Legoland Hotel vs Legoland Castle Hotel

Question

We are planning a trip to Legoland California in April or May to celebrate our son's elementary school graduation. He is 11 years old, and our daughter is 7. We are currently deciding between the Legoland Hotel and the Legoland Castle Hotel. Aside from the difference in room themes, we would appreciate any insight into which hotel is better suited for preteens. Is there a prevailing opinion regarding which hotel is better? Which hotel provides better dining options and service? Do either of the hotels have more fun common areas? I would really appreciate feedback from people who have visited both hotels!

Answer

Both the Legoland Hotel and the Legoland Castle Hotel offer unique experiences, but there are differences that can make one more appealing for preteens, dining, and common area fun.

Preteen Appeal: Both hotels are designed with kids in mind, but for an 11-year-old, the Legoland Hotel may feel slightly more modern and interactive, while the Castle Hotel has a more immersive medieval theme. Preteens often enjoy the LEGO-building activities and themed scavenger hunts available at both hotels, but the Castle Hotel's larger LEGO play areas and castle-themed rooms can feel more “adventurous.”

Rooms: The Legoland Hotel rooms are brightly themed (pirates, LEGO friends, adventure) and include interactive elements like treasure chests, LEGO models, and built-in night lights. The Castle Hotel rooms are more elaborately decorated with medieval designs, shields, banners, and larger LEGO sculptures, which can be especially fun for imaginative play and family photos.

Legoland Hotel: Modern themes, interactive room elements, easier access to hotel lobby and park.
Castle Hotel: Immersive medieval theme, larger LEGO sculptures, castle-style layout, good for fans of knights and fantasy.

Dining Options: Both hotels have buffet-style breakfast options, but the Castle Hotel's Knights’ Table restaurant is often praised for themed meals and interactive dining experiences. The Legoland Hotel also has a buffet breakfast, and both hotels provide snacks and light meals throughout the day. Service is generally friendly at both properties, but some guests note that the Castle Hotel's staff occasionally offer more engaging interactions with kids during meals.

Legoland Hotel: Buffet breakfast, casual dining, convenient for park entry.
Castle Hotel: Knights’ Table themed dining, interactive meals, slightly more immersive for kids.

Common Areas and Activities: Both hotels have play areas, LEGO building stations, and kid-friendly pools. The Castle Hotel tends to have larger LEGO play zones, including castle-themed water features and daily knight-themed activities. The Legoland Hotel has pool and water play areas, as well as nightly character appearances and treasure hunts.

Legoland Hotel: Treasure hunts, nightly LEGO character events, water play area, interactive lobby.
Castle Hotel: Larger LEGO play areas, castle-themed activities, knight shows, immersive play zones.

Overall Recommendation: For an 11-year-old and a 7-year-old, both hotels are excellent. If your focus is on immersive theme and larger LEGO play areas, the Castle Hotel edges out slightly. If you prefer a hotel with more modern room themes, easier park access, and slightly more casual interactions, the Legoland Hotel may be better. Dining is comparable, with the Castle Hotel offering a more themed experience.

Legoland Hotel vs Legoland Castle Hotel

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