The history of Preston Palace
Preston Palace is an all-inclusive Family Resort in the city of Almelo in Twente. Find out everything about the origin, the successes, the new management and strategy, the major innovations and the golden future of Preston Palace!
Preston Palace was established in the former Prinses Irene Hospital that opened its doors in 1960. In 1987 the hospital was sold to the then-owner: Mr Van der Most. He had an innovative idea: creating an all-inclusive hotel in this former hospital. After a number of years of demolition and subsequently construction work, in May 1990 the first part was opened: the entertainment centre. Preston Palace had arrived.
The entertainment centre
The entertainment centre offers a wide range of facilities. The many guests can currently enjoy the modern Black Rock coffee corner, a cosy bar street with various bars (ship bar, ski hut, English pub, piano bar, traditional pub and karaoke) and various restaurants such as the San Remo, Ribbleton, Midtown, Pizza van Enzo and Silverado Bistro. Preston Palace also has a cinema, bowling alleys, pool and billiard tables, miniature golf and a play area with entertainment room.
Preston Hall
Two years later, in February 1992, the hotel opened with a grand hotel restaurant. Since then, the development of Preston Palace has been a continuous-process. The large and multifunctional hall, the "Preston Hall," was opened in October 1995. Here, or in the coffee corner, there was normally live music every weeknight and on weekends nationally known artists performed or a DJ provided the disco. The live music, still offered every day, now largely sets up in the Black Rock.
Riviera Subtropical swimming paradise
In October 1997 the first guests used our subtropical swimming paradise and they were not disappointed! The hotel guests, whose all-inclusive package deal gives them access to everything, are not the only ones who can enjoy the subtropical swimming paradise, as many guests (in particular) from the region come for a visit as well.
Boardwalk indoor fairground
In July 2008 we added the indoor fairground. And that, like other parts of Preston Palace, is in itself unique! An indoor amusement park that includes seven marvellous attractions and many fairground games in an attractive, wonderful, décor that reflects Twente. A welcome addition for many families, young people, elderly people with their grandchildren, school parties or children's parties. Just like the subtropical swimming paradise and entertainment centre, the indoor fairground is open to guests from the region.
A unique concept with a unique entertainment centre, AND unique subtropical swimming paradise, AND unique indoor fairground, and and and ... that is Preston Palace: unique in many ways and suiting all tastes and ages.
New management, new strategy
In 2011 the hotel was taken over by a new management board. The three new owners have adapted the strategy, which has made a positive impact. Many facilities at Preston Palace have since been updated or added, based on the wishes of our guests. This ranges from new offerings in the field of free Wi-Fi and charging stations for electric cars to the now extremely diverse range of hotel rooms and a modern – and very appreciated – grand hotel-restaurant. At the end of 2019, there was another change at management level, which means Carlo Slag now holds the highest administrative position as Managing Director.
Children's indoor play area
The children's indoor play area for the smaller guests has been completely renovated and we added a new colourful entertainment area where you can often find the mascots Preston and Alice if they are not in their new Berenhut home. Preston Palace is also a great location for children to celebrate their birthday parties. They can choose between a swimming and snack party or a funfair and snack party: success (and of course lots of fun) guaranteed!
Innovations
Black Rock, the former Coffee Corner was fully revamped in 2013. This room is multifunctional and the stylish renovation has received many positive responses from (returning) guests. Speaking of returning guests: at the end of 2014 we had the first hotel guest who passed the milestone of 100 hotel visits!
Over recent years the subtropical swimming paradise has been extended with a wide range of wellness package deals. Guests can enjoy relaxation massages at Preston Palace as a pure treat for body and mind. In addition to our hotel guests, more than 100,000 guests from the region visit our subtropical swimming paradise. The number of German guests also increases every year.
During the day Preston Hall is regularly used for exhibitions, private parties, meetings, seminars and conferences.
Successes
Almost all of the Economy hotel rooms have now been renovated into modern Classic and Royal hotel rooms. The number of guests keeps increasing, which is why another 30 hotel rooms were added in 2014. During the renovation, a number of hotel rooms were given a luxury make-over (2015, 2016 and 2017), and our guests can now choose from 6 luxury suites, including bridal suites and family suites with four beds for parents and children. Preston Palace now has 318 hotel rooms with a total of close to 1,000 beds. With more than 200,000 overnight stays each year and an occupancy rate of more than 85%, Preston Palace is enjoying more success than ever before. Preston Palace’s market share for overnight stays in hotels in the entire province of Overijssel is now 12% (2016). All this makes it the second largest hotel in the Netherlands, the largest being a hotel at Amsterdam Airport.
Guest numbers continue to rise as appreciation for Preston Palace continues to increase. The newly chosen strategy is bearing fruit in that respect as well, which is why Preston Palace has regularly been receiving awards over recent years. In 2013, 2014 and 2015, the guests selected the swimming paradise as one of the best swimming pools in the Netherlands, in 2017 the swimming paradise received the Award Beste Uitje (Best Day Out) award, and in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2023 Preston Palace became Familiehotel van het Jaar (Family Hotel of the Year).
