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Thorpe Park - Temporary shipping container hotel to be built - The Crashpad

Re: Thorpe Park - Temporary shipping container hotel to be built

To all questioning about the use of the Dome then it appears that it will be used in some capacity (maybe to allow people something to do at night) as this is what it says in one of the planning documents:

The key objective has been to provide accommodation that will have a minimal impact on it surroundings and be:

1. In close proximity to the park entrance (for ease of access)
2. In close proximity to the Dome (for supporting purposes); and
3. Adjacent to the water.
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Also am I right in thinking that the planned site for the Snoozebox accommodation is where one of the proposed sites for a new coaster was? So that would completely rule out this site for at least the next coaster area.
 
Re: Thorpe Park - Temporary shipping container hotel to be built

AstroDan said:
I fail to see how a Snoozebox scenario will exactly determine whether TP needs a hotel? To me, a Snoozebox room appears vastly less appealing than an actual hotel - so where I would probably stay in a hotel at TP, a Snoozebox I wouldn't necessarily.
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This is my thoughts exactly.

I can see this simply being done and not meeting the figures Merlin set down for a permanent hotel to be considered. They will therefore just scrap the plans and save themselves the expense.

I would say Thorpe is in more need of a hotel than Chessington personally. Why can't they just do that again if they're unsure wether it's a good investment? Have someone else foot some of the costs and manage it, then take it back if it proves a success. It would seem like a much less risky technique, and could even prove cheaper in some respects.

It's beyond me why on Earth Thorpe/Merlin are planning this really. How would the UK industry be if all our major parks had taken this approach before building hotels? It'd be a mess! Have Thorpe even tried just asking guests if they'd stop in a hotel there with some market research? Surely that would give a much more balanced and insightful view into the demand ???
 
Re: Thorpe Park - Temporary shipping container hotel to be built

Indeed!

Thorpe Park need a funky hotel that would appeal to its market. It does not need a typical theme park hotel with typical theme park hotel prices, because it simply wouldn't be affordable to the target market.

They ought to just build it! :(
 
Re: Thorpe Park - Temporary shipping container hotel to be built

I think it's pretty obvious that the whole "testing the market" business it just a cover because they actually can't afford to build the hotel.

Either that or there are problems gaining planning permission and in the meantime they are keen to get some form of accomodation on site to tap into the market which clearly exists and is presently giving business to other places (like Travelodge).

:)
 
Re: Thorpe Park - Temporary shipping container hotel to be built

From what I gather Thorpe already have permission for the hotel, but they want some minor changes to the permission before they build it.

Thorpe would do perfectly well with a Travelodge/premier Inn style hotel, basic and cheap. There would be no point in building another ATH, because it would be expensive and the main groups who stay there would be groups of mates or couples and not familes.

Something with a big bar thats open late and a couple of cheapish food outlets.
 
Re: Thorpe Park - Temporary shipping container hotel to be built

Thorpe could be the only place to have a proper, perminant, on-resort, adults only night club and get away with it. Even an adult only bar would do. Just think, the chance to have a relaxing drink post-park without screaming kids....
 
Re: Thorpe Park - Temporary shipping container hotel to be built

Just on the subject of the usability/comfort/sound proofing etc. of shipping containers, thought these pics from the Olympic Park might interest some:

IMG_2800.jpg

^That's the BBC's 'Sports Presentation' studios on the Olympic Park, with that window on the left looking directly towards the stadium.

IMG_2802.jpg


IMG_2803.jpg

^Those are pictures front and back of the OBS Tower, a set of studios built within shipping containers and used by various networks from across the world, again with views across the stadium.

OK, so the BBC's studios are actually built on top of the containers, but the OBS Tower studios are within the containers themselves. I got a look around the OBS Tower, and although from the outside it's quite clearly a pile of shipping containers, once inside (aside from the staircase) you couldn't easily tell. There was an internal lift, the corridors were carpeted and nicely decorated, and the studios themselves, although I'm no expert, seemed like decent-though-tiny studios (well soundproofed, of course).

I suppose my point is that inside, Thorpe's Snoozebox will probably be rather nice (at least when newly installed) - the stuff on the Olympic Park proves it's possible, and the pictures on Snoozebox's website look promising. I won't deny that from the outside they look rather nasty, though, and I certainly don't disagree with any of the comments regarding suitability/why-are-they-testing-the-market/oh-God-more-shipping-containers etc.
 
Re: Thorpe Park - Temporary shipping container hotel to be built

Shipping containers have absolutely no place at theme parks. A theme park is mean to be about escapism, fantasy and the suspension of disbelief.

