I KNEW Efteling theme park had a fairytale garden, but I didn’t realise a stay there would give me such a royal welcome, too.
The lobby of the newly opened Efteling Grand Hotel at this Netherlands attraction feels like its straight out of the classic storybooks my nan used to read me when I was a child.
A sweeping staircase circles an intricate, cascading chandelier made from tiny gold keys, candles flicker in the alcove and a 1920s bellhop — a mime-artist in full character — performs a slapstick routine pretending to dust off everyone’s suitcases.
It’s a welcome distraction for the kids, who were itching to bust through the back door and on to the rides. And even as a grown adult, I’m mesmerised.
Efteling first opened in 1952 and its mix of traditional fairground attractions, modern thrill rides and whimsical storytelling now attracts more than five million visitors every year.
Perched dominantly on the edge of the theme park, the Grand Hotel is a a castle-esque chateau that began welcoming guests last summer.
It’s the first time in Efteling’s history that visitors have been able to stay the night within the park gates.
Unlike its other accommodation options — Efteling Wonder Hotel and the holiday villages Bosrijk and Loonsche Land — the Grand Hotel is slightly more premium for those who want some proper R&R — that’s rest and rollercoasters.
It doesn’t feel like a twee theme- park hotel, though.
The arty design was inspired by the park’s history and leans in to the visual style of film director Wes Anderson’s Grand Budapest Hotel.
The 140 plush, modern, yet cosy rooms and suites look more like they belong in a stylish boutique hotel, although there are subtle nods to a princess theme.
Delicate vintage-style decor has been paired with ice-blue walls and brushed gold fittings. Elsewhere, there’s a great swimming pool, spa facilities and two fantastic restaurants.
Guests are also given unlimited, free access to the theme park throughout their stay, including on arrival and departure days and free private parking.
For those who don’t fancy driving, it’s incredibly easy to travel by train.
Eurostar operates direct services from London to Amsterdam, then it’s an easy change on to a local train that will have you at Efteling in less than an hour.
After a very early start, the fluffy linens in my room could have easily tempted me to have a duvet day, but the views of the park from my window were too much to resist.
Within minutes, I was out of the door and approaching my first ride of the day — the quirky and family- friendly Symbolica.
Revered as one of the best attractions at the park, it’s an absolute must-do.
The immersive experience sees visitors sit in floating cars on a modern, magnetic track, journeying through a Gothic palace that features some curious inhabitants.
It’s packed with optical illusions and special effects, perfectly pairing Efteling’s reputation for storytelling with enough excitement to appease the TikTok generation.
There’s plenty for adrenaline junkies too, and for children of all ages.
If you’re travelling with kids, keep your eyes peeled for Hooghmoed.
Set to open on May 1, it features three drop towers and is aimed at younger guests who don’t yet want to take on the white-knuckle rides.
And if you’re not a fan of rides full stop, there’s plenty more to enjoy at Efteling.
The theme park is set around stunning gardens and enchanting woodland, which is used to full effect to play out the fairytale theme.
Granted, parents don’t tend to leave a theme park feeling well rested, but somehow the Efteling Grand Hotel changes that.
The atmosphere feels serene, despite being literally next-door to six roaring rollercoasters and a donkey that poops gold coins (one of the park’s quirkier attractions).
At the end of each tiring day, I was made to feel like a sleeping beauty snuggled in that ridiculously comfy bed.
Although having endured upside-down loops, sudden drops and water rides, I’m not convinced I looked like one.
GO: Efteling
GETTING THERE: The Eurostar from London St Pancras International to Amsterdam Centraal is from £35pp. See eurostar.com.
Tickets for local trains to Efteling, from around £12, can be bought at the station.
STAYING THERE: Premium deluxe rooms at the Efteling Grand Hotel cost from £127pp, based on a family of four (two adults and two kids, aged 4-12, sharing) including parking and theme park entry. See efteling.com/en/grand-hotel.