Pontins Prestatyn Sands, Denbighshire, Wales

Hotel Information

User Rating:
5 / 10
(81 User Reviews)

Hotel Description:

Pontin's Prestatyn Sands Centre is simply bursting with everything you want for family holiday fun. There's no end of entertainment and activities for all ages, including fantastic games and supervised activities for the kids. Under 8's can even test their road-handling skills at Captain Croc's Driving School! Come rain or shine, all the family can take to the water in the indoor heated pool.
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Grand Hotel Holiday Reviews Rating: 7 / 10

Pontins Prestatyn Sands Holiday Reviews

Pontins Prestatyn Sands Reviews

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" Didn't expect anything but basic... "

Didn't expect anything but basic thank god I read the reviews before we arrived. First impressions as we walked into the entertainments area to collect keys(already read about 4pm count down so arrived at 3.55pm)was cattle market it wouldn't have been so bad but it really did smell like one . I don't think the carpet in the entertainments area had been cleaned for several years it literally made me heave. Dread over came me as we retrieved the keys!!!!! Actually the classic accomodation was not as bad as I anticipated cleaned to an acceptable level clean bed linen and working sofa bed better than some. Could go on and on I will just say if you are going to use camp as a base to go out for days in North Wales it might just be tolerable.Avoid food if possible fantastic local resturant The lodge inn just before you get in to Prestatyn look out for it great food and much cheaper than eating on site. Finally if you wear perfume put alot on and try and brave the entertainment area they do have some very good entertainers pass through, plus think of the blue coats who have to work in that enviroment every day.I will say for the record I will never subject my family to Pontins ever again an experience never to be repeated

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  • User Rating:
    4 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Aug 2008
  • Board Basis:Self Catering
  • Tour Operator:booked online

" NEVER AGAIN......., made to wait... "

NEVER AGAIN......., made to wait around until 1pm for the room key, the pull out bed was broken at the bottom end, they are charging scandalous amounts of money for pushbikes, £5 per hour, £15 per day or £25 per week, for that price i would want somone to pedal it for me.........the instructors are good with the kids, but for the price they charge i wouldnt expect anything less....... the activities you pay for, you go in groups so on average you get 2 goes of whatever you have paid for!!!!!!!! the play area for children is upstairs , so you have to carry prams up and down stairs, they do have a lift but whenever i asked for the key, no sod knew who had it or where it was..........i had a grown woman urinating outside my chalet door, who was watched by the other people in the chalets who have children including myself who caught her in the act, she quickly pulled her clothes up and ran back inside her chalet laughing and joking with the two grown men who watched her relieve herself....I complained to management who said they would give her a warning.... they cannot do anything as apparantly they do not have cameras in that area, if your child goes missing or anything should happen to your child, it is not on camera!!!!!!!Are our children safe here? you tell me!!!!!!!!.the management said i could use the gate phone to contact the police if i wished, not the phone on reception but the gate phone!!!!!!!!!as far as i am concerned this was nothing short of indecent exposure, if that would of been a man and a woman and her daughter walked past , what would of been the reaction then? because it was a woman it is deemed acceptable.........I DONT AGREE AND THEY COULD NOT PAY ME TO RETURN...

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  • User Rating:
    1 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Aug 2008
  • Board Basis:Self Catering
  • Tour Operator:Booked Independentlypontins

" Oh my god, where could I start. It... "

Oh my god, where could I start. It was like I was an extra on the set of Life on Mars...!

Turned up with an open mind, but within minutes the reality of this camp struck. Made to wait like a child for some room keys, the area you wait in sticks of damp & stale beer. Also the fact that you squelch on the carpet.

Then after the big fanfare of getting the room keys the Nightmare at Pontins really started. The room is FILTHY, DIRTY, OLD, DAMP, BROKEN and have I mentioned FILTHY..! Examples are dirty carpets, damp & mould around the fittings in the bathroom and mould up the curtains. I could not bring myself to use the toilet as it looks as if it was last cleaned at Armitage Shanks.

