I have a lovely dilemma - some input please...

[Jules1212]

Well after enjoying our pre Christmas visit so much last year, DH and I thought it would be great to squeeze one last trip out of the AP's he, DS and DD have. Trouble being that they run out on Dec 18th and we have said we won't renew as we want to save for Florida.

I tried to get permission to take DS and DD out of school for 4 days (15th - 18th) and we have been refused permission. So I thought "Well, that's that then".

Our lovely kids (15 and 12) sat us down for a a chat and told us to go on an adults only trip as a 2nd honeymoon. They said they are thrilled to be going for Halloween, they went last Christmas and don't feel that they are missing out. They also missed a few parties and do's being in DLP last time and would like to go to them this year. Doesn't stop me having a MASSIVE guilt trip though!

So...... hubby said we should go for my birthday (yippee!!!!!) and so we are looking to book 9th December for 4 nights and would like to stay in a hotel we haven't been to before. We have narrowed it down to either The Sequoia Lodge or NPB but are having trouble deciding!

We went in both on a trip around the hotels last Christmas, and for some reason we just didn't 'feel it' in the SL and I really wanted to love it and feel all Christmassy in there - it was unbelievably busy and I wonder if that is what we didn't care for? It wouldn't be anywhere near so busy midweek I am guessing.

So I would love to hear various views and the fors and againsts for either. I know these things are subjective, but I would value your input. Whilst I do feel a bit guilty and it will seem quite odd without the kids, we are excitedly planning the things we otherwise wouldn't do if we had them with us - the walking tour, dinner at the Blue Lagoon and Yacht Club and a cocktail tour!

Loved the NPB when we went in, but I worry that the pool may not be finished with the refurb (and we do use a pool) if it gets behind schedule and I don't see people rave so much about NPB as much as any of the other hotels.

 

[kizzabel]

Well after enjoying our pre Christmas visit so much last year, DH and I thought it would be great to squeeze one last trip out of the AP's he, DS and DD have. Trouble being that they run out on Dec 18th and we have said we won't renew as we want to save for Florida.

I tried to get permission to take DS and DD out of school for 4 days (15th - 18th) and we have been refused permission. So I thought "Well, that's that then".

Our lovely kids (15 and 12) sat us down for a a chat and told us to go on an adults only trip as a 2nd honeymoon. They said they are thrilled to be going for Halloween, they went last Christmas and don't feel that they are missing out. They also missed a few parties and do's being in DLP last time and would like to go to them this year. Doesn't stop me having a MASSIVE guilt trip though!

So...... hubby said we should go for my birthday (yippee!!!!!) and so we are looking to book 9th December for 4 nights and would like to stay in a hotel we haven't been to before. We have narrowed it down to either The Sequoia Lodge or NPB but are having trouble deciding!

We went in both on a trip around the hotels last Christmas, and for some reason we just didn't 'feel it' in the SL and I really wanted to love it and feel all Christmassy in there - it was unbelievably busy and I wonder if that is what we didn't care for? It wouldn't be anywhere near so busy midweek I am guessing.

So I would love to hear various views and the fors and againsts for either. I know these things are subjective, but I would value your input. Whilst I do feel a bit guilty and it will seem quite odd without the kids, we are excitedly planning the things we otherwise wouldn't do if we had them with us - the walking tour, dinner at the Blue Lagoon and Yacht Club and a cocktail tour!

Loved the NPB when we went in, but I worry that the pool may not be finished with the refurb (and we do use a pool) if it gets behind schedule and I don't see people rave so much about NPB as much as any of the other hotels.

Wow, that sounds like a fad idea, great thinking from your children.
I booked NPB for November because I like the style of the new rooms. I think it will be lovely but im also a bit hesitant because we would use the pool as well. We're booked now though and are so excited to see it with new eyes.
If you have a look at dedicated to DLP's website there is a great article on the refurbishment.
For me i think the NPB theme is more decadent and I love all things nautical.
Have fun planning!

 

[Ms Poppins]

I haven't been to either so can't offer any recommendations. If were to choose based on what I've read I think as an adult only trip I might be tempted but a Golden Forest room at Sequoia Lodge - a nice lounge to visit during the day sounds nice.

Good luck deciding - your children sound lovely to be thinking of you

 

[RoseBug]

We LOVED the NPB and I would love to stay there again once it has been refurbished. We stayed in the summer and it was such perfect theming! However, despite never having stayed there, I would maybe opt for the SL in a Golden Forest room as mentioned above, as for an adults only trip theidea of free afternoon tea etc. is very appealing!

BTW - you have AWESOME kids!

 

[Rosabelle]

We LOVED the NPB and I would love to stay there again once it has been refurbished. We stayed in the summer and it was such perfect theming! However, despite never having stayed there, I would maybe opt for the SL in a Golden Forest room as mentioned above, as for an adults only trip theidea of free afternoon tea etc. is very appealing!

BTW - you have AWESOME kids!

Everything rosebug said

We love the SL! I think the NPB feels too far away, even though its probably not!

 

[dhidra]

What great kids you have!
I haven't stayed in either hotel, and we're staying in HNY for our next trip, but from what I've read, I'd like to try the GF rooms in SL.

 

[Disneyfanswicklow]

What brilliant kids! You will have a wonderful adult trip - enjoy ......I too would opt for the Golden forest room in SL

 

[Ware Bears]

I know I'm in the minority on here but I've never been over keen on SL when we've gone in there whereas I LOVE LOVE LOVE the NPB - however I think I'd too opt for a GF room at SL as I think you'll enjoy the benefits far more as a couple than as a family.

What lovely unselfish children you have - I'm not sure mine would have been so generous! We're off on our first holiday without children this year - although I'm very much looking forward to it it'll be really strange without them.

 

[Jules1212]

Thank you for all your nice comments about my kids. Naturally I am rather biased and think they are wonderful. They don't give us a minute of worry. Very blessed indeed.

Well, we seem to have been convinced by the votes for SL and as we are trying to keep a lid on the cost after last Christmas and our stay at the DLH, it makes sense financially too.

In our case, we don't feel the £152 extra for GF is worth it to be honest. We tend to treat ourselves to going to the DLH for brunch after EMH, so the breakfast isn't an issue and we struggled to use our fastpasses last time from DLH and that was a week later.

We probably wouldn't go all the way back for some tea and cake either. So we will probably go for standard SL and request Yellowstone lodge or try to swing a Montana room at check in. And spend the difference on brekkies at DLH and a dinner at Yacht Club.

But we are being all grown up and not rushing into a booking (it's killing me!) and will take another look at both hotels when we are there during half term. Thank you for all the input. It really does help.