Pontins Camber Sands, East Sussex, England
Hotel Information
Hotel Description:
Camber Sands offers an abundance of fun-packed games, quizzes and sports to enjoy each and every day. So, whilst the kids take part in exciting activities you're free to take a dip in the indoor heated pool or relax in one of the Centre's lively bars. loading...
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Pontins Camber Sands Reviews
" We have had a holiday at Pontins... "
Submitted By: Mr I Macdonald
We have had a holiday at Pontins Camber Sands for the past 15 years.
My wife used to go with her parents and now we go with our family. We find the place warm and friendly, a little bit of a clean more wouldn't hurt but the idea is to enjoy the entertainment.
It’s not a place to sit in your chalet for the night you might as well stay at home. Every year a party of 15 of us travel down early to get parked up and enjoy the queen Vic pub, the play parks are good for the children and the feeling that they are safe is good.
Other people’s comments about it being a council estate are a little far fetched. It’s not 5 stars but what do you expect for the price you pay.
If the food court is a problem, I recommend taking a few disposable bbq's and cook your own out the front of the chalet. No one seems to mind and its fine with the camp.
As for the entertainment you cannot fault the effort from the blue-coat team if you are up for a laugh then take part in the competitions, the bingo's grate the bar is good, the star cabaret is great we leave every year wanting to go back... which is why we have booked for the summer and for Christmas this year we love this place as much as the kids.
My wife used to go with her parents and now we go with our family. We find the place warm and friendly, a little bit of a clean more wouldn't hurt but the idea is to enjoy the entertainment.
It’s not a place to sit in your chalet for the night you might as well stay at home. Every year a party of 15 of us travel down early to get parked up and enjoy the queen Vic pub, the play parks are good for the children and the feeling that they are safe is good.
Other people’s comments about it being a council estate are a little far fetched. It’s not 5 stars but what do you expect for the price you pay.
If the food court is a problem, I recommend taking a few disposable bbq's and cook your own out the front of the chalet. No one seems to mind and its fine with the camp.
As for the entertainment you cannot fault the effort from the blue-coat team if you are up for a laugh then take part in the competitions, the bingo's grate the bar is good, the star cabaret is great we leave every year wanting to go back... which is why we have booked for the summer and for Christmas this year we love this place as much as the kids.
- Date of Holiday:Aug 2006
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Just back from xmas break, returned... "
Submitted By: Mr M Surtees
Just back from xmas break, returned one day early, everything previously said about bad state of hygiene is true. Our break was cut short by the presence of so called gypsies, pikies, travelers, tinkers or whatever you like to call them.
Even there kids were intimidating, whether it was on play things, swimming pool, arcade, even in the social areas. I was confronted with a procoitive comment from them in the loos, as they were standing drinking and what ever in they get up to. We had my daughter, partner and our two grand kids with me and my wife, and just did not feel safe. Other people were in the same mind, and many left before the end of there break.
I will be making a complaint to Pontins, but I do know from people that been there before, but not again, said it’s happened before. The appearance of the place looks as if has not been attended since the sixties.
Even there kids were intimidating, whether it was on play things, swimming pool, arcade, even in the social areas. I was confronted with a procoitive comment from them in the loos, as they were standing drinking and what ever in they get up to. We had my daughter, partner and our two grand kids with me and my wife, and just did not feel safe. Other people were in the same mind, and many left before the end of there break.
I will be making a complaint to Pontins, but I do know from people that been there before, but not again, said it’s happened before. The appearance of the place looks as if has not been attended since the sixties.
- Date of Holiday:Dec 2006
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Direct Holidays
" Visited Pontins in Camber Sands in... "
Submitted By: Ms S Ford
Visited Pontins in Camber Sands in July 2006. Having read some of the other peoples comments, I have to agree the budget accommodation is basic.
My advice is to book one of the club apartments which cost more but are less basic. You get free electricity, bed linen, towels, a welcome pack including washing up liquid and tea/coffee.
It is more difficult to book this accommodation but worth it. You also get complimentary newspapers and digital TV including cartoon network to keep the kids quiet.
Another advantage is its very close to entertainment centres without being noisy at night like some of the classic apartments opposite the Queen Vic and sand pit.
Camber Sands is a beautiful beach if you are lucky enough to have good weather, and the kids will love the entertainment. My biggest gripe was the lack of decent places to eat.
The restaurant is rarely busy hence the food is often dry and tasteless. If they made the menu more value for money for families (like kiss me Hardy's bogof deals) I am sure it would be a lot busier and the quality would improve or at least be fresh!
Places to eat outside the Camp are also pretty dire, a drive to Rye is well worth it to find a decent meal.
I have stayed in all types of accommodation and definitely recommend the Club apartments to avoid many of the issues, people have listed in their reviews.
My advice is to book one of the club apartments which cost more but are less basic. You get free electricity, bed linen, towels, a welcome pack including washing up liquid and tea/coffee.
It is more difficult to book this accommodation but worth it. You also get complimentary newspapers and digital TV including cartoon network to keep the kids quiet.
Another advantage is its very close to entertainment centres without being noisy at night like some of the classic apartments opposite the Queen Vic and sand pit.
Camber Sands is a beautiful beach if you are lucky enough to have good weather, and the kids will love the entertainment. My biggest gripe was the lack of decent places to eat.
The restaurant is rarely busy hence the food is often dry and tasteless. If they made the menu more value for money for families (like kiss me Hardy's bogof deals) I am sure it would be a lot busier and the quality would improve or at least be fresh!
