we had a double bed and a set of bunk beds. Children under 6 are encouraged not to use the top bunk due to safety, which may be worth considering if you are travelling with more than one younger child.
It was a small room, but had everything you needed. The room was themed like the hotel in a Caribbean theme, with rustic painted wood throughout, a sea-themed carpet, decorations and even an ocean feature wall in the bathroom.
There was no air conditioning, but there was a fan, and there was also a kettle with tea and coffee. The room was very clean and towels were included too.
Lily was excited as soon as she entered the room, especially by the little activity book on her pillow as well as the themed decorations!
We had a view out across the waterpark, which was really lovely and made you feel like you were on holiday!
Breakfast was included in the room, with slots from 7.30am-10am, however dinner was separate (more on this later!).
The hotel
The hotel itself has a Caribbean theme, with interactive decorations throughout as well as a giant deckchair.
There is music played throughout (sometimes quite loud, but that may just be me!!), as part of the feel of your adventure – just to warn those in advance who may have adults/children who find noise difficult.
There is a giant deckchair for photos and the Ma Garrita’s bar by the entrance, and we were greeted at check in by some entertainment staff at the door too, creating the experience from when you first arrive.
There are lifts for those who need them as well as stairs to each floor. The waterpark is accessed from the ground floor.
Things to do
There is so much to do at the Splash Landings Hotel, including arcades with 2p machines and games (a definite highlight for Lily!), the waterpark itself, as well as evening entertainment.
The family-friendly entertainment takes place in the Ma Garrita’s bar and it was brilliant, from the magic show to the disco dancing. We recommend arriving early as seating was limited.
There’s also a shop for souvenirs as well as snacks and gifts from the theme park – you can get 20% off here with your Merlin pass.
As part of your stay, the waterpark isn’t included, however you are able to enjoy a round of Extraordinary Golf – their theme-park themed golf course.
Food and Drink
The Ma Garritas bar is a great place for evening drinks as well as Costa Coffee. We enjoyed some mocktails from here during the evening entertainment, but you can also get alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks too. It’s all Caribbean themed, making you feel like you’re on holiday!
We had hoped to eat in the Rollercoaster Restaurant, however we were too close to arrival and it had booked out.
The Flambo Jambo’s restaurant is downstairs which offers a buffet dinner, including vegetarian options, kids’ meals and a carvery. They ask you when you arrive about dietary requirements, providing a folder to help with guidance.
You need to pay for the meal before you eat dinner from the kiosk opposite, where you also pay for the cups for unlimited drinks, however booking in advance is not required. The only issue we had was not knowing you paid in advance, and we were shown to our seats, then only found out afterwards that we were meant to have had a receipt!
Breakfast is also served in Flambo Jambo’s from 7.30-10am. You need to reserve your breakfast in advance which is done when you book. There were queues at 7.30am when we went down, but once we were inside, there wasn’t a queue for the food.
Breakfast was a full hot/cold buffet with cereals and juices too. Again, they ask about dietary requirements first.
Other information
Parking is free for hotel guests – just follow the signs when you arrive
There is a waterpark shop as well as a hotel shop on site
The waterpark is on the ground floor of the hotel – it isn’t included with your stay so needs to be booked in advance.
Upgrades to your stay are available, including birthday packages and in-room treats.
Breakfast is included in your stay, but must be pre-booked
Theme park tickets also need to be booked separately
Conclusion
We had a fantastic stay at the Alton Towers Splash Landings Hotel and will definitely be back.
Personally we prefer the Chessington Resort Hotels as we found Splash Landings to be quite busy, plus we like the early ride time for hotel guests at CWOA, however we really enjoyed it and the theming was brilliant.
Lily really enjoyed the waterpark and it was great to stay in the same place as the waterpark, with views across it indoors and out. The entertainment team were great too and really made it a wonderful visit, so we will definitely be back.
For accessibility information, click here
For more information on the Splash Landings hotel, click here
The 3am Diary 
2 Comments Add yours