Efteling Hotel comparison: Ravelijn v. Fata Morgana suites

So you’ve made the decision to stay at the Efteling Hotel and now you’re wondering which themed suite you should pick for your little getaway to fairytale land? Don’t worry, Ms Unexpected’s got your back. 

In this post, I’ll explain the key differences between the Ravelijn and the Fata Morgana suites according to my own experience of both suites so that you’ll be able to make an informed choice and make the best of your stay. 

Efteling Hotel

Located in the northeast corner of the beloved Efteling amusement park in Kaatsheuvel (The Netherlands), the 4-star Efteling Hotel opened in 1992 in order to meet the increasing demand for overnight stays at the park. It is a lovely place to keep the magic going around the clock, even when you aren’t riding the rollercoasters or enjoying the Sprookjesbos (“Fairytale Woods”). It has two very large restaurant areas, a lovely bar, and a souvenir shop. What’s more, it is entirely decorated in the style of the Efteling, including some themed suites. 

Themed suites

The Efteling Hotel has twenty themed suites. Five of them can host up to five people, namely the Sleeping Beauty, Hansel and Gretel, Wolf and the Seven Kids, Fairytale Tree and Gilded suites. Two of them can only host two people: the Fata Morgana and Excellence suites. The rest of them sleep four people, not counting babies who will get a baby bed on demand. There’s even a Coca-Cola-themed suite, which I’ve never quite understood, to be honest.

Ravelijn

If you are unfamiliar with Efteling, the Ravelijn suite is based on the Ravelijn theatre and multifunctional complex of the same name which opened in 2011. The Ravelijn as an attraction is set in a fantasy medieval setting and looks like a very cute small feudal town which you can access through a drawbridge over a misty moat. Every day, five shows—involving knights, magic, a five-headed dragon, and owls—are performed there. 

The suite follows the medieval theme without going over the top. In terms of the floor plan, the room opens on a small hallway with a separate toilet on your right and a large closet on your left. At the end of the hallway, you’ll find the main room with its queen-size bed, churchlike windows, desk, TV, and mini-fridge. A second short hallway will take you to the bathroom on your right (two washbasins, double rain shower, cute turquoise tiling). 

In front of you, you’ll see a strange bookcase that doesn’t look quite like a regular bookcase. If you approach it, it may turn into a constellation of tiny stars and some magical music may even start playing out of nowhere. If, upon reading the book titles, you should be intrigued by a curious thick green book on the bottom shelf, one that looks as if it might be about dragons, for example, you’ll soon find yourself at the heart of a quest for a hidden room while horses draw closer (proceed very carefully as a treasure chest might be in the way, and it is very good at tricking unsuspecting people into stubbing their toes on it). 

The hidden room is circular and contains bunk beds as well as an additional TV, which is great for the kids. 

Tip: In order for the parents not to be woken up every time the children open the magic door, you’ll find a switch near the suite’s main door that silences the musical animation.

Fata Morgana

Opened in 1986, Fata Morgana is a dark boat ride/tow boat ride based on the 1001 Arabian Nights with 140 animatronics. Think Pirates of the Caribbean but set in a mirage in the middle of the Sahara Desert, since a Fata Morgana is an optical phenomenon visible in a narrow band above the horizon (like when your brain tricks you into believing that boats on the horizon are floating over it). It is one of my favourite rides, and not just because there is a gigantic fellow with testicle-shaped ears ominously crouching above riders at the end of it. 

The Fata Morgana suite follows the Arabian Nights theme in all its decoration. It is a rather large affair, with a sitting room with two fainting couches, a table, a desk, a free mini-bar and a TV, which shares an open plan with the whirlpool bath and the bathroom whose equipment includes two washbasins, a separate rain shower, and a separate toilet.

Three steps lead to the queen-size bed located in the round portion of the tower, where you’ll have a rather fantastic view of the park (as well as an additional TV). It all feels luxurious and fun. 

Jon and I initially thought that the full-size bottles in the free mini-bar (a bottle of white wine, a bottle of red wine, a bottle of cava, orange juice, water, Coke Zero and regular, and some beer) were a one-shot gift, but we opened the bottle of cava and there was a new one in the fridge the next day. And I can honestly say that it was good, which means something as I am incredibly particular when it comes to cava. There are also a couple of delicious snacks.

Both the Ravelijn and the Fata Morgana suites are located in the towers of the Efteling Hotel, under the red acorn-shaped ceilings. 

Ravelijn v. Fata Morgana: Comparison

Conclusion

Because there’s just the two of us, and because of the decor of the room, I personally prefer the Fata Morgana suite. And while I generally do not care much for whirlpool baths and other jacuzzis, I have to admit that we did enjoy a small glass of cava while lounging among bubbles after a long day of walking up and down the park. Of course, if you are travelling with children, the Ravelijn suite will be much better suited to your needs. Additionally, even as an adult, I thoroughly enjoyed the animations in the room. 

I should also mention that if for whatever reason you want the same amenities as those in the Fata Morgana suite without the Arabian Nights-themed decorations, you can stay at the Excellence suite, which has the same floorplans (and also a whirlpool bath) with more a more subdued theme. 

Good to know

The price of your room includes entrance tickets for every person in it for the entire duration of your stay, including the days of arrival and departure. So for example, if you have booked two nights, you’ll get three days in the park. The parking is also included as long as you park at the Efteling Hotel’s own parking lot. Additionally, annual pass holders get a 25% discount on overnight stays.

Bonus: If you purchase a souvenir at any of the Efteling shops during the day, ask the cashier to have it sent to the Efteling Hotel with the Souvenir Express for free. You’ll find your parcel waiting for you at the reception desk.

TL;DR

If you are a family of three/four and want the best experience for your budget, stay at the Ravelijn suite; if you are a couple and want to make use of the jacuzzi and minibar, stay at the Fata Morgana suite.

Other posts about Efteling

• 
  Why I Love Efteling
• 
  Efteling Hotel comparison: Ravelijn v. Fata Morgana suites

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Last updated: 13 July 2022

• 1
  Average price. May vary depending on the season and demand. Including entrance to the Efteling theme park for the entire duration of your stay.
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  Average price. May vary depending on the season and demand. Including entrance to the Efteling theme park for the entire duration of your stay.