Pontins Wall Park, Brixham, Devon. Review: Dirty, tatty and smelly
Please Note: Pontins has now sold Wall Park, and the company that took it over has CLOSED it. This page remains online to remember the great times and horrific experiences people had there.
Please Note: This page has comments (at the bottom) from visitors reading this information and then sharing their thoughts about different branches of Pontins from all over the country. One thing that has become apparent is that Pontins seem to be consistently poorly decorated, and maintained. Read this page to find some quite horrific experiences holiday makers are experiencing first hand.
On the other hand there are comments from visitors who have been to Pontins for years, enjoy the experience and would go back - the general feeling being that Pontins might be tired, but it is good value for money …. “You get what you pay for” which is of course, a true statement…..but for me the ultimate factor is “whatever the age of something, it has to be clean, no compromise.”
One person posted the following in their comment, which I think just about sums it up….
“As for the people saying “but you only paid £48 or what ever” that’s bullsh*t £48 or not you still expect a standard if I buy a two tins of baked beans from the supermarket for 50p and one for 2p when I open the 2p tin I don’t expect to find dirty mouldy old beans and don’t expect to find this on my holiday it doesn’t matter how cheap it was.”
Click to read entire comment
I challenge someone senior from Pontins to come here and define ‘clean’.
OUR PONTINS HORROR STORY STARTS HERE….
Lets start off with Justina and my visit to Brixham, add your own experiences below….. lots of people are commenting their own thoughts from Pontins around the country….
Justina and I have a Dartmoor letterbox called ‘Say No to Pontins’. We named it after the place we booked to stay at, and left within thirty minutes of arriving. A “Dartmoor Letterbox” is a hidden stamp somewhere in Dartmoor, there are thousands of them on the moor, a great activity for families. Letterboxes traditionally have names, we named and placed ours during the same week we were meant to be at Pontins, but instead we opted out and stayed in our own tent, which cost more than Pontins.
We booked a ‘Sun Holiday’ through the ‘collect vouchers’ campaign in the Sun Newspaper in order to get a budget holiday in Devon. All in, it cost us about £48 for a week at Pontins.
We were sent all the details by Pontin’s Wall Park, Devon and paid the extra £10 linen charge over the phone.
On the website, the park claims to be “the perfect ‘chill out’ zone”…. excellent, should be fun then!
When we arrived at the park we were welcomed by the man on the gate, then welcomed again at Reception and given a set of keys to a chalet. The chalets looked quite old with modern frontage but as we walked through the park to get to the one we had been allocated…the visual look of each chalet appartment started to get worse and worse and became wooden doors and metal windows with peeling paint. A man with a hammer was bashing a window frame to fix it, it did not look good.
When we finally managed to open the stiff old door of the chalet the first thing that hit us was a terrible smell. Inside the chalet the carpet looked well worn and dirty, there was skank and dirt all over the cooker and its buttons and the plastic ’school chairs’ were battered, bashed and covered in sticky mess. Opening the window was a challenge, we got it open to find we could not close it again.
Justina and I then agreed that we would not be staying in this horrible excuse for holiday accomodation, unclean, well worn and not secure.
We were cautious of going back to reception to complain, neither of us had ever complained about holiday accomodation before and wondered if we should simply just drive out of the park and pitch our tent in a nearby campsite.
We walked over to the reception, and spoke with the person on the door who’s job it is to welcome guests, she suggested it was best to talk to the person on Reception. At reception another couple were complaining, a further lady was so cross with the state of the chalet she had been allocated that she was demanding her money back and wanted to go home.
Eventually the girl on reception provided us with another key, for a ‘Classic’ format chalet. She went out to the back office to speak to her manager (I love the way management hide when customers have complaints). When she brought the key out she whispered to us that she would not have wished her worst enemy to stay in the original chalet we had been offered and that the standard of the chalet we were being offered now, she personally would stay in as it is much nicer.
We took the key and went to look at the chalet, which was located close to the reception. Although the door and windows on this chalet were double glazed, we found the internal condition of the chalet to be the same as the first chalet we had viewed. This chalet had a infestation of spiders around the bathroom roof and lots of dead flies on the toilet seat.
We promptly took the keys back and said that we were not happy with the condition of the chalet. Another set of keys were given to us. We then wandered off in another direction to check out our third chalet.
When we opened the door, it did not smell. The room looked clean, and tidy. We then walked into the bedroom and the first thing we saw was blood stains on the bedsheets.
We walked back to reception, with the key, and asked to see the manager as we required a full refund.
We were then invited to take a seat while the manager was informed that we were waiting to see her. Still sitting in the reception were the other people that had been complaining about the accomodation they had been offered, we were joined by another couple who also had a complaint. An elderly lady also came in to complain about her chalet having a terrible smell, she was told to open the windows… the smell would go away in time. I love the way that the staff on the desk say “Oh, cleaners again” to each other…. blaming the cleaners for the poor condition of the chalets.
Eventually the manager came to see us. We were invited into her office. We were made to wait 10 minutes before we could see her, this tactic is typical of management training….leave those with the complaint to calm down a bit before you face them.
While seated in the managers office, which I have to say, looked like something out of the 80’s (don’t they ever have refits?) the manager spoke with eye contact with Justina. Because Justina was the contact on all documentation, all questions and queries were directed at her. Justina complained about the chalets. We were told that:
1) The toilet seat covered in mites/moss/dirt/flies (whatever it was) is due to a ventilation shaft directly about the toilet. Sorry Pontins, but that is not an excuse, you should cover the shafts to stop things falling through.
2) An independent cleaning company clean the chalets, not Pontins. Sorry Pontins, you should inspect their work.
3) A company (the manager even named it!) are responsible for the linen on the beds, including washing it. Again, Pontins, that is still your problem. Blood stained sheets is unacceptable and you should have identified that when you inspect the chalets.
4) The manager told us that we were the first of 700 families to have checked in to have made a complaint over the weekend, and ask for a refund. I find this very hard to believe, firstly there are not 700 chalets and secondly….if the manager had gone into reception (instead of hiding out the back) she would see the complainers first hand.
We were given a full cash refund by the manager and promptly drove to a camp site and had a great few days in the tent.
I believe that Pontins offer their oldest chalets to new arrivals. Some arrivals will not complain, as they have different standards to what is acceptable. Those who complain then get ‘upgraded’ to a less tired chalet. This therefore means the ‘less tired chalets’ stay ‘newer in condition’ for longer, as they are used less. This is my theory.
We were told by the manager that they have 6 chalets which are ‘luxury’ and are all occupied. My belief is that we would have been offered one of these chalets if one had been available, I bet they are full of people who complained like we did, but quicker.
Our so called ‘free upgrade’ to a ‘classic chalet’ would have costed us another £40. Justina pointed out that the upgrade fee would simply give us a double glazed door and window for the extra money. That is simply silly.As we drove out the gate the man on the gate said “going so soon?”…to which we replied “yep, and not coming back”. “Why is that?” he said. “Condition of chalets” we replied…. Needless to say, from what he said next, we were not the first to have left because of the standard of accomodation.
We will never, ever, ever go in or near another Pontin’s ever again. We do hope that someone replies to this with a positive Pontin’s experience.
Add comments below, sadly they will might not show straight away as some get highlighted for moderation in order to remove spam.
And finally….. and shockingly…. on the front page of the frequently asked questions section of the Pontins website one of the most ‘popular questions‘ is this one….
A poll was conducted on this page to find out what the first 1000(ish) voters thought of Pontins, the poll has now closed (October 2008) and here are the results (click to enlarge):
I work at pontin’s in hemsby, & I had never stepped foot on a pontins before i got my job there & as soon as i manage to find another job i never will again. The amount of people who come up to me & the people i work with, with complaints about the state of the chalets is unbalivable. I have to say this summer was the worst there was under half a camp all year & i would say half of them complained about something. If it isn’t the state of the chalets it was the entertainment of the price of food & drink or even the food itsef
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.After seeing your site i was a litle worried about going away last week when we got to pontins in wales we were given our key and directed to our apartment we had a plesent surprize when we went in as it was spotless and smelt lovely and fresh it cost me £65 for 4 nights and i have to say it was the best £65 I have ever spent the kids did activities all week and the night was great as well thanks erica
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.You was lucky we payed nearly £300 for a weekend at that discusting place pontins in prestatyn.. They should go to Butlins see how its done.
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.Pam..
HI IVE TAKEN MY KIDS TO PONTINS ALL THROUGH THEIR LIVES, AND THE CHALETS WERE BASIC, AND HAVE NEVER BEEN MARVELOUS, BUT THE FRIENDLYNESS OF STAFF, AND THE ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE KIDS HAVE ALWAYS MADE UP FOR THE WELL USED CHALETS. I TOOK MY ADOPTED DAUGHTER AND GRANDCHILDREN TO SOUTHPORT AS AN EXTRA HOLIDAY LAST YEAR AND WAS DISGUSTED AT THE CONDITION OF THE CARPET IN THE MAIN ENTERTAINMENT AREA; IT WAS FILTHY, SHINNY, AND MY SHOES STUCK TO THE CARPET, MY FOSTER DAUGHTER IS SPECIAL NEEDS, AND SHE ALWAYS WANTS TO LIE ON THE FLOOR, SHE BECAME VERY DISTRESSED WHEN I STOPPED HER. I HAVE NEVER SEEN THE CARPETS SO DIRTY OTHER TIMES IVE BEEN TO PONTINS, AND THE CHALET WAS VERY RUN DOWN. I WAS THINKING OF TAKING THE KIDS ON ANOTHER SORT OF HOLIDAY THIS YEAR. BUT THE KIDS ENJOYED THE HOLIDAY SO MUCH, THEY WANT TO GO BACK AGAIN. SO I HAVE MIXED FEELINGS.
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.Hi
I have been to Pontins at Camber Sands both with the Sun and paid by myself nad i have to say my family enjoyed it every tim - our accomadtion with the Sun was better than when we paid private.
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.I went to Pontins in Southport last year and was disgusted. I went with my partner and two small children. The site was small and unclean. The chalet was dirty and run down and like someone else mentioned no bath. We were placed next door to a group of teenagers who had parties every night. We complained every night and evry morning to no availe. The pool was clean and well kept which was a bonus as everything else was dire. I didnt pay through any offers so paid peak price at easter it was about £200 for a three night stay. The appartment was self catering but with broken oven and fridge we spent most of the time eating out. I ending up spending a hell of a lot of money. We eat out alot and not on site either as it was disgusting. Also some of the activities were not available. We travelled into Southport every day and spent the days there instead. My partner has just informed me he has booked us a three day stay at Brean snads in July i dread to think !!
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.i have taken my two children to pontins for the last 12 years at camber sands and they love it . been to a few other site and they are just as good. we always go club. you get what you pay for.
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.hiya i just returned from a 4 night break at the pontins in prstatyn. we decided to stay in the budget accomadation as we thought it would be pointless paying the whole price just for a shower and digital tv! how wrong i was!The cooker was filthy, the bath was filthy, not much room but i suppose its not too bad if you are not in the chalet for too long!old unsafe glass panal windows with window ledges falling apart.when we went the weather was awful and rained alot. There was really bad condensation on the windows and the whole chalet was so damp! At night we were gettin into wet beds because of the severity of the dampness!food places were closed! the one place that did do food was awful service. the shops were closed. one thing in particular was awful, the bluecoats did not interact with the kids during the day. the bluecoats stayed with each other like a gang and laughed and joked and messed about like fools and ignored the children! now i thought the bluecoats were the whole point of pontins! The public toilets were a disgrace they smelt like the sewers and were extremely unhygenic! also a man came to test the water for legionairs disease?!!! whats all that about? i agree they need to take some lessons from butlins its a completly different standard! they know how to give a good holiday!
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.i went to prestatyn july 2006 with 3kids and my partner we all had a brill time one of the best hols ever, we were upgraded though from a budget to classic before we even got there and it was basic u get wot u pay for. we are going back again july 2007 and are really looking forward to it aswell, i would not feel no way about complaining it is your rite, and if there is no other solution i would collect my money and go!!!
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.We went to Southport Pontins in April and I almost left after seeing our chalet, it was filthy, the crockery had old food on it as did the cutlery. The staff were awful and there was a dirty pair of ladies knickers in the road by our chalet for three days. We did complain to pontins when we got back but just got fobbed off. Going to Haven next week in a caravan wouldn’t go to Pontins again.
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.Hi well iv just book and payed fore 2 chalets at wall park devon and was very much looking forwords to it till i came hear and read this , But im still going to go and see and thank you ill no to complain if its bad ill send another commen when i get back audrey
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.We are going to Pontins Southport in August with 2 young children . Having read the comments am now wondering whether to even bother wasting the petrol to go, although we have upgraded to Club, it sounds like Stalag 13. Is anyone going between now and end August would be grateful for an up date!!! Will send another comment if we go and should we survive…….
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.Been to two Pontins sites with my five children. firstly went to Hemsby for their Christmas break arrived there at 5pm left by 10pm the same night. The chalet had heating that didn’t work, water was running down the walls and it was dirty. complained and was told by reception that this was the best accomodation they had for our size party not wanting to spoil the kids xmas we called a relation to drive two hours to pick us up as we had travelled up on the train from southend. Not to be detured by one bad experience i booked for 12 of us to go to Southport, four adults and 7 kids well if i thought Hemsby was bad then i was in for a shock, Southport was even worse, our chalet smelt of urine, the wallpaper was black with mould, the furniture was plastic and the sofa bed had a rubber surface which ment the sheets wouldnt stay on, oh and we had ants. It was noisy every night and there was violence to the extent that one family in our block was kicked off the site by police. We also had the pleasure of getting up one morning to find a half naked man laying on the grass in front of our chalet completely drunk. I don’t know what was the staff were like as the site was so bad that we spent all our time in Blackpool or Southport. My brother in law complained but got no joy out of the customer service as they were full that particular week. I would never never go back to pontins, we have now bought our own touring caravan and are having the time of our lifes taking it out at the weekends!
