Mumsnet Talk

If I can get over the hideous price hikes for half-term, we're considering it for Feb.

Just had a look at the web-site for Elveden Forest and the prices for the differnt types of accommodation aren't what I was expecting.

If we leave out the "new executive style" cos that won't be happening, they are in order (most expensive first and all for 2 bedrooms, sleep 4) )

-Comfort
-Comfort Plus
-New Style Woodland Lodge
-Original Style Executive

When I wold have expected the reverse. What am I missiong and which would you go for?

weird. I think you're right, it should probably be the reverse. We are going in December and staying in new woodland lodge, which at the time of me booking, I'm sure was more expensive than comfort/comfort plus.

Comfort is the old style accommodation, quite basic, hasn't been updated. Comfort plus is same but has a couple of extras eg: 2nd telly, dishwasher etc.
New Style are the upgraded accommodation - very nice, would recommend. Not sure about original style executive but presume haven't been upgraded either but probably still nicer than the others, IIRC might have jacuzzi bath. Also get free maid service, toiletries etc which you don't get in any of the others.

I can't tell the difference between Original Style Executive and New Style Executive when I stay in them... I do wonder what the actual difference is. Executive do have daily maid service. Woodland you get towels (for use in the accommodation, not the swimming pool) provided.

Strange that you are getting those villa types listed in that order. How long are you going for, what arrival date?

When you get the list showing the villa types available with prices, they are always listed to start with in that order. Within each villa type they are then listed in order of price - though often there is only one entry for each villa category.

So back to my 20:18:51 comment... that list is normal. Confusing though isn't it. Would prefer it to sort by price... not just price within each accommodation type.

Play with the number of bedrooms... sometimes you can find that a villa in a better accommodation type with more bedrooms is the same price.

For example... if 1 week, 19 Feb 2010.
2-Bed Comfort Plus £627
3-Bed New Style Woodland Lodge £593

The woodland is cheaper, yet is more bedrooms. Location may make a difference but I expect there won't be that much in it. I'd always go for more bedrooms for the same/lower price... then the children can have a room each.

If you are not planning on using Mumsnet whilst you are away... then I would go for a New Style Woodland ideally a 3 Bed, especially if it's cheaper than a 2 bed Comfort Plus!
If you want guaranteed WiFi in your villa, then you need Executive.

Villa Type Comparison Chart
I don't think that chart is totally accurate, as I've just stayed in an Executive Lodge One Bed and didn't get a Clock Radio but did have a hydro bath (if by that they mean one that blows bubbles).

we have treated ourselfs to a villa with a sauna and Jacuzzi bath this year Still as we booked so early on (jan) was only £300

check the locations too

I'd rather pay more and stay near the centre (in Longleat) than pay less and stay on the outskirts

New style woodland lodges are great.

But I would be just as happy in their standard accomodation if it meant I was at CP

Oh fuck I wish I'd never seen this thread. I was interested in this dynamic pricing and just checked the price of a stay over New Year. We booked it ages ago but its now £300 cheaper

Sorry for mentioning it ReneRusso. Real pain when you find out it's dropped in price. Though look at it another way, it could go up again come tomorrow.

If you have been to CP before and have used a Come Back Soon offer, then you can call them to get them to match the price.

Rene check this with them - ring them. We used to get discount codes for cp, but they changed their "policy" a few months ago.

Afaik they "guarantee" (not in your case) that if you book, then the price will not go down, i.e. you will get the best price for that particular holiday once you have booked. Possibly they have loopholes that work to their advantage, e.g. if you booked Comfort say for £800 and it is now cheaper by £300 to get Comfort Plus.

I got disillusioned with their rip off prices tbh. We have just got back from Butlins and it is almost as good. £580 half board, compared with over £1000 at cp (4 nights at Oct half term)

nick I think they have abolished most of the offers. I think the "come back soon" offer does still exist but you have to book within a very short period of time.

Which Butlins do you go to onepiece? We love centre parks but it is very expensive for what you get for your money, everything they can charge for they do!

Yes, the come back soon offer must be booked within 28 days of your previous visit. Think it only applies to the same villa type and must be the same village, same dates.

Interesting that you mention Butlins, as I looked at them in July this year and found CP to be cheaper! I didn't think that would be the case but for some reason it was... maybe I was booking too last minute.

We went to Butlins in Bognor and it was fine. (only been once). Food was better than expected. We went to Pontins (nr Blackpool) a year ago and it wasn't so good (a bit tatty and run down, but it may have improved as this was a year ago)

Neither are as good as cp, but we couldn't justify paying almost double and not even food included.

We also tried Haven but it wasn't for us.

Nick I think the prices vary a lot. For some reason cp seem to be massively expensive at half term weeks. Sometimes one can strike lucky at Easter/Summer (possibly due to the slight variations regionally in school holidays?)

I went to Butlins Bognor about 11 maybe 12 years ago on a day visit (visiting a member of staff). Hated it - though it was pouring with rain I recall. Expect it has changed quite a bit over the past 10 or so years.

Prices do seem to vary at all these holiday places.

lisbey - have you managed to have a look around the CP website to establish if a larger villa actually costs less? Never know you luck.

I'd recommend the Woodland Lodge. We've stayed in the original executive on the last two times we've been to Elveden Forest and they're getting a bit tired. The Woodland Lodges have been tarted up quite recently.

Am vvvvvvv In Elveden, you're never really far away from the centre wherever you are. Longleat is fooking massive!

We love elevden, even last time we went we were further away from centre and still opnly 10 mins walk to pool, and 2 mins to aqua spa
Yes come back offer stands, I got it yesterday

I phoned up to moan, and at first they said bad luck, but now I have had a call saying they will refund the £300. Hooray

they are very good

At first I got "Sorry there's nothing we can do, we operate flexible pricing blah blah", but they obviously had a change of heart and called me back. I wonder if it's something to do with their recent slating on Watchdog. So thanks for the thread everyone, I'm now £300 up.