New England Calling
An experiential hotel in Europapark Rust captivates through distinctive design
At Europapark Rust, visitors of all ages can look forward to a pocket-sized tour of Europe. A wide variety of themed worlds entice visitors with authentic cuisine, spectacular roller coasters, shows, 4D cinema and an authentic atmosphere. The diversity of the regions ranges from Nordic Iceland to England, France, Austria, Germany and southern Greece, enchanting thousands of visitors every year. Those who want to immerse themselves further in other worlds after visiting the park can stay overnight in one of the park's themed hotels: the 4-star hotels "El Andaluz" and "Castillo Alcazar" as well as the 4-star superior hotels "Colosseo", "Santa Isabel" and "Krønasår" offer extraordinary design worlds for every taste. The Bell Rock is a 4-star superior hotel that has been taking its guests on a journey to the historic cradle of the USA, New England, since 2012 – and even has a 2-star Michelin restaurant and a presidential suite to offer.
The Mack family, proprietors of Europapark, entrusted hotel architecture specialists Neumeier from Holzkirchen near Munich with the design, planning, and complete interior build-out of the hotel. Neumeier orchestrated the project with roughly 50 interior craftspeople and a collaborative team of 14 architects, planners, and designers. Approaching the work with meticulous precision, creative vision, and an appetite for the exceptional, the Neumeiers set a new standard. Martin Neumeier explains: "Our mission was to breathe life into a theme through both design and execution—one that feels both individually crafted and genuinely authentic. Whether it's an experiential hotel like Bell Rock or a wellness retreat, the principle remains the same. In our view, what gets built shouldn't be off-the-shelf design destined to feel dated in a few years. Instead, we focused on creating spaces and sourcing materials that tell a story, convey a concept, and stand the test of time through their authenticity. For the Bell Rock Hotel, we conducted extensive research across multiple countries, studied countless references, and curated furnishings and architectural elements from over 15 nations—antique grandfather clocks from England, rare pieces from High Point Market in the USA, original steamship components from France, reclaimed timber from barns and railway cars across Canada and the US, natural stone from Belgium, and much more." The project carried a total budget of approximately 40 million euros, with interior construction accounting for 25 percent of that investment.
The charming ensemble of eight interconnected buildings plus a lighthouse captivates with light-flooded rooms and maritime accessories, combined with high-quality antiques and handicrafts. The interior design reflects the themes of colonisation, New England and seafaring down to the last detail; guests can follow in the footsteps of the pilgrims everywhere they go. Of the 35 individually themed suites, 29 feature New England influences with blue and white striped wallpaper and light wood panelling. The themes of the Orient, Africa, Latin America and China dominate the other 16 suites. The suites in the lighthouse are particularly special. The top tower suite, John F. Kennedy, with sauna and whirlpool, offers a 360-degree panoramic view from the northern Black Forest towards the Rhine valley and the Breisgau region to the south.
Culinary excellence is equally celebrated here. The Harborside buffet restaurant—featuring an open front-cooking counter and live grill—the Captain's Finest fine-dining establishment, and the acclaimed Ammolite – The Lighthouse Restaurant in the signature lighthouse tower offer something to satisfy every palate. Within just two years of opening, Ammolite earned two Michelin stars and 16 Gault Millau points. By 2020, executive chef Peter Hagen-Wiest and his team had reached a remarkable milestone: 18 Gault Millau points—a first for the restaurant. Notably, Ammolite holds the distinction of being the only 2-star Michelin restaurant in any theme park globally. After indulging, guests can recharge at the "New England" fitness and spa complex, which encompasses the "Boston Red Sox" fitness club, the "Blue Lagoon" sauna world, and the "Bell Rock" wellness and spa sanctuary. A striking centerpiece is the expansive pool landscape, artfully designed to evoke the Pilgrim Fathers' transatlantic voyage. This immersive environment was created by an artistic collective under the creative direction of Johannes Klinger—a renowned painter, ecclesiastical artist, interior designer, photographer, and author.