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.I have visited The one at southport and find it brilliant, never had any trouble and i’ve been over 5 times.However i went to the one in Blackpool and there was not a single shop open on site , this was during the half term around 2 years ago. We missed our allocated meal time one night and ended up leaving the site to get pot noodles from a local newsagents. even the go-karting and other attractions were closed. i would however return to southport.
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.there are some really horrific stories on here but i have stayed at brean sands blackpool and prestatyn taken my own children and more recently my grandchildren only once did we have a problem that was at brean we went to reception and we were treated very well the manager there was patient and sorted out the problem she moved us to another chalet and as we had children with us she arranged for our things to be moved for us by some of the staff she even advised us on how to put in an official complaint and this resulted in us getting a free holiday but we have always found the chalets to be clean and smelling okay sometimes the beds have been a bit worn i usually go to reception and ask if they have a replacement for whatever is not right i think that if you approach the staff in the right way you can usually put things right i DEFINATLY will be going again
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.Just got back from Wall Park and our overall exprience of our holiday was as we expected. First our chalet was budget, small, old, slightly smelly and a collapased sofa bed! The points you make are true! However, we went to the accomodation office to enquire about an upgrade and we were given 2 keys to view a classic and a club. Classic was the same as the budget but with upvc doors & windows, same old interior, Club however was fantastic, more up to date, bigger and we were very happy. Nice lighting lit the path at night, grass and area very tidy and clean. Barbara who looked after us was very pleasant and offered us a good deal on the price. Well Done! Other facilities were excellent, fun factory, arcade, kids area inside and out were good. Things I found were a little expensive and a night out wasnt cheap…but you are on holiday! Would go again but only for the 3 or 4 night break, could’nt do a week or a fortnight though! If you want good accomodation, UPGRADE TO CLUB!!!
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.just come back from camber sands .had a great time accomdation was very clean. look forwood to going back later this year . thanks pontins for some great holidays
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.I have been going to Pontins every year since I was a child. I am now 31 and I’m taking my own daughter, mother and sister away to Prestatyn on Friday. We are staying in Club because we know that you get what you pay for. Haven, Butlins et al all have cheap/ old accomodation and their’s is no better than Pontins. I have been to Presthaven Sands and a few Butlins camps and can concur that all is not well there either.
Go to Pontins and take it for what it is, a cheap holiday. How can you expect five star accomodation when you get a cheap deal through a tacky tabloid!
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.We also did the sun package and i had the greatest weekend ever! The appartment was great and the entertainment was amazing. The bluecoats and other workers are very nice and talented. Also the swimming pool was totally fun! I didnt want to go at first but by the time my weekend was over and had to go home I cried as I didnt want to go and that is mainly because of a cerain bluecoat named Andi Sanders he was the one that made my stay at pontins the best ever!
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.A terrible holiday we had at Pontin’s Camber Sands Holiday Centre, Sussex. EASTER 2007….
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.We arrived at reception at 3.45pm to be informed that we had to go upstairs to the Fun factory bar to book in and get our keys. I left my partner and our three children downstairs (two in pushchairs) whilst I went and got them. It took me just over an hour to queue up and do this.
We arrived at our apartment (Classic) at 5.10pm and unloaded and dumped our belongings into lounge area. The children by this time were very hungry , so we decided to go and have our dinner in the restaurant (Half-Board basis), and then come back and unpack.
We located The Camber restaurant and found it to be was very packed. We also discovered that both half board guests (us) and paying guest were all seated together. There was no separate area for us half board guests. We Queued up for over 20 mins to get our dinner then found that only one person was on a till, by the time we got to a table our dinner was stone cold.
We returned to our apartment , and unpacked , and then noticed that the bathroom window was open (not by us) and would not shut. And also our apartment was dirty throughout. (Please refer to enclosed pictures - photos). I went to reception to report it but it was shut, so I was directed by security to control hut at entrance where I was informed that maintenance would attend to look at it because of a security risk, but I would have to report apartment being dirty at reception in morning. Maintenance did attend at 11pm and stated that a new handle was needed to be put on. He went away and came back just after 11.30pm with new handle. Due to the noise my baby (11mths) was woken up. It took me along time to settle him down, good start to our holiday.
The next morning around 9am I went to reception to report further problems: Sofa bed in lounge was broken and there was no mattress underneath it. I had to put two of my children in a single bed . I was informed that it would be replaced and we didn’t need to be there because they had a key, we could enjoy our holiday.
We went out for the day and returned at around 4pm to find the apartment was still dirty, not been cleaned and the sofa bed had not been replaced. We then attempted the food again in the restaurant at 5.30pm - there wasn’t has many people in there as night before - but food was still cold. The Sausages were burnt, daughter wouldn’t eat chicken nuggets because hard. The menu was exactly the same as night before, not allowed anything off menu board unless paid for extra. Male member of staff at till was on phone for 7 minutes while we waited to show our half board meal vouchers. Only one person on till again.
Has you can imagine by this time we were fed up and my partner wanted us to go home. The children were very upset and I was cross because this was our only holiday this year . I managed to calm the situation down, and my partner took the children into the Lunar bar, whilst I went to reception again, but this time ask to speak to manager.
Surprise, Surprise the manager wasn’t there due to day off. And there were other guests there wanting to make complaints too.
I was told to return back at 7pm when I was taken into a office by (Customer care advisor), where she filled in a customer care form of complainants. She organised that we could have a refund for the half-board supplement we had paid, so this meant us being now self-catering, and offered us a move to another classic apartment. She needed time to organise this, and we would be given help to move. I returned back to reception at 9pm to be given keys for another apartment (CLASSIC), and were told that someone would meet us in 20mins to help us move our things. Nobody turned up, so we struggled and moved ourselves. We found this apartment to be also dirty, ,but not as bad as other one.
I went to reception next morning 10am to inform them that nobody had helped, and apartment was dirty. She apologised and said that she would make them re-clean it…? At 2pm someone did come and clean it.
WOULDN’T GO BACK TO CAMBER SANDS IF YOU PAID ME……
I have just came back from my 9yr olds five aside football tournament in Brean Please believe if it had not been for this reason I would have came home.
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.We had 3 classic apartments (joke) cost £800.00 filthy dirty and when I complained they sent the cleaner back who arrived with a dirty dish cloth and a spray bottle that contained I do not know on seeing this I sent her away and spent a furtune on cleaning products and set about cleaning all 3 myself due to both my parents and inlaws being OAPS when I complained at reception I was told to keep my opinions to myself due to new arrivals being able to hear. Will never go back. IF i HAD WON THE 7 MILLION ROLL OVER ON SATURDAYS LOTTERY I WOULD HAVE BROUGHT THE SITE AND THEN PROCEDED TO BLOW IT UP
we,v just come back from a football weekend at pontins in “hemsby” on arrival our chalets weren,t ready so we waited in the bar as it was raining,the bar area was dirty and smelt of sweaty feet.we got our key on proceeded to our chalet it stank! carpet was so dirty you could not take your shoes off, on going to the toilet we lifted the seat to find human excreatment around the rim fortunatly i,d took spray bleach so started to clean.next morning after waking up full of aches and pains from sleeping on a pull out bed setee that was stained ripped and generally dirty we wanted to make toast the grill pan had 3 inches of stale grease on it!we told reception of this to be told a new would be sent i said i’v cleaned it!To top it all up someone dinted the front of the car causing £500 worth of damage. the weekend gost us £279 we’v had better accomadation abroad for much less!!! PONTIN SHOULD HAVE BEEN BULDOZERED AND REBUILT YEARS AGO COME ON IT’S 2007!!!
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.i cant believe you are moaning about accomodation when you only paid 48 pounds for a full week lmao!….i mean what did you expect 5 star luxury accomodation with 24 hour on call service……even though it was an offer they supplied to you….i mean if the accomodation wasnt up to standard you can complain and they will make sure they give you a cleaner one….dont forget as long as the chalets are clean it doesnt matter what they look like as your on a holiday….and most of the time your out and about and not stuck in much….unless your a freak (eat there sleep there shower there and thats it)….at the end of the day i hate moaning people who aint prepared to look on the upside to every downside…in other words spend most time moaning and ruining there holiday by themselves instead of trying to make the best of the situation….damn we are never in the appartments….and we have been about 20 times now……we allways are out and about getting on with enjoying ourselves……48 pound lol….i mean come on its 48 pounds…..you spend that for 1 night b&b per person per night in most 3-4 star hotels….at the end of the day…its all about your views upon life and your personal way of looking at things and the way you expect things to be that is the problem…..so give yer head a shake and stop being so damn fussy and enjoy yourself for a change….ok nuff said….byeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.i cant believe you are moaning about accomodation when you only paid 48 pounds for a full week lmao!….
it was three days, not a week. IMAO? Do you mean IMHO?
i mean what did you expect 5 star luxury accomodation with 24 hour on call service……
No, just something clean, safe and comfortable
even though it was an offer they supplied to you….
????
i mean if the accomodation wasnt up to standard you can complain and they will make sure they give you a cleaner one….
have you actually read the main article?
dont forget as long as the chalets are clean it doesnt matter what they look like as your on a holiday….
have you actually read the main article?
and most of the time your out and about and not stuck in much….unless your a freak (eat there sleep there shower there and thats it)….
So…. freaks shower in the place they are staying on holiday?
at the end of the day i hate moaning people who aint prepared to look on the upside to every downside…
Ermmmmmm…… your entire comment is a moan?
in other words spend most time moaning and ruining there holiday by themselves instead of trying to make the best of the situation….
You mean, like checking out two more chalets before asking for a refund and then spending the three days in a tent near by?
damn we are never in the appartments….
So you don’t shower in the chalet then? Where do you shower?
and we have been about 20 times now……
Its a big world Mr Potatoe Head, might wanna try other things….
we allways are out and about getting on with enjoying ourselves……
Good for you!
48 pound lol….
Yep, £48
i mean come on its 48 pounds…..
Yep, £48…. but how do you explain the family commenting on this page who spent £800 for dirty chalets, or the family with crap all over their toilet and skank in the oven?, did they pay £48?
you spend that for 1 night b&b per person per night in most 3-4 star hotels….
Indeed, a good reason to not return to Wall Park
at the end of the day…its all about your views upon life and your personal way of looking at things and the way you expect things to be that is the problem…..
I really think you should read the entire page before you reply to this comment
so give yer head a shake and stop being so damn fussy and enjoy yourself for a change….
Thanks for your advice, I’ll have a good think!, still confused about the shower!
ok nuff said….byeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
Ta-ra!
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.mr potatoe head is probably chav. get a grip prick
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.i go to blackpool and last year i decided to stay at pontins when try to check in there was a problem but was soon fixed and recived £20 pontins to buy things in shop or bar after that my family and i had a great time the food was good the entertantment was great and will book again this year
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.stop compling
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.STOP COMPLAINING GO FOREIGN
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.lol jason…..that was a feeble attempt at commenting on my above post, i mean come on dude you really think calling someone a chav and a prick is an original insult to throw out at someone this day and age lmao….i tend to find the only people who even use the word chav is a chav themselves as they seem to be able to describe what a chav actually is better than anyone else…….it aint my fault if you dont like a few home truths and feel so obliged to even waste your time commenting back with insults…..it aint even my fault your own insecuritys are the reason to blame for you not being able to think of anything original or arguementative to counteract this post you are reading now is it! (wait a sec!…. before you start speaking out loud whilst thinking of something to type please keep the tissues handy so you can wipe your mouth as you dont want to splutter shit all over your monitor now do you)
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.Just to re-iterate what I have mentioned previously. I have now come back from Pontins Prestatyn and I’m pleased to announce we had no problems whatsoever. As I am a smoker which is now banned in Wales I spent some time outside talking to people from all areas of the country, most of which had come on a ‘cheapo weekend’ with the Sun. None of these people had any problems, they had a crackin holiday.
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.Just come back from Southport. The Camp needs pulling down, it needs a complete overhaul and is out of date. Butlins pulled down similar chalets over 15 years ago. The windows and door did not shut properly. Although these chalets are old and need pulling down, we did find our chalet to be fairly clean inside.
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.However saying that you get what you pay for, but would never pay the full brochure asking price!
There was plenty of sports facilities, the food was average and the service was poor. When we arrived the Nisa shop did NOT have any bread on the shelfs, considering it was a full self catering site and did not stock any bread is very poor. All week the Bakery was out of action and when I asked the girl on the till if anybody was manning the bakery she said “yes I am, as well as covering the till!”.
iv’e stayed at wall park pontins a few times with my parents and now take my own children there. we have never experienced any problems at all. The challets do look a bit dated though. my mum has just come back from wall park, and said all the linnen was white, clean and ironed lovelly. i would definatly recomend it to any one.
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.Can i just say there are a few bad press comments on here. but wey-to-go Mr Potatoe Head your comments are not only hillarisly sarcy but very true. it costs me and my family 48 quid and more for a decent meal out let alone a weeks break. I think every one should chill out enjoy your selves and if you don’t then pay more for a holiday better suited to your tastes.
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.I’m going to pontins in a few weeks the southport one with family. Ive read all the comments from the people who have went to southport pontins and there bad. I hope are chalet isnt bad. Last time i went was about 2-3 years ago and it was good then. i will write back after my visit.