Places to eat outside the Camp are also pretty dire, a drive to Rye is well worth it to find a decent meal.
I have stayed in all types of accommodation and definitely recommend the Club apartments to avoid many of the issues, people have listed in their reviews.
- Date of Holiday:Jul 2006
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Pontins
" I had read the reviews on this site... "
Submitted By: clares
I had read the reviews on this site about a week before we left home and to be honest thought that people were probably making a fuss about nothing. Roughing it a bit is surely part of the holiday club experience.
How wrong we were! Let me start by saying that we have left 4 nights early as we just couldn't take anymore filth. When we arrived our room hadn't been cleaned. We arrived to the last people's dirty linen, washing up and towels. We complained and our room was cleaned and we were then left with no towels at all!
We arrived on a Fri and had no hot water until the Sun even though we asked for it to be looked at on 5 occasions. The shower flooded due to the amount of hair in the plug hole and everywhere was damp. The floor was filthy and covered in old food, stains and gum. The walls were bug splattered. The walls, curtains, shower; window frames were all covered in mould. The shower was disgusting. The loo brush and handle were brown. The window locks were broke and the sliding door shut with a huge gap.
The main entertainment room wasn't bad but kid’s entertainment never started till about 8.30 when most of the kids are starting to climb the walls. The main entertainment was then moved to the smaller Lunar Bar where they tried to pack in double the amount of people that would be advised. Really was standing room only. As enthusiastic as the Blue Coats are, their energy really didn't make up for the lack of management and the entertainment suffered for this with really dated and cheap evening acts and routines.
There is one small key operated lift to the upstairs area mainly for the use of the disabled (both my kids are). The management want you to 'hire' a key by handing over a £10 deposit?!? They say this is to stop it being vandalised. I say stop letting groups of kids book rooms on their own and then selling them alcohol. There's nothing like being woken to full volume music and looking out to see a group of underage kids dancing with cans of Stella at 8 in the morning!
No matter how common you think you are this holiday will make you feel like the biggest snob going. If I'd have wanted to live in a bed sit on one of the roughest council estates going I would have put my name on the list.
If you've already paid your money like we had, go but take loads of cleaning stuff and be prepared for a fight to get a good room. We spoke to other families who had to try 4 different rooms to get a clean one where everything worked.
If you're thinking of going.....don’t!
How wrong we were! Let me start by saying that we have left 4 nights early as we just couldn't take anymore filth. When we arrived our room hadn't been cleaned. We arrived to the last people's dirty linen, washing up and towels. We complained and our room was cleaned and we were then left with no towels at all!
We arrived on a Fri and had no hot water until the Sun even though we asked for it to be looked at on 5 occasions. The shower flooded due to the amount of hair in the plug hole and everywhere was damp. The floor was filthy and covered in old food, stains and gum. The walls were bug splattered. The walls, curtains, shower; window frames were all covered in mould. The shower was disgusting. The loo brush and handle were brown. The window locks were broke and the sliding door shut with a huge gap.
The main entertainment room wasn't bad but kid’s entertainment never started till about 8.30 when most of the kids are starting to climb the walls. The main entertainment was then moved to the smaller Lunar Bar where they tried to pack in double the amount of people that would be advised. Really was standing room only. As enthusiastic as the Blue Coats are, their energy really didn't make up for the lack of management and the entertainment suffered for this with really dated and cheap evening acts and routines.
There is one small key operated lift to the upstairs area mainly for the use of the disabled (both my kids are). The management want you to 'hire' a key by handing over a £10 deposit?!? They say this is to stop it being vandalised. I say stop letting groups of kids book rooms on their own and then selling them alcohol. There's nothing like being woken to full volume music and looking out to see a group of underage kids dancing with cans of Stella at 8 in the morning!
No matter how common you think you are this holiday will make you feel like the biggest snob going. If I'd have wanted to live in a bed sit on one of the roughest council estates going I would have put my name on the list.
If you've already paid your money like we had, go but take loads of cleaning stuff and be prepared for a fight to get a good room. We spoke to other families who had to try 4 different rooms to get a clean one where everything worked.
If you're thinking of going.....don’t!
- Date of Holiday:Sep 2006
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Pontins
" After we were given the keys to our... "
Submitted By: Ms E Bertie
After we were given the keys to our apartment, upon entering it, we found the floor of the apartment to be full of dust and dirt and our feet were sticking to the floor. My husband told my 2 year old daughter and I to wait outside with our luggage whilst he swept and cleaned the floor. He managed to sweep up a full pile of dirt before we even set foot in the door.
There was dirt and dust everywhere, under the dining table, behind the sofa bed was a thick pile of filth. Once we were in the apartment we noticed more dirt, the kitchen sink drainer was blocked with scum which smelt absolutely awful, we couldn’t even cook or eat in the kitchen area because we were so disgusted with the smell and dirt. The side of the stove was stacked with dirt, oil, old food and dust and pieces of old soap etc. When I attempted to turn on the cooker to warm up my babys’ food, smoke rose from the cooker due to old burnt on oil that the whole apartment had succumbed to the fumes. We had to open the doors and windows so we didn’t suffocate.
