Pontins Camber Sands

1 reader found this review helpful

this was without doubt the worst 4 days of my life,i need another holiday to get over this mess,the whole place needs knocking down and condemming.i did hear rumours that the site was crawling with rats,but even the rats had moved out long ago,clever animals are rats.cleverer than us obviously.it was quite ironic as security where giving us tickets when we left the site for a day out so that we could get back in,but they didnt realise that we were trying to get out of the place.there were a few people who looked like they were actually enjoying themselves,but we think they were being brainwashed like the stepford wives,by the head of pontins.this was probably a nice holiday camp in the 1950's,not alot has changed from the 50's ie beds,bathroom suite and bar staff.some off the staff were quite polite and helpful,but overall this holiday was a total disaster and i urge people not to go near this place.i really did think i had died and gone to hell.

1 reader found this review helpful

Check in was ok, fairly quick but only one key, fairly easy to get the chalet. It stinks and is really 90's and is hot......
Fast Food- Bad, Dusty, some spotty erk serving you in no uniform, also smells. 3/10
Restraunt- Lacks in veriety and smells also. 4/10
Pub- Had to ask for glasses, sticky tables, hot, dirty, smelly, outrageous prices 2/10
Games room- Morrisons skittles and table tennis and pool, but hot and sticky, and really bare 2/10
Reception- only one hatch open, 90's decor in the form of a ship. 4/10
Chalet- Stinky, someone had piddled in my wardrobe, but green outside was a great addition 3/10
Beach- Bit windy but ok 5/10
Don't gooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2 readers found this review helpful

We found this site just after we had paid £836.00 for a week for 2 adults and 2 teenagers at Pontins Camber Sands and I could have cried when I read some of these reviews.
For two whole weeks, instead of looking forward to our holiday I was dreading it.
Due to all the bad reviews, we went expecting the worst.
When we first arrived, the whole complex looked very dated, the check in was quite painless and the staff were helpful.
The apartments did look like a concentration camp as expected, and the games room looked very dated.
At first I was very disappointed.
Accomodation.
As we reached our room, the whole block looked as if it had been recently painted, the room had had a lick of paint too so I was pleasantly surprised.
The room was clean and tidy, basic but adequate. It had full kitchen facilities although we were half board.
The beds were clean with waterproof matresses and the quilts and bedding were freshly laundered.
The downside was, the old tatty carpet and slight stains on the kitchen curtain.
Yes the bathroom did have a bit of mould but not enough to complain about.
Entertainment.
The entertainment was pretty good especially for those with young children.
Our two are 13 and we found there was not much for them to do.
The PGL activities were a hit but there was a charge for those.
The Bluecoats were very varied and many seemed to lack enthusiasm during the daytime activities. A few were ok but others seemed as if they didn't want to be there.
Bear in mind though the the weather was very hot and reached 83f midweek.
The evening entertainment in the Lunar Bar was as to be expected at a holiday camp and the bluecaots were on top form.
The pool
The pool was a let down, although we had a good time. It was warm clean and had ample lifeguards attending. The 4 tiny water slides were nothing like the brochures.
Food
This I can't fault.
We were half board, so had breakfast and an evening meal every day.
The room was more like a canteen but the food was great. The menue very varied, the staff fautless and the portions left us full. The downside was, that the room was a bit dull with patio type tables and chairs.
Parking
Parking on arrival was slightly problematic, but settles down once newcomers are allocated to their apartments.
Staff
The staff, security and bluecoats were all helpful and friendly.
Beach
The beach was as good as any abroad with fine yellow sand and is safe your youngsters to paddle. Further out the waves were a bit strong.
All in all, if you are used to a 5 star hotel abroad, then Pontins is not the place for you.
Despite the fact there was not a lot for our 13 year old twins to do apart from PGL activities and sports tournaments throughout the day, we were determined to make the most of what was available.
There were families like in our every day lives that were inconsiderate, who let their children thump footballs on downstairs apartments, and who sounded a bit 'loud'.
Luckily our block had considerate adults who supervised their children.
Had we been in a different block, our story could have been very different, but Pontins can not be blamed for who books with them.
Would we go back??? not for £836, but if we were to get a deal then possibly yes.
One tip.... book an upstairs room.

