"It probably would have been easier to build (Castaway Bay) from scratch," Witherow concedes. "We did what we could with what we had." The lobby got a major makeover and includes pieces of an old sailing ship, some animatronic parrots, two gift shops, a new snack bar, and a buffet restaurant. The rest of the hotel received minor cosmetic changes.
Most of Castaway Bay's rooms are standard and have twin queen or twin double beds. Adding a rollaway bed makes for a tight fit. Some of the rooms include bunk beds and privacy panels. Adjoining rooms can accommodate larger groups, and the hotel does offer some suites. As a nice touch, the complimentary toiletries include Bath & Body Works soap bars. The smell of cool citrus basil trumps chlorine any day.
BYO food
In addition to the lobby restaurants, the hotel has an adjoining T.G.I. Fridays, and the water park includes a snack bar with a surprising number of healthy choices. All of the rooms include a microwave and a mini refrigerator (that is empty), so you may want to save some vacation dollars by toting food from home, at least for breakfast.A huge arcade includes a great collection of redemption games. Even though it's practically in the shadows of Cedar Point's famous coaster skyline, a small coin-operated simulator features coasters from--can you believe it?--Knoebel's and Kennywood.
Checkout time is 11 a.m., but Castaway Bay's bracelets allow admission into the water park until it closes at 10 p.m. Hotel guests can stow their luggage at the front desk. In the minor quibble department, the water park does include changing rooms and showers, but the showers do not offer soap, shampoo, or even a dish to hold soap. Remember to bring your own toiletries, or, If you don't mind smelling like chlorine, skip the shower altogether.
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Castaway Bay Photo Gallery
Castaway Bay Hotel Photo Gallery
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