After about 2 hours in the apartment we decided to venture out and see if we could find entertainment in the park. Apart from the sandpit area with swings etc and the jumping castle, which my 2 year old was frightened to go on because there was a group of older more boisterous children on it, there was nothing for her to do. We tried to go into the painting room where they have arts etc, and there was no space for my daughter to sit or paint, no one bothered to try and accommodate her either. More parents were sitting on the chairs then children. The place also, didn’t look very clean or well kept.
We then went to the swimming pool and were horrified to discover the child’s pool again was filled with adults and barely any children. We understand that parents sometimes have to accompany their children but where there are more parents then children, leaves little room for other children to join in. Anyway, we didn’t manage to get a swim at all.
We went back to the apartment deflated and disappointed with a crying child to prepare for the evening. Whilst unpacking, my husband found a rolled up bundle of dirty linen under the bed my baby was meant to use. We were horrified. We then decided to have a shower and noticed that the shower was either blowing extremely hot or extremely cold no matter which setting it was on. On top of that, it was leaking onto the bathroom floor. The toilet wasn’t cleaned properly either and we wouldn’t allow our daughter to use it at all for fear of her catching germs.
The pots in the kitchen were not cleaned properly at all and had burnt food stuck to them. The cutlery was filthy as well and instead of using it, I had to ask my husband to go out and buy some disposable cutlery including cups and plates.
Our holiday was meant to be for 3 nights from Friday to Monday. We left the apartment after the first night.
Needless to say, it was the worst experience of our lives and I could certainly not keep my daughter exposed to those conditions, we definitely had no other choice other then to pack our bags and go home. Both myself and my husband have full time jobs which are extremely stressful, the time we take for holidays or vacation is very very important to us and we always try to make the most of the time we spend with our daughter. To say that this was a disaster is an understatement. Our holiday was ruined.
Considering that we had booked a “classic apartment” beggars belief. I wonder what the basic or standard accommodation was like. We feel cheated, even though we bought the holiday on a special offer, we still expected at the very least to have a clean habitable apartment which was safe for our family.
Good luck if you decide to go there. Our apartment neighbour also left after the first night due to the same problems we faced. The filth, noise etc and even complained of finding condoms in the public toilets! Oh well, at least we were spared of that. It was full of chavs. It was filthy and looked like a run down council estate! Never ever ever again. I had pre-booked a holiday to Haven for October and I pray to God that it’s a site better then Pontins. Having previously been to Butlins in Bognor Regis were loved, we still have hope.
There was dirt and dust everywhere, under the dining table, behind the sofa bed was a thick pile of filth. Once we were in the apartment we noticed more dirt, the kitchen sink drainer was blocked with scum which smelt absolutely awful, we couldn’t even cook or eat in the kitchen area because we were so disgusted with the smell and dirt. The side of the stove was stacked with dirt, oil, old food and dust and pieces of old soap etc. When I attempted to turn on the cooker to warm up my babys’ food, smoke rose from the cooker due to old burnt on oil that the whole apartment had succumbed to the fumes. We had to open the doors and windows so we didn’t suffocate.
After about 2 hours in the apartment we decided to venture out and see if we could find entertainment in the park. Apart from the sandpit area with swings etc and the jumping castle, which my 2 year old was frightened to go on because there was a group of older more boisterous children on it, there was nothing for her to do. We tried to go into the painting room where they have arts etc, and there was no space for my daughter to sit or paint, no one bothered to try and accommodate her either. More parents were sitting on the chairs then children. The place also, didn’t look very clean or well kept.
We then went to the swimming pool and were horrified to discover the child’s pool again was filled with adults and barely any children. We understand that parents sometimes have to accompany their children but where there are more parents then children, leaves little room for other children to join in. Anyway, we didn’t manage to get a swim at all.
We went back to the apartment deflated and disappointed with a crying child to prepare for the evening. Whilst unpacking, my husband found a rolled up bundle of dirty linen under the bed my baby was meant to use. We were horrified. We then decided to have a shower and noticed that the shower was either blowing extremely hot or extremely cold no matter which setting it was on. On top of that, it was leaking onto the bathroom floor. The toilet wasn’t cleaned properly either and we wouldn’t allow our daughter to use it at all for fear of her catching germs.
The pots in the kitchen were not cleaned properly at all and had burnt food stuck to them. The cutlery was filthy as well and instead of using it, I had to ask my husband to go out and buy some disposable cutlery including cups and plates.
Our holiday was meant to be for 3 nights from Friday to Monday. We left the apartment after the first night.
Needless to say, it was the worst experience of our lives and I could certainly not keep my daughter exposed to those conditions, we definitely had no other choice other then to pack our bags and go home. Both myself and my husband have full time jobs which are extremely stressful, the time we take for holidays or vacation is very very important to us and we always try to make the most of the time we spend with our daughter. To say that this was a disaster is an understatement. Our holiday was ruined.
Considering that we had booked a “classic apartment” beggars belief. I wonder what the basic or standard accommodation was like. We feel cheated, even though we bought the holiday on a special offer, we still expected at the very least to have a clean habitable apartment which was safe for our family.
Good luck if you decide to go there. Our apartment neighbour also left after the first night due to the same problems we faced. The filth, noise etc and even complained of finding condoms in the public toilets! Oh well, at least we were spared of that. It was full of chavs. It was filthy and looked like a run down council estate! Never ever ever again. I had pre-booked a holiday to Haven for October and I pray to God that it’s a site better then Pontins. Having previously been to Butlins in Bognor Regis were loved, we still have hope.