1 reader found this review helpful

Our family of 3 adults and 2 children just returned from a 3 night weekend break from Pontins Camber sands.
As I was the one to book this break I was kicking myself that I didn't read any previews before hand as frankly had I done so I wouldn't have booked! Of course it also spoiled us looking forward to our short stay BUT we were pleasantly surprised!
I booked the mid range accommodation and it was clean bright and spacious. It looked like it had recently been painted and the bathroom sparkled. The bedrooms where basic but more than adequate.
I have to agree that the entertainment block upstairs was past its best and the evenings adult entertainment started a little late for my liking but again it is meant to be a holiday and therefore a lot of people and children to stay up later than they would normally at home.
The pool area was disappointing from my point of view. I am guessing that it is the original rectangle pool that was built when the holiday camp was first opened. No oasis here I'm afraid. But we joined in the aqua fit in the mornings and the children enjoyed themselves especially when the inflatable was up on the Saturday. Unfortunately due to staff shortages they were unable to inflate it on the Sunday but after the initial disappointment the children still had an hours fun in there.
The beach is great here - miles of sand with barely a slope to the water. Consequently the tide does go out a long way but we enjoyed a lovely evenings walk down to the water and on the Sunday spent a short time down there with the tide up. Lots of children in the water so assume very safe.
This is a budget holiday almost a third cheaper than the comparable weekend break at Butlins. You get what you pay for but if you go with an open mind, are prepared to get stuck in with the centres activities you can have a great time.
On the whole the people staying there were lovely. Of course there are the minority who are noisy and don't respect others but thats a fact anywhere where a large amount of people get together.
Would we go again? Maybe we would give Butlins a try next time but certainly for the convenience of location for us, the great beach and low cost, I wouldn't be surprised to go there again for a short break.

2 readers found this review helpful

I so wish I had found these reviews before booking a 4 night break at this excuse for a holiday park as the poor reviews it has are spot on.
We arrived early and could cope with the place looking a bit shabby but when our daughter was pushed over in the playground within the first five mins by a vile dirty child whose Dad stood by and watched alarm bells rang.
The supermarket, despite reading it was reasonable was overpriced and was short of stock.
We checked in fairly quick but I noticed that up the stairs it smelt like B.O and feet.
The chalet had a dirty floor which left our feet black and smelt of urine. This lingered in spite of open windows and spray. There was lots of condensation due to the poor ventilation. The dining chairs were like plastic school ones and there was one minging sofa bed for 5 of us to sit on.
All of these things made us want to leave but we agreed to stay and see how it was so as not to upset the children who were so excited to be there.
Our first night we spent listening to drunken arseholes shout, sing, argue and generally have no regard for anyone staying there. Their kids were just as bad. We spent all of the following day out.
The second night was worse and it culminated in a huge fight outside our chalet at 3.30am which woke us all and upset & scared our young children.
We then decided to leave the following morning as this is not what we expect from a holiday . We were offered an upgrade from classic accom but refused so received a large proportion of our money back, quite rightly.
I'm sure if you feel at home and with kindred spirits watching the jeremy kyle show you will enjoy this place immensely. However if you are a hard working normal family avoid like the plague.
I heard that Pontins is being regenerated next year, thats all well and good but untill they put up their prices to keep the scum away that frequent it I'm afraid it is doomed.

2 readers found this review helpful

My wife booked a “Classic” 1 bedroom apartment at a last minute rate for two adults and three girls (5, 3 and 2). As we drove through the gate we were shocked by the shabby exterior and we were horrified by the standard of accommodation when we finally located our apartment.
It went down hill from there. It turned out the tiles in the shower were not patterned but in fact covered in mould and we couldn’t use the drawers in the children’s bedroom because they were mouldy inside and smelt! The space inside the apartment was ok and it was good that the three children could have their own room away from the TV so my wife and I could enjoy the evening while they were asleep - without having to whisper.
The main entertainment block looked like it hadn’t been decorated since the place was built. The carpet was really worn and faded and the broken cisterns in the toilets were shocking! In our opinion the main evening entertainment was on too late for families with young children (not that this seemed to bother everyone). The kid’s evening entertainment was a few blue coats dancing to action songs. The Scooby do and Wizard of Oz shows were both great if only there were more performances like these.
As if the unhygienic and run-down buildings and the poor kid’s entertainment weren’t enough to deal with, some of the other guests would keep the Jeremy Kyle show on our screens for a long time! Joking aside my wife and I heard the man next door tell his young son if he didn’t get back into bed he would [--] punch him. Not nice.
The whole place needs knocking down and rebuilding. We would have been utterly devastated if we had paid full price. Think we’ll try Butlin’s next year.
P.S. The beach is fabulous (and nothing to do with Pontins)

We checked in yesterday at 4pm for a 4 night break and checked out again before 9am this morning. What a cakhole. Please dont bother , dont ignore all the bad reviews. If i had read them before going i would still be having a lovely relaxing week at work. Its pure filth, like the worse council estate you can imagine but worse. My partner worked at a ymca and said the rooms are much better there. Its a health hazard. Mouldy curtains and black chewing gum in the bedroom.broken cupboard door in the front room plus sofa bed came complete with crisps and a metal bolt in the middle. Rancid blue bathroom suite with strangers pubes as standard.The smell as disgusting. No hot water. Everything needs painting, the toilet dont flush.Everything that we wore or that came into contact with the room is now in my laundry pile awaiting fumigation. The kids have been scrubbed in the bath to wash any traces of pontins from them. The pool looked rank we wouldnt have let a dog swim in it so gave that a wide berth. The toilets in the fun factory stank. Everything needs a thorough bleach or just knock the place down its a [--]. The people who were on holiday there were scary, reading other peoples reviews i think we were pretty lucky to not hear too much fighting or shouting last nite. I would give a zero out of ten but the system doesnt allow. Save your money. You could sleep in your dustbin and have more luxury.