So what is the very symbol of commercialisation and uniformity doing here? Answer: M£rlin.

:|
 
Re: Thorpe Park - Temporary shipping container hotel to be built

CoasterCrazyChris said:
Shipping containers have absolutely no place at theme parks. A theme park is mean to be about escapism, fantasy and the suspension of disbelief.
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What if you had a dockyard/harbour themed area?
 
Thorpe Park - Temporary shipping container hotel to be built

How close is the planned location to the Swarms island? Because someone above somewhere suggested the outside could be Swarm themed in terms of 'emergency shelter'?

However, it seems that Snoozebox like to have their logo plastered everywhere so it'll be interesting to see *if* Merlin try anything theme wise with this...
 
Re: Thorpe Park - Temporary shipping container hotel to be built

mrbrightside said:
someone above somewhere suggested the outside could be Swarm themed in terms of 'emergency shelter'?
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Oh please. I'm sick to death of these supposed "themes" being formed out of the building materials they've already chosen. Back-to-front thinking indeed.

There's no point in trying to pretend that: a) they aren't shipping containers, and b) shipping containers "fit the theme" which they've retrospectively created.

The Olympics is a different case, they aren't trying to create escapism and in some cases (such as the Shoreditch Boxpark) it can be a cheap and efficient way of building a temporary structure. But they have no place in or around a theme park.
 
Re: Thorpe Park - Temporary shipping container hotel to be built

Jordan said:
mrbrightside said:
someone above somewhere suggested the outside could be Swarm themed in terms of 'emergency shelter'?
Click to expand...

Oh please. I'm sick to death of these supposed "themes" being formed out of the building materials they've already chosen. Back-to-front thinking indeed.

There's no point in trying to pretend that: a) they aren't shipping containers, and b) shipping containers "fit the theme" which they've retrospectively created.
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I think this is the reason that so many new Merlin rides feel depressingly similar. Take Th13teen and Sub-Terra which should have dramatically different themes but they both give off the same vibe. It's because at their core they've been built in the same way. The signs are supported by scaffolding, the buildings are made out of shipping containers and they both have branches/alien tentacles made out of the same material.

This isn’t an issue when you take the old approach of a well themed building at the front but tin shed from the staff area around the back. In fact it has a fair bit of charm when you realise the clever trick they’ve used to keep the rides true nature hidden. But Merlin keeps leaving their cost saving tricks right in plain view which just cheapens the whole experience.

As for this hotel I’m still struggling to take in that they genuinely want to build a hotel out of shipping containers. As interesting an idea as these Snoozebox’s are they are meant for short term events, not sitting at a theme park for several years. And they certainly do not replicate how popular a proper hotel would be. For one thing those rooms really are tiny, with only just enough space for the beds. Unless the planned hotel has rooms that size it’s hardly a fair comparison as it would attract a very different market.
 
Re: Thorpe Park - Temporary shipping container hotel to be built

I agree with the comments re it not being a very good product to test the water with because as discussed, its totally different to anything they would consider building in future.

Its worth noting that the full hotel plans were changed in November last year and are still yet to be approved so in my eyes this is more a quick solution to a problem they have, with their successful club nights which sell out every month, and travelodge having planning permission approved to open a hotel in Chertsey in the last 12 months, it seems they just want to open a hotel as soon as possible. I cant see them having to many issues, the dome hosts everything they could need and ive noticed BAR360 have recently started offering a breakfast menu (possibly in preparation?) and cant see them being overly high prices so i do think it will be a success.

The rooms do look quite nice inside, and for the outside as much stick at they get, they do care about the presentation of the park (excluding storm surge!) so im sure they will make sure it looks as presentable as possible.

I just hope its not seen as the answer instead of building a full hotel.
 
Re: Thorpe Park - Temporary shipping container hotel to be built

Would be interesting to say that you have slept in a shipping container for a theme park
 
Re: Thorpe Park - Temporary shipping container hotel to be built

josht said:
Would be interesting to say that you have slept in a shipping container for a theme park
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Not exactly Résumé worthy...
 
Re: Thorpe Park - Temporary shipping container hotel to be built

Islander said:
Just on the subject of the usability/comfort/sound proofing etc. of shipping containers, thought these pics from the Olympic Park might interest some:

IMG_2800.jpg

^That's the BBC's 'Sports Presentation' studios on the Olympic Park, with that window on the left looking directly towards the stadium.

