Santa Isabel is the newest, smallest, quietest and most luxurious Europapark hotel. It only costs a few € more than the other three hotels so it’s the obvious choice for us. They try to discourage noisy youths from staying here, in particular by very short bunk beds and by offering a dinner buffet for 38 €, 50% more than at their other hotels.
We were very satisfied with the regular room we had in 2008. In 2009, we splurged on a themed room which their sales agent described as larger and more luxurious. Well, kind of. The room was exactly the same size as the regular one, just the tiny 2 sqm balcony was additional. Equipment was mostly identical, too. Differences were minibar, safe, toiletries (not replaced during stay) and preserved flowers. The Africa theme of the room was rather lame: walls, curtains and cushions with animal prints, that was it. Price for themed rooms is at least 70 € more than for standard. Themed rooms and suites are on the 4th floor but there is nothing exclusive at this floor either except for the limited access by key card. No dining or park privileges, no turndown service, no club lounge, no slippers, bathrobes or fluffier towels, no fruit basket, no welcome drink, no newspaper, no coffeemaker.
The kids just love the bunk beds which are basically a cupboard. So when it’s time to sleep for the little ones, you just close the wooden doors. The upper bunk even has a window and both bunks have a small opening / shutter towards the TV. TV has plenty of programs for all ages in many languages. Further favorites are Euromouse & friends visiting the breakfast venue and the outdoor pool, heated to 28°C.
Front desk service is excellent. Staff at the buffet restaurant is friendly, too but could be a bit faster in clearing used plates. Both breakfast and dinner buffets are great in both choice and quality. Dinner buffet has many premium items not normally found on buffets, Pata Negra for instance or an excellent cheese board. The chef (a real one, not just an unskilled helper) prepares hot dishes to order in the show kitchen.
One final note: As is the trend today, Europapark is riding the ecology wave and proudly presents a reward from the state government. And reality? They have just built another garage – free parking for resort guests. What do they offer for guests arriving by public transport? They offer a shuttle to Ringsheim station which costs 40% more than a taxi. There is also an infrequent but reliable public bus service to the station. Europapark has not even built shelters at their bus stops. Oh dear.
Full score = 5 points for the standard room, 4 points for the themed room - poor upgrade value.
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