- Date of Holiday:Sep 2006
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked IndependentlySun Holiday
" On arrival we noticed the camp looked... "
Submitted By: Mrs M Moores
On arrival we noticed the camp looked like it needed a general clean up from the Pontins sign greeting you to the staffs dirty clothing. Entering reception we were welcomed by a rude and ignorant member off staff, not very helpful and full of enthusiasm to be a member of the Pontins staff. Ha!
It didn't get much better when we saw our "first" chalet - The mould on the curtains, the living room looking as dirty as it was, the rusting fridge, unclean bathroom and I wish all children to have as much fun as possible, but to use the front of the chalet that we were to be living in for the week as the goal reminded me of a run down council estate were the lack of parental guidance is evident.
The young man who helped at customer services was very helpful and I must say very polite and understanding. We were offered a different room. As the journey was around 5 hrs + the booking in time our two children were tired and cranky so we managed to settle in this room at around 9.00 on arrival day.
Looking around the room the next morning we noticed the carpet had not been cleaned properly, toe nail clippings in the utensil draw, mould in the bathroom, a used shaver in the shower, a used shaver head stuck between the wall and the flooring, the basin plug in the toilet brush holder and some unspeakable nasties under one bed.
The accommodation office, to their credit, came to the room and cleaned it up "to the best of their ability" which was OK but not brilliant.
Hungry at Pontins, then if you like school dinners then you are at home. There is an option for fast food but if you can wait 15 to 20 minutes and if they actually have what you want then no problem.
The blue coat and PGL activities for the children were good. Night time entertainment OK, but not brilliant. Not that much for the adults to do.
The beach is well worth visiting as we did and is only about 5 minutes from the Pontins site once you go through the Gestapo at the gate. Stay away from the chippie just outside the gate on the left - dear and nasty.
We were looking forward to a swim but we were advised by a member of staff that they would not let their children swim in the pool.
I feel sorry for the staff on site as their accommodation is much worse than any of the holiday makers’ chalets. No wonder some of the staff are not friendly and dirty.
One morning we noticed part of a door across from our apartment had been boarded up and a window boarded up on the next block - what went on, who knows.
We asked ourselves why did we not leave on the first day. Answer - we didn't want to upset the children as we did actually use the chalet as a base. The children had a really good time.
Pontins could actually sort out the site by raising it to the ground and invest in a new modern complex were the staff are trained correctly, well presented, a choice and more healthy menu, more activities for the whole family to enjoy and make the site more disable friendly.
It didn't get much better when we saw our "first" chalet - The mould on the curtains, the living room looking as dirty as it was, the rusting fridge, unclean bathroom and I wish all children to have as much fun as possible, but to use the front of the chalet that we were to be living in for the week as the goal reminded me of a run down council estate were the lack of parental guidance is evident.
The young man who helped at customer services was very helpful and I must say very polite and understanding. We were offered a different room. As the journey was around 5 hrs + the booking in time our two children were tired and cranky so we managed to settle in this room at around 9.00 on arrival day.
Looking around the room the next morning we noticed the carpet had not been cleaned properly, toe nail clippings in the utensil draw, mould in the bathroom, a used shaver in the shower, a used shaver head stuck between the wall and the flooring, the basin plug in the toilet brush holder and some unspeakable nasties under one bed.
The accommodation office, to their credit, came to the room and cleaned it up "to the best of their ability" which was OK but not brilliant.
Hungry at Pontins, then if you like school dinners then you are at home. There is an option for fast food but if you can wait 15 to 20 minutes and if they actually have what you want then no problem.
The blue coat and PGL activities for the children were good. Night time entertainment OK, but not brilliant. Not that much for the adults to do.
The beach is well worth visiting as we did and is only about 5 minutes from the Pontins site once you go through the Gestapo at the gate. Stay away from the chippie just outside the gate on the left - dear and nasty.
We were looking forward to a swim but we were advised by a member of staff that they would not let their children swim in the pool.
I feel sorry for the staff on site as their accommodation is much worse than any of the holiday makers’ chalets. No wonder some of the staff are not friendly and dirty.
One morning we noticed part of a door across from our apartment had been boarded up and a window boarded up on the next block - what went on, who knows.
We asked ourselves why did we not leave on the first day. Answer - we didn't want to upset the children as we did actually use the chalet as a base. The children had a really good time.
Pontins could actually sort out the site by raising it to the ground and invest in a new modern complex were the staff are trained correctly, well presented, a choice and more healthy menu, more activities for the whole family to enjoy and make the site more disable friendly.
- Date of Holiday:Aug 2006
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" What sprung to mind when we entered... "
Submitted By: Mrs A Jenkinson
What sprung to mind when we entered the camp was CONCENTRATION CAMP.
After waiting in a very long queue for our keys we headed for our chalet, the smell of urine was strong and the loo had not been cleaned for weeks. The beds were ok and already made up with clean (damp) sheets.
The drawers to put your clothes in had no backs to them and clothes kept falling down the back of the unit, the kitchen was very basic and hardly any utensils, the frying pan and the 1 oven tray were rusty.
Luckily we planned to eat out most evenings and just had toast and boiled eggs in the mornings. The shower was a nightmare as you had to press a button for it to come on and it kept going off so you were washing your hair and the shower would switch off and you had to fumble around to press the button again. My husband got so mad with it he pushed it so hard it took 10 minutes to go off.
Luckily I had read some reviews and new what to expect and went armed with bleach, wipes and ant powder.
