Europa-Park, which boasted record attendance levels of 3.6 million people in 2003, is set to become one of Germany’s biggest resorts with the opening of the 1,400-bed Roman-style Colosseo hotel, this summer.

The 45m euro, 4-star hotel, due to open in June, will complement the park’s existing two Roman-Italian hotels, El Andaluz and Castillo Alcazar, to offer a total 3,000 beds.

Colosseo will be laid out in the shape of an octogon and include a courtyard piazza with cafes, bars and Italian restaurants. It will include 22 themed suites and 12 Bambini-rooms – family rooms with an additional sleeping area for children.

Two restaurants will offer 900 seats and a children’s area and there will also be a large Roman-style wellness area with indoor and outdoor pool, a conference area and an open-air stage. The development will be linked to the park by monorail.

Europa-Park, a family-owned attraction set in the grounds of a 14th century castle in south-west Germany, is also launching a gladiator show in the Spanish Arena this year where Tartars on horses will fight Roman gladiators, and plans to introduce another major ride in 2005. Details: www.europapark.de See also interview with the park’s managing director, Roland Mack, in February’s Attractions Management