Legoland Castle Hotel vs Legoland Resort Hotel Windsor
Both the Legoland Hotel and the Legoland Castle Hotel are located within the Legoland Windsor Resort and offer unique themed accommodations. The Legoland Hotel, which opened in March 2012, features rooms with various Lego themes and includes amenities such as the Bricks Restaurant, the Skyline Bar, and a pirate-themed indoor pool. Guests also enjoy benefits like in-room treasure hunts and early access to select park attractions. The Legoland Castle Hotel, which opened on 1 July 2017, offers wizard- and knight-themed rooms and houses the Tournament Tavern restaurant. Guests of both hotels have access to the pirate-themed indoor pool and fitness facility located in the Legoland Hotel.
Comparison Table
| Feature | LEGOLAND® Resort Hotel | LEGOLAND® Castle Hotel |
|---|---|---|
| Opening Year | 2012 | 2017 |
| Theme | LEGO®-themed (Pirate, Adventure, Kingdom, LEGO® Friends) | Medieval-themed (Knight, Princess, Wizard) |
| Location | At the heart of LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort, adjacent to main entrance | Within the resort, a short walk from the main entrance |
| Room Themes | Pirate, Adventure, Kingdom, LEGO® Friends | Dragon Knight, Princess, Wizard |
| Room Types | Standard & Premium Themed Rooms | Themed Rooms with immersive storytelling |
| In-Room Amenities | Children’s sleeping area with bunk beds, LEGO® play tables, entertainment system; adult sleeping area with king-sized bed, flat-screen TV, tea/coffee facilities | Same as Resort Hotel, with medieval-themed decorations |
| Dining Options | BRICKS Family Restaurant (buffet), Skyline Bar | Knights’ Tavern Restaurant (à la carte) |
| Breakfast | Complimentary buffet breakfast | Complimentary buffet breakfast |
| Swimming Pool | Pirate-themed indoor water play area | Shares access to the Resort Hotel pool |
| Play Areas | Indoor LEGO® play zones, castle play structure, character meet-and-greets | Indoor LEGO® play zones, large playground, character meet-and-greets |
| Guest Atmosphere | Lively, interactive, high-energy | Calmer, immersive fairy-tale experience |
| Guest Ratings | 4/5 (TripAdvisor) – praised for theming but noted as noisy | 4/5 (TripAdvisor) – praised for immersive design but some complaints about bed comfort |
| Proximity to Park | Closest to the main entrance | Slightly further but still within easy reach |
| Pricing | Generally more budget-friendly | Higher priced due to newer facilities and immersive theming |
| Best for… | Families with young children who love vibrant LEGO® themes | Guests preferring a fairy-tale, medieval experience with a calmer atmosphere |
Overview of LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort Hotels
The LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort, situated in Windsor, UK, offers guests two distinct accommodation options: the LEGOLAND® Resort Hotel and the LEGOLAND® Castle Hotel. Both hotels are designed to provide immersive experiences for families and LEGO® enthusiasts, each with its unique thematic approach and amenities.
LEGOLAND® Resort Hotel
Opened in 2012, the LEGOLAND® Resort Hotel is located at the heart of the LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort, offering guests immediate access to the theme park’s attractions. The hotel is renowned for its vibrant LEGO® theming, interactive features, and family-friendly facilities. Guests can choose from a variety of themed rooms, including Pirate, Adventure, Kingdom, and LEGO® Friends, each meticulously designed to immerse visitors in a world of imagination and creativity.
Amenities at the hotel include the BRICKS Family Restaurant, serving breakfast and dinner, a pirate-themed indoor water play area and swimming pool, and free parking for guests.
LEGOLAND® Castle Hotel
Introduced in 2017, the LEGOLAND® Castle Hotel offers a unique medieval-themed experience, embodying the charm and grandeur of a royal castle. The hotel features 142 fairy tale rooms, allowing guests to choose from themes such as the Princess’s royal chambers, the Dragon Knight’s quarters, or the Wizard’s magical observatory.
Each room is intricately decorated to provide an immersive storytelling experience. The hotel’s amenities include the Knights’ Tavern Restaurant, where guests can enjoy a variety of meals in a setting that complements the hotel’s medieval theme. Additionally, the hotel boasts a large playground and LEGO® play areas, and it is situated right beside the LEGOLAND® park, providing convenient access for guests.
Thematic Experience
The thematic experience is a cornerstone of both hotels, designed to transport guests into the imaginative worlds of LEGO® through carefully curated environments and storytelling.
LEGOLAND® Resort Hotel
The LEGOLAND® Resort Hotel captivates guests with its vibrant and interactive LEGO® theming. Each floor of the hotel is dedicated to a specific theme:
- Pirate Theme: Rooms are adorned with pirate flags, treasure maps, and hidden surprises, creating an adventurous atmosphere reminiscent of the high seas.
