In preview, the last hour sports was able to taste the luxury and refinement of this seven-story establishment (140 rooms and suites for 644 beds) installed inside the park with a magnificent view of the lake where the Aquanura show takes place but also a direct entrance to the History of Bois des Contes.
Macabre dance: exclusive visit …
A private service
Before even dropping off our suitcases at the Grand Hotel, the feeling of representing a particular customer was felt with a phone call, two days before our arrival, from a staff member to see if everything was in order for the stay. But for the ordinary of the mortals that we are, the shock was greater when at our arrival on the spot valets and baggivers took charge of our vehicle and our business. We will also have appreciated when we left, the little memories offered to children and the water bottles given for the return route. Once in the entrance hall of the majestic Grand Hotel, animated by a mime and decorated with a magnificent chandelier composed of 193 keys, a groom was responsible for explaining all the subtleties of the establishment with in particular the digital key downloaded on our smartphone to open the door of the room or the suite.
Pleasant and spacious rooms
It is in a pleasantly decorated and spacious room that we found our luggage with, on site, small gifts for children, macaroons, coffee, tea, a bottle of water and chocolate pieces to recover from the trip or day in the park. The latter being accessible half an hour earlier for the hosts of the Grand Hotel. A useful privilege at the start of the day to save time on very popular attractions. The walk -in shower, in a bathroom equipped with mirrors with an anti -fog system, made it possible to cool off before leaving to eat. During this time, the children, in their separate room, took advantage of a second television.
Restaurant: seven magical ingredients
It is at Brasserie 7, one of the two restaurants with open kitchen from the establishment, that we will have a generous and delicious breakfast but also the supper chosen on a map comprising seven entries, seven dishes and seven desserts. The surprise of the place also residing in the seven magical ingredients used by the chief Eelco van der Tuin: the breath of the dragon, the elf dust, gold, princess tears, nectar, cannon powder and snow. We won’t tell you more. “We have received quality food with a certain originality in the dishes,” an experienced cook met at the Brasserie 7. “And there are menus for children, which is important in such a place.”
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Swimming pool and well-being
The other advantage of places is located in the basement with a swimming pool and a wellness center accessible for residents of the premises. A very nice place to relax after a long day in the park. Two paddling pools, with bras available, are provided for the little ones. Drinks are also present to hydrate after a sauna, a hammam or a bubble bath.
The price?
The crucial question is now whether this very pleasant experience in an open park all year round is possible for all budgets. Like everywhere, prices are higher during school holidays and weekends. While looking a little, we found as a starting price a stay two days-one night with breakfast for four people (two adults and two children) at 527 euros on weekdays. Simple access to the park at this same period would cost you 334 euros (304 for tickets and 30 for parking). Are the 193 euros difference for hotel night, breakfast, service, experience and benefits. We want to say yes.
Macabre dance: a visual and immersive success
Inaugurated at the end of 2024, the Macabre dance attraction, installed in a new thematic zone (Huyverwoud) on the ashes of the old haunted castle of Spookslot, is assimilated to a great success. From the entrance, via a cemetery and a path that leads to a bridge reminiscent of the Harry Potter covered bridge, visitors are immersed in a dark and stressful atmosphere. This will become even more oppressive once returned to the old and imposing chapel inspired by the abbeys of Villers-la-Ville, Aulne and Orval. The highlight of the show presenting itself a few moments later when installed on a huge rotary platform you will twirl for a little more than three minutes in an atmosphere where alive and dead meet. Small tip, it is possible in this attraction to use a virtual queue thanks to a QR code.