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.Went few years ago for a break in the summer hols. food was second to none but found there was very little for my 6yr old to do unless he wanted to join the organised activities. He is autistic and finds this hard. Butlins for us everytime
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.we were at camber a few weeks ago and stayed in club accommodation. it has had new cookers put in and new fridges, and had a toaster, and microwave. we have been using pontins for 12 yrs and love the place. yes sometimes the chalets in basic can be grotty, but think of the people that were staying in them that made the carpet smell!!!!! unfortunately you cant please everyone all of the time, we had some occasions were we were not pleased, but we just accepted that you get what you pay for, we always go club now. the entertainmant and onsite activities for the kids is outstanding and so long as the kids are happy so am i. if you want the standards you all moan about, either buy yourself a caravan or stay at home or go work in pontins as the cleaners. WE LOVE YOU PONTINS !!!!
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.i find it quite shocking that people have complained over the standard of pontins as i have been going there for years, visiting wall park, hemsby, brean sands, camber sands and more!
the original comment posted, i found extreme nad exagerated as i have never come across any such thing. i have always found the poeple there so friendly and ready to help and as for the female staff being over friendly maybe thats a case of being insecure!
the holliday camps themselves are set up for people with children, but i also feel they welcome people of every circumstance.
I was about to acess there website when i read this comment in a search engine, whilst about to access their website to book a holiday, so needless is it to say me and my familly LOVE IT!!!!
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.glad i stumbled upon this site. was just about to book with pontins but some of the horror stories changed my mind.
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.hi iv just got back from pontins at wall park the accommodation was buget it was all thay had left i was worred but it was ok it was cheep realy cheep so i was very worryed but we have had a great time it was 1 of the best hols wev bin on there was 12 of us and we all say the same it was great i dont think its about the accommodation ,but that was ok i think ita about who you go with i picked some fun and crazy pepol to go with and that made it great ill go again defo audrey
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.just come back from wall park, fab. Have 3 children 5 10 12. There is something for everyone. You get what you pay for. Go to butlins if you wish to spend half your hols queueing to get into the entertainment and if you want to pay double the cost for the hol
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.I have just returned from a 4 night break at Brean Sands using the sun media offer.
NEVER AGAIN
Since when did budget mean, dirty, smelly, broken, health hazard!!
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.I have just sent a letter to head office with photographs just incase they think i made it all up, Will let you know how I get on.
We left a night early just to get away from the smell, went to main reception twice, didnt do anything, sent the cleaners in again, who again didnt do anything.
Went to Wall Park back in 2002 partly because we needed a quick getaway,partly for the novelty effect. Oh dear.
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.I can honestly say that a holiday spent in one of her Majesty’s penal establishments would’ve been more comfortable. Dirty,smelly,rancid and offensive. Some the other patrons that is. The chalet itself was crap. It served it’s purpose as a base this much is true and we knew going in that it’d be cheap and cheerful,however I was under the impression that all the slums in the UK had been bulldozed after the second world war.I find it difficult to believe that in the early years of the 21st century that places like this still existed and that people are willing to frequent them.
But Pontins has boxed clever and found it’s core market so therefore it’s a great place to go if you’re milking the state benefits system and have never worked as quite a few of the “guests” we encountered seemed to be.
We toughed out six days of this then left. The highlight? The one night we deemed to go to the main hall the bluecoats put on a performance of “Cats”. I laughed so hard I nearly soiled myself.
The low point? Everything else.
I found out later the houses around the site are worth less as a result of their proximity to the place which sums things up really.
Still the way to appreciate the better things in life is to rough it occasionally!
Went to Wall Park first week in June via the sun (but upgraded to club) these were the best, I would not do budget as I’ve been before and know what to expect.
Overall the place is good but I agree the budget accomodation does need a bit of work. If you upgrade to club you get to book in earlier which is a lot better because as I walked past reception at about 4ish the queue was huge.
But the break is what you make it ??? I spent it with a wife and 2 daughters
aaahhhhhh SHOPPING in Torquay.
If you fancy a meal try the Flagship on the front in Paighton the do 2 for £12 on selected meals.
But there is good and bad wherever you go. HAVE FUN
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.I am writing to complain about the terrible holiday accommodation we had at Pontin’s Hemsby Holiday Centre, Norfolk.
We arrived at reception at 1.45pm to a large queue to book in and get our keys. I left my partner and our three children (two in pushchairs) whilst I went and got them. It took me half an hour to queue up and do this.
We arrived at our apartment 467 (Club) at 2.10pm and to our disappointment found that it had not been cleaned. Dirty towels had been dumped on bedroom floors, whole place was filthy. I returned back to reception to complain joining yet another queue to be informed that they would get somebody round to clean it. I informed member of staff that I was not happy and could we have the key for another apartment that was clean. I was informed that there were none available that had been cleaned, I would have to wait for them to clean 647.
I returned to my family that were still outside the apartment. We waited just over 20 mins for someone to arrive. The lady was disgusted at the state of the apartment and radioed for help. In total we had five people cleaning the apartment which took them just over a hour. By the time we had unpacked and sorted the children out it was well past 4pm. ( What was the point in going Club which had a early booking in time of 2pm) , good start to our holiday.
I would also like to complain about the following: Please refer to enclosed photo’s:
dirty patio doors that greeted us on arrival and during our stay. Only the inside of apartment is cleaned by cleaners that arrived.
modern bathroom (club best that pontins have) could really do with a clean and update.
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.our shower. It is on the wall and totally impossible to wash a child’s hair with. Not only did it leak down the wall but it was on a timer . the extractor fan above it didn’t work. The window was on wall next to shower and if opened to let out steam people could see you in the shower. No wonder there was mould in bathroom.
very disappointed with Pontins. It has put us off ever booking another holiday with Pontins. This was a treat for our family to spend some quality time together after recent family problems, we would have come home next day after arriving. I would like to be able to take family on holiday again this year, but all our funds went on this holiday. It was a total disappointment. I would be interested if the CLUB APARTMENTS are any different at any other than Hemsby????. Pontins brochure claims that they are the top accommodation!!!!!!!
Hello. I work in the Shop at Pontins Wall Park and I also want to add to you’re page, telling you a few things you won’t find out.
Firstly, Pontins do not give a S**t about staff and customers. The whole company goes by financial statistics and stats, rather than by the views of the guests. In other words, if they’re making money, they don’t care.
They cut corners everywhere. The cleaners do a very vague job, and only if they absolutely have to.
However, In the shop (where I work) is where the management is really bad. Sorry to drone on but read this….
- Due to the till readings being (inevitably) down at the end of the day, the manager has made a new rule where only certian people can use certian tills, in a hope to establish who is making the errors. Well that’s all very well and good, but they very clevery organised it so that people with the same shifts were allocated the same till. This means that when the que became long, only one till was in operation. And 2/3 tills do not work correctly, and (i won’t go into the details) slow down the process by an incredible amount of time. Once, When I informed my boss about the ques and how guests are complaining I was given ‘So what? Fuck ‘em, I’m still being paid’. After hearing this, I simply logged onto another till (despite the rule) to simply get rid of the line. For this I received a verbal warning.
For this and many, MANY other reasons I too deteste pontins, and am frantically looking for another job for the summer.
(To the owner of this page - I’m sorry I didn’t give you my name, but as of the moment I am relying on these shitty wages. If you want to know anything else just e-mail me. I really hate the entire company pontins, and Wall Park (where I work) is simply unnacceptable and I to would have wanted a full refund of my holiday. I am more than happy to investigate into things for you if you want, and try and do an almost ‘under-cover’ mission into pontins. Just e-mail me. Thank you)
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.June 18th we have just returned from Pontins Wall Park after what i think was quite an expensive weekend break (not through sun) we thought for the amount we paid it would be quite good and theonly reason we picked it was because our travel agent had spoken to them and confirmed for us that their accomodation did fit a cot for our baby in the bedroom ( we didnt want her in lounge as we would end up going to bed at 7!) On arrival we went to a ‘classic’chalet in surf city with no room for a cot which smelt beautifully of BO and other things i wouldnt even care to describe! went to accomodation to sort out why the cot wouldnt fit to be told that none of their accomodation fits cot in the bedroom, after having to speak to accomodation manager from’out the back’ she accused us of lying, said there was no way we would have been told that and then said she could move one of thebeds out. We had to make do, but she was not a very nice lady and i got the impression she must be a hard faced ‘person’ who probably isnt liked much. Anyway, cut a long story short, it was like a prison camp to look at, none of the machines worked properly, the swimming pool changing rooms were DISGUSTING with nowhere to get a baby ready, oh unless you call a concrete shelf next to a concrete floor (very safe) baby changing facilities?! Most of the staff seemed very depressed the baby play area was dirty, the accomodation was APPALLING, etc etc - I could go on! Needless to say, we will NOT be returning, unless we were paid to, and this has certainly put us off ever using Pontins ever again. Ps, the security staff on the gates seemed very nice!!
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.I read your initial comments and wonder what you expect for a £48 holiday .As pointed out by a previous reply you can pay more than this for a single night B&B. A thing i did notice is you never mentioned children.If you had children with you “how did they feel?”.I personally would not upset my child so much as to walk away from pontins and the promise of that holiday.I have been to pontins at prestatyn and had fantastic holidays,I work hard for a living as do a lot of people ,so when the opportunity comes to spend time with my family i take it.You are getting away from the fact that if your child is happy on holiday so are you .I have been to other campsites in chalets or caravans and my wife and i have bleached the place clean,i would again in order to have that family holiday.(IT ONLY TAKES 10 MINS TO CLEAN THE PLACE) you could wait that long for chips.
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.all the bad comments are about wallpark well go to Cambersands its a ledge there and if you see Andi Sanders there T=tell him to write back to me!
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.Well daniel when is it u go? My family have been for the last 3 years now and tbh the diff between club and budget isn’t that gr8 tbh.I’m fortunate in that my wife is a great ‘complainer’-we have pretty much had our appartment re-cleaned everytime but as some have said ure not paying the earth.In all honesty as someone else said unless it’s extremely bad what’s the prob-it’s merely a place to eat(mebbe) and sleep-the rest of the time ure not even there anyway.Someone mentioned kids well mine are now coming on 20 monthts(she don’t care),5 and soon to be 9-they absolutely love it! Nobody has mentioned Uncle Jeff at Southport(I assume he’s still there)-the man is a legend and fantastic with kids! Ok the chalets etc need a complete re-vamp tbh but it’s a base-the entertainment is generally good-The MadHatters being a favourite of mine now. Complain ofc if ure not happy but don’t look past having a good time!
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.Just returned from a 4 night break in Prestatyn a day early. we had enough an absolute disgrace of a place. we arrived to a worse than shabby apartment with broken fridge waited 2hrs for cleaners to do their job properly after complaining but still not much better after. So we tryd for the kids but just disappointment after disapointment at cleanliness of whole site and facilities.Everything is so old and outdated ,eating out is expensive ,wish we had booked elsewhere (not Pontins) but experienced the bad service 1st hand and hope this deters others from booking there try haven or butlins but not this digraceful company.
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.Having read this site before we went on our hoilday we were dreading going to Wall Park as we had booked a sun holiday and had been given a budget apartment. We have just come back from our holiday and i am very pleased to say that we had a great time, our apartment was small yes(as expected) but with 2 bedrooms with a single bed in each, we had asked for one bed to be removed as we had paid for a cot which wasnt put in but we had a travel cot with us as we had stayed elsewhere before the holiday when i went and mentioned it we were given our money back no problems. Apartment was very clean and bedding was clean, starched even. Yes sofa bed not brill but if your tired then you will soon go to sleep i managed and i have a back problem. Food was reasonable priced for a holiday park, drinks a bit pricey but again expected. After reading this site we wre expecting the worse hoilday going even prepared our eldest child that we may turn round and go back home but for for what we paid it was great value for money and the blue coats entertainment was of a very high standard. We will go back even to Wall Park if you pay budget then lower your expectations your not going to get the ritz for a budget price.
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.I agree with all comments about Camber Sands, we LOVE pontins but wouldnt go back there even if it was free!
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.after a grubby break at camber but having enjoyed the whole pontins thing, we booked at Brean Sands the following year and ended up going back every year for 4 years, if you go out of season dont expect everything to go according to schedule.. if there arent enough kids then some activities dont happen but there are always other things to do if you can find the time to stop moaning and use your imagination,
take this tip from an experienced pontins holidayer - DONT BOOK IF YOU CANT AFFORD A CLUB! if your staying in a “budget” room and have paid a pittance then i dont know what your actually expecting!
we are going to Hemsby for the first time on monday (didnt want to change from Brean but this one is closer and i cant travel far this year) and i expect it to be the same standard as we are used to at Brean,
due to being regular customers and being offered some great deals this weeks worth of holiday (in the ground floor 2 bedroom club apartments) for 3 of us has cost all of £60, I dont expect 5 star for that, and neither should any of you!
i’m 43 have been giong to pontin’s since i was 7 we mainly go to southport and have a absolute brill time staff r fantastice blues are always friendly making you welcome we always have budget chalets have no probs food is fine went to butlins for an easter weekend two years ago as a friend was doing a spot there it was easter PEAK SEASON nothing for my 14 year old to do or my husband and me followed my 10 year old round nothing else to do staff were rude and ignored you red coats didn’t mix chalet was dirty floor was soaking due to leak bedding was wet and been used to mop water up put back in cupboard not replace sink in bathroom had lump of chewing gum covered in hair in it would never go again kids hated it where as pontins southport the have been goping since they were babies and would rather go to pontin than DISNEY LAND!