All this is reflected in the quality and quantity of our staff members. The 400 staff members from 2011 had increased to around 600 highly motivated, welcoming employees in 2023. This makes Preston Palace one of the major employers in Twente and the major employer in the tourist sector in the east of the Netherlands.
Even more innovations
At the beginning of 2017, the renovation of hotel-restaurant Ribbleton was completed. The end result is a refreshing and modern restaurant with almost 650 seats that is set in an ultimate living room ambiance. It is equipped with the latest technologies for buffets, show cooking, refreshing salad bars, a cool children's buffet, a sparkling bar, and has a modern interior design with hand-crafted wall decorations, cosy seating areas, benches and cosy corners.
One of the latest acquisitions is the impressive metamorphosis of the hotel lobby. The latest innovation resulted in a new show pond, hotel entrance and hotel lobby that perfectly match the unique character of Preston Palace. Mayor Gerritsen officially opened the revamped area on Monday 2 July 2018.
At the end of 2019, the fantastic revamp of the heart of the entertainment centre was completed. The former Central Terrace was transformed into Preston Palace Central, Terrace & Bar. Preston Palace Central exudes an atmosphere that can best be described as ‘dandy, worldly, accomplished and enjoying life's pleasures’. Themes that are perfectly in line with the demands of the esteemed guests and the updated image of Preston Palace.
The major renovation of the entertainment centre was completed in early 2021. The grill and wok buffet have made way for a new food plaza where everyone can enjoy dishes from around the world. Introducing: Midtown Food & Bar! A major upgrade and expansion of the all-inclusive offer.
Monkey Rush waterslide
In June 2022, the new waterslide Monkey Rush opened in Riviera. In January 2022, the construction of the new water slide in the subtropical swimming paradise started. The slide starts at a height of four meters and descends through three bends. It is equipped with a range of multimedia, including theme choices, timekeeping and touch points. With the realization of this interactive water attraction, Preston Palace has fulfilled yet another guest wish. Monkey Rush is a valuable addition to the unique offering of the All-in Family Resort and it offers plenty of challenge for the whole family.
Speedway Gamehall
In December 2023, Preston Palace opened the doors to the brand-new Speedway Gamehall, a spectacular addition to its extensive offerings. The construction of this state-of-the-art game hall began earlier that year, and now guests can immerse themselves in a world of gaming fun. With an impressive selection of the latest arcade games and racing simulators, the Speedway Gamehall offers endless entertainment for young and old alike. As such, Speedway Gamehall is a valuable addition to the versatile offerings of Preston Palace, where the whole family can enjoy an unforgettable time.
Self Service Check-in
This additional option has been available since the end of 2023 alongside the traditional hotel reception. An important step in our service and hospitality. This way, each guest can choose their preferred way of checking in.
Charging Plaza for Electric Cars
In 2023, Preston Palace opened the Charging Plaza for electric cars, featuring multiple charging points. This sustainable facility offers extra convenience during your stay. A future-oriented and eco-friendly addition.
À la carte restaurant Pizza van Enzo
The new à la carte restaurant Pizza van Enzo also opened in December 2023. Here, fresh pizzas are prepared in a traditional wood-fired oven. From the open kitchen, chefs serve up the most delicious Italian dishes. From appetizers to main courses to dessert, it's all 'buon appetito'! Dining at this restaurant is also included in the all-inclusive package during a day out or hotel stay.
New Preston Palace App
In 2024, Preston Palace launched the official app for an even easier guest experience. Guests can find all activities, opening hours, and easily reserve their dinner in one of the restaurants in advance. A digital and guest-focused improvement to our service.
Westward Bowling Lanes
In December 2024, four new bowling lanes were added to the existing facilities. This expansion seamlessly continues the familiar coal mine theme while bringing a new imaginative world to life: a mysterious diamond mine with glowing mushrooms and a chest full of sparkling diamonds. The new name, Westward— inspired by Las Vegas—unites both bowling areas into one immersive experience. Bowling at Preston Palace has thus become not only larger but also more magical than ever.
Six New Royal Comfort Hotel Rooms
To meet the high demand from families, six new Royal Comfort hotel rooms were opened in December 2024. These spacious family rooms accommodate two, four, or six guests. With this expansion, Preston Palace now offers a total of 324 hotel rooms.
Formula 1 Pitbox
In June 2025, the Formula 1 Pitbox was unveiled next to the Speedway Gamehall. This spectacular set piece includes a real Formula 1 car. Fully developed in-house, the project offers a unique photo opportunity and fits perfectly with the racing vibes of the Speedway Gamehall.
The future
Plans for the coming years are predominantly based on the path we have chosen. What other innovations Preston Palace has in mind for you in the coming years will remain a surprise.
But ... what will always be at the heart of Preston Palace is the fact that you can make the most of your all-inclusive stay without a care in the world!
