Stargazing Pods Review and The Crooked Spoon at Alton Towers – Over half term we visited the Alton Towers resort and stayed in their Stargazing Pods. Brand new for 2019 they are the latest addition to Alton Towers accommodation, and the most budget friendly way to stay on the resort. They are sited just near the Enchanted Village and are beautifully lit up at night. My first piece of advice is that the reception area for the Stargazing Pods is just to the right of the carpark where you are directed for the pods and the Enchanted Village. We did end up walking in circles looking for it and grumbled a bit when we realised where it was!
The pods are arranged in a circular manner around a large grassy area where the children can play. The area is equipped with telescopes so that you can do your stargazing (if you look carefully at this photo, you can see Master T kneeling, looking at the stars!
Stargazing Pods Review at Alton Towers
The Stargazing Pods are compact inside but sleep four people in a large double bed and two singles. There is a window at the far end of the pod and double glazed french doors at the opening.
All your bedding is provided with duvets and pillows on crisp white sheets. The pods have excellent insulation and were warm without the need to turn the heating on (but they do have heating) and have excellent sound insulation. I can’t bear noise when I am trying to sleep!
Do the Stagazing Pods have Wi-Fi?
There is free wi-fi throughout the site and there are three USB jacks on the plugs in the pods, which are invaluable to my device loving family. There is also electric lighting both in the pod and to light up the doorway – which gives them a very welcome glow!
There is not a great deal of space in the pod for storage but you can put your bags under the bed. Miss H loved the space underneath the double bed as a hidey hole!
I’d recommend taking camping chairs and a table for a bit of relaxing time in the evening, especially if you have younger children that you would like to get asleep. I think a coolbox and a bottle of wine would just do the trick (don’t forget your camping wine glasses).
My second piece of advice is that if you are wanting to eat in a particular Alton Towers restaurant then book well ahead. You can do this online and don’t need to pay a deposit. We found this out last year when we couldn’t get a table at The Crooked Spoon which is the closest restaurant to the Pods and to the Enchanted Forest. Oh and as with any accommodation at Alton Towers you get to go into the theme park half an hour before anyone else, so make the most of that time to go on any of the busier rides!
Is Breakfast Included with the Stargazing Pods?
Oh – breakfast! Your stay includes a camping breakfast of a hot sandwich and a tea or coffee. You can choose from bacon, sausage or egg and mushroom. You could also ask for vegan sausage. You collect this from a hatch next to the reception desk.
The Crooked Spoon Review
We had our evening meal in The Crooked Spoon, and I would recommend it. Last year we ate at Flambos in the Splash Landings Hotel which is an all you can eat buffet. I prefer a more relaxed table service meal. I have taken lots of food photos for you as I know I like to see what the food looks like! The children ordered from the kids’ menus. Miss H had tomato soup:
Master T ordered the barbecue chicken skewer (I had a bit and it was delicious!)
For their main course Miss H ordered cheesy pasta with broccoli and garlic bread:
Master T ordered cheeseburger and chips!
Continuing the burger theme, Mr W ordered a burger with onion rings:
and I ordered just a regular cheeseburger:
Master T was the only one who managed a chocolate pudding and ice cream:
In all with a couple of beers and a large glass of wine it came to around £70, which I felt for a theme park restaurant was good value. I’d definitely recommend it over Flambos, but I have yet to try the restaurants in the other hotels. The Crooked Spoon gets a thumbs up from us though!
We were invited to stay and review the Stargazing Pods at Alton Towers, but as always all opinions expressed are my own.