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.When i went to pontins in Brean sands with my mum and dad on the 28th may and came on the 1june, when i knew we were getting closer i got all excited and when we arrived we heard alot of complaints amd i was a bit dissapointed with the comments i over heard. When we got to the chalet, there was this really bad odour smell,the cutlery drawer was filthy. I enjoyed the night club but i think that was the only thing i enjoyed about Brean. On my last night i got talking to one of the blue-coats and this was really good because i want to becaome a blue-coat, its my dream. Igot advice of her, she was called lauran, she made my holiday the best. When we were leaving i asked my dad if we can cokme back again next year and he said possibly.
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.hi, went to wall park last week 18th june and the horror stories on here are true, we stayed in budget accom and what a dump and dissapoinment this was for our family, cupboards with handles missing 1980,s style furniture, all as it says on the tin BASIC it was just the rooms that let the park down no room for travel cot in any bed room so baby had to sleep in the kitchen . it felt dirty the beds wernt made properly there was no curtains in the childrens bedroom the adult beds were 2.6 inches wide the roon they were in left no room to walk in between the beds honestly . if I was in charge the cleaners would be sacked the chalets knocked down and re-built to bring it back into the year 2007 not 1967 as it is at the moment it,s a shame because as a child I spent most of my holidays at pontins Morcamme and blackpool and prestatyn and always had a good time the staff at wall park were brill the restaurant clean and good food and service, the park was clean in general and blue coats friendly it was the accomadation that let it down went to butlins skegness oct 06 and it put pontins to shame on everything so come on PONTINS spend some money on good accomadation and get yourself back in the lime lite as we wont be going back
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.Hi there guys, I am writing to clarify a couple of points from the staff point of view at pontins. I have recenty left pontins to work for another company due to the managment of centres. I would just like to point out that the staff on centres are very demoralised and feel just as bad as the holidaymakers do about pontins centres. I personally have worked as a Blue coat for the past 3 years at a variety of centres and feel really bad that pontins have allowed the centres to drop in standards. I would just like to point out that the majority of staff feel the same way and accept that the centres have a lot to improve in although the entertainments this year i have to say is one of the best line ups i have known in a while. Unfortunatly i can not publicly come out and say how bad pontins is due to my contract although if anybody requires any further information please contact me via this board
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.Thanks guys
Angry former staff member
To those luckily enough to have enjoyed a break at wall park and enjoyed it - good for you! I however, dont think that £180 for a three night break in accomodation that stank of 40 years worth of BO was in any way ‘value for money’ or ‘what we should have expected’ for the money.
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.Well a lot of these comments bring back memories of Pontins at Brean Sands. We went there for many years on dancing weekend breaks which were by the way brilliant, but the accommodation was something else. After our first year there because of the state of the Classic chalets we upgraded to the Club class which apart from a microwave and a few pictures on the walls were exactly the same as the Classic. Same old worn out stained furniture, same school chairs and same stained carpets and bedding (not surprising when you see the staff throw all the bedding out on the grass when they are clearing the chalets. After our first year there we never went without our own sheets and pillows and know of many other people that did the same, some even took duvets. One year we had cause to complain as we were broken into during the evening and the police found that it was a member of staff who had been able to access the chalet keys a little too easily for our liking, luckily for us he was found with our camera in his possession and we were therefore able to get it back. When I think of Pontins I know what to expect so therefore my expectations are never too high, there are nevertheless a few positive points the main one being we have never had a bad meal there it was always very good and because of the nature of the holiday we tried to never spend too much time in the chalet just go back for a quick change of clothes and out of there as soon as possible. Maybe its changed or maybe not have not been back since.
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.O my God!!
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.I with my young family R due to go to preststyn next week We’ve never went on hoilday out of ireland before so I hope were not let down !!!! will let you know how it goes
I Have just come back from holiday at pontins, wall park.
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.i had the time of my life..!
i dont know what you are all complaining about, its not like there is rats and spiders everywhere.
my time there was fab, everything was clean, the staff are great and the rest of my family enjoyed it.
i would definatly go there again. you forget that there is a few hundred apartments there and the staff have to clean them every week. they are not going to be aboslutly spotless. i hope people will go there and see for themselfes what it is like. it is loads of fun.
WEll we got back from Hemsby yesterday after having a fantastic time…
if any of the blues are reading THANK YOU SO MUCH you made our daughters holiday (stacey, donna, lisa, kevin, john, wes, kayleigh you were all brilliant)
the chalet was big, clean and as close to the action as you can get, to all the moaners…. we paid £60 for the 3 of us for a mon - fri break (and while there our little girl won a free break to brean to compete in the finals of a dance competition) after paying that price for a great family holiday I dont see what there is to complain about…
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.just because you cant find a good deal for yourself, it doesnt mean Pontins is bad value for money!
We arrived back yesterday from Camber after what was an ok holiday, but the whole place is seriously run down. The room was just about clean but the decorating leaves a lot to be desired. The lino in the bathroom was coming away from the walls revealing mouldy old ply wood around the shower base. The shower its self was mouldy around the mastic joints. I wouldn’t shower my dog in there. And the carpet’s needed changing sometime in the 1980s, and the plastic chairs hmm?
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.hi
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.just got back from camber sands what A SH&T HOLE THE KIDS PLAY AREA IS A HEALTH AND HYGINE ISSUE THE ENTERTANMENT IS NON EXISTANT THE STAFF ARE RUDE IT IS CHAV CENTRAL IM NOT A SNOB BUT IT IS SHIT
DONT GO THERE DONT PAY FOR AN EXTRA £150 YOU COULD GO TO TENEREIF
I have been going to Wall Park for the last 8 years with my wife and 2 children.We go for 2 weeks every year and have a great time.We go in a 6 bearth budget apartment and have found them ideal.The entertainment is spot on for the kids and we also enjoy ourselves at night in the queen victoria pub or the fun factory.The bluecoats are great and we have become good mates with them.Food in the Conservatory Restaurant is reasonably priced and we have never had cause for complaint.We have just come back from another great holiday.
Will book 2008 holiday at Wall Park in Oct 07.
Thanks,
Paul B
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.Hi..
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.Just want to say a big THANKS!!! to everyone for saving me money!!
Was just about to book a Halloween weekend at Pontins for the kids but seems everybody else has been scared to death even more by their Summer Holiday…will DEF be giving Pontins the big heave ho!!
Well I think its a shame a bunch of saddos had to create a website dedicated to slagging off Pontins. Even more you drive 200 miles then climb to the top of Dartmoor to put a postbox there in honour of your site - get a life!! Ok so you had a bad holiday. Sorry to hear it, but get over it!!
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.Take a look back at the 70 odd comments you read on here. Ok some people like yourselves are justified in writing complaints. But I would say more people are saying good things about Pontins than bad. And lets face it, in this jumped up winging society we have today, people will rarely write about the good things they experience in life, but they soon shout out about the bad. What Im trying to say is, Pontins obviously have thousands of guests every year. Yes they will get complainers, who will then have a grudge and look for a site like this. What someone should do is create a rival site “say YES to Pontins” and lets see how many GOOD comments people write.
I went to Wall Park in Whitsun week, had a great time. No it isnt Centre Parks, nor is it a 5 star hotel and maybe if it was my main 2 week summer holiday, I would have had enough after week one. But my 5 year old daughter dosent notice plastic school chairs. She dosent notice that the Cooker is an old 1970s one, it still cooked the same Spag Bol’ for her.
What she does remember was dancing with Zena the Zebra, Crocodile Croc, seeing her favorite TV Icon, Barney, the Swimming Pool and a holiday with her family all to a point that she is still talking about it now - £150 well spent in my book. Look at the sign at the entrance to the site - “Pontins - its for the Kids!” and a happy kid makes a happy parent, not a freshly painted bathroom!
Go and create a website with some worth rather than slagging off a business such as Pontins!!!
going 2 southport 2day, really really worried abut goin now, will let u know how it goes
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.i have just come back from southport and enjoyed it we paid sixty pounds but i agree needs an update i spoke to a member of staff and they work such long hours and are understaffed as well but i enjoyed the entertainment i have no kids eiter
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.skidmarks in the toilet is not a pleasent find in apparently clean chalet. the whole place was filthy. never going back.
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.We have been going to pontins for the last three years, the first year we went to hemsby and that was disgusting!! our accomadation that we stayed in was budget it was dirty didnt look like it had been cleaned for a long time. When we went into the bathroom there were silver fish around the bath!. When we opened the sofa bed the sheet on top was all stained!
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.For the past two years we have been going to camber sands but our accomadation has been club and we have been happy with this and the entertainment has been good, this year though we are going to brean sands and just hope that it is going to be okay
Have just come back from Pontins at Southport. Should still be there but could only last 2 nights. It was making me physically ill. It was Dirty Smelly and just unbelievable. I have placed some pictures on my webspace here if you are really brave. http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/alanspace/room559/index.htm
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.I took my parents and 2 children to Brean Sands a few years ago and couldn’t believe how run down everything looked. The kids play area was filthy and the floor had not been cleaned for a very long time. We were there just for a few days thank God but on the last day my 13 month old daughter became ill and when we returned home she was admitted to hospital with Rota Virus which is a potentially fatal illness. My mother and myself are convinced she caught this terrible virus from the filthy conditions that we were in contact with. If you do go for a holiday please take your own supply of cleaning products.
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.Well - I cannot believe that I have only just discovered this site. Me and my family are due to go to Wall Park in two weeks time and by the sounds of it we appear to have paid way over the top too - for four of us (including a 3 year old) we paid £690 for classic accommodation and that was with a discount. The articles have frankly pissed on our parade as we have all been really looking forward to this holiday since booking in May. However, we shall reserve judgement, but will report back early August.
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.just got back from southport and the accom was every bit as bad as everyone said but my kids and i beared it out and had a really good time, the entertainment made up for the accom, we want 2 go back this summer
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.we booked up in feburary for 1 week at camber sands with my friend and her family .it took us 6 hours to get there so we were all pretty tired on arriving .we were met by man on gate who told us to park up and go to receotion to book in,we were then told we at to go upstairs to book in and collect our keys.when going upstairs then at to wait in a very long cue for keys ,we were given our keys to a chalet and a map to find it ,on walking past all the chalets we were dreading seen ours they were disgusting ,windows were that dirty you could nt see out ot them ,our chalet was vile you wouldnt let a dog sleep in it,the carpets were scruffy,the bedding dirty and torn,cooker was dirty and rotten ,we slept tere for 1 night and then complained next morning only to be offered 2 more apartments which were worse than the 1 we were in so we demanded our money back but they offered us to look at 5 more they said these were their best apartmemts .they were i little better but still dirty ,we decided to take 1 and clean our selves so we went and got cleaning stuff ,there was,nt enough citlery or ant thing to use .after a couple of days we packed up to go home ,and then the electric went off on the whole camp and there was no 1 on site to fix it ,thats the worse 300 pound i have ever spent .Iwould advise any one going to pointins camber sands to stay well clear u might just catch somthing before you leave.
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.Well i think you people need to get a life.
Pontins is a great place to go look at all the stuff you can do do you have eyes. beacuse i dont htink you do. Yes it is alote of money but its bloddy good.
I have been there before and love going there.
Im going again next month .
And proberly the only reson you dont like it beacuse your up your arses .
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.ITS NOT A PLACE FOR SNOTTY RICH PEOPLE! OK. So dont come unless your
going to be snotty gemma >:(
I agree with trevor its great . I dont know about camber sands .
Please can you tell me what its like. I have only been to wall park and its fab.
It was so clean . I dont know why you say its dirty . And they were very welcoming. Im going on the 13th next month . (CANT WAIT!).
They got clibming , a great big swimming pool , absailing and more.
But i think they need to get more sinigers in like ones we know.
And when i went to wall park we didnt go in the pub it was full of smoke.
But now we have the smoking ban it wont be.
Hope you all have a nice time when you go there Gemma.R
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.i totally disagree, go to my review at http:/cubzonline.com/?p=3
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.I visited the prestatyn pontins in June, and after reading many reviews before hand I dreaded the holiday. We had luckily only paid £60 for our 4 day visit and I was pleasently suprised. The chalet was basic with the bathroom needing an update but otherwise we couldnt complain. The entertainment staff worked hard to occupy all kids especially with the bad weather. All children were catered for with organised games which parents could also be involved. We met a couple who paid over £600 for the same 4 day break, so I realise why some people maybe annoyed. Overall we enjoyed our break and will return next year.
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.I have been to Pontins at Brean Sands 3 times in the past and have had no real complaints to make. Last time we made the mistake of only booking a 1 bed apartment and using the sofa bed. The sofa was not very comfortable and we found the chalet rather cramped. No complaints about the cleanliness though. We are off to Camber Sands tomorrow for a week…….. I am hoping that we are not going to be disappointed. We are in a 2 bed club chalet so hopefully it will be a little bigger.
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.I will soon be back to the reception desk though if things are not as expected.
I think all holiday camps can have there good and bad points. I have had bad experiences at Butlins before too. We went to the one in Skegness during the February half term and had only booked budget accommodation. It left an awful lot to be desired so first thing next morning we went to reception. They upgraded us to silver accommodation which was much more acceptable. Food was great too.
It is a pity that the standards seem to slip when you are paying for the cheapest accommodation be it at Pontins or Butlins. Basic cleanliness and well fitting doors and windows should be the norm… not something that you are expected to pay extra for.
I will let you know how the week goes at Camber Sands and hopefully we will be giving it the thumbs up.
