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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To bother complaining about holiday?

7 replies

Emmaagain13 · 06/08/2025 20:48

Arrived back from a holiday in the UK.

Fairly well known Centre Paris type place, but not Centre Parcs. Paid for the most superior type accommodation.

The pictures looked amazing. Now it did say in the description that the photos may not be of your exact accommodation, but would be of the same type/standard. In the photos there was wooden floors throughout, a modern glossy kitchen, corner sofa, a modern bed with huge comfy headboard in a large bedroom with fancy throws and cushions. We thought we’d booked absolute luxury.

When we arrived we were greeted by stained carpets that were well worn out, stained grubby sofas, a rickety wooden bed crammed into a tiny bedroom (dh couldn’t even fit down the side of the bed), badly made beds and poorly fitting bedding,

Everything was worn out, stained and damaged. The kitchen was dated and damaged worktops, a rusted old radiator, bedroom furniture all damaged and mismatched handles.

It wasn’t even very clean and there was food crumbs left on the table and chairs and food spillage in the fridge. Everything felt sticky and the bathroom stank of piss.

I rang reception upon arrival and told them we weren’t happy and asked to be moved. Was told that this wasn’t possible as they were fully booked. But they said they ask the housekeeping to come up and do a clean.

Housekeeping arrived and asked what’s the problem. They said they’d do a clean and a standards check and started taking photos of the damage. They basically ran the vacuum round.

We were tired from the drive, didn’t want to ruin the dcs holiday so just made the best of it. The site and surroundings were fine and the accommodation although worn out and grubby, it was bearable. But nothing like it was advertised.

Anyway, sorry for rambling. But is it worth bothering to complain now we are home? We have photos of everything but not sure if we will get anywhere.

OP posts:
OtterlyMad · 06/08/2025 21:05

Definitely complain - hope you took photos. You have nothing to lose.

Drivingthevengabus · 06/08/2025 21:08

If you have pictures I'd definitely complain. I understand the photos online won't fe exactly the same as you get but they should be pretty close.

Was it Forest Holidays?

Pancakeflipper · 06/08/2025 21:15

Do complain. Even if you don't get compensation, they might realise they need to improve their standards.

Another one asking if it is Forest ??

OliveWah · 06/08/2025 21:16

I would definitely complain, how disappointing!

Neodymium · 06/08/2025 21:19

Leave a trip advisor review and attach the photos you too to warn others.

Givenupshopping · 06/08/2025 21:19

Definitely complain OP, send them copies of the photos you viewed whilst booking, and those that you took when you were there, pointing out the differences, and tell them that you want a refund, of an amount you believe to be fair, bearing in mind that you did decide to stay, so don't expect a full refund, but maybe 30% refund. Obviously that's just an example as I haven't seen the pictures to judge just how bad it was. I would also state that while housekeeping did a re-clean, it wasn't possible to remove stains on carpets, replace worn out furniture etc., and that you only stayed because you didn't want to spoil your children's holiday. If the company is part of a group, direct your complaint to the CEO, rather than messing around with managers etc. You can quite often find their email if you search online.

hannonle · 06/08/2025 21:19

I think if you booked a certain grade/quality and you didn't get that, then yes you can complain. Be clear in what you felt was wrong and what outcome you want.
Eg if you booked Gold level, but the standard was more like their Bronze offering, then you might ask for a partial refund to price match the lower standard.

Be factual rather than emotional and don't over exaggerate. I wouldn't complain about the lack of fancy throws because that's just extra dressing/staging but you can complain about the stains/damage.

It sounds like you got stuck with one of their older accommodation units that's probably ready for replacement at end of season. It should still be neat, tidy and comparable to the photos. FWIW the static vans where I work are replaced at 4 years old, most parks are 5 years. There's no damage but the carpets etc do show signs of wear towards the end, even with carpet cleaning. If they get really bad then they would be replaced mid-lifespan. The fridge should be totally clean, and a urine-y bathroom would be a big no no. Their cleaning crew definitely don't meet our standard.

Check the online t&cs too and good luck.

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