IMG_2802.jpg


IMG_2803.jpg

^Those are pictures front and back of the OBS Tower, a set of studios built within shipping containers and used by various networks from across the world, again with views across the stadium.

OK, so the BBC's studios are actually built on top of the containers, but the OBS Tower studios are within the containers themselves. I got a look around the OBS Tower, and although from the outside it's quite clearly a pile of shipping containers, once inside (aside from the staircase) you couldn't easily tell. There was an internal lift, the corridors were carpeted and nicely decorated, and the studios themselves, although I'm no expert, seemed like decent-though-tiny studios (well soundproofed, of course).

I suppose my point is that inside, Thorpe's Snoozebox will probably be rather nice (at least when newly installed) - the stuff on the Olympic Park proves it's possible, and the pictures on Snoozebox's website look promising. I won't deny that from the outside they look rather nasty, though, and I certainly don't disagree with any of the comments regarding suitability/why-are-they-testing-the-market/oh-God-more-shipping-containers etc.
Click to expand...
I was going to post some photos of the shipping containers.But when I first saw them I thought,when did merlin take over BBC?
 
Re: Thorpe Park - Temporary shipping container hotel to be built

So Thorpe Park have released further information about this project, as seen on TPM.

Catch some zzz’s at The Crash Pad at THORPE PARK

Planning application submitted for innovative overnight accommodation concept for 2013

As the nation’s Thrill Capital, THORPE PARK has developed significantly over the last decade to become the ‘must do’ destination for thrill seekers in the UK, with a focus on investing in the delivery of world class rides and more recently sell out evening entertainment. And with more now on offer than ever, guests are choosing to extend their visit to the Park over 2 or 3 days. In response to this demand, and to bridge the gap prior to the opening of the approved permanent hotel, THORPE PARK has submitted an application for planning permission for the temporary installation of TheCrash Pad presented by Snoozebox, an innovative and exciting new accommodation concept to open, subject to approval, in spring 2013.

Working with innovators in transportable, temporary hotel accommodation, Snoozebox, The Crash Pad will provide overnight guests with on-site accommodation for the first time in the Park’s history. Planned for spring 2013, thrill seeking guests who want to stay the night won’t have to go far for their rest. Each of the 117 proposed climate controlled rooms will sleep up to 4 guests in one double bed and 2 bunks and all accommodation includes an en-suite shower room and toilet, flat screen TV, free wi-fi and a safe.

A dedicated reception and on-site housekeeping team will ensure guests are looked after throughout their overnight stay and for those who haven’t had enough thrills on the rides during the day, an evening entertainments calendar, including club nights and music events, will be on offer. And to prepare adrenaline junkies for another day of action on some of Europe’s most extreme rides, a breakfast option will be available in the Park’s Bar 360. Rooms at The Crash Pad will start from £100 per night – just £25 per person if four people share - and all evening entertainment and breakfast will be included in the price.

Mike Vallis, Divisional Director of THORPE PARK, said: ‘THORPE PARK is committed to continued investment to ensure the long-term success of the Park and accommodation is central to this. By both enhancing the experience our day guests receive with new rides such as the UK’s first winged rollercoaster, THE SWARM, and by responding to customer expectations with the inclusion of The Crash Pad, we can transform the Park into a high quality short break tourist destination.’

The tie up with THORPE PARK will be the first time Snoozebox have branched in to the theme park market, having made their name at festivals and sporting events. The portable hotel can be loaded, stacked and transported with ease and can be fully operational and ready to welcome guests within 48 hours of arriving at a site.
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So, we have a name - 'The Crash Pad' - which seems quite good for Thorpe really, considering the clientele.

The price as well, isn't too bad if you do have four people, particularly as the price includes entertainment and breakfast. £25 each (based on four people sharing) with the additions mentioned before, is acceptable for me. However, £50 each for two is not. So it looks like I'll be finding two extra people for before I even think about using these! :-X
 
Re: Thorpe Park - Temporary shipping container hotel to be built

MiserableMonkey said:
considering the clientele.
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It is getting pretty tiresome reading this line over and over in response to Thorpe Park developments.

Regardless of how cheap it works out PP with 4 sharing, the fact they are charging £100 a night (minimum!!) to sleep in a shipping container is beyond laughable.

I reckon you'll be looking at around £150 during the summer months, maybe even more.
 
Re: Thorpe Park - Temporary shipping container hotel to be built

£100 to sleep in a shipping container?!?

:eek: :eek: :eek:

The phrase "pisstake" comes to mind.
 
Re: Thorpe Park - Temporary shipping container hotel to be built

Haha! So much for these being under £80 per box.
 
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