Kaatsheuvel, Tuesday, 14 October 2025.
The Efteling Grand Hotel opened inside the park on a Friday in August, marked by a publicity stunt that installed the world’s largest ribbon bow—roughly 16.7 m by 17.1 m—on its façade. This move signals a strategic shift from day visits toward on‑site overnight stays, adding luxury rooms, integrated F&B and spa programmes and guest experiences like dedicated morning pool sessions. Pre‑sale reservation activity and premium room options suggest targeting domestic and international guests, aiming to capture direct hotel revenue rather than third‑party bookings. For retail and operations teams, expect upward pressure on average length of stay, per‑capita spend and demand for seamless resort‑park operational flows; seasonality and attendance patterns may re‑align as overnight capacity grows. Investors should watch booking distribution, uplift in ancillary spend and the hotel’s role in the park masterplan. Early indicators will show whether this accommodation model reshapes Efteling’s commercial mix and guest experience and revenue.