Just dropped the kids off at Pontins in Southport with the grandparents for a weekend…pleasantly surprised that the chalet was so clean..bit tired looking, but clean. Was dreading it after reading the previous comments, and having just come back from a week at Haven in Prestatyn (s***hole..health hazard and full of clampit families who spend their life in the clubhouse with their ferral children) was wondering what to expect… not 5 star but compared to the likes of Haven and Butlins it is immaculate!
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.Hi me again. Just got back from 7 nights at Brean Sands. Although I did not like the area of Somerset as not much to do off site again the site was excellent. The staff were really friendly I had a problem with my door not locking easily but without me having to do anything a maintenance guy helped lock door and receptionist gave me an better key. The chalet was very clean and tidy. Those people that have found their chalets dirty in the past it makes you wonder what sort of homes the previous occupiers have? The entertainment was great althogh being woken up by Keith Chegwin was not much fun at 6.45am (Rather it had been some top totty). I also saw Boney M (dont laugh) They were absolutely superb. As was all the entertainment. Plus I won £140 at bingo. Once again anybody that has visited this site and has been put off I fully recommend to try it for yourselves. Thanks Pontins for a great week
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.I have just returned from a week holiday at the Pontins in Prestatyn. We stayed in a Club Apartment - so I can’t complain too much about the state of the accommodation as it was adequate - not brilliant mind you; simply adequate.
As this was my first Pontins experience my impression was not a great one. I was particularly overwhelmed with just how expensive everything at Pontins is. It seems that they feel the need to try and rape you of your cash at every opportunity and with little regard for your enjoyment. For the most part I can honestly say that I felt like the person at the bottom of their list and that they did not care about me at all - all they seemed to care about was the bottom line - their own profits!
As for the entertainment - I found it to be substandard and amateur at best. The Blue coats were a talentless lot and made me grimace with embarrassment at their shows. They also need a lesson in how to operate a sound board – trying to deafen your audience does not equate to “atmosphere”. The volume was often too loud and harsh thus alienating rather than enticing the audience.
As a final thread to other comments I feel I need to add that the state of the carpets in the “Fun Factory” and arcade are disgusting! The stench is rancid and unkept and i am sure that Pontins can afford to have the place recarpeted.
If you want my opinion, I will be going to Spain in future as it will cost just as much money for a remarkable enhanced holiday experience.
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.I DISAGREE GO TO MY REVIEW AT http:/cubzonline.com/?p=3
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.Went to pointins in Southport 21st July.Three apartments looked at and all were a mess. Filthy some had holes in doors even their customer services manager said she would not stay in them!. My best advise is dont go to pointins, go to Haven whic are very clean
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.Hi,
We go to Pontins southport or prestatyn every year for either 4 or 7 nights!
The Budget accomadation sometimes looks bad but we always stay in club apartments downstairs! They are very, very clean! Everything works great! and the beds are very bouncy! We have never had 1 problem there at all. All the staff are friendly and the food and entertainments the best! What you pay is what you get! We stayed in a classic last year at prestatyn and it was nearer to all of the facilaties more than the clubs and as clean as them too!
I would recommend that you stay in a club, nothings ever wrong with them!
Their 5* from me!
I’m going to southport this year in august and can’t wait!
Juliex
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.Well I said that I would report back on Wall Park when my family and I returned. Firstly for Sue - yes there is plenty to do outside of the park, which you will need because in the first instance Brixham is a beautiful place and if you are into walking Berry Head is a must. Paignton and Goodrington (go by boat) is also beautiful. You will not be bored outside of the park. Although when booking we tried to get a Club appartment, we were told that they were fully booked, which they were and so we had no opportunity of upgrading when we got there. The Classic appartment which we had was clean to a degree, but incrediby basic and generally not up to my standard and for those of you who say don’t moan your not in the appartment for long enough well, that is beside the point, I do not and do not expect my family to lower their standards for the time that is spent in the appartment and that is exactly how it was for us. I do not pay nearly £700 (which is more than my mortgage for one month) for a one week stay in drab!!! However, as previously mentioned, we did have a great time outside of the park and that is on the whole a good job as the entertainment, security, interest in your well being and enjoyment by the staff is very low standard to non existent. I think that things got off to a bad start when on arrival (for the 4 o’clock check in) we were told that our appartment would not be ready until 5.30!!! That is not my problem Pontins - and how is it that when I made it clear that I was not happy about this situation I was immediately given another IDENTICAL appartment - hows that for wanting to impress first timers …!!! We did not want this to becoming a problem or dwelling point and so we got on with enjoying the holiday with the basics that we had - an believe me the place is very very basic. Anyway suffice to say - not for us again - but you can have fun. My advice to those going is enjoy it - Torbay is beautiful and uncomparable, but we will NOT stay at Pontins again.
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.I LOVE pontins! I have been 5 times now - 3 times to wall park and 2 times to prestatyn. I have to admit Presttatyn is better than wall park in cleanliness and activities, though I thouroughly enjoyed both locations. I am a triplet and have a brother and sister who also adore pontins, and can’t wait to go again next year.
The best thing, however, about Pontins, has got to be the instructors, they are so friendly and trustworthy!
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.As promised, I said I would let you know how the week at Camber sands went. The club apartment that we booked was good size, comfortable beds and clean (ish). I always wash the cutlery, plates etc. before I use them wherever I go anyway. The housekeeping stafff obviously need extra time between lettings to give the place a thorough clean though.
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.I have to admit that Camber sands is not as well kept as Brean Sands and the whole place does look tired and shabby on the whole. Staff wise, no complaints, they did their best to keep everyone entertained. Thought the line up for this years “star cabarets” was seriously lacking though. Boney M (which one of them was the original member?) were great fun however.
Unless you had your own transport then there was very little to do outside of Pontins in the immediate area. We did have our own car so took quite a few excursions out rather than stay on site all day.
My general view of Camber Sands Pontins is that it does need some serious money spent on it to bring it up to a good standard.
The children loved every minute of it however which makes it all worthwhile in the end.
We will definitely go to Pontins again, but not Camber whilst in its present condition.
I have just returned from pontins in hemsby and have 2 say i enjoyed it very much. we stayed in a budget chalet which stank and was a bit dirty but after a clean it wasnt too bad and we were out of there most of the time anyway. Most of my time was spent doing PGL activities, which were absolutely brilliant, and im sorry but for everyone complaining about the price of the activities that PGL supposedly charge, well get your facts straight! PGL dont get 1 penny of that 5 pounds and activity, and the PGL staff are all very good at their job and very organised as they had to cope with verious problems includind staff leaving etc. and get payed 392 pounds a month which i personally think is abismal!! If it wasnt for pgl i dont think the holiday would have been half as enjoyable.
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.And all the kids activities were fantastic, the bluecoats were brilliant! My little sister had a great time.
I have one piece of advice, if your planning 2 stay in the chalet all day, dont go to pontins but if you are prepared to get out of bed and have fun its brilliant!
especially with kids, theres entertainment on the hour evry hour!
i would definetely reccomend hemsby and would like 2 go again.
OMG! I JUST BOOKED TO GO TO BREAN SANDS MID SEPTEMBER AND THEN I LOOKED AT THIS SITE. ALANS PHOTOS HAVE REALLY FRIGHTENED ME! IF I MAKE IT HOME ALIVE I WILL LET U KNOW HOW I GET ON
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.Just got back from camber sand, i have been there 6 times already with my partner and children, i have been in classic and club and i have had no real problems with either, apart from the odd minor repair which was dealt with pretty quickly. The apartments were clean and tidy, never had any reason to complain about the state of the apartments. Entertainment was very good, bluecoats brilliant kids loved them also they did a lot of activities for the kids which they enjoyed very much, we enjoy it that much we have booked to go there again next year for the 7th year
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.We’re off to Pontins in Southport tomorrow - now filled with dread!!
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.Staying until Friday, will report back asap.
Wish us luck!!!
Hi, just got back from Pontins Wall Park, what a lovely place, so much to see and do, lovely beaches and views, boat rides to Torquay, fishing trips, Kent caverns, i must say though if you have young children it will be hard to keep them away from the fun factory and all the bluecoats who are so so good and work so hard they are probably worth the cost alone, thanks Jo, Tara, Alison, Declan and all the rest of the blue coats, The classic accomadation was fine with no problems to report.
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.I have booked to go to Stockport from 20th mon to fri. After reading the comments I’m cancelling. I’m fussy about accommodation no matter how much I pay. My time is to valuable to waste complaining about incompetence. I hope I’m not too late.
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.i didn’t know stockport was 1! Southport is tho
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.Have been to pontins a few times, not the most up to date place, but good value for money, have been to Butlins before, and last time we went the whole family went down with gastric enteritis (not spelt correct) from the swimming pool, Butlins of course denied this, but was all over the papers for weeks?
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.We left before the designated driver home went down with it, and I as basically stopping all the way home to throw up - never again…
We as a family (2 adults, 4 children) went to Pontins camber sands nearly every year for 15 years (1980-1995) and loved every minute of it.
The childrens entertainment programme was brillant and my parents had their time in the evening. The place was a lot cleaner and the staff A LOT friendlier. It offered a great family hoilday, with lots to do and no extra costs!!!!!!
I have just come back from a break at camber sands with my son, my mum, sister and niece and would not go back again if you PAID me! It is a total SH*T hole, all the good memories are over shadowed by the gruddy, smelly, old, totally run down place with paint cracking of the doors and walls. The main areas smelt of feet!
We had a Classic chalet and would have paid for a Club if one was available at the beginning of the break, but thinking about it now, it would have been a waste of money because i went to pontins remembering all the fun packed times with the bluecoats and how much there was to do, not how great the chalet was, but there still needs to be standards, and there are none anymore.
The fun doesn’t exsist, it is all about the money, but they obviously don’t put any of the money back in.
What happened to the entertainment programme booklet that used to be in everyones chalet letting you know about all the events taking place for your stay? Noone told us we had to hunt for the different boards in the main area to find out what was on!
The entertainment overall was crap, but the evenings were the worst, and to have two children about 10 and 12 singing in the main band in the ballroom at 11.30pm was just a joke, that is not entertainment thats child labour, pontins is scraping the bottom of the barrel.
The swimming pool was scanky with hair and crap floating in the baby pool, the childrens play area is next to the pub? and the sand which covers the whole play area had glass and cigarette butts in it, to be honest, it was chav city, the parents left there children and they were throwing sand, fighting, swearing and throwing anything the could find, as my mum found out when she got hit by a broken spade.
From beginning to end, nothing met my expectations, and could wait to leave, i would have gone sooner, but apart of me hoped things would get better, they didn’t.
What happened Fred Pontin?
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.Just back from Pontins at Prestatyn. Would never go back there again and would warn everybody else not to either. All in all an expensive holiday - Club apartment - 7 nights - not though any tabloid!!
In summary there was mould in kitchen and bathroom (round taps, on shower head and on the floor), mould on drainer in kitchen, greasy doors in kitchen, cooker rusty and dirty, dishes dirty, rubbish under beds, disgusting stench on opening door puddles of water on floor when we first got there and to crown it all - RATS in the outside bin area, under cars and over grassy area. Outside bin emptied mid-week but majority of contents of bin were split out to float around outside our apartments!!!
We had our apartment re-cleaned twice and it was still filthy. We put in a complaint on site but 3 weeks later have not heard anything back, we are now putting in a written complaint to their Head Office and will definitely not accept a free holiday for compensation - wouldn’t go back there even if you paid me too!!!
I agree that Butlins could teach them a thing or two, we were there 3 years ago and went the top accommodation and I think the top accommodation at Pontins would equal the budget accommodation Butlins!!!
DON’T GO TO PONTINS!!!!!!!
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.Of course there are hundreds of experiences as many hundreds of people stay at Pontins every year.
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.I have stayed at both Pakefield (once) and Southport (too many times to count).
I can say I have only complained once, but am generally satisfied with the service
In fact, hubs and I are considering going back to Southport next year.
we have just returned early from our holiday at wall park.oh dear what a mess. the accomodation is of a very poor standard,its dirty,damp,mouldy,and very smelly.the entertainment is rubbish,no changing facilities for ladies at the pool, the water in the pool is freezing and not deep enough too swim in. we complained 3 times about the state of the accomodation we did get upgrades every time but still they were not satisfactory. the whole camp is very run down and in need of modernisation every where.my advice is dont go there we hated every minute of it and couldnt wait to return home to a clean enviroment.it spoiled our much awiated summer hoilday.
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.Whilst looking for reviews on Pointins Southport, I came across this site. The days leading up to going were filled with dread, sleepless nights and when I did manage to sleep had dreams of rubber gloves, bleach, being bit to death by fleas. Thought to my self well if it’s that bad we can always come home only 2 hours away but my brother and sister in law and family were also joining us and they would have been travelling for nearly 7 hours.
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.Arrived at the site just before 4, first impressions; needs updating, time came to enter the dreaded apartments, anti bacteria spray, cleaning cloths, air freshener at the ready,key in lock turned ready to face the smell, dirt etc and were pleasantly surprised, yes it could of done with a lick of paint, yes it was very basic but it was clean, didn’t smell, what a relief, now I could relax.
The entertaintment was ok, the swimming pool could do with updating but was clean. We didn’t sample the food as we cooked every evening to keep the cost down.
The only grumble I would have was the queue for the bar and the lack of staff serving in The Queen Victoria.
Yes there was alot of noise late evening but that what you get with thousand odd people around, nearly all with children.
So I would say go try it, it may not be for you but give them a chance like we did.
Just one last thing I am very fussy when it comes to places to stay in I like my comfort and cleanliness but I would go again.
