Efteling Wonder Hotel Opens After Extensive Renovation
Photo: Efteling
(eap) Almost 33 years ago, Efteling opened its very first overnight accommodation: the “Efteling Hotel”. In recent months, the well-known landmark hotel, whose architecture is reminiscent of an air castle, has been extensively renovated and has now reopened under the name “Efteling Wonder Hotel”. Following the modernization of the hotel rooms in 2021 and the redesign of the outdoor area in 2023, the entire first floor has been redesigned in recent months and a new themed suite has been created.
Photo: Efteling
The first floor of the Efteling Wonder Hotel has been designed as an engine room. Throughout the hotel, guests will find graphic elements that allude to traveling with the castle in the air, clouds, stars and meridians. In addition, new entertainment awaits families in the form of “Jules Verreweg”, a “wonder sailor”. Every evening, he and the children fill his dream globes with dreams.
During the renovation, the previous circus-themed suite was converted into the “Jokie & Jet” suite. The colourful suite, which is based on Efteling’s “Carnaval Festival” attraction, is 53 square metres in size, offers space for five people and has now been decorated with recognizable elements of the iconic themed ride. In addition to the Jokie & Jet suite, visitors can of course still choose from the existing suites such as “Fata Morgana” and “De Vliegende Hollander”, which have also been modeled on well-known Efteling attractions.
Photo: Efteling
Moreover, the water coaster “De Vliegende Hollander” has also received an upgrade. Efteling designer Karel Willemen has reinterpreted the scene at the end of the dark ride section of the attraction. Now the sloop – the “boat” with the passengers – is swallowed up by the burning ghost ship “Flying Dutchman”, where smoke, “flying” barrels and curtains dominate the scene. The smoke is meant to symbolize the interior of the evil soul of the legendary captain Willem van der Decken. Only if the sloop finds its way to the top can guests escape the ghost ship ... once they have mastered this, visitors can visit the revamped souvenir store “’t Boeghbeeld” after the ride, where guests can purchase a souvenir of their adventure on the Flying Dutchman. ■