The food on the camp was bad, the pizza place did not have half the stuff most of the time and we had a pineapple pizza one night as that’s all they had. Next to that was the burger place that looked like it needed a damn good clean and the staff as well
The restaurant was ok but the staff were so slow to serve your food on to the plate it was always cold by the time you finally sat down (but I think it was not that warm to start with).
We went to the kids entertainment but this was always late starting and very dragged out and because my daughter is 3 she got bored and fed up of waiting but older kids seemed to enjoy it and the blue coats were very good with them.
At one point my 3 year old had gone off with my older 2 and my husband and me were sat there watching the kids entertainment. (Good excuse for another drink)
We never did the adult entertainment so I can't comment.
There is plenty to do in the day if the kids want to do it (my older 2 complained about being bored but wouldn't do the activities) but not a lot for adults. I would have loved the archery, quad biking, shooting etc but this seemed only for the kids. Great sand pit and play area which my little one loved.
The queen vic pub was a great pub which did video horse, dog racing and pub quizzes during the day which was good fun.
Take earplugs as the seagulls are a noisy pain first thing in the morning and plenty of clothes, because you get pooped on.
Overall we had a good holiday and a nice break and we learned to laugh about the negative things (especially the shower) and the weather was not too bad (could of been a nightmare if it rained)
The beach was lovely and we spent the whole day there and it’s not too far from the camp. Avoid the chippie outside the camp (NASTY).
If you go take with you:
Bleach
Earplugs
Ant powder
Anti bacterial wipes
Kitchen utensils
and a good sense of humour!
After waiting in a very long queue for our keys we headed for our chalet, the smell of urine was strong and the loo had not been cleaned for weeks. The beds were ok and already made up with clean (damp) sheets.
The drawers to put your clothes in had no backs to them and clothes kept falling down the back of the unit, the kitchen was very basic and hardly any utensils, the frying pan and the 1 oven tray were rusty.
Luckily we planned to eat out most evenings and just had toast and boiled eggs in the mornings. The shower was a nightmare as you had to press a button for it to come on and it kept going off so you were washing your hair and the shower would switch off and you had to fumble around to press the button again. My husband got so mad with it he pushed it so hard it took 10 minutes to go off.
Luckily I had read some reviews and new what to expect and went armed with bleach, wipes and ant powder.
The food on the camp was bad, the pizza place did not have half the stuff most of the time and we had a pineapple pizza one night as that’s all they had. Next to that was the burger place that looked like it needed a damn good clean and the staff as well
The restaurant was ok but the staff were so slow to serve your food on to the plate it was always cold by the time you finally sat down (but I think it was not that warm to start with).
We went to the kids entertainment but this was always late starting and very dragged out and because my daughter is 3 she got bored and fed up of waiting but older kids seemed to enjoy it and the blue coats were very good with them.
At one point my 3 year old had gone off with my older 2 and my husband and me were sat there watching the kids entertainment. (Good excuse for another drink)
We never did the adult entertainment so I can't comment.
There is plenty to do in the day if the kids want to do it (my older 2 complained about being bored but wouldn't do the activities) but not a lot for adults. I would have loved the archery, quad biking, shooting etc but this seemed only for the kids. Great sand pit and play area which my little one loved.
The queen vic pub was a great pub which did video horse, dog racing and pub quizzes during the day which was good fun.
Take earplugs as the seagulls are a noisy pain first thing in the morning and plenty of clothes, because you get pooped on.
Overall we had a good holiday and a nice break and we learned to laugh about the negative things (especially the shower) and the weather was not too bad (could of been a nightmare if it rained)
The beach was lovely and we spent the whole day there and it’s not too far from the camp. Avoid the chippie outside the camp (NASTY).
If you go take with you:
Bleach
Earplugs
Ant powder
Anti bacterial wipes
Kitchen utensils
and a good sense of humour!
- Date of Holiday:Aug 2006
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" The worst place I have ever been to.... "
Submitted By: Mrs C Rosmon
The worst place I have ever been to. Did not even bother staying. £239 for 3 night self-catering, should have given the money away. Dirty, out of date, none of the machines work and no one to help you.
Would not go here ever if you paid me! Rip off, rubbish tip would have made a better place to stay. Nice beach though!
Would not go here ever if you paid me! Rip off, rubbish tip would have made a better place to stay. Nice beach though!
- Date of Holiday:Aug 2005
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" All I can say is some people must... "
Submitted By: Mrs V Powell
All I can say is some people must have chronically low standards on here.
I went a year ago but happened to drop on this link. Its quite the biggest dump I have ever been too. I loved holiday camps when I was a kid and as this one is only 30 miles from us it was an easy option. My husband who hates camps and is pretty fussy on standards went reluctantly as I said it would be ok, I had been to Butlins around 10 years ago and it was fine.
Well all I can say is filthy, boring, half the stuff not working, nothing particularly good for kids and certainly no taking a 7 year old off your hands for even an hour a day. Full of gross people, with a few families who had the kind of faces on them that we did as if to say what the hell made me come here. Over £600 for the worst time I have ever had (and we only stayed 3 days) out of the 7, gave it up as a bad job and went home. The entertainment was pretty naff (like a bad evening on ITV 20 years ago)
Why the hell don’t they sell the site for redevelopment. Its a perfectly viable proposition done from scratch to the standards that most normal families these days would expect. As someone else said it’s like spending a week on a run down council estate.
I am about to book a weekend at Butlins and Bognor and hopefully they will have kept their standards raised higher than this.
