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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think Center Parcs really isn’t middle class

381 replies

GodAgainstAll · 30/12/2023 16:04

Just spent a few days there for the first time. It’s expensive and the people there seem to be v affluent in terms of clothes/cars, but middle class? I was surprised.

OP posts:
NearlyMonday · 30/12/2023 19:51

catotangent · 30/12/2023 19:38

An all inclusive holiday? There's no such thing as an upmarket all inclusive 🤢

😉

Show quote history

Have you been to Mauritius lately? Most of the hotels are in very secluded locations, making all -inclusive the norm.

Gallowayan · 30/12/2023 19:51

@echt I would guess one of the many pearl clutching 'middle class' wannabees who populate mumsnet

EducatedMummy · 30/12/2023 19:54

I've absolutely no problem with apsirational working class families going to CP, I saw a number of them when we went- and to the snobs commenting, not all working class people have sleeve tattoos and vape sticks!

But if CP is serious about attracting solid middle class families it must offer entertainment geared at cultured educated minds.

Spudlover · 30/12/2023 19:54

Wind them up and watch them go eh OP?

ChocolateCinderToffee · 30/12/2023 19:55

I've never been to Center Parcs or Butlins for that matter but I assumed they were more or less the same, ie catering for people with kids who want them to be entertained 12 hours a day.

I didn't realise there was such a thing as a middle class holiday centre.

Mikimoto · 30/12/2023 19:55

People at CenterParcs middle class? They WISH!

More like nouveau chav. The more expensive it is, the more aspirational they think it is. See also North Face, Canada Goose, Creed perfume. All newly chavvified.

fromhellsheartistabatthee · 30/12/2023 19:55

Who ever imagined it was? And why does it matter?

Livelovebehappy · 30/12/2023 19:56

Reesescheeses · 30/12/2023 19:35

I get you OP. Went on a very expensive all inclusive this year and the amount of tattooos, vaping, obesity, swearing and missing teeth was notable. Sorry to be a snob but I just didn’t want my kids around it.

You are most definitely not a snob if you go on AI holidays, so don’t worry. People who go on AI do it to save money - can stay round the pool all day with the knowledge that they get their nuggets and chips and unbranded booze without having to pay a single penny more than they’ve already laid out. And little Archie and Chantelle, instead of stepping outside the confines of their AI to learn about the culture of the country they visit, can sit and devour bucket loads of ice cream whilst being entertained by the hotel reps….not that I’m judging of course….

belgiumchocolates · 30/12/2023 19:57

Maybe holidays should be segregated by class v income so that ture MC familes are not at risk of exposing their children to high earning working class familes with tatoos and/or missing teeth 😉

NearlyMonday · 30/12/2023 19:59

@Livelovebehappy can I refer you to my comment about 15 mins ago, about AI now being the norm in Mauritius, due to the secluded location of most of the hotels? Not a chicken nugget anywhere to be seen!

Calliopespa · 30/12/2023 20:01

EducatedMummy · 30/12/2023 19:54

I've absolutely no problem with apsirational working class families going to CP, I saw a number of them when we went- and to the snobs commenting, not all working class people have sleeve tattoos and vape sticks!

But if CP is serious about attracting solid middle class families it must offer entertainment geared at cultured educated minds.

“I saw a number of them when we went…”
😂
It’s like lion spotting in Kenya!

Poblano · 30/12/2023 20:01

But if CP is serious about attracting solid middle class families it must offer entertainment geared at cultured educated minds.

I'm interested in hearing what these activities might be @EducatedMummy

I mean I'd count myself as relatively cultured, I have tickets to see a play at the RSC in a few weeks time and have already booked a handful of events at Hay this year, but that's not why I go to Center Parcs. I quite enjoy switching off, working my way through a pile of novels whilst watching squirrels on my patio.

willstarttomorrow · 30/12/2023 20:02

It is Centre Parcs, basically a an upgraded local authority pool in a fenced off bit of wood with some lodges (chalets) scattered about. You have to hand it to their marketing department as this is seen as aspirational (and priced to keep riff raff out- except it does not apparently). Fast food franchises, overpriced activities run by uninterested staff in a bit of srubland just off the motorway. Honestly just book Eurocamp or similar in the sunshine, some of our best holidays with DC.

NearlyMonday · 30/12/2023 20:02

It’s like lion spotting in Kenya!

Hopefully you weren’t on an all -inclusive?!

Maireas · 30/12/2023 20:02

Calliopespa · 30/12/2023 20:01

“I saw a number of them when we went…”
😂
It’s like lion spotting in Kenya!

Show quote history

😂

dingledells · 30/12/2023 20:03

But if CP is serious about attracting solid middle class families it must offer entertainment geared at cultured educated minds

Such as?

ChampagneLassie · 30/12/2023 20:03

My only experience of a Centre Parcs was a spa day at Thetford. I was amazed at how…cheap and common it all felt as the common perception is quite upmarket. The on site eating options, the service, the spa itself was v over priced for what it was. I realise that staying at CP the wider park maybe different but the restaurant options are all very mass market and not places I’d eat. It did make me wonder what the attraction is. I can’t see it myself.

belgiumchocolates · 30/12/2023 20:04

NearlyMonday · 30/12/2023 19:59

@Livelovebehappy can I refer you to my comment about 15 mins ago, about AI now being the norm in Mauritius, due to the secluded location of most of the hotels? Not a chicken nugget anywhere to be seen!

Good to know that Mauritus is a safe space for the middle class 😂

Calliopespa · 30/12/2023 20:04

dingledells · 30/12/2023 20:03

But if CP is serious about attracting solid middle class families it must offer entertainment geared at cultured educated minds

Such as?

Karaoke

NearlyMonday · 30/12/2023 20:04

Bingo?

LangMayYerLumReek2024 · 30/12/2023 20:05

Good grief people it's nearly 2024!

Cannot believe some of the posts on this thread.

Give your heads an absolute wobble.

Calliopespa · 30/12/2023 20:05

NearlyMonday · 30/12/2023 20:02

It’s like lion spotting in Kenya!

Hopefully you weren’t on an all -inclusive?!

Nope. They hadn’t paid the supplement to poo in the pool.

NearlyMonday · 30/12/2023 20:07

Our local David Lloyd had a poo incident last week, nowhere is safe

Bunnycat101 · 30/12/2023 20:07

“My family can get 2, maybe 3 weeks, all inclusive abroad for 4 days in center parcs. Better weather, beach, pool, food cooked for you. no brainer.”

This just can’t be true unless you’re at a properly shit AI and even then seems improbable. 4 days in Center parks next summer was looking like around £1500 for cheapest lodge for 4. I’d love to see what AI would come up for 2 weeks at less than £375 per person. You struggle to get hostel accommodation for that in peak season.

Calliopespa · 30/12/2023 20:08

NearlyMonday · 30/12/2023 20:07

Our local David Lloyd had a poo incident last week, nowhere is safe

It’s when they stop fishing them out that it’s no longer MC.