PAW Patrol Land is set to open at Chessington World of Adventures this spring, which is sure to get tails wagging with excitement. But ahead of this launch, the resort has opened five brand new hotel rooms themed around the hugely popular kids' series. Sian Gregory, went along with her husband Steve, eight-year-old daughter Eva, and five-year-old son, George, who is barking mad about the famous rescue pups. An overnight stay you say? He'll be there on the double...
By Sian Gregory
I’ve fallen victim to many half-hearted themes. I snapped up tickets for a ‘Christmas wonderland’ which turned out to be a bored Santa with two donkeys masquerading as reindeer. I got excited about a ‘Halloween spectacular’, which turned out to be in a pub with little more than pictures of ghosts on the tables. It’s always the same pattern- expecting a full embrace of a theme and getting a brief nod. So, I wasn't sure what to expect when we arrived at Chessington World of Adventures for a stay in one of their new PAW Patrol themed rooms.
I didn't want my five-year-old super fan, George, to be disappointed. So, as we passed the cluster of red and blue doors, I prepped him for a wall sticker of his doggy idols and maybe a scattering of pawprint cushions. But wow, was I wrong!
As we opened the door to our room, a familiar voice announced ‘Chase is on the case!’ The lights came on and we were thrust into the colourful world of the cartoon rescue crew. The bed was a Paw Patroller, the huge vehicle that transports the pups around, complete with drivers seat and steering wheel. There was a re-creation of the lookout, with working periscope and a view of Adventure Bay. There was a full-size control station and Pup-pad, doubling up as a desk and TV. Between the beanbags and wall adornments screaming 'Ready for Action', not an inch of the room was left un-themed. If there was an immersive Paw Patrol experience, this would be it.
George’s face was a picture, and his big sister Eva, eight, got into it too. She doesn’t even like PAW Patrol, but they both spent the next hour climbing, crashing onto the beanbags, and using the periscope to create their own games. George has ADHD as well as autism, and being stuck in a hotel room with him is challenging. He needs to move around all the time, so we’re usually tearing our hair out while he climbs the walls. But here, it was like having a playground in the room. It kept him occupied for hours. Both children also loved looking out of the window over the animal reserve, trying to spot emus and giraffes.
The rooms sleep five, making them perfect for a family short break. There was a big double bed for the grown-ups, and the themed bunk beds had a pull-out single bed underneath. On the wall, hung a TV with plenty of kids' channels. There was a mini fridge, a kettle with tea and coffee supplies, and a hairdryer. In the bathroom, decked out with underwater murals of the pups, there were toiletries, including shampoo, shower gel, handwash and hand cream.
When George eventually needed a change of scenery, we went downstairs and checked out what the rest of the hotel had to offer. There was a swimming pool, a bar, two restaurants, a kids club with on-stage entertainment, and a big movie screen where the kids gathered on cushions, sleepover-style. There was also a mini amusement arcade and various festive props and photo opportunities. It was more of a mini resort than a hotel.
After the kids had finally wound down, we went back to the room and George changed into his PAW Patrol pyjamas. As a lovely touch, there were two Chase teddies on the beds for the kids to keep. George cuddled up to his favourite character as he went to sleep.
The next morning, the little ones were up and at the window, spotting the animals again, and playing on the Paw Patrol equipment, giving the adults time to get ready. Breakfast is included in the price, but needed to be booked in advance, as there were two options to choose from. We’d gone with a buffet-style breakfast at the Zafari bar and grill on the ground floor.
We were directed to a table underneath a giant tree covered in fairy lights. A waiter came over and gave us a run-down of what to expect, and an extensive allergy checklist of all the food, which was helpful. George has a lot of allergies, and buffets can be tricky because of this, but every single ingredient was listed for ultimate reassurance.
The buffet itself had every breakfast food you could think of, including cereal, muffins, pastries, a full English, fresh fruit and yoghurt, pancakes, syrups and toast. The kids went straight for the pancakes, and loved serving themselves. The buffet bar was laid out well, with low serving plates so that children could reach for food. They loved the novelty of choosing their own items, and being able to go back for more whenever they wanted.
When we were full, it wasn’t quite time for the park to open yet, so we popped outside to the Wanyama village and reserve, described as an ‘immersive African savannah experience.’ We opened a gate and found ourselves on a winding path next to giraffes, rhinos and zebras.
Then it was time for the theme park, which was only a short walk away. It was all decked out for Christmas, and after we’d been through the excellent Winter’s Tail experience, we hit the rides. There was plenty to do for all ages, from the tamer Treetop Hoppers to the hair-raising Rattlesnake and Mandrill Mayhem. We even met the Gruffalo!
When George got overstimulated, we retired to their sensory space for a quieter play, before going to look at the penguins and otters. There were designated quieter spaces outdoors too, with wooden play equipment for anyone needing a more active time out. As a mum of a child with additional needs, I rate Chessington highly for their consideration of this, and the freedom it gives on a day out.
The same freedom is given in the PAW Patrol rooms. Providing a base for the night that is also a play area is a dream for kids like George, who need action at all times.
The PAW Patrol hotel stays start from £155 for a family of four. That includes breakfast, early ride access, a Pup Pass meet and greet fast track, and a Reserve & Ride one-shot pass. But prices can vary significantly depending on dates and demand. When we visited around Christmas time, the cost was around £370. A room without a view of the reserve was only around £10 cheaper. But for the amount on offer in the room and at the hotel, it's well worth the money. Chessington have gone all-out with this one, and they’ve pulled it off brilliantly.