I went a year ago but happened to drop on this link. Its quite the biggest dump I have ever been too. I loved holiday camps when I was a kid and as this one is only 30 miles from us it was an easy option. My husband who hates camps and is pretty fussy on standards went reluctantly as I said it would be ok, I had been to Butlins around 10 years ago and it was fine.
Well all I can say is filthy, boring, half the stuff not working, nothing particularly good for kids and certainly no taking a 7 year old off your hands for even an hour a day. Full of gross people, with a few families who had the kind of faces on them that we did as if to say what the hell made me come here. Over £600 for the worst time I have ever had (and we only stayed 3 days) out of the 7, gave it up as a bad job and went home. The entertainment was pretty naff (like a bad evening on ITV 20 years ago)
Why the hell don’t they sell the site for redevelopment. Its a perfectly viable proposition done from scratch to the standards that most normal families these days would expect. As someone else said it’s like spending a week on a run down council estate.
I am about to book a weekend at Butlins and Bognor and hopefully they will have kept their standards raised higher than this.
- Date of Holiday:Aug 2005
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" We have just come back from a long... "
Submitted By: Mrs S Turi
We have just come back from a long weekend at Pontins and hated it. The rooms were so dirty, we moved one of the beds out of the second bedroom so that we could fit a travel cot in and there was thick dust all over the floor and walls. Also when we opened the fridge the freezer part was completely frozen up with mould all over the door.
We decided to go for a drink in despair, and when we got our plastic cups they were covered in lipstick. When we complained about this, the young barman just transferred our drinks into another plastic cup and was very rude.
The main building where you go for the entertainment is falling apart. The lift did not work which is very silly as the children entertainment is up steep steps and if you have a buggy, you have no chance of getting up there. Also most of the toilets did not work, but you would not want to use them anyway. Windows were also broken at the top of the building.
The whole place reminded me of a run down council estate and my advise is don't go, in less you want to waste your money.
We decided to go for a drink in despair, and when we got our plastic cups they were covered in lipstick. When we complained about this, the young barman just transferred our drinks into another plastic cup and was very rude.
The main building where you go for the entertainment is falling apart. The lift did not work which is very silly as the children entertainment is up steep steps and if you have a buggy, you have no chance of getting up there. Also most of the toilets did not work, but you would not want to use them anyway. Windows were also broken at the top of the building.
The whole place reminded me of a run down council estate and my advise is don't go, in less you want to waste your money.
- Date of Holiday:Aug 2006
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" We have just returned from Camber... "
Submitted By: Mrs S Makepeace-Lane
We have just returned from Camber Sands after spending a week there. I was very worried after reading the reviews on here but I needn't have worried. On arrival we headed off to get our key which only took 5 minutes and we received our welcome pack, vouchers and directions and realised that we were in the second block nearest the main entertainment building.
We were on first floor in the middle and agree that we were happy to be away from the metal stairs. I took antibacterial wipes with me but was pleased that I didn't need to use them too much. Chalet was very basic even though it was a classic and there was not much in the way of utensils but as we were eating out it didn't matter. Bedding was clean but the beds were terrible. So uncomfortable and the sofa bed! No further comment, sit on the floor, its more comfy. Only other problem was when you sat on the loo it moved from side to side. Screws missing I think.
PGL activities were fantastic. My kids went to nearly everything and the staff were out of this world. Need to find an archery club in our town now! The pool was great when you can get in it because we got asked to leave twice because a child had been sick in the pool and it would take 2 hours to clean it. Then on Thursday it rained in the morning so we decided to go to the pool to find it closed due to technical difficulties!
Food was poor. Pizzas 2 day wait for them to be made if they have actually got the cheese to make them. Casey's was nearly as bad and the food at the Sands Restaurant was stone cold. But on the plus side there is a fantastic Fish and Chip shop just off site that sells some of the best chips my Husband had tasted.
The evening entertainment was ok but the venues were far too smoky for my husband who has asthma. Will be better next year when no one will be able to smoke. Nevertheless my kids spent the evenings in the playground, doing PGL activities (on til 9.00 in the evening) or in the arcade. They did so much during the day that they were so tired in the evening that we went back to the chalet by 10.00 most nights. Mind you, you will need to try and sleep during the dark coz the stupid seagulls (or albatrosses as we called them coz they were huge) will start squawking as soon as its light and you will hear them!
Overall we had a great time and my two boys (10 and 8) did not want to come home. Looking to book again next year but at Wall Park Devon this time as traffic on the M25 was awful going home.
We were on first floor in the middle and agree that we were happy to be away from the metal stairs. I took antibacterial wipes with me but was pleased that I didn't need to use them too much. Chalet was very basic even though it was a classic and there was not much in the way of utensils but as we were eating out it didn't matter. Bedding was clean but the beds were terrible. So uncomfortable and the sofa bed! No further comment, sit on the floor, its more comfy. Only other problem was when you sat on the loo it moved from side to side. Screws missing I think.
PGL activities were fantastic. My kids went to nearly everything and the staff were out of this world. Need to find an archery club in our town now! The pool was great when you can get in it because we got asked to leave twice because a child had been sick in the pool and it would take 2 hours to clean it. Then on Thursday it rained in the morning so we decided to go to the pool to find it closed due to technical difficulties!