Hi there,
I completely have to disagree,i have been goin to Pontins Camber Sands since i was 5 years old and i am very close to all the Bluecoats there and have to say they try their best for everyone even when they are feelin down or ill or anything and it isn’t there fault or anyone elses.They shouldn’t update it because people like us (regulars) would be gutted if it got changed - i ike the traditional look!
Oh and may i just say “SEE YOU IN OCTOBER MARK AND MICHALE AND EVERYONE ELSE,LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU LOADS”
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.Thank you.
We were to have stayed at Pontins Prestatyn from 27th Aug. 2007. Booked Dec 2006. The whole place was very scruffy. (reception, toilets etc). The Fun Factory was anything but fun. Why does the whole area have to be painted black? The Diner was also grim. It looked dark and not at all clean. All this before we actually got anywhere near the chalet. The queueing for registration and keys etc also takes ages. When we eventually got our keys at 4.15 and went to the chalet the place was filthy - carpet so dirty and stained we didn’t want to walk on it. The sofa bed which my husband and I were to sleep on was also shiny with dirt and there were no pillows or sheets for it. The heater was hanging off the wall, the fridge had had something spilt in it which had not been cleaned out. There were only three of everything (including only three metal/plastic chairs) when we were a party of six. We decided immediatley that we would not be staying and complained. A member of the housekeeping staff came. The attitude was that the chalet was one of the last awaiting to be updated (when we booked eight months prior why were we given one of the old chalets in the first place?). They agree nothing could be done at the time so we decided not to stay and I went to reception. I must say the reception staff were understanding and after some discussion I was told that the full amount I had paid had been returned to my credit card.
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.All this trouble meant that three adults and 3 children were outside the gates of Pontins by 5.30 with no accomodation on Bank Holiday Monday!! We had to go round Prestatyn and Rhyl looking for accomodation and were unable to find any. In the end my daughter in law had to take our youngest grandchild home and we managed to book two adults and two children into a Travel Lodge for the night. The next day we took the children to Blackpool where we have had to find accomodation, food and entertainment. This disaster has ended up costing us twice the amount we originally paid to Pontins. I am really surprised that Trading Standards have not taken up all these complaints about the cleanliness of the whole of Pontin sites. I personally will NEVER go anywhere near Pontins again.
Just back from wall park ,cant believe we actully paid to live in squalor for a week ,it was disgusting.In the HERO zone our chalet had a recently replaced window complete with wet putty and loose pane of glass.windows that once open took 2 of us to close,a skanky carpet ,dirty curtains,wet bedding ,dirty crockery and utensils,a broken shower,an extractor fan in the bathroom that didnt work,damp in the bedrooms,a sofa that should be on a skip .Why cant you cook when someone is in the shower ,if you can get it to work that is,the electric seemingly cannot do both at once.?
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.Reception staff who are ignorant and seem to think it is more important to remove stamps from old envelopes than to deal with customers.
The chalet also had a horrible very strange smell but after reading the comments on this site this seems to be quite normal and we were woken every day by our own fly infestation.
AND TO THINK WE PAID FOR AND LOOKED FORWARD TO THIS.
MY ADVICE IS GIVE IT A MISS .NEVER AGAIN !!!!!!!
i totaly disagree with some off these comments on this website. ive been going to pointins (brean sands) for the last 8 years at least once a year, it is a great place, somthing for all the kids to do. all the staff are realy nice there. ok so the appartments can be a little dusty shell i say at times but you get what you pay for. cant wait until our next holiday there in the new year!!!!!
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.Hi we came back from Brean Pontins this morning . Stayed there for 3 nights with a Sun holiday .We will never go to Pontins again.Challet filthy hairs on beds ,lipstick on crockery, mould all over windows ,carpets and flooring filthy,leaking taps and toilet ,blood spatters and other filth on shower curtain, front door bent so there was a gap for weather to get in ,we had to open bedroom window with a teaspoon handle, all in all a prison cell would have been better equipped The mould was so bad my husband and my son were taking their inhalers most of the night. So good luck to any one else who is going there you will need it. This was my first Sun holiday and unless anyone can convince me it will be my last
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.RE: V JAMES
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.YOU CANNOT BE USED TO MUCH THE FOOD IS DEAR AND DISGUSTING AND IF YOU GO OFF THE DIRTY CHALETS WHAT ARE THEIR KITCHENS LIKE.
i enjoy going to pontins to meet up with my friend captain croc we always enjoy rseleves 2 the full
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.well, well, well. what can i say? PONTINS PRESTATYN. It is an absoulote amazin place to go. To all you out there in the country who disagree with what i’m about to say really need your head testing.
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.My dad is a chef in Beachcomers Diner and so far this year (2007) i’ve been to Pontins Prestatyn 23 times. I’ve only been to Prestatyn so i cant really compare it to the other camp sites that Pontins has.
I also went to Haven (Pwlleili) in August of this year and it was pretty awful. I spent a whole day watching boys play football because there was nothing else to do there. most things on site had to be paid for.
Pontins is completely different. Most things are free.
The entertainment is amazing. All the Bluecoats there deserve recognition for all the hard work they put in to entertaining us as the holiday makers each day and night. Bluecoat Matt, Nicci Noodles, Kim, Ronnie, Zoe and to all the old ones who have been transfered to a different park including Heidi Hi, Lucy, Chris, Steve, Cheryl, Lisa.
I always got into the Classic accomodations. I’ve never to this day had to complain about anything. Most peole on this website who have complained about Pontins Prestatyn have stayed in Club apartments.
On the whole, all the staff at Pontins Prestatyn are very nice and are understanding.
It is a friendy outgoing area and i look forward to going everytime, which is usualy every two weeks. some times i just go for the weekend. I’m going back to Pontins Prestatyn on 22nd October and staying for 4 nights. there is about 25 of us all going as family and friends.
Cya all soon!
Lv Becky - Louise x~
“DISGUSTED OBVIOUSLY DOESN’T HAVE A LIFE WELL YOU ONLY GET ONE AND AFTER LOSING BOTH MY PARENTS IN THREE MONTHS I NEEDED A HOLIDAY AND DID PAY MUCH MORE THAN £38 SO BEFORE YOU JUDGE OTHER PEOPLES NEEDS THINK AND YES I DO GIVE TO CHARITY AND I DO CONSERVE ENERGY WHENEVER I CAN BUT I ALSO WORK EVERY WEEK TO PAY FOR WHAT I GET AND I DONT LIKE GIVING MY HARD EARNED MONEY TO SOME PATHETIC COMPANY THAT DONT GIVE A DAMN ABOUT THE PEOPLE THEY RENT THESE GODDAMN AWFUL CHALETS TO.
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.I loved pontins camber sands yea iys a shit hole but make it your own holiday, the bluecoats r their to make it 4 u they are all brill (exceped the short fat one in kids crew, she sound like a cat being strangled and she had a go at me daughter) andi micheal and ali in looners had me in stitches, the best advice i can say its dont get angre just have a chuckel.
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.hi been to southport pontins on monday had a great stay {for 20mins} apartment was filthy could understand why no dogs as would not even let my dog sleep in the apartment .large fag burn in bedroom, floor sick on the bed, food up the walls and ceiling, toilet and shower unusable can accept only sun hoiliday but some standard was expected
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.We stayed in pontins camber sands for 3 nights. Yes I agree it’s a bit dissapointing. The chalets really need some updating, everything is below standard. Plus they are unsecure as well. It’s cheap but I guess you get what you pay for.
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.Firstly, I would like to state that at all times when I dealt with the staff at Wall Park they were very polite, prompt and professional, which I am grateful for.
When we first arrive at Pontins – Wall Park, it seemed presentable but I was shocked to see the condition of the apartments which was suppose to sleep 6 people, 4 full grown adults and 2 children.
The apartment looked like it had not been decorated from since the 1960’s which was disappointing and smelt mouldy. I feel the children’s bedroom which had the bunk beds was a reasonable size as well as the bathroom. However the double bedroom hardly had any room to move around and only left us around 23cm to get around the bed on each side.
The wardrobe in the double bedroom backed out to the living room/ kitchen area which made it even smaller to move around when the sofa bed was put out. I felt ashamed as I was the organiser of this holiday from London to Devon and at a cost of £245.00 I feel the money was wasted not only on the accommodation but on the complex as well.
The top bunk bed mattress was bumpy and the springs that were nearly coming through were causing discomfort to the eldest child. The sofa bed which my husband and I and the other couple took turns to share the burden, was very uncomfortable and unsupportive to the body and would recommend that they should be serviced every 3 – 6 months.
I was surprised to learn when complaining to the duty manager that the apartment we had was one of the largest on the complex, which caused some concern to me as a member of my group had a leg injury which made it hard to manoeuvre around, as you had to be a size of a 4 year old child to move freely about the apartment.
H20 zone was also disappointing as I never realised the pool was that small and that the changing facilities was in such a bad state, which explains why I saw other people going back to their apartments to get clean and dry causing them to walk out in the their swimming gear in the freezing cold. When I got into the changing rooms not only were the cubicles small but they were very dirty and we were met with a very strong smell of urine. The smell seemed it had been there for over a week as the strength of the smell was too strong for just a couple of hours or day to get to that level, unless there were about 200 non neutered Tom cats that had been left loose for a day to leave their markings, which I doubt. One of the other parents did complain to the staff and a member of staff with a bucket of bleach came in to attend to the stench by pouring the fluid down the drain in the changing rooms and left without mopping.
The Active Zone was the only other thing than the staff politeness that eased the disappointment a bit. My only suggestion was that it was frustrating that you could not pre-book activities earlier than 14:00 the day before, as many of the times there was a huge cue and the activities were already booked out. We manage to do Archery and quad biking but we would have loved to have a go at Rifles and other activities available.
The outdoor kids area should be a bit more entertaining as when there were no activities available the kids needed to burn their energy and got board quickly with what was on offer. I found we had to go out to other excursions i.e. Woodlands to really entertain the children. The under 4 section and pottery corner was also very disappointing too.
I am surprised that Pontin’s being a well established holiday park for the family was so disappointing. I have been to Butlins in Bognor Regis and Haven in Hastings and Pontin’s was the worst out of all. I found that Butlins had more of an idea of what families want:
• Swimming – was a buzz at Butlin’s it is big, clean and has loads for all ages and you could spend hours there and return the next day to even have more fun.
• Fun fair – they had a basic fun fair which was open every day for outside fun.
• Playground & activities – were all great and had lots to do to keep children and adult amused for hours.
• Accommodation: spacious and not dated (even if you spend a little time in the apartment it means a lot to have some space and that you can relax comfortably)
If I had known from booking and upgrading that the apartment was going to be that small for six of us I would have booked 2 apartments and I would strongly suggest that people are advised of this whilst booking.
Unfortunately, as we had drove over 250 miles to get to Pontins in Wall Park and as it was the busy half term period I had no choice but to put up with what we had and try to make the best out of a bad situation and was not going to cause any upheaval to the children by changing the location.
But to see other people go after the first night is disheartening and I hope the comments and the suggestions will be taken seriously by Pontins, in order to make it special for another family instead of making it a disappointment. The end result will be that I will never return or recommend to a friend.
Regardless if you paid direct or by a deal, you still had to pay money for a service. I was not expecting The Savoy but money does not grow on trees so every penny is important.
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.sorry to hear your expierence, buti stayed twice at wall park this year (only cost me £30 in april and £60 in october for classic) and it was a good holiday the kids loved it, last year i stayed at brean and it was horrible (i went there has a child and it was fun) it hadn’t changed in 15-20 years (well it did, it smelt worse)and waiting to get the keys was kaos i will go back to wall park
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.To those reading these comments I would say remember that everyone/thing has off times. My family (self, hubby, daughter and mother) went to Wall Park last year and yes the chalet was basic but it was clean, the site was a bit scruffy, but again it was clean. Enjoyed it so much we went to Brean twice this year, once in the same group, once with sister and her family. The chalets were basic but again, clean. We did have an issue with a couple of saucepans but these were changed immediately on request. The holidays were great, the staff were friendly and we will go back again.
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.I have been a regular visitor to Wall Park in Brixham..ok accomodation is not brill but yes they could be cleaner on the outside and renew all furnishing on the inside…Great atmosphere.. if you got a sense of humor you will have a ball..some families could do more to keep their kids from being rude to others..Blue Coats do extremely well to keep punters happy..overall i would go there again and again!!!
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.we went to wall park brixham with some of the family that said it was really nice.
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.when we got to the chalet the smell was foul the sofa bed wasnt much better only only saving was the two beds didnt smell so my children were fine but the 6month baby had to sleep with us.
there was rust all over the fridge and heating.also there was bubblegum on the carpet.
any activetiy you had to be there first or the children did not get a go.
for the safety of the kids i wouldnt go back. if it wasnt for the local sites and parks i wouldive gone home.
can anyone tell me if its still open as cannot find on there web site
I’m a regular visitor to this hotel in Skegness and never have a problem.
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.fab
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.just got back from pontins balckpool, cost £500 for my sons football turnament…….OMG what a shithole. it looked like a prison camp from the ouside, inside was even worst. The clalets were disgustin, there was 1 shop on the whole site that closed at 7 o clock. I hated every bloody second. Right next door is blackpools airport, your almost on the runway for gods sake. £500…….never again!!!!!!!!!!!!
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.Just stop bad mouthing pontins off!
