9 hours Ago By [email protected] (Andrew Forgrave, Branwen Jones)
Chester Zoo's newest attraction has left visitors gobsmacked due to its astronomical prices. The zoo's luxury resort, which promises the "ultimate African safari experience right here in the UK", has been criticised by some who argue that a trip to Africa would be more cost-effective, reports North Wales Live . The Reserve, a complex of 51 newly-constructed huts with views over giraffe enclosures or a lakeside area, is now open for bookings.
Off-season prices start from £375, while the cheapest one-night stays currently available in August are priced at £672.50. During peak season, prices skyrocket to a staggering £2,486 for a single night's stay in one of the more luxurious chalets, based on two people sharing a room.
This price includes extras such as guided safari tours and a behind-the-scenes tour of the giraffe section. Without these add-ons, the price drops to £1,872.88.
Chester Zoo faced a wave of criticism when it announced that bookings were open, with many shocked at the "ridiculous" prices and the requirement to pay in full at the time of booking. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What’s On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here . One man online said: "£1,000 for a Saturday night in August! Do I get to take home a giraffe for that price?" A woman from Stockport labelled the prices "absolutely insane", but still expects the huts to be fully booked every night.
She added: "You can get a holiday abroad for those prices. I think Chester Zoo really needs to rethink the pricing and make it much more family-friendly." Many potential guests have claimed that a real safari holiday in Africa would turn out to be less expensive per night than visiting the zoo.
On the zoo's Facebook page, one woman remarked: "I know you rely on public funding but I can get plane tickets for 2 weeks to South Africa for the price for a week (family of 6). Such a shame I was looking forward to booking for my 30th." There's also been frustration expressed over what's seen as an elitist pricing strategy, with one man commenting: "Really love the Zoo and support it regularly, but you're having a laugh with the one-night stay prices of the lodges, only the select few daft enough to pay will benefit.
" Disappointment has echoed amongst regulars who anticipated a unique visit to the zoo. A Holywell resident mentioned: "I would rather keep paying my £90-a-year membership. I live 30 minutes away and I can't justify the prices of the lodges – I would rather spend the money on a cruise for a week than 1 night at the zoo, even though I love the zoo with my whole heart.
" Conversely, there are those who endorse the zoo's pricing policy. A woman from Pwllheli said: "It's worth every penny," adding: "They have to be expensive, not only to keep the lodges going. Even though it's a charity and has been for over 90 years, they don't get any money or support from the government.
The animals deserve all the money they can get to have a happy and healthy lives – they are more than worth it." Bookings opened on Wednesday, January 29 for The Reserve, which is "scheduled" to debut on August 18. In a dash reminiscent of concert tickets sales, numerous huts have already been snapped up for the latter part of August.
Guests eager to revel in nature-themed luxury can select from a diverse range of lodges accommodating up to nine people, each styled with an eye toward the African landscapes where the zoo plays a crucial role in conserving imperilled species. According to the zoo, opting for a stay at The Reserve is more than just a holiday – it's a contribution to its worldwide conservation efforts. Writing online, the zoo emphasised that the more extravagant options include added experiences such as close encounters with animals and exclusive after-hours access.
It elaborated: "Prices for a stay at The Reserve start from £375 per night based on two sharing in the low season, up to top-tier packages that feature extras like behind-the-scenes experiences. "A stay at The Reserve includes so much more than a room for the night and we've partnered with experts from the hospitality industry to ensure that our pricing is in alignment with other equivalent experiences offered by others in the UK, and overseas." On site, visitors will find facilities including a welcome building and a restaurant named The Amboseli, a homage to the Kenyan region where the zoo's lion protection efforts are concentrated.
The Tsavo Lounge offers guests lakeside terrace dining with freshly prepared meals and beverages. Come evening, the lakeside terrace transforms as guests cosy up by a fire-pit, snug in blankets and cushions, indulging in the simple joy of "toasting marshmallows". Jamie Christon, CEO at Chester Zoo, expressed high hopes for the new resort, stating it would be a one-of-a-kind attraction in Britain.
Not only will visitors have "unforgettable experiences", but they will also be contributing to wildlife conservation. He said: "Guests will be able to wake up in luxurious surroundings and enjoy sunrise views across a private savannah and the chance to view wildlife straight from their lodge balcony. What's very special about this project is that stays at The Reserve will help to fund our species-saving conservation work, both here at the zoo and over in Kenya and Uganda, where our teams are working to secure a brighter future for highly endangered species like the eastern black rhino, giant pangolin and mountain bongo.
This will be a bucket list stay that also contributes to helping wildlife not only survive, but thrive.".