Food was poor. Pizzas 2 day wait for them to be made if they have actually got the cheese to make them. Casey's was nearly as bad and the food at the Sands Restaurant was stone cold. But on the plus side there is a fantastic Fish and Chip shop just off site that sells some of the best chips my Husband had tasted.
The evening entertainment was ok but the venues were far too smoky for my husband who has asthma. Will be better next year when no one will be able to smoke. Nevertheless my kids spent the evenings in the playground, doing PGL activities (on til 9.00 in the evening) or in the arcade. They did so much during the day that they were so tired in the evening that we went back to the chalet by 10.00 most nights. Mind you, you will need to try and sleep during the dark coz the stupid seagulls (or albatrosses as we called them coz they were huge) will start squawking as soon as its light and you will hear them!
Overall we had a great time and my two boys (10 and 8) did not want to come home. Looking to book again next year but at Wall Park Devon this time as traffic on the M25 was awful going home.
- Date of Holiday:Jul 2006
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Having read the reviews of other... "
Submitted By: ana from the beach
Having read the reviews of other visitors I was terrified that I had booked a holiday where we would be at least mugged, poisoned then eaten by giant rats while lying in a pit of rubble! On arriving at Pontins we were given a welcome pack and directions to the apartment which we found to be basic but clean.
The shower had a small amount of mould on it but I put this down to age not cleaning. Everything else was ok. We had taken our own sheets just in case, but didn’t need them. The kitchen was poorly stocked with cutlery and crockery but as we planned to eat out this wasn't a problem for us. The apartment was numbered in the 600's and our neighbours were fine, different values but the kids played altogether. We had no yobs nearby and were not troubled by noise, except the flipping seagulls which are the size of dogs and just as loud!
The kids stuff was fine and the PGL staff very good. Sand pit was clean and well kept as was the pool. We didn’t do nightly entertainment as our kids loved the sand so much we never made it inside.
The area was beautiful, the beach perfect, if only the Brits would learn to take guidance from beach flags and beach patrols! Rye is nearby and lovely as is Hastings. The food in the camp was horrible and getting a pizza there was a major trial of endurance. I would say go elsewhere but there is very little nearby. Make sure you eat before 8pm or you are out of luck. Take food with you or you might starve also plenty of money as its mega expensive. Having great weather helped, I can imagine in the rain it would be dire but for us with a girl of 10 and a boy of 11, it was ok. Oh and Pontins staff were there to answer any questions but I was always left slightly perplexed and feeling that they might actually be androids and not real people at all!
Also remember to pack long trousers and long sleeved tops for the kids activities.
The shower had a small amount of mould on it but I put this down to age not cleaning. Everything else was ok. We had taken our own sheets just in case, but didn’t need them. The kitchen was poorly stocked with cutlery and crockery but as we planned to eat out this wasn't a problem for us. The apartment was numbered in the 600's and our neighbours were fine, different values but the kids played altogether. We had no yobs nearby and were not troubled by noise, except the flipping seagulls which are the size of dogs and just as loud!
The kids stuff was fine and the PGL staff very good. Sand pit was clean and well kept as was the pool. We didn’t do nightly entertainment as our kids loved the sand so much we never made it inside.
The area was beautiful, the beach perfect, if only the Brits would learn to take guidance from beach flags and beach patrols! Rye is nearby and lovely as is Hastings. The food in the camp was horrible and getting a pizza there was a major trial of endurance. I would say go elsewhere but there is very little nearby. Make sure you eat before 8pm or you are out of luck. Take food with you or you might starve also plenty of money as its mega expensive. Having great weather helped, I can imagine in the rain it would be dire but for us with a girl of 10 and a boy of 11, it was ok. Oh and Pontins staff were there to answer any questions but I was always left slightly perplexed and feeling that they might actually be androids and not real people at all!
Also remember to pack long trousers and long sleeved tops for the kids activities.
- Date of Holiday:Jul 2006
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" The rooms are very dirty and... "
Submitted By: Miss D Valentine
The rooms are very dirty and unpleasant however I must say that you are paying for what you get. We loved the beach and spent nearly everyday there.
The location is superb, a short drive to Hastings Ang Rye, however returning back to the chalet brought disappointment. I would go again as we did find it entertaining. And the accommodation just made us giggle. We didn’t take it too seriously.
(And for the entertainment. Well we couldn’t keep straight faces), I suppose then it was quite good entertainment. With a very high cheese factor!
The location is superb, a short drive to Hastings Ang Rye, however returning back to the chalet brought disappointment. I would go again as we did find it entertaining. And the accommodation just made us giggle. We didn’t take it too seriously.
(And for the entertainment. Well we couldn’t keep straight faces), I suppose then it was quite good entertainment. With a very high cheese factor!
- Date of Holiday:Aug 2005
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" We booked for a 4-night stay and... "
Submitted By: Mr RJ Thomson
We booked for a 4-night stay and should have left after one....
It was only because our 2 little ones (3 and 4 years old) were so looking forward to our trip that we stayed.
The room was appalling. Nothing was clean. I spent the first 2 hours scrubbing all the utensils, cups, plates, saucepans (what few there were). The grill didn't fit the slots on the cooker so we had to support it on 4 cups to get it near enough to make toast. We wished we had brought our slippers just so that we could keep our feet clean.
If, after reading this you still insist on visiting this hovel, please bring some sort of anti-bacterial wipes, cloths, bleach etc.
The whole camp had an odd smell of stale urine. The urine smell of the chalet however, was fresh and was only spoiled by the overpowering musty smell of stale cigarette smoke, mould and general filth.
