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
" Try it! "
Submitted By: Ali McG
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.
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.
Good for: Beach
- Date of Holiday:Aug 2009
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Vile & Dirty "
Submitted By: ladyhotspur
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.
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.
- Date of Holiday:Aug 2009
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Disappointed! "
Submitted By: JohnJ
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)
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)
Advice: Rye seemed nice
Activities: Drusillas Park
Good for: Beach
- Date of Holiday:Aug 2009
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Dont do it!!!!!!!!!!!! "
Submitted By: Loulabelle29
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.
- Date of Holiday:Jul 2009
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Pontins "
Submitted By: Quince
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.
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.
Advice: Apart from the beach there is nothing in Cambersands. Rye is a lovely old town.
Activities: none
- Date of Holiday:Sep 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" DO NOT GO THERE! "
Submitted By: char char
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!
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!
Advice: nice area, very calm,
Activities:
Good for: Beach
- Date of Holiday:Jun 2009
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Great Fun Family Time "
Submitted By: dea
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.
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.
- Date of Holiday:Jun 2009
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Great holiday "
Submitted By: lexy
This is the typical holiday camp. There are alot of chalets which of course are going to be in close proximity to each other and yes you can hear other people goign about. But it doesn't matter because there is something to do all day, the beach is just across the road. They have a well stocked supermarket on site with another one across the road. The bluecoats really worked hard to make sure everyone was alright. The chalets are a bit damp but they were perfectly clean, and considering you are not living there and only staying for a few days it's hardly the worst living environment. It was great. I love Pontin's and would happiliy go back.
Advice: Very historical and quiet.
Activities:
Good for: Beach
- Date of Holiday:Apr 2009
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Great Pontins Holiday "
Submitted By: EriAustin14
We have just come back from Pontins this afternoon, we had a great time. I was ever so worried prior to going on our break after having read other peoples comments but we found the accommodation to be dated - yes, but dirty - not at all. The arrangement of the chalet blocks means that there are lots of green areas for the children to play safely. The rooms were of a good size, the beds comfortable, the sheets and duvets etc were excellent. We could see, through the windows of other unoccupied apartments, that they are obviously working their way around updating as there were lovely dark wooden floors in many and also new curtains. The pool is massive with four mini slides, a huge inflatable and the temperature was tropical. There are 2 entertainment rooms with shows etc on and there was always something to do. The Blue Coats are fantastic. They are full of fun and energy and do excellent dance shows. The play park was brilliant with a huge wooden pirates ship and a zip cord etc. all with daily raked sand and as there was only one entrance to the play area it was nice and safe. We were very lucky with the weather as they had forcast terrible storms but luckily the bad weather arrived in the night so the days were sunny which meant a fantastic time on the huge sandy beach. The security staff who man the gate were very smart and extremely friendly. We even managed a day trip to Calais on the Eurotunnel (no ferries due to fisherman disputes). All in all a great holiday that I would definitely go on again.
Good for: Beach
- Date of Holiday:Apr 2009
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" MAJORETTE NATIONALS "
Submitted By: ILYDD
Overall it was not that bad,bit expensive,485 quid for a week, but had no choice as kids in comps.yea the chalets need updating,[you look at 1970's photos of camber nothing much has changed chaletwise,few updates here and there,but they said that when planning is approved they will start demolishing old chalet blocks and building new ones],entertainment and things for kids is good,staff helpful,weather makes or breaks these types of holiday,any place is bleak with rain lashing the windows,never ate in the main building,got stuff to cook from local shop,prices in bar little expensive,then again, is that not like everywhere these days,if you like a drink get half tossled before you go up the club,Camber itself is very nice if a bit remote,Rye is a lovely little port/town,all in all,[the chalets let it down,but hopefully not for too much longer],good crack of a break.
Good for: Beach
- Date of Holiday:Apr 2009
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" majorettes "
Submitted By: 778899
i go to pontins every year with the majorette nationals. each year the apartments are even worse then before. i've just got back from camber and the floor was dirty, the fridge was rotten, shower was mouldy and draws and tables were broken. half of the pots and pans were missing and the bed covers were disgusting. the prices are terrible, we have to paid about 475 pounds for one apartment that isnt even clean!!!! however, we still go each year as it's great fun and theres plenty to do. everyone has soo much fun and the bluecoats make it all much better. i'd like to thank bluecoat carl and bluecoat bobby-lee! i would also like to say thanks to bluecoat andy who hasnt been around when i go pontins for a couple of years and we miss him loads!!!!
overall, pontins is a fabby place and once you get the apartments sorted, it's the best times ever !!!!!!!
overall, pontins is a fabby place and once you get the apartments sorted, it's the best times ever !!!!!!!
Advice: ?
Activities: ?
Good for: Beach
- Date of Holiday:Apr 2009
- Board Basis:Room Only
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" 0 rating would be too good!! "
Submitted By: skybluepete
I actually heard the phrase "Pikey paradsise" when reading reviews anad against my better judgement still went. What an absolute hole!! First of all we were herded into the main hall for "check in" where we were advised that we would have to purchase electric cards.
We were then given our keys and we negotiated our way through the maze of buildings that would have better suited a German POW camp than holiday accomodation. This was made harder by the fact that it was very confusing as to the numbers of the accomodation.
