£3500 for centreparcs October half term!?

[imamearcat]

WTF!? Don't really like the place myself but thought we would check.. and you only get 4 slots in the pool at that!!

Insane prices!! Think I'm getting tight in my old age.

But people are willing to pay it ,though l think it's ludicrous a fool and his money are soon parted!

I love CP and I would never pay that much money. Im going in January and taking the kids out of school/college. Its the only week i can have off from work and my july break was cancelled by them, so im off there for £379!

We only go during term time when it's cheaper and even then, I think it's overpriced. Last time we went it was just under £600 for two adults and a baby in a two bed executive lodge for 3 nights/weekend stay - so you still have to pay for everything else so we probably spend another £300 on top on food and activities.

This year we are trying Butlins as our toddler is the right age to enjoy it - it's less than £350 for a weekend stay including food and most of the activities are free..... granted I know it won't be as "scenic" as CP but for that price, I don't really care!

It's yield management and if people are prepared to pay it because they value a holiday not in their own home then as the business owner it makes sense. They weren't able to operate during lockdown.

@Ilikeviognier

You’d think there would be a law against them doing stuff like that. We went last year when the kids were both still pre schoolers and we could get 4 nights out of the school holidays for about 500 quid.

I imagine the 3500 is for the most expensive lodge as there’s nothing else left. But still. Shocking.

It’s not theres tree houses and other fancy options that sell for 10k

No one's forcing you to pay that. If people didn't pay those prices, companies couldn't charge them.

It’s crazy! And profiteering in the pandemic. We booked Monday to Friday for October half term ages ago and it’s £499.

@Cabinfever10

that's out and out profiteering

They're a business. The whole point is to make a profit. If people are willing to pay that much, why wouldnt they charge it and recoup some losses from the summer season.

Have a look on airbnb OP. We got a 4 bedroom house on the isle of wight for £800

Imagine a business trying to make money. What bastards etc.

Centre parcs is alright but it's not worth that kind of money I agree with you OP that is ridiculous.
I've been for four night stay in the past and paid just under £400 that was without the added costs of eating out or any extras on top. All it is is a fancier version of a caravan park that's it.

I can see why they are only able to offer limited time slots because of Covid.

We were meant to have gone to the one out in Paris May just gone that got moved to November this year but we are now looking at cancelling it or trying to move it to a UK one for next year instead.

But I wouldn't be paying that kind of price.
I would hold onto my money and wait and hope that things resume to some kind of better new normal next year.

I’m just back from 2 weeks 5 star all inclusive during summer holidays for not much more than that! I know which I’d rather do.

@imamearcat

It was 3 bed but just a basic lodge I think (I was DH who looked).

I've been before but not that much of a fan. Except the pool. Thing is you need to add on £100 for every crap meal they have their too.

I just think it's a bit naughty of them!

I’m sure there’s an argument to made that Centre Parcs is expensive but I really don’t understand making stuff up

This is a higher level lodge and is £1500 cheaper than you said.

Good grief, yes. I had a quick look for a mid week break Oct half term, was about £1700 for a basic lodge. 4 mid week nights, £425 a night. No way I could actually enjoy it at that price as with activities and good you'd be on £550ish minimum, and there's no way I'd be feeling like each day was worth it, especially with the October British drizzling weather.

Well somebody's exaggerating aren't they!

I can only find one option that covers half term for a three bed that gets near that price, and it's a seven day holiday – the vast majority of people going to centre parks do mid week or weekend – and it is not a basic level Villa, it's executive.

I’ve just checked prices for half term week in assorted Dutch CP and they range from 270 euros to 400euros (and one at 500 euros)

We’ve done European CP in the past - it’s been cheaper to drive to the Netherlands, return ferry trip, overnight stop in France or Holland en route there and back, road tolls, European car insurance etc etc than to do 4 nights at the English CP 20 miles down the road.
Obviously this year covid and the risk of quarantine throws a different risk into the mix but I checked prices for last October half term and the prices were broadly similar (although we didn’t end up going for various reasons).

Haven’t been to a Uk CP but the Dutch ones have some amazing facilities that I haven’t seen at the Uk ones so can definitely recommend them.

Supply and demand. But also remember these places have lost a lot of revenue this year. If people are willing to pay it (which they are) then the prices will keep going up.

I imagine that's the stupidly overpriced lodge with a hot tub.

It's a business, out to make a profit - not a charitable concern. Pay it or don't.

Yes it is expensive and cheaper holiday options are available. So take one of those cheaper options.