LEGOLAND New York Resort

The front line staff were responsive and very helpful, but management brushed off the problems. Our room and the hallway smelled strongly of mold and mildew, and nothing was done even though it needed immediate attention. The hotel activities were pretty lame, mostly coloring and preschool-level games, and several families left partway through. The Lego project was a $5 Lego with an unengaging session, and the 30-minute master builder class costs $15, so save your money. The free breakfast was good but had very few options. Parking costs extra each day, even for hotel guests. The bar charged $14 for a draft beer, and the hotel store charged me for four things when I’d bought three. I should’ve checked the receipt more carefully. For a premium price, this is basically a budget hotel.

The kids had a good place to run around and we could hang out, meet other parents, and enjoy the play area. Staff were friendly and accommodating, and the hotel stayed clean despite small children constantly running around. Dinner was pricey, the menu was limited, and the food was subpar. Breakfast, included with the stay, was good: eggs, meat, tater tots, plus complimentary cereal, toast, and fruit. It worked well for a family, and I’d recommend it.

I’d suggest making this a single-day trip. Legoland was fine for toddlers, but they charge extra for every little thing, and the hotel stay wasn’t worth the price. Parking costs extra even when you’re staying there. At Bricks, I ordered vegetarian sausage but got regular sausage and took a bite before I realized. My dietary preference is very strict, and the order wasn’t complicated. Management offered to make another meal, but I didn’t feel that was enough. Someone also knocked on our door at 9am to ask if we were checking out early, which made us feel rushed. Overall, the overnight stay was extremely expensive and not worth it.

At $300 a night, you get single-ply toilet paper, and the soaps are nailed down like they think guests might steal them. They’ve also stopped offering scavenger hunts and Lego building sessions to keep kids busy. If you skip room cleaning, apparently you can cut the line for a ride. This place has really gone downhill.