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2015: Alton Towers Enchanted Village

Had a look around one of the treehouses this evening. On the whole, it's not as mindblowing as you'd hope (especially for the price), however...

For a little bit less, I'd be happy to stay in one and there's a collective group of us already forming to stay in one later this year. There's plenty of small little charming features around such as the bookcase doors, and the beds are much comfier than those found elsewhere on resort.

Both the lodges on either end seem to be the ones to go for, as they appear to be slightly larger and feature upper level balconies, with one also having the funky tower.

Like the rest of the village, the treehouses are one of the better in person concepts. They're far from the VIP executive offerings that Center Parcs have (I'd probably say they are the same tier in term of competition), but they're also in a very different league compared to anything else the resort offers in term of accommodation.
 
Friend at work said she'd heard about the Enchanted Village yesterday. Her exact words were, "it looks amazing".


I guess the marketing is working, if nothing else.
 
DiogoJ42 said:
Friend at work said she'd heard about the Enchanted Village yesterday. Her exact words were, "it looks amazing".


I guess the marketing is working, if nothing else.
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Trouble is people who have stayed also think it's really good too. But then again what do they have to compare it too.
 
Turns out she was basing that on the treehouses. I showed her the pictures of the sheds huts, and all she could say was "oh..."

As for what to compare it to, I was under the impression that everyone here was comparing this to a Centreparcs? ;)
 
On the front it's easy to see why people like it. Although it is still all very 'generic' and lacking that wow-factor that separates Alton Towers from the rest.

I hope if there is a phase two in the planning, they add some things that can make it a little more than just a generic lot of wooden hotel rooms spread out.
 
DiogoJ42 said:
Turns out she was basing that on the treehouses. I showed her the pictures of the sheds huts, and all she could say was "oh..."

As for what to compare it to, I was under the impression that everyone here was comparing this to a Centreparcs? ;)
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Centreparcs tree houses are not dramatically better, there are some tree house venues that are much better but not many will have been.

But as said its getting good reviews
 
Has anyone mentioned the hot tubs!?

My freinds stayed in the Lodges last week and they loved it although to be fair, it was their first time at AT. I think it's still work in progress and they're still improving it as time goes on.

Maybe they shouldn't be charging full price yet....but people are obviously booking them.
 
What about the hot tubs? They're not mind blowing as they're not themed. They are a delightful temperature though as I found out on Sunday.
 
Danny said:
What about the hot tubs? They're not mind blowing as they're not themed. They are a delightful temperature though as I found out on Sunday.
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Does every single thing have to be themed? I think some people are going a little OTT on this theming malaky IMO.

GaryH said:
Raddle Inn and log cabins up the road have hot tubs, and are a fraction of the price.
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Yes but they're not in the resort are they?
 
nikfonso said:
Does every single thing have to be themed? I think some people are going a little OTT on this theming malaky IMO.
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That is the point of a theme park is it not? The Enchanted Village is more so about escapism than arguably any other area on resort, yet here on the decking of the most expensive accommodation is a bland and generic hot tub. It doesn't take much to give them an appealing visual.

I appreciate the thought and inclusion of them, but it's hardly substantial.
 
Danny said:
That is the point of a theme park is it not? The Enchanted Village is more so about escapism than arguably any other area on resort, yet here on the decking of the most expensive accommodation is a bland and generic hot tub. It doesn't take much to give them an appealing visual.

I appreciate the thought and inclusion of them, but it's hardly substantial.
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My freinds showed me pics at the weekend of the hot tub, it was all nicely lit up at night and it looked pretty cool.

I guess you can't please everyone.
 
I'm sure they do look better at night, but during the day they serve as an obtrusive eyesore taking up space on the outside decking. Had they been sunken into the decking with the workings hidden underneath, then it would look infinitely better.
 
Have I missed a picture or something? Don't recall the hot tubs looking particularly offensive.

And the thing about price is unlike on the continent where mostly hotels are charged based on quality in the UK they are charged based on demand, hence why a grotty Travelodge in London can be triple the price of a new travelodge in a northern service station.

If they where not selling them the price would drop, I would have a go at Towers for that but it's a UK wide selling strategy.
 
Dave said:
Have I missed a picture or something? Don't recall the hot tubs looking particularly offensive.

And the thing about price is unlike on the continent where mostly hotels are charged based on quality in the UK they are charged based on demand, hence why a grotty Travelodge in London can be triple the price of a new travelodge in a northern service station.

If they where not selling them the price would drop, I would have a go at Towers for that but it's a UK wide selling strategy.
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And i thought it was just me!

Plus i don't think many people would spend their time in the lodge during the day anyway @Danny so i can't see your point being a major issue.
 
My point has nothing to do with the lodges, and I'm fully aware people wouldn't spend a full day in them. The treehouses however are a different story. For the price I'd be paying for the treehouses, I'd want to make the most of them and also be submerged in a thoroughly immersive and detailed living environment. They're in a totally different league from the rest of the resort accommodation, don't get me wrong, but there are still several details that could massively improve the treehouse experience.
 
If they attempt to theme the hotels and rooms, then surely this should carry on to the Village?
 
I know a lot of us have commented that we feel the Enchanted Village would be improved and have more atmosphere if music was playing around the village until around 8pm at night. Well, there's a reason we don't have this and we can't go blaming Towers! I've just come across this - one of the conditions of the planning application being approved:
SMDC said:
10.No amplified music shall be played outside buildings
Reason: To ensure that the reasonable residential amenities of adjoining properties are adequately protected from noise pollution.
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So there we go! External lighting also had to be agreed with the council.

:)
 
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