Shoreline Hotel, Butlins

We have just got back after 4 days with Dh and DS(2.5). It was superb (and speaking as someone who didn't get Butlins previously). The hotel room was cleverly designed and allowed us to be able to watch the tv (etc!) while DS slept at night. The entertainment was simply superb and all the stuff we wanted to do was free so in the end it is quite a cost effective holiday. If DS is happy (borderline hyperactive)we are happy and all the little touches they do to ensure that kids are happy (entertainment in the queues, all the shows) are invaluable. Downsides include the food in the hotel (you crave vegetable rather than chips and awful pasta) some of the food outlets are really pricey as well. But all these are minor quibbles, overall a very reasonable holiday, a lot of fun and one of the few places I have ever been in the UK which really does make holidaying with toddlers easy and relaxing for parents in a wierd kind of way!

Returned yesterday from Bognor Butlins after stayng at the Shoreline Hotel - The accomodation was better than Centre Parks but the facilities were rubbish. It was just a big amusment arcade with slots that people were on morning till evening. The most disappointing was the food - I love a bit of toot now and again, but everything was processed and took orever to arrive. We left 2 days early as we'd seen it done it in a couple of days. Not for me I'm afraid!

Excellent. Perfect for my children - ages 6, 4, 3, and 1. Allways something for them to do or see. No whining. Perfect childrens break though not very relaxing for the parents!!!

Entering the site does remind you slightly of a prison camp, with its spike-topped railings and security guards. The car park was huge but busy - there is an area reserved for hotel guests, but it wasn't large enough, and unpoliced, so not that helpful. The receptionist at the Shoreline was very cheerful and helpful, though, and we found our way to our room very easily. This had a sectioned-off sleeping area for the kids (bunks), and a shower/bath & toilet. The majority of the accommodation in the resort is still in the 'chalets' that Butlins is (in)famous for. These looked a little claustrophobic; definitely not the widely spaced chalets the map on the website shows!

The 'Skyline Pavilion', a huge canopied complex housing most of the bars and restaurants, had a very echoey and lifeless atmosphere. It wasn't helped by the strong draught from the fans; probably quite welcome in the Summer, but in October it was not very comfortable.

At night the hotel was comfortable and quiet, despite being full. The 'character' breakfast, in the restaurant across the way, was somewhat disorganised: plates, coffee and some of the food kept running out. It eventually appeared, however, and we were treated to a visit from Billy Bear! It was certainly substantial enough to keep us going most of the day. The hotel breakfast was much better organised though.

We spent a while on the free funfair, and then all had our first ever try at fencing, courtesy of one of the many free sport activities that run throughout the day. After an afternoon in Littlehampton we went to 'Splash Waterworld'. This is great fun, consisting of various slides, rapids, and a wave pool. Hotel guests get their own private session on Saturday evening which is excellent as there were only about 20 people in there; during the day there are huge queues.

Normally we would have spent the evening in 'Reds' watching the shows, but this Saturday happened to be the Rugby World Cup Final, so we ate pizza while watching Johnny and the boys on the flat-screen TV in our room. I'm assured by everyone who's been that the shows are excellent, though! One word of advice for bitter drinkers - bring your own! Even the shop didn't sell any decent stuff.

Next morning we decided to walk down to the beach. We headed to the seaward side of our 'beachfront' hotel but found ourselves up against a fence. We followed this for about half a mile and came to a gate that let us onto the beach. This was disappointing; when you're in a beachfront hotel you'd expect to be able to pop straight onto the beach.

In summary, we'd probably go for a weekend, but not for a week. It is, however, very good value, and as long as you go into it open-minded you can have quite a laugh. They are currently offering half term breaks for as little as £49pp. For more details visit the website.