As I seem to be morbidly fascinated with this development and curious as to how it will (or maybe won’t) work I have had a proper look at the planning documents and along with the info on the Alton Towers website come up with the following summary of the accommodation and what is included where. This may or maybe not be of interest (and it might not be anything new) but as there has been revisions and changes not all the info appears to be together in one place or post. Apologies for being picture heavy.
Overview
So there will be 102 pods each sleeping up to 4 guests meaning a maximum capacity of 408 people for the Stargazing accommodation. Car parking will be in car park J along with the Enchanted Village guests.
Arrival
As the revised application has removed the reception building the documents now seem to suggest that check in will be located at the Tree Top Quest reception building. Reception will be maned between 8am and 9pm only.
I have no idea what this means for the future of Tree Top Quest itself. It does seem odd that whilst checking in for your break you are surrounded by a mothballed attraction, so perhaps it will re-open? Little Jimmy looking up wide eyed at his parents wanting a go on the zipline will soon have his dreams shattered when the staff member tells them it has been closed for 2 years - it isn’t the best start to your fantabulous escape.
The site
Once checked-in you walk through the themed entrance feature to the main site. The other theming elements total star shaped flower beds (examples seen in the pic at the top of the post) and three telescopes towards the bottom of the site as shown by blue dots below. There will also be planting around the pods.
Entertainment
The Tipi feature will be located at the bottom of the site for entertainment. The planning documents state this can accommodate 200 guests and would be used between 4pm and 9.30pm. Looking at the plans it does seem to be located very close to some of the pods.
Facilities
Facilities wise there is one main block containing the showers and toilets, of which there will be:
· 12 showers (6 male, 6 female)
· 16 toilets (8 male, 8 female)
· Baby changing
· 2 family showers
The pods themselves have one double and two single beds, 3 sockets and a heater. You get bed linens but towels are extra (or bring your own). Check-in/out times are the same as the rest of the resort, 3pm check in, 10am check out.
Food & Drink
Food wise, breakfast baps and a hot drink are included; the planning documents do not state where this will be served. Originally there were mobile vans near the Tipi but these seem to have been removed from the most recent application. As check-in will be at the Tree Top Quest reception they could be planning to use the previous “Crooked Tea Spoon” café window to serve breakfast from. This is situated right next to the TTQ reception.
There are no other planned F&B options, other resort restaurants and bars (expect CBeebies Hotel) will need to be used, it is forbidden for guests to use BBQ’s in the camp.
Cost
Price wise, one night Bed and Breakfast for 2 adults and 2 children ranges from £88 on an off peak weekday all the way up to £168 for fireworks weekend. You can also book packages with park tickets which cost extra.