We finally found our (Musty, dirty) accomodation and sat down to dinner, this was hard to enjoy on account of the fact that there weren't enough chairs to sit on. It was also accompanied by the constant banging of footballs against the windows. My wife actually went out and asked the offenders to stop which only increased the velocity and frequency of the balls smacking against the window.
My paitience finally wore thin when the window of the prison cell - sorry! "chalet" accross the courtyard was put through by a stray football. i decided it was time to pack. But my mother, not wanting to upset her grandchildren who were 5,6,6 and 11 months at the time put her coat on and (wiping her feet on the way out) went to the reception to complain.
We were, to the credit of Ponitns, moved to accomodation closer to the centre of the it was a slightly better class of "appartment" and was on the first floor - hard with a buggy but at least for the most part protected the walls and window from football playing Gippos and their foul mouthed offspring.
The kids entertainment was on too late although there was one afternoon where a good pantomime was put on
The karioke in the bar consited of a two person "sing off" for a prize of a weekend at Pontins Prestatyn (obviously an internal prison transfer).
In short, if you want to experince "Ross Kemp in Afghanistan" first hand or enjoy Kids fuelled by Fruit Shoots and Slush Puppies run riot whilst their parents are either nowhere to be seen or are there but just couldn't give a flying [--] about them then its the place for you. However, if you are a normal hardworking, non dole scrounging Pikey then AVOID IT LIKE THE PLAGUE
We were then given our keys and we negotiated our way through the maze of buildings that would have better suited a German POW camp than holiday accomodation. This was made harder by the fact that it was very confusing as to the numbers of the accomodation.
We finally found our (Musty, dirty) accomodation and sat down to dinner, this was hard to enjoy on account of the fact that there weren't enough chairs to sit on. It was also accompanied by the constant banging of footballs against the windows. My wife actually went out and asked the offenders to stop which only increased the velocity and frequency of the balls smacking against the window.
My paitience finally wore thin when the window of the prison cell - sorry! "chalet" accross the courtyard was put through by a stray football. i decided it was time to pack. But my mother, not wanting to upset her grandchildren who were 5,6,6 and 11 months at the time put her coat on and (wiping her feet on the way out) went to the reception to complain.
We were, to the credit of Ponitns, moved to accomodation closer to the centre of the it was a slightly better class of "appartment" and was on the first floor - hard with a buggy but at least for the most part protected the walls and window from football playing Gippos and their foul mouthed offspring.
The kids entertainment was on too late although there was one afternoon where a good pantomime was put on
The karioke in the bar consited of a two person "sing off" for a prize of a weekend at Pontins Prestatyn (obviously an internal prison transfer).
In short, if you want to experince "Ross Kemp in Afghanistan" first hand or enjoy Kids fuelled by Fruit Shoots and Slush Puppies run riot whilst their parents are either nowhere to be seen or are there but just couldn't give a flying [--] about them then its the place for you. However, if you are a normal hardworking, non dole scrounging Pikey then AVOID IT LIKE THE PLAGUE
Advice: Hastings was nice
Activities:
- Date of Holiday:Aug 2008
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Its all about the Fun Side "
Submitted By: kaz12345
Before going on our booked Holiday to pontins i was very worried
as two days before we was to go i read the reviews and they scared me.
But im pleased to say we all had a Fab time.
At first when we got there we were not to happy with our room as in all fairness there was a damp smell but the staff were great they changed our room stright away and we ended up getting free electric..
The Food was great!
The kids loved it, blue coats were fab!
The place could do with a makeover and i feel for the staff but the warmth of the place made it a great place!
as two days before we was to go i read the reviews and they scared me.
But im pleased to say we all had a Fab time.
At first when we got there we were not to happy with our room as in all fairness there was a damp smell but the staff were great they changed our room stright away and we ended up getting free electric..
The Food was great!
The kids loved it, blue coats were fab!
The place could do with a makeover and i feel for the staff but the warmth of the place made it a great place!
Good for: Beach
- Date of Holiday:Feb 2009
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Fab Holiday!! "
Submitted By: sullavan72
This is the first time me and my 2 kids have been on a Pontins Holiday, and after reading off this website thought at the last moment should we have chosen a diffrent place to go.
Good Points:
Bluecoat's were Fab, my 12 year old girl got on really well and she said made her holiday. They were really friendly and always in a positive mood!!!
Shows were really good, Re-Take that were fab!!!!
Swimming Pool. Its good to see the lifeguards getting involved playing water polo, inflatables and hamster balls.
Reception Staff, really helpful
Bad Points:
Accommodation could be up dated, but everything else made up for that!!
Cant wait till we re-book for summer 09
Good Points:
Bluecoat's were Fab, my 12 year old girl got on really well and she said made her holiday. They were really friendly and always in a positive mood!!!
Shows were really good, Re-Take that were fab!!!!
Swimming Pool. Its good to see the lifeguards getting involved playing water polo, inflatables and hamster balls.
Reception Staff, really helpful
Bad Points:
Accommodation could be up dated, but everything else made up for that!!
Cant wait till we re-book for summer 09
Good for: Beach
- Date of Holiday:Feb 2009
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
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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.
Good for: City Breaks