- Adventure Theme: Inspired by ancient Egypt and jungle explorations, these rooms feature decor elements such as hieroglyphics, jungle creatures, and treasure chests, inviting guests to embark on a daring expedition.
- Kingdom Theme: Guests can immerse themselves in a royal experience with rooms decorated like medieval castles, complete with shields, banners, and regal bedding.
- LEGO® Friends Theme: Designed with pastel colours and playful decor, these rooms reflect the fun and friendship of the LEGO® Friends series, appealing especially to younger guests.
The hotel’s common areas continue the immersive experience with interactive LEGO® features, including play zones filled with LEGO® bricks, a castle play structure in the lobby, and regular character appearances. The BRICKS Family Restaurant is decorated with colourful LEGO® models, and the pirate-themed indoor water play area adds to the hotel’s playful ambience.
LEGOLAND® Castle Hotel
The LEGOLAND® Castle Hotel offers a distinct thematic experience, transporting guests into a fairy-tale realm of knights, princesses, and wizards. The hotel’s exterior resembles a grand castle, complete with turrets and banners, setting the stage for the immersive experience within. Guests can choose from three main room themes:
- Dragon Knight’s Room: These rooms are designed for brave adventurers, featuring decor that includes swords, shields, and images of dragons, creating an atmosphere of medieval quests and battles.
- Princess’s Room: Decorated with whimsical butterflies, horses, and royal insignia, these rooms offer a serene and enchanting environment, perfect for guests seeking a royal experience.
- Wizard’s Room: Filled with magical artefacts, spell books, and mystical creatures, these rooms provide an enchanting stay for aspiring wizards and fans of the magical arts.
Guests will find numerous LEGO® models and interactive elements that enhance the storytelling experience throughout the hotel. The Knights’ Tavern Restaurant continues the medieval theme, offering a dining experience that complements the hotel’s overall ambience. Additionally, the hotel features a large playground and LEGO® play areas, ensuring that guests of all ages have ample opportunities for imaginative play.
Accommodation and Room Features
Both the LEGOLAND® Resort Hotel and the LEGOLAND® Castle Hotel offer unique accommodations designed to immerse guests in the imaginative world of LEGO®. Each hotel provides a variety of themed rooms equipped with amenities tailored for families.
Room Types and Themes
LEGOLAND® Resort Hotel
The LEGOLAND® Resort Hotel features a selection of themed and premium themed rooms, each designed to cater to different interests:
- Pirate-Themed Rooms: These rooms immerse guests in a swashbuckling adventure with décor inspired by pirate life, including treasure maps and ship-themed furnishings.
- Adventure-Themed Rooms: Inspired by explorers and ancient treasures, these rooms feature adventurous décor elements like jungle and treasure motifs.
- Kingdom-Themed Rooms: Guests can experience a royal stay with medieval-themed décor, including banners, shields, and regal colours.
- LEGO® Friends-Themed Rooms: Designed with pastel colours and playful décor, these rooms reflect the fun and friendship of the LEGO® Friends series, appealing especially to younger guests.
Each room type is available in standard and premium options, with premium rooms offering additional LEGO® features and enhanced thematic elements.
LEGOLAND® Castle Hotel
The LEGOLAND® Castle Hotel offers rooms that transport guests into a magical medieval world:
- Knight-Themed Rooms: These rooms are adorned with décor that includes swords, shields, and images of dragons, creating an atmosphere of medieval quests and battles.
- Wizard-Themed Rooms: Filled with magical artefacts, spell books, and mystical creatures, these rooms provide an enchanting stay for aspiring wizards and fans of the magical arts.
Each room is intricately decorated to provide an immersive storytelling experience, ensuring guests feel like part of a fairy-tale adventure.
In-Room Amenities
Both hotels are equipped with amenities tailored for families:
- Children’s Sleeping Area: Bunk beds, individual entertainment systems, and LEGO® play tables.
- Adult Sleeping Area: King-sized beds, flat-screen TVs, and ample storage space.
- Additional Amenities: Complimentary Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, and themed décor elements that enhance the immersive experience.
Dining Options
Both hotels provide dining facilities that cater to various tastes and preferences.
Restaurants and Menus
LEGOLAND® Resort Hotel
- Bricks Family Restaurant: A fully child-friendly dining experience where parents can relax in the knowledge that anything goes.
- Skyline Bar: After an exciting day in the park, if you don’t fancy formal dining, there’s always the stunning Skyline Bar serving drinks and snacks throughout the day.
LEGOLAND® Castle Hotel
- Tournament Tavern: The home of gourmet à la carte dining in the LEGOLAND® Castle Hotel, just a short walk from the Resort Hotel.
Breakfast Experience
Guests at both hotels can enjoy a complimentary breakfast:
- LEGOLAND® Resort Hotel: Serves a buffet breakfast with a wide selection of hot and cold items, catering to various dietary preferences.
- LEGOLAND® Castle Hotel: Offers a similar buffet breakfast experience in the Tournament Tavern, with options ranging from traditional English breakfast items to continental selections.