We spent a week last september. Our party consisted of 4 adults and 1 infant.
2 of the adults were disabled, one requiring a wheelchair. It started when we arrived. The whole place looked shabby. We requested 1 disabled apart & one ground flr apart close by as our diabled members would need help. Our room was 3 blocks away which was totally unsuitable. Eventually we were moved closer but the this apart was up a flight of iron steps. These steps were a nightmare as we had a pushchair & a 2 yr old. Both rooms were filthy, thick mould in both showers, the toilet pedastall moved when you sat on it, the floors were disgusting,the draws and wardrobes full of sand and we had to put a quilt on the sofa as it made us itch. Even after the rooms were cleaned again and both showers bleached, it made no difference. The cot we hired was broken and dirty. The infant had to share a bed. The adult entertainment was mostly upstairs which caused our disabled members alot of trouble and they missed out on much of it because the disabled lift was broken upon our arrival and was still broken when we left the following week. The entertainment for young kids was ok. The blue coats were good but there was not an awful lot for a 2 yr old. Unfortunately, it rained the whole week so we were unable to go outside much. Pontins did not offer alotof indoor daytime entertainment given the weather.
We were half board and we found the food ok. The restaurant staff were brilliant, the only positive to come out of an awful week. We will not be returning ever!! This place needs to be pulled down and re-built, as the dirt and mould in the apartments are not just a seasons worth but many, many years worth.

As we drove in, it was like going back into a time machine, a time period that i didnt belong to (70s)! the sign it self was faded! as we drove down, the chalets looked old and run down! when we got into the apartment i felt to get bk into the car and drive bk to london! it was jus awful!! i reckon the managers of this company are eating the money cos i simply cannot understand how they can provide such accomadation! the cooker is so old (but was clean). you cant shower and cook at the same time!!! so a person cannot be in the shower whilst another is in the kitchen cooking, as it uses one switch! the fryin pan was so cheap that my eggs got stuck to it every time! the sofa bed!! oh my God, the sofa bed was an insult! it was like the first sofa beds ever made! it was old, dusty (to say the least!) the mattress was very tired that i felt sorry for it! it dipped in on one side!the sofa bed had sharp edges, which two of the kids aged 2 and 3 hit their heads on!!! the beds in the bedroom were ok, but too was very old.. the wardrobes had no doors on them! the swimming pool was very basic! was like goin to my local in clapham (london) there was 4 lil mini (and i say mini) slides! the lil pool for the toddlers was sufficient i suppose, but nothing for them to do, not even a slide...the entertainment complex was pants! the doors were sticky and old,,the blue coats did try tho i must say! they worked well to keep the kids entertained...the seats in the hall and in the apartments were like them old old school chairs that ur teachers used to sit on in the 80s and early 90s!!!! the best part was the beach camber sands which is a 10 min walk, really nice up there, i must add this does not belong to pontins!!!! all in all i say never go there!!!! the next time i go there is when they have knocked down the whole complex and built it again from scratch!!! if it werent for the sun holidays, and if i had paid some of the ridiculous prices that iv seen others pay on here, i would have demanded a full refund and returned home the same day! i believe the ads on tele are a complete deception!!!!
Butlins wins all the way!!! Pontins is a broke version of Butlins!!!! my mistake was not reading the reviews before choosing pontins as one of my holiday destinations on the suns holiday applications,,,the beach won me over completely!

If you want a luxury 5 Star accomodation holiday, pay a higher price and go somewhere else.
However, if you want an excellent family holiday with lots to do, great entertainment day and night for the whole family, fun times with other like minded people and fantastic and friendly entertainers visit Pontins at Camber Sands.
We have returned today and had a lovely action packed week with our two girls. The chalet was a budget range and very basic, the curtains were definitely in need of renewing, there were utensils missing, so take your own tin openers and frying pans! The chalet was basic and the sofa bed a nightmare, but for the price we paid we are not complaining! We simply drove to Argos and bought a blow up bed, used a knife to open tins, and oiled the frying pan!
The prices in the shops were amazing value for a holiday camp. And with character T shirts at just £2.99 even the merchandise was great value. The booklet of vouchers was well worth it, and had three bottles of Alcoholic drink (WKD, VK etc) each per night for just over £10.00 with the kids refils in the bar at just 30p. The food outlets were okay but the restauarant food wasn't great, so we simply cooked in the chalet.
Your kids will love it here, which means you will love it too. A typical holiday camp with the added bonus of a great entertainments programme which is much more full than Haven, butlins etc from experience.