Legoland California to get its Lego-themed hotel in 2013
The much awaited Lego-themed hotel will begin construction at the Legoland California Park later this year. While there is no word on how much its owner, London-based Merlin Entertainment Group, is investing in the 250-room hotel, costs are expected to reach $50 million or more based on a rough estimate of $200,000 a room. The Park recently opened its $30 million Sea Life Aquarium and an Indiana Jones-like adventure in 1920s Egypt. Legoland general manager Peter Ronchetti acknowledged that the hotel project, which is expected to be completed by the summer of 2013, had been on hold, awaiting a recovery of the tourism industry, which had been hard hit by the recession. With plenty of attractions, the park already warrants more than a one-day visit.
Specific details of the hotel design are not yet available, but the three-story property will incorporate the look and whimsy of the amusement park, featuring brightly-colored Lego decor, as well as a pool area and restaurant. Rooms and suites will be designed to mimic the popular areas of the theme park and appeal to families with young children.
The Lego hotel is among a number of planned expansions by Merlin. In May 2008, Merlin announced a strategic alliance with Tatweer, a member of Dubai Holdings, to create Legoland Dubailand. Originally scheduled to open this year, the $248.28m Legoland project was to occupy a total of three million sq ft inside Dubailand.
Developers behind the theme park insist that the project would still go ahead despite delays brought about by the emirate’s economic slowdown.