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.Yes, if you don’t like it then go somewhere else but the point is that families go to pontins for family fun at a low cost price. My family; like others can’t really afford to go to other holiday destinations abroad through no fault of their own. Yes the chalets are very basic in Budget and some off the old Classics though the Club are new, fully furnished and there’s nothing wrong with them. People over exagarate at what is wrong with them. Loads of people on here say that they will go to abroad in future and never return to a pontins again…well if you can afford that then go and stop complaining about this and that. It’s low cost after all. Not everyone wants them to get closed down. Everythings getting re-furbished and so-on too! I have stayed in club since i was 3 and only in classic once. I’m 13 now and my family have never had a problem…so stop complaining and pull yourself together, you get what YOU pay for!!!
We have just returned from a four night holiday,we only lasted two nights,
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.first night they had a power cut so hired in a huge generator which was set up right outside our apartment,promptly filled with fumes and noise.Had to complain in order to be moved.The next place we were given had not been cleaned nice seeing bed linnen with vomit and other stuff scattered around .No one as promised showed up to clean, off to complain again so eventually the place was “cleaned”by 11:00pm time to get the kids to bed.
Went to bed.In the morning I got up, I felt quite depressed.This chalet is minging .Army camps are more welcoming pleasant and alot cleaner.
MY ADVICE TO ANY ONE IS SPEND A LITTLE MORE AND GO TO BUTLINS YOU GET LOADS MORE FOR YOUR MONEY THEY ARE VERY GOOD VALUE FOR MONEY. I HAVE BEEN 3 TIMES AND LOTS OF OTHER HOLIDAYS HOME AND ABROAD I WILL NOT EVER WASTE MY TIME ON THIS EARTH GOING TO PONTINS.we saw more security staff than any other group of employees (blue coats, cleaners etc)
My family and I have just returned from a 4 night break at the Southport Resort.
When we arrived, check in felt like an annoyance to the majority of the staff, and whilst I appreciate that they were busy, we were
moved on really quickly. Customer Service leaves a lot to be desired.
We entered our accommodation at 4pm and proceeded to unpack our things and settle in. As it was self catering accommodation,
we had already brought ample provisions for our stay, and after a 4 hour drive, we were all pretty hungry. When I went into the
cupboard to take out 2 pots to prepare our meal, I was disgusted to find that one of the pots had food ‘caked in’ to it and the
collander was also dirty. After inspecting the other cupboards, to my disgust again, the cups, bowls, plates and glasses
were also filthy,
My husband immeditely informed reception who stated they would send a cleaner up, which they did. The cleaner attempted to wash
the pots and pans as requested but after she left, we realised that they were still unclean. Prior to this, when she looked at the crockery
with blue detergent contained in it, she just said ‘well, at least somene’s attempted to wash these ones just rinse them’, this was not
good enough. My husband once again complained to reception (whilst I had a hungry and hyper 2 year old son to look after), and
reception said they would send up yet another cleaner. The cleaner arrived and handed my husband 3 replacement pots (of which one
of them were dirty) and whilst my husband was putting the pots in the kitchen and speaking to her about the crockery, she had already
left our chalet.
For the third time, my husband once again complained to reception who apologised and said that they would send the Head Housekeeper
to our chalet immediatey and when she entered out chalet she inspected our utensils etc. She apologised once again and sent up yet ANOTHER
CLEANER to wash all our pots and pans etc and finally we could start preparing our meal (2½ hous after arriving). I am appalled at the manner
in which we were treated, especially as our 2 year old son had to wait that length of time on his dinner. Not a good start to the holiday.
If it is an independent cleaning company that clean the chalets, not Pontins, sorry Pontins, you should inspect their work.
I also would like to express my disgust at the toilet facilities on centre. They were filthy, toilet roll scattered on the floor, toilets blocked and
sanitary wast overflowing Whilst I ppreciate it is outwith your control how holiday makers treat their facilities, not once did I see a toilet
attendanct or cleaner within the toilets. I am at present tryig to toilet train my son and I couldn’t and wouldn’t let him use these toilets
Between 7pm and 9pm every night, the entertainment was the same, and whilst the Bluecoats did do their best to try and humour the
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.adults, the same CD seemed to be on repeat every evening and I very rarely heard an up-to-date chart song that they kids would have enjoyed.
The only decent thing about our holiday was our time spent in the arcade with our son, in which we must have spent in excess of £200.
If it wasn’t for the nearby coastal route to Southport and the surrounding villages of Ainsdale and Formby, our holiday would have been a complete disaster.
I would not reccommend Pontins Southport to anyone unless they are looking for budget holiday, uncleanliness, same entertainment every night and to be surrounded by drunk parents with little knowledge or care for their kids.
stayed at brean sands for 7 nights….. in a classic chalets what a smell !! sofa bed was awful, bad lighting, no handle for toaster never saw a blue coat for the kids kept to themselfs having fun…. reported the problems for 2 days to reception not one person came after been told that some one would come right away…. customer service!!!!!! whats that to pontins…..never ever again to see pontins..
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.I stayed at Wall Park Brixham last year. My partner is a student and I work, we have four children, live on a shoestring budget, but still try to have a small holiday each year. We have been to many holiday parks throughout the South of England, and enjoyed all sorts of budget accommodation, we are not fussy people, one thing we won’t compromise on is cleanliness.
I found wall park filthy and smelly. There were sticky, dirty stains on the carpet (my youngest was still crawling at the time and there was no way I was going to let him crawl on those dodgy stains). There was mould on the windows, the windows didn’t fit properly making the chalet draughty, the kitchen was grubby and the lino stuck to the soles of your feet when you walked on it, like walking on sellotape!
We did something we never have had to do before and complained, we were given keys to a new chalet, slightly less dirty carpets and no draughty windows. Its a real shame because its a beautiful area, Brixham and the actual facilities, club, pool, cafe, etc were alright. Maybe if Pontins spent more money re vamping the accommodation then they could benefit from a small price increase and then more holiday makers returning. People want, cheap, cheerful and clean, we don’t want to have to complain, its not rocket science Pontins, do the decent thing and reap the rewards.
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.just returned from one of those god awful sun holidays our 5 star accomodation was pontins camber sands. i have woke up in police cells, gutters and squats that were in better keeping than this shit pit
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.Visited Blackpool for Sept weekend 16th Sept )08 . Conditions were FILTHY. We paid £175 for 4 days. - left on 2nd morning - after being moved 3 times to evermore, foul smelling and DIRTY “chalets ” nisson huts more like. We are just an ordinary family - not “posh” as some visitors who have commented seem to think. NEVER AGAIN. It is also dangerous for people with young children due to poor conditions. 3 weeks later and I am still waiting for a reply from head office - why am I surprised ?
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.Check this out!…
http://leysiner.blogspot.com/2006/09/pontins-chav-reflections.html
LOL - Chav fest!!!
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.Blimey Mary…we were there a few weeks before you, for the weekend (Fri-Mon). We’d upgraded to Club, and we had to wait for our ‘accommodation’ (and I use the term loosely) to be cleaned. When I saw it, I nearly died - in fact I went back to reception and said there must have been some sort of mistake. Nope.
The whole camp was run down, grim and depressing. The ‘equipment’ (eg, sports stuff) was antiquated. Peeling paint, rust, sticky and dirty public places (I had to be prised off one of the tables, as I made the silly error of leaning on it and stuck fast to the surface) ripped and worn carpets patched up with gaffer tape…I could go on.
The main ‘pub’ had run out of lager (bear in mind this is a weekend and the place is HEAVING with people), and we were told there would be a delivery the following Tuesday! This was just one example of bad organisation - there were many.
On the Saturday night, the main ‘entertainment’ room was obviously heaving with people. The bar itself was very long, and there was ONE barstaff on (covering about 40 feet of bar area)!!! The queue was ridiculous and people were walking out and going to the (onsite) pub to buy drinks to take back. We left, went to onsite pub had a drink then went back to our ‘’room'’ (think ‘Tenko’) to watch TV…..
and I’m glad you’ve mentioned the TV…as the picture ‘’pulsed'’ every 4 seconds (annoying), now it took a while to figure out why, until we counted the revolutions on the long range radar - you’ve guessed it, 4 seconds…oh, didn’t I mention that Pontins is next door to Blackpool airport? If you’d like to see underbelly of a 747 (and the pilot and passengers) at about 40 feet, you may want to consider a holiday here…and you can imagine the noise. We could hear the trains (again, adjoining the camp), but they paled in comparison to the Airbuses that just skimmed the tops of the ‘accommodation’.
I was going to mention the barbed wire (true) around the perimeter, but I won’t. If I had to describe Blackpool Pontins in one word, I think it would have to be ‘’sticky'’.
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.just retuned from brean sands what a terrible old place never again
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.We went to Wall park in Devon and my first reaction was i didnt know whether to stay in it or clean it. If this park has closed then that is definately for the best, you shouldnt have to live in those conditions when you are suppose to be on holiday.
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.For all you people who will not believe the comments about the filthy state of Pontins and the smell of the apartments and entertainment areas you will be able to experience it first hand as all the fittings from the now closed Hemsby site are being distributed to the other Pontins sites.
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.Mainly Pakefield.
Unbelievebly this includes the stained and stinking carpets from the main entertainment areas,the chalet carpets and curtains and the disgusting bed settees.
Good luck and happy holidays,
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How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.We stayed at Wall Park two years ago and I am pleased to hear this site is now closed before some sort of epidemic similar to the black death broke out from there.
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.We complained about the mould in the fridge & shower the dreadful smell, blood on the sheets plus the general filth in the chatlet. A cleaning team was sent round to sort it out. After an hour and a new fridge we returned to find the smell masked by some spray or other that only lasted a few hours so we left the windows open for the rest of the week.
There was no evident security in the park at night and drunk young people would roam the park and most mornings there was broken glass an the foot paths.
This was a terrible park and we vowed never to return. When I wrote to Pontin’s after the holiday with a few suggestions as to how to improve things we were told to get some recompense we should have complained before we left the park. I then decided I was talking to a brick wall and gave up.
On the plus side the staff were wonderful fighting a loosing battle against under investment and poor management
Brixham is a smashing place to go so if you find some other place to stay go there.
hi my name iz sinead nd ive been to mani of pontins through out my life nd i love goin there im goin ther tiz year wit a gruop pf mi friendz nd it will b ta best hol there iz plenty to do nd for ta price of it there iz nthn to complain bout ta chalets r perfect
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.[…] SAY NO TO PONTINS REVIEW amp DARTMOOR LETTERBOX Blog Archive Posted by root 2 minutes ago (http://www.saynotopontins.co.uk) Will send another comment if we go and should we survive dirty patio doors that greeted us on arrival and during our stay from the main entertainment areas the chalet carpets and curtains and the disgusting bed settees say no to pontins review amp dartmoo Discuss | Bury | News | SAY NO TO PONTINS REVIEW amp DARTMOOR LETTERBOX Blog Archive […]
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.i used to go to wall park back in the early 1990s with my parents.It was a nice hoilday park at one point.Staff were helpfull.shame you cant bring those days back again.I remember a group called Breakaway
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.This is a copy of my complaint letter to Pontins after returning from a disastrous holiday at Pontins Prestatyn Sands
And to those of you who talk about accepting budget, what kind of pigsty is acceptable for budget to you people. I dont expect luxury designer carpets, furniture and fittings I expect CLEAN, GOOD state of repair ie nothing broken and usable furniture, I don’t think that is too much to ask.
Holiday Date: Mon 29th Jun – Mon 6th Jul 2009
Dear Pontins Customer relations,
I have recently returned from a holiday with Pontins in Prestatyn Sands, Wales which was paid for partly using my Tesco clubcard vouchers and part cash. I was extremely disappointed with the accommodation, facilities and entertainment there, so much so that I would like to register a complaint with you. I have written to Tesco with my complaint and I did take up my issues with Prestatyn staff whilst we were on holiday.
When we arrived at our accommodation the chalet was dirty and needed cleaning, the wallpaper was peeling and was also dirty, every pot that I took out of the cupboards had dried food or dirt on it.
Within half an hour of my arrival an ambulance had to be called for my 15 month old who had trapped her finger in a cupboard door that was not securely attached at one hinge (her finger end was deeply cut and we spent 4 hours at the local hospital)
When we tried to put clothes away we could not get in the cupboards in our room as furniture was so tightly wedged in and a fixed wall heater was in the way of one door, the other door was not securely attached at one hinge.
In the children’s room the wardrobe door had been replaced with a door that did not fit.
When my husband opened the oven door to put our meal inside the door came off in his hands!
After sitting on the settee bed I noticed a flea on my 15 month old daughter’s back.
The bath was chipped and there was mould all around the edge.
Each time we went to make a complaint people ahead of us were also making complaints about the state of their rooms.
Pontins staff did fix the oven door and the hinges on the cupboard and wardrobe doors.
After arguing that the flea that my husband had in a glass in front of them wasn’t a flea eventually they agreed it was and changed the settee and bed mattresses and linen.
The entertainment was very poor the reps spent more time mocking each other and having personal jokes than trying to entertain the audience, most activities were for over 5’s and were on a separate pay £5 per session basis.
In the evening entertainment the reps did very mean competitive games to the over 5’s that singled out children who ‘could not dance’ which of course was according to the reps.
There were video games and paying rides everywhere around the site.
The total cost of this holiday was £324 for the week, we spent as little time as possible in the chalet as it was so disgusting and poky, I just wanted to clean and disinfect it every time I Iooked at it! By Friday I’d had enough, I returned home 2 days early with my 15 month old and 3 yr old as it was just too depressing, my husband and 5 yr old soldiered on till the end!
I am really sad that I used my clubcard vouchers that I had saved up over the last two years for this terrible holiday and worst still I put some money towards it.
I have took photographs during my stay of the problem areas I have attached these pictures to aid you in your investigation into this matter.
