LEGOLAND Hotel, Pirate Island Hotel and LEGOLAND Beach Retreat: Which one should you choose?
It’s hard to pick the right hotel for your next family vacation, we get it. It’s even tougher when there isn’t much information online to guide you!
Take LEGOLAND, for example. It’s an amazing theme park for kids and a fantastic destination for families with young children ages 3-9. Plus, there’s even a Peppa Pig Theme Park nearby, which is a huge hit with toddlers. You could easily spend an entire weekend enjoying LEGOLAND, and for that, you’ll need one essential thing: a bed. (Top tip: you can find those at hotels!)
LEGOLAND Florida has three hotels at your disposal: the LEGOLAND Hotel, the Pirate Island Hotel and LEGOLAND Beach Retreat.
The LEGOLAND Hotel vs Pirate Island Hotel
The Pirate Island Hotel and LEGOLAND Hotel are actually quite similar. In fact, they are essentially part of one large, connected building located across the street from the theme park, with one side called the LEGOLAND Hotel and the other side called the Pirate Island Hotel. Both hotels share the same lobby and check-in area, which is definitely surprising. The Pirate Island Hotel is slightly more expensive than the standard LEGOLAND Hotel, with prices starting at about $239 per night, while rooms at LEGOLAND Hotel start at $219.
The lobby features bars and a few shows throughout the day. If you're staying at any of the LEGOLAND hotels - including the Beach Retreat - you can enjoy these amenities.
The Pirate Island Hotel has slightly newer rooms, many of which are pirate-themed. The theming is everywhere, from the walls to the kids' beds and curtains. On the Pirate Island Hotel side, you'll also find the Shipwreck Restaurant, often considered LEGOLAND's main dining venue and requiring advanced reservations.
Rooms
The Pirate Island Hotel offers three room types, while the LEGOLAND Hotel has six. Six room types might sound like a lot, but the primary difference is the theming. Some rooms are designed after pirates, princesses & knights, the Ninjago ride, and more. Notably, the Pirate Island Hotel is the only one that offers suites accommodating up to seven guests, while all other rooms sleep up to five.
All rooms include a fun scavenger hunt for kids aged 5-9. You'll find a piece of paper in your room with clues to help you find a prize hidden inside your own room. This unique touch is something you don't typically find at other hotels.
Pools
The LEGOLAND Hotel area features two pools: the main pool and the Pirate pool. Guests staying at any LEGOLAND hotel can use both pools.
Restaurants
There are also two restaurants for breakfast, both included in your stay: Shipwreck and Bricks. One serves waffles, the other serves pancakes; one has French toast, the other has biscuits. Aside from these small differences, the breakfast offerings are quite similar.
What about the LEGOLAND Beach Retreat?
LEGOLAND Beach Retreat is the least "LEGO" of the resorts. It's an open space located 0.2 miles from the theme park, filled with charming houses designed to look like they're made of LEGO. It's quieter than the LEGOLAND Hotel and Pirate Island Hotel, but most rooms only have one TV - so kids don’t get their own. This resort is better suited for adults or families with older kids.
The Beach Retreat also has its own restaurant, Sandy’s Castle, which provides free breakfast for guests, as well as an on-site pool.
In summary, LEGOLAND Beach Retreat is the quietest option, but there's more to do at the LEGOLAND Hotel and Pirate Island Hotel. These two hotels are very similar and are located just steps from the theme park, which is definitely a big plus.
