Real pontins camber sands stories please

[daisydee43]

Hi

Have just booked 3 nights in a classic chalet in pontins camber sands and it's got some horrible reviews online but wanted a cheap wknd away with dh and dd2. I know it's gonna be basic and thinking of taking a combination of bleach, windowlene, robot Hoover and own bedding/towels. Stayed in lots of places like this when I was a kid and it was ok, just wondered what else I should prepare for

[superbagpuss]

we are going in two weeks , reading with interest

[daisydee43]

I think as long as it's not actually dangerous then it will be fine?

[MegBusset]

We used to go to Park Resorts Camber Sands when the DC were tiny as it was a very cheap break, it was a pretty crappy place but we would drive past Pontins and say to each other "At least we aren't staying there"

We always had a fab time though - the beach is stunning and lots of places to explore nearby. Just keep your expectations low, embrace the cheesy entertainment and take lots of wine!

[daisydee43]

Erm... So rang them today to see if I can upgrade to the top of the range 'club' room not sure it will be any different but the free electricity and digital tv are sort of a must have lol

[cece]

I agree with Meg - everytime we walked past it I must admit I used to think "at least we aren't staying there". Sorry. It did look a bit like a prison.

[Chocolou]

Sorry to dampen your spirits but we stayed there at Easter. It was bad. A cross between hi de hi and a concentration camp. It truly is dire. Even the security guys on the gate that give you a pass to get back in ask if you're coming back!!

Think upgrading doesn't make any difference they're all shite. It's dirty, duvets are stained to hell so you might want to take your own. There is a lovely indian restaurant down the road, park shop never has any of the basics either.

Honestly I would get my money back and goto the haven site in Hastings which we stayed at too. You will end off spending a fortune to get out of the dump everyday as we did.

Staff don't care and have awful attitude so don't try and complain!!

[daisydee43]

Urgh I don't understand why it's gotta be so bad I loved going there when I was a kid. Can't get a refund anyway - tbh am going with dh and he can get even the worst staff to do what he wants - what would you recommend to make it better? What's the electricity card like? Is the tv that bad? What's the kitchen like?

[superbagpuss]

we booked it through the sun holidays scheme - I guess take as much of our own stuff as possible and have very low expectations

[TSSDNCOP]

I was there NYE before last.

It is horrible. We were in a refurbed chalet. There was a storm and the roof flapped all night and the window leaked.

The food in the restaurant is beyond shocking.

The pool is unspeakable.

Cancel and go to a Haven. I can recommend Weymouth and even Allhallows.

I will never, ever go to Pontins again.

[TSSDNCOP]

Ooh just thought. It's near to Rye where you can get lovely food.

[daisydee43]

So we are in the club chalet can't cancel but actually looking forward to it it's exciting to see how bad it will be - am going to take everything and use none of the facilities

[Princesspond]

The beach is lovely when the sun is shining (prone to wind mind) and Rye is lovely for a wander and lovely cafés. If the weather is good you'll have a fab time on the beach

[daisydee43]

Ok so I'm at pontins now and having a great time. In the club chalet which lovely and clean and all new - beds a bit lumpy but were going to flip it tonight. Tbf the classic chalets look a bit dirty tho. Gardens well kept, entertainment great for kids, restaurants lovely, shop is very well stocked and I love the pound shop section, staff great - was put in wrong room to start but then we got complementary dinner. Doesn't look like a concentration camp - exterior paint has no chips or graffiti. Bits are tired but that's like a lot of places now - dd is having a great time and were going to check out the pool in a bit

And we're used to centre parcs but it's really not bad!