to wonder who on earth can afford to go to Butlins?

[ChooChooLaverne]

I've just had a look to see how much it would cost to stay in one of the new chalets they're building at the Minehead Butlins in the summer. The cheapest one available for 4 nights in August is £1275. FOUR NIGHTS!

That price doesn't include food or travel. It sleeps four people. It does look nice but wtf. Am I missing something?

Their cheapest prices are in January. Something to think about for 2016 then?

Surely the question should be "who on earth wants to go to Butlins?"

Might be much cheaper outside school holidays. We've been to Butlins Bognor a couple of times in the last 3 years for quite reasonable prices. However dd is now at school and the cost for the same room etc in school holidays is nearly triple what we paid! Not rushing back although we did have a great time before.
Don't know how these companies get away with it really.

outside of school holidays we had a four day break at bognor in silver accommodation for 150 through sun holidays. the DC aged 3 loved it

Arf at rich

I mean wasn't the whole place originally designed for families to be able to go on holiday when they couldn't afford to go abroad?

I think they're trying to turn themselves into Centerparcs or summit. And don't get me started on them. I looked up the price for going there at half term and they tripled the price from the previous week.

I know I'm quite old and it was about a hundred years ago but I went round the world for a year and it cost about the same.

Yes but they're designed for families with children to go to. In school holidays.

Don't know how these companies get away with it really

What are they getting away with? They're simply charging what the market will stand. They'll charge whatever people are stupid enough to pay, they are a business after all.

Derek one of my friends told me that you're better off staying in the Legoland hotel when they've got special offers on and not actually going to Legoland itself.

It shocks me too Choo. But I think its just marketing and busy people who cant look elsewhere.

For instance they think they have to get their beds from Dreams, because they sell beds and are everywhere. If you want a cheap holiday you do Butlins, you get carpets from Carpet Right, food from Asda. Its all cheaper.

Actually no, look again they are trading on perhaps past behaviours but certainly not the same now. They are indeed very very expensive. Dreams are a huge con, so are carpet right, so are places like Butlins and indeed most package holidays.

People look around try something new.

A self catering cottage in Norfolk is 300 quid for two nights. I'd say what's quoted above is just what people are prepared to pay (not the OP, obviously!)

Apparently it's Mumsnet's fault too! Mumsnet was consulted to design the new 'mum-friendly' to 'meet the needs and wishes of hard working families'. Well, you'd have to work hard to be able to afford it, that's for sure.

Sorry about the DM link:
www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/travel_news/article-2766310/Butlins-announces-new-16m-chalets-Somerset-consultation-parenting-website.html

Sorry 'mum-friendly chalets'.

Fuck me Derek. You'd expect some oysters and champagne at least.

Just checked the Shoreline hotel at Bognor, for two adults/four nights it's over £1k!

We stayed at the same hotel last year in June for four nights for £200! I know that it/s term time v school holidays but come on, over a grand for Butlins?!

Fuck me even Centre Parks is cheaper at the same time.

I agree - that's absolutely shocking op! That price is insane .

Did you know you can get a really nice Eurocamp caravan with decking and barbecue on a smart campsite in France or Italy for around £1,000 per week?

If you go to France you can get very cheap deals on the ferry (Dover to Calais).

There must be way cheaper options than the brand new, top of the range chalets though. It's the same with CP. The 'executive' accomodation with hot tub etc are thousands, and are often available because most people won't or can't pay that much. Everyone I know who goes uses the most basic lodges.

Many years ago we booked a chalet at Butlins for 4 days for £15. My friend then booked one in her name for the weekend . We moved chalets and got a whole week for £30! (Not in schools hols though)

I am booked for June Friday to Monday.

Cost £550 including b line passes and upgraded food dining. That's for a gold apartment with a patio.

We are going early June to Butlins Minehead.

To stay Monday to Friday in a private caravan with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and decking overlooking the lake is £295.

This is the most we've ever paid at Butlins as we've always gone in term time in May.

Everywhere is expensive in the summer holidays.

Amateur have just looked at hotel prices for Bognor Butlins for the same date - the cheapest room is £785 without food. If you want two rooms it goes up to over £1k.

Yes it's cheaper but I would imagine it's still prohibitively expensive for the average family.

I think I'll be looking at camping or maybe Eurocamp. Thanks Mintyy.

It's ridiculous. I looked into it because I wanted to take my neices - I have fond memories of Butlins when I was a kid. But I soon realised a long weekend was going to cost more than going abroad for two weeks with everything included.