(unfortunately I cant attach photos to this site)
a) The cupboard door in the main living area that my daughter trapped her finger in.
b) the oven door that fell off in my husbands hands, fortunately none of my children were near at the time or there could have been a serious burn accident
c) the wardrobe in our room another hinge not securely fastened
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.d) The badly fitting door on the wardrobe in the children’s bedroom
Unfortunately I did not get pictures of the dirty bath, walls, floor, crockery and the flea but I’m sure if you sent a mystery shopper to any one of the 100 or so chalets on the site the state would be the same. Every person on our balcony (approx 8 to a level) was unhappy with the level of cleanliness in the chalets. I look forward to hearing your response before I take this matter further.
I am so glad i found this website. Had an absolute nightmare when me and 5 friends (students ranging from 18 to 21) stayed at pontins for the week. the place was absolutely filthy and have pictured to prove it. I really like the baked bean analogy where it was said that even if I buy a 2p can of baked beans as opposed to a 50p can I still don’t expect to see mould all over it. We too had blood stains on the sheet (IN THE SHAPE OF A HAND MARK WTF!) also there was stains that looked like old blood or worse over lightswitches on all over the wall. And thats only the beginning.
Kay - I hope you get further than me with your letter. They rufused to talk to me or even refund me for my pictures (which cost £7 to develop!) as it wasn’t booked under my name - well they still took my details so I believe its just rudeness and lazyness on their behalf that they wont talk to me.
I don’t know how they get away with it. This has caused me so much stress and I believe i deserve compensation due to wasting a weeks holiday from work. I’m absolutely disgusted and upset and even more so now they are refusing to give the money back to the main booker. I am going to Citizens advice today. Please could you let me know if you got anywhere regarding compensation and pontins???
Rachel. age 19.
p.s. the fact that students said it was dirty must be saying something!!!
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.Just came back from a free 2 night stay at Pontins Southport…….Chalet, smelly dirty sock under bed, dirty, stunk of wee, matress covered in stains, carpet dirty, worktops in kitchen not wiped properly the whole chalet was not suitable for a human. plus the cleaners did not remove a bottle from the side of the bed which a passed holiday maker had filled with urine…..then to top it all of under kitchen cupboard RAT plus droppings….they offered us a Club chalet we had 4 children with us so we took to make them happy. That was a little better but still not clean……….NEVER EVER again and i am not leaving it there just about to to write my letter to head office….
Dirty stinking Pontins…….all i can say is thank god for my camera, yes i took pics of the rat plus droppings……..i don’t care if it was free, that was unacceptable don’t fit for human more like a pig….but then again i would not be cruel to a pig……….
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.Hi. I run the Pontin’s History website at www.pontinshistory.co.uk and we usually only get good comments from both the staff and guests.
However, the site is generally for ex-staff and guests to share their memories so we don;t get much in the way of negative comments. We would love to hear from anyone who has experience of the pontins sites that are now left. Is it REALLY so bad?
Regards,
Howie.
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.Pontins is the biggest rip-off in the world. I used to work there, the staff who are selling the holidays know the rooms are awful, full with mould and dirty. It’s rare the cleaners ever do a proper job. I wouldn’t waste my money going there, what you pay is simply not worth it. The staff don’t care about the customer’s needs and management at head office complain when they have to talk to customers. Save your money and go elsewhere!
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.RIP Pontins Wall Park, twinned with Stalag Luft III.
We stayed there a few years ago. To be fair if you ever wanted to live the Hi-di-hi dream then this was the place to go.
It also rained a fair bit while we were there. Thankfully we managed to tunnel out and escape to the Somerset border after just a week.
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.We went been to Pontins at Hemsby for the last three years before it closed and brean sands once. Would you believe we were sad when Hemsby closed we always found it clean and pleasant and the kids loved it. (Have to point out that we always pay the extra to stay in the club apartments. Brean sands was okay too although we preferred Hemsby. Will probably try Camber Sands soon. Just got back from Butlins and that was fab although cost about 5x what Pontins always has!!
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.I know there is a feeling that negative reviews must be written by snobs, toffee nosed whinging old f@rts who always expect first class service even on budget holidays and complain at every opportunity - well I feel its only fair to point out myself and my wife are both 30 year old tattooists who spend most of our social life in the company of Hells Angels Bikers, who aren’t the most shy and retiring of folk, we always book budget stays as money is certainly an issue and have NEVER felt a need to submit a review…..till now
The main reason for my review and feelings is not because of my personal offence at the resort as I’m pretty hardened and happy in some of the most squalid of dives - my reason is the anger as I see families that have small children arriving with glee in their eyes, as I once did, and with not a very lot of money, who’ve worked bloody hard to take their kids away for a few days to somewhere like this only to be given disgusting value for money, which in return is bound to insight arguments through the stress this place will harbour and generate and end up being a total waste of money and far more than probably budgetted for - AND PONTINS KNOW THIS.
Myself and my wife have both stayed at this specific resort several times during our childhoods - all of which were happy visits and stays for both us and our families alike - as I’m sure many people who are considering booking a holiday will do so on their fond memories too - sadly, and I mean sadly, it has changed to something I hope I can now outline.
Pontins in Southport is situated in the middle of nowhere as if it were shunned from the rest of civilisation, dishoned by the neighbouring beautiful Southport and charming Ainesdale - this is no mans land. I can thoroughly recommend Pontins if : A) you don’t have problem with putrid turd stained carpets in a smelly, grotty little chalet with little amenities (you can hire basic items from them though ie like a toaster for an additional £12 for a few days or a microwave for more than the cost of one new would be - however there’ll be nowhere to plug them in as there is one socket by the oven so would have to only have one thing in the kitchen at once, rotate them or cook in the living room) or B) If you aspire to a holiday with a 10ft concrete wall surround, topped with barbed wire all along the perimeter and a climbing tower very reminiscent of a Colditz style watchtower.
ACTIVITIES -
Pontins claim on their website there’s a vast range of free activities for young and old alike - and a little disclaimer saying “some activities may incur a charge/fee’ or words to that effect and give a list of about 20+ things that are on offer. What they mean is 90% of the activities involve money changing hands and they do this through the “Hire shop”. For example, you want to play snooker (totally free at places like Butlins) you have to hire the Cues etc £1 each, not much I know but other activities such as pedal style go karts just for kids to ride round the park are about a tenner for half an hour and are big and flashy looking with a flag on the back to attract the attentions of all other kids on the sight and all they are is literally pedal go karts and almost all activities have this little hidden charge in them. The funfair is ran by an external company, so each ride is a charge just like a normal fair, and should anyone have an accident whilst on them Pontins could not be held responsible - great
The swimming pool - Pontins flashy name for this is the H2O Zone, a large pool with three slides and advise against people who are pregnant and people who may have a heart condition should avoid this. I thought great, it sounds exhilarating from the name, description and the warnings just make you think it’s gonna be really exciting. I love mucking about on that sort of thing so we went along. The H2O zone is simply a basic rectangular pool, half the size of a standard leisure centres, and the slides are no more than childrens garden slides, 4ft high with three steps and a slide no more than 2 metres long at most - very disappointing when Butlins just call their pool ‘The Swimming Pool’ and when you get there its the largest pool you’ve ever seen with an array of water slides that go outside then back in, large waterfalls, wave machines, diving boards and basically very much a fantasy water wonderland which I half almost expected when booking the pontins holiday based on their implication.
Stand shoulder to shoulder with Jeremy Kyle’s guests and wannabe guests - swigging Vodka from the bottom of their babys pram - whilst waiting for the farce that is the ‘key hand-out’ ceremony. Pontins packs out with louts, gobby sorts - who seem to have intentionally come on holiday just to smack their kids as if were saving it up till then, crass alcohol fueled domestic incidents, all hours of day and night thanks to 24 hour licensed bar. I’m not snobby and by no means have a high standards set (for god’s sake I booked a holiday to Pontins) but these people made us feel quite uncomfortable and would be more suited to the Chatsworth Estate on Shameless - half expected to see Frank Gallagher copping off with Lizzie from wifeswap - you get the picture.
(People who have previously reviewed Pontins have said that they never see these people - that is probably because they ARE those people)
Ya can’t help but have a chuckle with some of the Pontins characters - especially the guest appearance from Mr Hanky in the swimming pool - apparently this is quite a regular occurence - for those not a fan of the program south park, Mr Hanky is an animated human turd although very much smaller than the log in the pool. As hilarious as it was for me and my wife to swim besides as you can imagine it meant that one of only two FREE activities has to close it’s doors for a brief period of time until it could be caught, fished out and released back into the wild - charming! By the way the only other free activity is a few concrete blocks with the occasional hole advertised as Crazy Golf - should be renamed Depressing Golf - or ‘the place you send your kids to scream like banshees and fight whilst trying to sober up from previous nights bar hammering’ You only have to buy one drink though as everybody we saw took the glass outside, filled them back up with cans of White Lightning or special brew that’d been concealed in the bottom of prams(and god knows where else) then the cans discarded into the bushes to remain on site for the rest of your stay.
Even though we stayed in the budget accommodation it was clear that the filthy run down state of the whole park spread throughout the classic and club apartments too like a plague of filth and lack of maintenance.
I guess even though you’ve read the negative reviews on here that you still just go ahead and book Pontins even if you haven’t done so already because that’s exactly what we did - had a chuckle at the reviews but presumed it can’t be all that bad but if you haven’t booked it please see Pontins suitability for your family in the same light you would say a booze cruise that offered intermitent babysitting, this is the same - only on dry land - full of p!$$ heads falling all over the place, effing and blinding at the tops of their voices at least once I saw fist fighting whilst in full view and earshot of the kids, who should be safe to run around a park like this as they’re on holiday and a bluecoat noticing and not doing a thing about it - and these are your baby sitters -
On the positive side though, 3 miles down the road, Southport is an absolutely lovely town, Pleasureland seems great for kids(open weekends, school hols and bank hols) , the minature railway and village are fun, the lake is lovely to walk around and there’s loads and loads of shops all set with victorian frontage - everything from beachfront joke shops up to cartier dealing jewellers and everything in between. With a huge beach and a whole live aviary with peacocks in the botanic gardens, cafe and museum is so very much another world I’d go back to again and again. For God’s sake if anyone thinks southport doesn’t cater for everyone they even have a lawnmower museum!!!!
I know if I sent a letter of complaint I’d only get another bloody free break to sodding pontins, which I’d never take and things would go on the same so I hope I can at least change one persons mind about booking a holiday or break to Pontins by writing this and book somewhere like butlins, haven or park resorts which are much better value, can offer cheap deals for much the same price.
To sum this up - another reviewer said it’s like marmite, you either love it or hate it - I disagree, that would mean a 50/50 split in the reviews of positive and negative. Although slightly crude, I would equate this to the practice of drinking your own urine - 95% of sane people would think it vile, horrible and disgusting whilst there will always be a minority of freaks who don’t see anything wrong with it!!! Think on!
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.I recently came back from a 4 day break at the Pontin’s in Brean (which cost £96 as it was last minute booking), with my 4 year old son. I was initially told i had been given a free upgrade, and thought ‘great!’. Sadly the joy was not to last- whilst the chalet appeared to be clean, it was dated, the sofabed was badly stained and didnt close properly, the TV aerial had exposed wires, the fridge light was broken and there are the dodgy school chairs as have been reported, which were quite dirty, all of this i could have worked with…but the fact that the chalet was just infested with Ants was just hideous. Obviously we didnt notice them, as we were putting our clothes as food away, and the couple we noticed we just put down to the season. But when you wake up in the morning in bed covered in ants it is really just not good. My son had nightmares for the duration of the holiday, and even having reported the issues to reception twice, nothing was done, just as well i went and got my own ant powder and i’m handy at wielding a flip-flop.
To add insult to injury one of the rickety old heaters fell off the wall in the night and caught my son on the side of the head. I reported this to reception and was waved off with an “i’ll let maintinence know”, nothing was entered into an accident book and no assistance was offered.
I have only come accross this site since i came back and started looking at what can be done regarding the injury sustained by my son and the misleading advertising of Pontin’s. For the people who had a good time i’m glad- you were clearly very lucky, for the people who feel it nessecary to cast aspersions on the comments left by those who experienced a bad time at the hands of Pontin’s then you really have no humanity- everyone is entitled to a rant when they feel that they have been wronged and in most cased conned out of money for a poor holiday experience…. who made you the comment gestapo??? No doubt if you’d have had a bad time you’d be the first to had a moan about it.
I wish i had found this site before i booked, as having read through a few of the comments pertaining to BREAN SANDS pontin’s, i would say that they are fairly accurate. It is tired, dilapidated, the staff are disinterested, the infestation of seasonal insects is apparently ‘normal’, so dont be shocked if you wake up covered in ants, the entertainment is hit and miss, the facilities are a bit grubby and dated, there was building work going on while we were there, the restaurant is overpriced and in my experience the quality of the food was very poor. It was like being at some Hell’s Holiday Parks version of Hi-di-Hi.
You pick a well known brand like Pontin’s expecting them to give you a good time with value for money, but these days its more like Hi-di-NO than Hi-di-ho!
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.to Lesley above :
How useful was this comment? Click 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' next to the authors name.I have just come back from pontins in southport if i was u i wouldnt waist my time
we had booked a club we turned up yesterday we didnt even stay the night i have taken photogrphs and have written to head office i am demanding a refund
i will not be fobbed off as written above
i also intend on writing to the Sun newspaper to advise them of what they are offering their readers
if i dont get my refund i will gladly pay for a lawyer to sue
i went with my son and my teminaly sick mother kind of like a last holiday for her i will not be going anywhere near pontins in the future