Tuesday evening I booked a last-minute stay in the Stargazing Pods at Alton Towers Resort. Unfortunately for me it was the hottest day we’ve had as well. But here are my thoughts on the more budget-friendly accommodation on-site.
Pricing:
This is the cheapest option for accommodation at Alton Towers. As a Merlin Annual Passholder, you do receive a discount via the Merlin Holiday Club which made our stay only £88.
Check In, Showers/Toilets:
The reception is quite hidden away it’s up to the left of the lodges car park nearby Tree Top Quest. It’s a little shack where you collect your keys. Have your ID ready upon check as is a £10 deposit by card for the key as it’s a physical key. You will then receive your pod number and can make your way to it
The showers & toilets are a communal block for all the pods as they aren’t inside. Both facilities are in one. The facilities are very clean. There is a tap in there for drinking water too.
What’s Included?
We weren’t given towels upon check & I would assume they aren’t included. However, you do receive a voucher for 9-hole golf, free parking & breakfast all included. This is pretty standard across all on-site hotels.
Early Ride Time:
I’m uncertain as to whether this is a lasting benefit but ERT has been reintroduced for hotel guests with a selection of rides available from 9:30am. Which is half-hour prior to the park opening giving you a good opportunity to get some rides done before the main crowds enter. Entry is through the hotel gate which is next to Galactica down the path near the golf.
Entertainment & Evening Meal:
Entertainment is hosted in Alton Towers Hotel & Splash Landings. You can head there and enjoy that. There is no entertainment on-site. Again you can book to eat at any of the restaurants except the CBeebies Hotel as only guests staying there can go in & out of there. We opted for a meal in Flambo at Splash Landing which is an all-you-can-eat buffet for £22 per adult but you do receive a Merlin Annual Pass discount too.
The Pod:
It is a small wooden pod with two single beds at the front & a double in the back. It is quite little but cosy. The beds are comfortable perhaps more on the firm side than what I particularly enjoy but good nonetheless. There is a curtain to pop across the double window doors & small back windows to open in the double bed section. There is plenty of room to leave suitcases and bags under each of the beds. Inside the pod is also a heated towel rack with two hooks outside. There is a light for the outdoor area.
During our stay, it was 30 odd degrees meaning we had to sleep with the double doors open and curtains pulled across which kept the pod cool.
Breakfast:
For breakfast, it is a takeout option which is either a bacon, sausage or vegan bap with either a hot drink, milk or orange juice. You are given a token at check-in to redeem this in the morning. The food was nice as was the hot drink.
Things To Take Note Off:
Bring along your towels as I’m not sure you get them given to you. I’d also say bring along a fan if you’re staying during the summer months. If you like your pillows firm and propped up again bring your pillows. Other than that I’d suggest bringing along some fold-up chairs to sit outside during the evening if it’s nice weather to see the stars.
Is It Good Value for Money?
Yes, it is. You do get what you paid for taking into account it is on-site at Alton Towers. The additional perks such as breakfast & golf make it even more worthwhile. The pod is snug and doesn’t differ in the price for the number of adults staying inside neither therefore if you can fill it with 4 adults the cheaper it’ll be for you. The location is closer than the Enchanted Village to the entertainment elsewhere in the evening too. It’s a stunning little place to stay for a night or two but I wouldn’t stay any longer than that. All in all, it’s good for what you pay and needs it for.
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Have you stopped at the Stargazing Pods before? What were your thoughts?
Thanks for reading & feel free to ask any questions that you may have about this accommodation!