Recreational Facilities
Both hotels are equipped with facilities designed to entertain families during their stay.
Swimming Pools
Guests at both hotels can access a pirate-themed indoor swimming pool in the LEGOLAND® Resort Hotel. The pool area includes interactive water features suitable for children of various ages.
Play Areas and Entertainment
Both hotels feature indoor play areas filled with LEGO® bricks, allowing children to build and explore creatively. Additionally, guests can enjoy evening entertainment, including character meet-and-greets and interactive shows.
Guest Reviews and Ratings
Understanding guest feedback provides valuable insights into the experiences offered by both the LEGOLAND® Resort Hotel and the LEGOLAND® Castle Hotel. Overall, both hotels have received positive reviews, with guests praising the immersive themes and family-friendly amenities.
LEGOLAND® Resort Hotel Feedback
The LEGOLAND® Resort Hotel holds a rating of 4 out of 5 on TripAdvisor, based on over 3,200 reviews. Guests frequently commend the hotel’s vibrant theming and the excitement it brings to children. One reviewer noted, “The hotel is a Lego lover’s dream.”
However, some guests have mentioned that the hotel can be noisy and bustling, which might not suit those seeking a quieter environment. A guest observed that the Resort Hotel “seemed quite noisy and chaotic, whereas the Castle Hotel had a calmer, more magical feel to it.”
LEGOLAND® Castle Hotel Feedback
The LEGOLAND® Castle Hotel has also garnered positive reviews, with guests appreciating its immersive medieval theme and attention to detail. One reviewer described the Knight’s room as “amazing, great layout meant it felt quite spacious.”
The hotel’s atmosphere is often described as calmer compared to the Resort Hotel, providing a more relaxed environment for families. However, some guests have pointed out that the beds were uncomfortable, with one mentioning, “The bed in our room was easily one of the most uncomfortable beds I’ve ever slept in.”
Location and Accessibility
Both hotels are strategically located within the LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort, offering guests convenient access to the theme park and surrounding attractions.
Proximity to Park Entrances
The LEGOLAND® Resort Hotel is adjacent to the theme park’s main entrance, allowing guests to access the park’s attractions quickly. This proximity is particularly beneficial for families with young children, as it minimises walking distances and facilitates midday breaks.
The LEGOLAND® Castle Hotel is also located within the resort, a short walk from the main entrance. While slightly further than the Resort Hotel, the Castle Hotel’s location still offers easy access to the park, ensuring guests can conveniently enjoy all the attractions.
Transportation Options
Both hotels provide free parking for guests, making it convenient for those travelling by car. For guests arriving by public transport, Windsor and Eton Central and Windsor and Eton Riverside train stations are the nearest rail links, with taxi services available to transport guests to the resort. Additionally, local bus services connect the resort to Windsor town centre and surrounding areas, offering an alternative transportation option.
Pricing and Value for Money
Evaluating the cost and the benefits included in a stay at either hotel is crucial for determining value for money.
Room Rates
Room rates at both hotels vary depending on the season, room type, and availability. Generally, the LEGOLAND® Castle Hotel is priced higher than the Resort Hotel, reflecting its newer facilities and immersive theming. For instance, during peak times, a night’s stay at the Castle Hotel can increase from £368 to £518.
In contrast, the Resort Hotel offers a range of pricing options, with standard-themed rooms being more affordable than premium-themed rooms.
Included Benefits
Both hotels offer a range of benefits included in the room rate:
- Breakfast: A complimentary breakfast is provided at each hotel’s main restaurant, offering a variety of options suitable for both children and adults.
- Park Access: Many packages include park tickets, allowing guests to enjoy the theme park’s attractions during their stay.
- Entertainment: Both hotels provide evening entertainment, including character meet-and-greets and interactive shows, enhancing the overall experience for families.
- Facilities: Guests can access amenities such as swimming pools and play areas, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
Final Considerations
Choosing between the LEGOLAND® Resort Hotel and the LEGOLAND® Castle Hotel depends on individual preferences and priorities.
- Theming and Atmosphere: If a vibrant and varied LEGO® theme appeals to your family, the Resort Hotel offers diverse room themes and lively decor. For those seeking a more immersive medieval experience with a calmer atmosphere, the Castle Hotel may be preferable.
- Budget: The Resort Hotel generally offers more budget-friendly options, while the Castle Hotel commands higher prices due to its newer facilities and specialised theming.
- Proximity to Park: Both hotels are conveniently located within the resort, with the Resort Hotel being slightly closer to the main entrance.
- Guest Preferences: Families with younger children might appreciate the Resort Hotel’s lively environment, whereas those with older children or seeking a quieter stay might prefer the Castle Hotel.
In conclusion, both hotels provide unique and enjoyable experiences tailored to LEGO® enthusiasts and families. Assessing your family’s preferences, budget, and desired atmosphere will guide you in selecting the accommodation that best suits your needs.
