Alton Towers Hotel

The allergen process has been updated and improved since our 2024 visit, which I was glad to see. We’ve stayed twice, two years apart, and the experience has been consistent, with great service, clean rooms, entertainment, and a decent on site restaurant.

The hotel was clean, and every staff member was brilliant. We went on a Wednesday with lovely weather, neither too hot nor too cold, and waits for almost every ride were five minutes or less. We got on all the rides between 10 and 3, which was perfect. For our third anniversary we upgraded to the spa room, but I don’t think the extra cost was worth it. The prosecco was apparently good, though I don’t drink, so it was wasted on me. I’d have liked the Coca Cola room, but not for another £150 for one night.

There’s no real benefit to staying on site, and it felt like a complete waste of money. The evening entertainment was shocking, and you’re not even guaranteed dinner: book too late and your family with children may not get fed. At least the previous family in our room had left raisins scattered around, which says plenty about the cleaning. Breakfast was very poor for both quality and choice. For all the money Merlin makes, residents could at least get better coffee and some jam. The early park access was misleading too. You enter a park compound at 9, then the park at 9:30, but rides don’t open until 10. It just means joining the queue first, unlike Disney early access. I’d stay nearby instead.

The staff are reasonably attentive, though most seem to be in seasonal jobs. I’ve stayed here several times for events, and the hotel hasn’t changed. The rooms feel dated and could do with refurbishment. Breakfast is average at best now, with an okay selection that falls behind places like the premier in. They’ve cut two thirds of the restaurant’s food stations, which makes queues long at busy breakfast times. A pint at the bar is £8, getting close to airport prices, unless you have a magic pass, when it’s a more normal-ish £6.40.