to think am I going to get value for money at Center parcs in the Summer?

[slipperandpjsmum]

Just looking to book and some of the chalets are quite expensive (£2,000 mid week). If I book one of those am I going to be amazed by the standard of the accommodation? Or should I look at the comfort (£1,000). Don't want to be disappointed by staying somewhere basic but don't want to feel ripped off by inflated prices during the Summer hols!!

[DreamingOfABump]

bloody hell! We're going next week and so looking forward to it, but really cant see what the chalets could possibly offer that would justify another 1k! Unless they came with baby oiled nubile young cleaning man and all you can eat galaxy cookie crumble. I would go more basic on the accomm and use some of the extra 1k to do loads of awesome activities. Its the activities that make the memories, not the accommodation. Have a great time!

[ssd]

since moneys not the problem why are you even asking us?

[clayre]

I have been to both the basic and the expensive accomodation and the only plus point was the washing machine , we werent in the lodge long enough to notice the difference!

[madhousewife]

DH and I were wondering the same thing. We looked at Disneyland Paris as well and we were wondering if it was worth the cost.
Watching with interest!!

[slipperandpjsmum]

DreamingofABump its the school hols that does it. There are more expensive ones than those prices to!!

Money is a problem for most people these days ssd. I am asking because I wondered from those who have stayed in the more expensive chalets were they worth the money. Think it was clear in my op.

[emmspemms]

We were very disappointed in our last Center Parcs stay .
The bin hadn't been emptied , there was a smelly damp patch on carpet in lounge area, and a tooth brush glass that was so filthy I heaved as I put it in the dishwasher .
Don't get me started on the shrieking hen party that seemed to be stalking us .
Maybe we were just unlucky ?
It's not cheap , and it's not even value for money in the summer holidays .

[lovetheoneyourewith]

We were in the bottom line economy one and it was fine! Fairly spacious, nice and open plan so could keep an eye on the children from the kitchen. the only thing I would criticise is that the toilet only had a cold water tap in it, which was a bit bleurgh.

[Northernlurker]

Errrr actually if you thinking about spending £2000 for a few days at Centerparcs then yes one could assume money is not an issue for you in the same way as it is for somebody struggling to afford any holiday at all. I see what you're asking but if you bring actual cost in to it somebody will always take the hump!

[lovetheoneyourewith]

Not sure which on e you're going to but we're doing mid-week at Sandy Balls in the new forest this July (so we can go to peppa pig world, obv) and that was significantly cheaper than CP.

[gordongrumblebum]

CHECK OUT THE NETHERLANDS BEFORE YOU BOOK!!! WE SAVED £1000 A FEW YEARS AGO AT PEAK TIME AND HAD A SAUNA AND BREAKFAST DELIVERED.....

SORRY TO SHOUT!!

[slipperandpjsmum]

Bumblequeen you would think for the price wouldn't you. Want a nice hol as extended family coming along which is what made me think we did not want the really basic ones as not sure how basic they are! But if you think what you could get elsewhere for that price. Add on food and activities, some of the children coming are older and can't see just swimming and the bikes being enough for a week.

The new styles one look very modern inside as the comfort etc look a bit dated.

Looking forward to hearing from all those who have been and can describe the difference in interiors!!

[slipperandpjsmum]

Wanted to add one of our family members is disabled so I am in the accommodation a bit more than other families.

[petitepeach]

I agree with clayre - I have been a few times and think I stayed in comfort plus....I think it is fine for the type of holiday for the kids.....I think anything better is wasted on the kids.....
My 2 dc's absolutely love it, more as they are outside all the time and you can walk/bike everywhere.....did find the restaurants very busy and a bit on the expensive side - bbq's are a good idea....hope you enjoy.....
SSD remove the chip from your shoulder......as has been said a million times before all things are relevent.....people will be going on holiday even if you are not etc... I want to go to the Maldives but there won't be a hope in hell!
People have different circumstances get over it.......

[theyoungvisiter]

Ok I know this is petty but seriously - HOW is this an AIBU? Or are we doing all threads on mumsnet phrased as an AIBU these days?

AIBU to like cheese?

AIBU to ask how hot to set the oven for fairy cakes?

AIBU to wonder whether a 1.5 tog gro-bag is ok for this weather?

[slipperandpjsmum]

Am I being unreasonable to think I can get value for money in the summer hols ..........

In answer to your questions

YANBU

YABU

YANBU

Could you start your own threads though with your questions. Hijacking is such bad manners.

[ddubsgirl]

lovetheoneyourwith have you been to moor valley park in the new forest?

[CliffTumble]

Yabu. Centerparcs is just bustling with a lid!

[theyoungvisiter]

I just think it sullies the true purpose of AIBU which is to confine all the ranters to one place where one can point and laugh. Posting sane inquiries is against the spirit

Your OP should be "AIBU to sue Center Parcs for spelling their name so stupidly and thus affecting my child's chances of passing the 11 plus" - or something similarly barking.

[ApocalypseCheeseToastie]

Oi, I like Cheese I will ave you know

[angelpantser]

I have stayed in both the comfort (basic) and the new style woodland lodge. These have a sauna outside (used by the older teenagers in our group. Once).

However I would list the main differences as comfort villas have one bathroom and a separate toilet. When we stayed there you had to provide all towels - not sure if this is the case still. The kitchen area has oven & hob and a fridge.

New style woodland lodges have ensuite to all bedrooms. This may be a factor to consider if a member of your party has mobility issues. All towels are provided and they are changed during the week and they are billed as having new beds/bedlinen. The kitchen has oven & hob, fridge, dishwasher and a wine fridge. They have housekeeping too. Emptying bins, washing breakfast dishes making beds etc. The housekeeping staff are really friendly and IME cannot do enough to help if you have a problem.

The restaurants are usually very busy but I know that some offer a takeaway service. The supermarket is reasonably well stocked but is more expensive than Tesco, Asda etc.

[Mandy2003]

I wouldn't bother with Center Parcs, I think Parkdean at Sandford and Warmwell are great, some of the lodge accommodation there is very nice, and probably not more than £800 at peak time. Loads of activities on-site too!

[IWantToBeAFairyWhenIGrowUp]

I wouldn't pay an extra grand for the villas. As you have to pay for ALL your activities apart from swimming then use the money on that. It's only a base and they are all fine.

We've stayed in all the different variations as we go alot and depending on what we can afford at the time we book accordingly. Obviously the more you pay the better facilities you get, but really you can get the lodges off peak for less than £1000 so really I wouldn't want to pay £2000 for a villa.

[Booandpops]

We only go out of school hols. A long weekend is about £350
I'd never pay 2k for cp. My kids miss two days school but they get so much out of it I don't care. Activities they can't try here. Yr hardly in the villa so no way spend that much.

[PicaK]

Depends. I don't think you get more living space - just more bathrooms and more trendy colours (sage green, cream, grey as opposed to Orange, buttery yellow).

No dishwasher in comfort.

Don't get the outrage about prices - it's 97% full all year round.