Admittedly, my wife and I have been used to 3-week all-inclusive trips to the Indian Ocean. However, we knew that we were going cheap…….BUT cheap should not mean squalor. As it is, we booked a “classic”. I cannot begin to imagine what the “budget” rooms are like.
I am no snob (but am rapidly becoming one). Most of the other guests had no respect for themselves, their children or others. All we could hear were parents shouting to their 4 year-olds “shut the f*** up, you little sh** and do what the f*** I tells yer” or some other choice phrase which contained words that my offspring had never heard before. We wondered whether the Benefits Office had been giving out Pontins holiday vouchers instead of the usual giro.
Having put our exhausted children to bed at 9pm (nearly 2 hours after their usual bedtime) we then had to move them to different beds to try and keep them from the constant noise of drunken yobs and kids playing football (crashing against windows and doors) ‘til midnight. It was a warm week but our children had to sleep with the windows closed too. You can call security, but all they do is stroll past a couple of times and say nothing.
The restaurant floor contained dropped food that we knew had not been on the menu for days. They seemed to keep the doors open ‘til late, presumably in the hope that the rats would come in and clean up for them. But the rats seem to be smarter than the guests are and left the offerings well alone.
What little evening entertainment we stayed up to watch was OK and the “Bluecoats” seem to try their best. Our children found the music too load on occasion. The shame of it all was that the kids were keen to stay up for the shows but were too exhausted from being kept awake the previous night.
If you have now read all this and STILL want to go to Pontins (or you are unable to cancel), here is my checklist of advice:
Get a room on the first floor (not the ground), preferably in the middle of a row - away from the “clanging” metal staircases. Keep as far away from the entertainment as possible – less drunken traffic at night. I presume (a dangerous thing) that the “Club” rooms are better, so get one of them.
Bring (and use) earplugs.
Bring fans or better still, an air-conditioning unit as you will have to keep the windows closed and it gets hot.
Bring a Hoover, bleach, air freshener etc.
Pack some footwear for the rooms.
Check your health insurance covers you for botulism, cholera and typhoid.
Best advice……………DON’T GO
I feel that I have to end on a positive note…….. The beach is great.
It was only because our 2 little ones (3 and 4 years old) were so looking forward to our trip that we stayed.
The room was appalling. Nothing was clean. I spent the first 2 hours scrubbing all the utensils, cups, plates, saucepans (what few there were). The grill didn't fit the slots on the cooker so we had to support it on 4 cups to get it near enough to make toast. We wished we had brought our slippers just so that we could keep our feet clean.
If, after reading this you still insist on visiting this hovel, please bring some sort of anti-bacterial wipes, cloths, bleach etc.
The whole camp had an odd smell of stale urine. The urine smell of the chalet however, was fresh and was only spoiled by the overpowering musty smell of stale cigarette smoke, mould and general filth.
Admittedly, my wife and I have been used to 3-week all-inclusive trips to the Indian Ocean. However, we knew that we were going cheap…….BUT cheap should not mean squalor. As it is, we booked a “classic”. I cannot begin to imagine what the “budget” rooms are like.
I am no snob (but am rapidly becoming one). Most of the other guests had no respect for themselves, their children or others. All we could hear were parents shouting to their 4 year-olds “shut the f*** up, you little sh** and do what the f*** I tells yer” or some other choice phrase which contained words that my offspring had never heard before. We wondered whether the Benefits Office had been giving out Pontins holiday vouchers instead of the usual giro.
Having put our exhausted children to bed at 9pm (nearly 2 hours after their usual bedtime) we then had to move them to different beds to try and keep them from the constant noise of drunken yobs and kids playing football (crashing against windows and doors) ‘til midnight. It was a warm week but our children had to sleep with the windows closed too. You can call security, but all they do is stroll past a couple of times and say nothing.
The restaurant floor contained dropped food that we knew had not been on the menu for days. They seemed to keep the doors open ‘til late, presumably in the hope that the rats would come in and clean up for them. But the rats seem to be smarter than the guests are and left the offerings well alone.
What little evening entertainment we stayed up to watch was OK and the “Bluecoats” seem to try their best. Our children found the music too load on occasion. The shame of it all was that the kids were keen to stay up for the shows but were too exhausted from being kept awake the previous night.
If you have now read all this and STILL want to go to Pontins (or you are unable to cancel), here is my checklist of advice:
Get a room on the first floor (not the ground), preferably in the middle of a row - away from the “clanging” metal staircases. Keep as far away from the entertainment as possible – less drunken traffic at night. I presume (a dangerous thing) that the “Club” rooms are better, so get one of them.
Bring (and use) earplugs.
Bring fans or better still, an air-conditioning unit as you will have to keep the windows closed and it gets hot.
Bring a Hoover, bleach, air freshener etc.
Pack some footwear for the rooms.
Check your health insurance covers you for botulism, cholera and typhoid.
Best advice……………DON’T GO
I feel that I have to end on a positive note…….. The beach is great.
- Date of Holiday:Jul 2006
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
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The children were well looked after and even got a free present from Santa on Xmas day.
The blues worked very hard and finally got to see the entertainments manager. Her team do a fab job. Good entertainment and a good atmosphere.
Have already booked for next year Feb half term and summer and New Year breaks.
Pontins do a very good pricing scheme if already on holiday and rebooking. Well done.
Thanks to Carl and Tasha for a fab dance too, my girls loved it.