There are theme park hotels, and then there is the Efteling Wonder Hotel, which has recently undergone a rebrand and refurbishment. Think a dreamlike, floating castle where fairytale magic feels very much part of the experience. Set in Kaatsheuvel, in the south of the Netherlands, Efteling is rooted in history, with the theme park first opening its doors back in 1952. Think fairytale myths, legends and childhood nostalgia, with plenty to entertain all ages. For families planning family holidays in the Netherlands, Efteling offers a magical combination of adventure, entertainment and memorable accommodation.
Getting here from the UK is relatively straightforward, with several options depending on how you prefer to travel. You can fly into Amsterdam Schiphol or Eindhoven Airport and continue by train or taxi. Alternatively, if you prefer the freedom of having your own car and want to avoid the airport altogether, you can take the ferry from Dover to Calais or the Eurotunnel, followed by a drive of approximately four hours to Efteling in the south of the Netherlands.
A fairytale arrival
From the moment you drive up to the Wonder Hotel, you’re struck by the array of purple florals dotted around the entrance. The castle itself looks like something straight out of a dream, and check-in is anything but ordinary, with an interactive wall of talking suitcases providing an entertaining distraction for children after a long drive. Downstairs is the imaginary departure station of this floating castle, building anticipation for the adventure ahead, while upstairs you’ll find the rooms and suites, each inspired by magical dreams and fantasy.
Dreamlike rooms with a little extra magic
A variety of room options awaits, from premium dreamlike rooms to enchanted themed suites, all inspired by dreams, fantasy and much-loved characters. Options include the Snow White Suite, Carousel Suite, Fairytale Tree Suite and Flying Dutchman Suite, to name just a few. When it comes to family-friendly hotels in the Netherlands, the Wonder Hotel certainly stands out, with themed suites and playful details that make even bedtime part of the adventure.
We stayed in a premium room with two double beds, decorated in a dreamy palette of deep blue and gold, complemented by powdery white clouds and views of the surrounding greenery. There was a Nespresso machine for that pre-park caffeine fix, a large fridge and a huge flatscreen TV.
It’s the quirky touches that really keep the children entertained. On arrival, each child receives a keepsake Efteling passport packed with games and stickers, with the chance to collect stamps at various spots throughout the hotel and inside the theme park. So popular are the passports that we even spotted grown-ups getting involved and stocking up on stamps. Other playful details include fairytale red ruby slippers tucked away in the wardrobe, giant gold boots doubling up as a rubbish bin, a little mouse statue in the corner of the beds and a games table. There’s even a lampshade inspired by the fairytale world.
The bathroom was spacious, with a walk-in shower and Efteling-branded toiletries. There are also backwards messages on the bathroom mirror that you have to read in reverse to reveal the hidden message.
It’s also worth noting that children under three stay free, and access to the theme park and a breakfast buffet are included with hotel stays.
Dining with a fairytale twist
Food at the hotel is pleasantly surprising. Restaurant Saga takes inspiration from Efteling’s magical world, with a menu that reads like a journey through a story, from Chapter One right through to Chapter Three, including desserts. Even the cocktails are playful and inspired by the park.
There’s also an interactive games station in the centre of the restaurant, the Dromenvaarder, which doubles as a navigation instrument, putting you in control of steering the hotel on its magical journey. It’s ideal for children to escape to between courses, while the Wonder Navigators provide evening entertainment, including magic. Top tip: Reservations are definitely recommended, as the restaurant gets busy.
At breakfast, you’ll want to get down there sooner rather than later. As you get closer to the park opening time, things can become quite chaotic, although the team do a good job of keeping everything under control.
A theme park that’s full of surprises
Efteling is big enough to warrant at least two days of exploring. Spanning approximately 180 acres, it is the largest theme park in the Netherlands and home to an impressive mix of attractions, from the mythical world of Fata Morgana to Baron 1898’s whopping 37.5-metre freefall and the racing rollercoasters Max & Moritz.
The park is split into six areas: Reizenrijk, Ruigrijk, Fantasierijk, Marerijk, Anderrijk and Fairytale Forest. For something a little more chilled, head to the Thai Temple Pagode for views across the park, or hop aboard the 20-minute Gondoletta boat ride. It’s perfect when you need to slow down and take in the surroundings, with swans and ducks floating past as you glide along.
The attention to detail throughout the park is impressive, and so much of it is interactive. There are toadstools dotted around the walkways, characterful talking bins that encourage you to dispose of your rubbish, and an extensive choice of snack stations. Think proper, oversized cotton candy and Eigenheymer, aka Holland’s special fried crisps on a stick, seasoned with your choice of spice.
The scale is impressive, but it also means planning your day is crucial.
Download the app before you go
Before visiting the park, or even checking into the hotel, we highly recommend downloading the Efteling app and familiarising yourself with the park map.
There’s even live navigation to pinpoint where you are and where you want to head next, which is particularly useful when you have children in the background and don’t fancy hearing complaints about having taken a wrong turn!
You can use the app to find attractions, dining outlets and souvenir shops, as well as access photos from your rides. You can also manage reservations and virtual queuing options for certain rides.
Don’t miss the evening water show
One experience you most certainly want to plan your day around is the evening Aquanura water show, a spectacular combination of fountains, lights and music. It’s a real highlight and a lovely way to round off a day in the park.
Top tip number two: book a table at Brasserie 7 and you can enjoy dinner with the water show taking place in the background. It’s a lovely way to enjoy the show without having to stand in the crowds or cold.
The magic of staying on the doorstep
If you’ve travelled to big theme parks before, you’ll know that staying until closing time can be tiresome, particularly when you’re faced with busy shuttle buses and lengthy walks back to your hotel.
One of the biggest advantages of staying at the Efteling Wonder Hotel is its location, literally just outside the park. Hotel guests have their own dedicated entrance to the Fairytale Forest, as well as access to the park half an hour ahead of general opening time, giving you the opportunity to get to some of the most popular attractions before the crowds arrive.
It’s also the little things that make a difference. Many of the staff members we chatted to genuinely seemed so happy to be working there, almost as though it had been a childhood dream. It turns out there’s often a family connection to the park, with some having visited when they were younger and carrying fond memories of attractions such as the Fairytale Tree.
One staff member told us that, if you don’t fancy the walk back after dinner, you can even request a buggy to take you back to the hotel once the park closes.
As we made our way back after dinner, it was a lovely little reminder of the attention to detail here. As one staff member put it, “Efteling has that magic that brings you back.”
Take a little bit of Efteling home
One thing you must do before departing is raid the souvenir shop for Efteling-inspired merchandise and gifts.
Scent is surprisingly important here, and you can even take home fragrances inspired by some of the park’s most famous attractions. Think room sprays, candles and diffusers inspired by rides such as Pirana, Fata Morgana and De Vliegende Hollander. A rather lovely way to bring a little of the Efteling magic home with you.
Would we return?
Absolutely, without hesitation. Efteling is the sort of experience that will make you constantly judge other theme park resorts. It feels like somewhere you could return to time and time again, with something different to experience throughout the seasons. With the park open 365 days a year, there’s an opportunity to experience it in every season.I hear spring is particularly magical, when the park is decorated with beautiful blooming flowers and seasonal events bring another dimension to the experience.
It’s certainly a contender among the best theme park hotels in Europe, particularly for families looking for somewhere that offers more than just a convenient place to sleep after a busy day of rides.
Efteling Wonder Hotel, Europalaan 1, 5171 KW Kaatsheuvel, Netherlands
