Page 7 | AIBU or is Center Parcs SUPER expensive?!

Crisscrosscranky · 2016-12-28T15:11:19+00:00

This week it appears all of my friends on FB have gone to center parcs- it looks lovely. DH and I usually use our Xmas money to book a European city break in the late spring but I will be 7 months pregnant this year so we're looking a little closer to home... just priced up a weekend at our nearest center parcs and OMG [shock] - 3 days in --the cheapest lodge-- Suffolk would cost us the same as 3 night staying in a 5 star hotel in most of the European cities... and have I got it right that you have to pay extra for teabags and toilet paper (they are coming up on recommended extras!?) Am I missing a trick or do I have some secretly wealthy mates?! --off to google the latest dates I can fly--

brasty · 29/12/2016 16:07

Richard as I said before, I think it depends what stage of life you are in. Going to Greece as two adults, or with two older children, should not be very stressful. Travelling to Greece with 3 very young children, is a very different experience I am sure.
CP is perfect when for whatever reason, you want a short and easy journey.

RichardBucket · 29/12/2016 16:09

brasty If you prefer CP, fine. I was just replying to a poster who called me a liar when I am, in fact, telling the truth.

brasty · 29/12/2016 16:13

I prefer being abroad and sightseeing. And I wouldn't go to CP now. But there was a time when it was perfect for us.

Just as I wouldn't choose to go on cruises on the Med. But when I am very elderly and not that mobile, I can see that that kind of holiday would suit me.

Mayvis · 29/12/2016 16:13

Buttercup - when did you go though?

Our week at Haven Kiln Park during the school summer holidays was over £1000 in a basic van. 3 berth. The price only got higher and we booked 10 months in advance.

Buttercupsandaisies · 29/12/2016 16:15

End July beginning of August - I've never had trouble finding a last minute haven! I've gone 'on the day' for 4 days for £99 in school holidays once

galaxygirl45 · 29/12/2016 16:19

We've been half a dozen times or so, and when our DDs were around 9/10 it was OK, they loved it and wanted to spend all day in the pool. What I really objected to was having to pay for things on top ie badminton, kids activities as literally only the pool is included. Changing days (Mon and Fri) are chaos as you have double the amount of people on site and in the pool. You have to book the restaurants about 10 years in advance for the evenings and everywhere you go, you're surrounded by kids and noise. We've stayed at Bovey Castle in Devon through Helpful Holidays a few times where you get a luxury lodge and full use of the grounds/pool for far less than CP and it's a lot more um....select!! They don't charge you for using the tennis courts and when you're feeling lazy, their Bistro is very reasonable and out of this world for food .

galaxygirl45 · 29/12/2016 16:19

We've been half a dozen times or so, and when our DDs were around 9/10 it was OK, they loved it and wanted to spend all day in the pool. What I really objected to was having to pay for things on top ie badminton, kids activities as literally only the pool is included. Changing days (Mon and Fri) are chaos as you have double the amount of people on site and in the pool. You have to book the restaurants about 10 years in advance for the evenings and everywhere you go, you're surrounded by kids and noise. We've stayed at Bovey Castle in Devon through Helpful Holidays a few times where you get a luxury lodge and full use of the grounds/pool for far less than CP and it's a lot more um....select!! They don't charge you for using the tennis courts and when you're feeling lazy, their Bistro is very reasonable and out of this world for food .

ENormaSnob · 29/12/2016 16:50

We have been for a weekend every december for the last 6 years. Doubtful we will book for next year though as the prices have increased so much. Looking at cottages/other lodge breaks instead.

Chattymummyhere · 29/12/2016 16:57

buttercup this is also quay west. Yeah I did see the price promise but I haven't checked on it since. We knew we wanted wales this year and I'm a bit picky when it comes to caravans so kind of panic booked in a way as needed to be a certain date in august and most of the caravans I would book where sold out.

Trip advisor was very mixed messages about the place but fingers crossed.

Buttercupsandaisies · 29/12/2016 17:01

I've been to several havens and this was the best! It's really nice and doesn't have the typical haven feel. Lots to do locally and a really lovely area. Very steep tho so more difficult if you have a Pram etc.

Chattymummyhere · 29/12/2016 17:10

We will have a pram well buggy as out youngest will be 1 and a half but I'm sure we will manage. We did a cliff top, park resorts this year with a pram and still managed to onto the beach that was also a nice almost hidden one not very touristy at all and seemed to be the only holiday park there very cheap compared to next years in wales too. I hate the hustle and bustle of places like butlins I don't like to feel like everywhere I move I'm a sardine.

Laquila · 29/12/2016 18:01

Thank you Monkeymamma. That's annoying! Presumably you've been - is it worth it? Would you recommend any treatments in particular? I was thinking of a body massage.