Everywhere we went there was just a feeling of dirt & grease, hence we never ate there. This may sound a bit rude, but I feel that the staff membership of Mensa may have expired. Anyway hence the reason why we never stayed more than 24 hours in the god forsaken place. Was meant to be there for 4 days and left after 20 hours.

I would honestly say though that some of the PGL staff were very good with the kids. Also the paid activities through PGL with the kids were well worth it, just shame that they are that minging place.

This might seem harsh but the place needs to be demolished and then rebuilt to modern standards. To end this, how have people rated this place 10/10...? Maybe I was on Life on Mars...!

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  • User Rating:
    1 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Aug 2008
  • Board Basis:Self Catering
  • Tour Operator:Booked Independently

" Pleasantly surprised! Having read... "

Pleasantly surprised! Having read previous comments expected "Hell on Earth". We paid budget and no doubt we got budget - but it was a base and nothing else!

The chalet was basic but functional apart from the bed/settee - if you want a good nights sleep take the airbed - the bed itself was more than useless! Kids bedroom small, but I'm assured two good, comfy beds. Bathroom in need of decoration but does exactly what you would expect - but no shower. Kitchen area, no problem. Decent sized fridge, oven/hob and a sink unit - nothing more, nothing less. Living area - basic TV with usual terrestrial channels - small screen but did a job. Carpet, not spotless but clean - what could you expect for budget - it wasn't booked as the Ritz!

As I mentioned, used very much as a base. In the nearish area Snowdonia (Llanberis) is a must - amazing scenery and the mountain railway has to be done! Llandudno was another very worthwhile trip - good shops, plenty of places to eat, nice pier. Rhyl, very nearby has plenty of entertainment to keep kids amused on the sea front, especially the crazy golf. Colwyn Bay pleasant and pretty but a little disappointing on things to do. And finally Prestatyn itself - lovely beach, possibly the best in the area, but not much else to do unfortunately.

If you are not used to basics this holiday probably isn't for you. If you can see through cosmetic defects and just enjoy what it is (sorry, Pontins is not known for its luxury status!) you will be fine - but please, remember the airbed!

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  • User Rating:
    7 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Jul 2008
  • Board Basis:Self Catering
  • Tour Operator:Booked Independently

" I have been going to this campsite... "

I have been going to this campsite for 12 years since my daughter was 2 and a half. I have always found the site very clean and tidy. if i had a problem with the room it was sorted straight away. the bluecoats were always cheerful and pleased to help even on their day off. myself and daughter always have a good time . the bars were an average price no dearer than people pay at the clubs. food outlets were always clean. we got on well with all the staff and i helped them out if they couldnot get a judge for the comps which i did not mind after all they always need a judge so the comps could run.

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  • User Rating:
    10 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Aug 2007
  • Board Basis:Self Catering
  • Tour Operator:Thomas Cook

" We have just returned from a 4 day... "

We have just returned from a 4 day break to pontins prestatyn in wales. It was our first time at a pontins camp having previously always stayed at haven camps.
We arrived at 2pm but couldn't collect keys until 4, but were free to use facilities on camp and have a look around. It gets very chaotic at 4pm when everyone rushes to collect keys, the blue coats count it down to 4 to make it like a major event but really every one just wants their keys and check out there apartments!
We had booked a classic apartment and requested to be near all amenities, we were well positioned near reception, fun factory, behind the h20 pool so only a min walk from all action. the apartment was reasonably clean, (i still cleaned again i always do!!), had clean bed linen, bath & shower, fridge & colour tv. we had a first floor apartment reached up flight of concrete steps. the windows were filthy inside & out but we noticed all apartments were same! overall apaprtment was fine, somewhere to eat & sleep!
The camp had loads going on, evening entertainment was ok, plenty for kids, quizzes and talent shows for adults, & on our last night ben mills from x factor was performing and did brilliant set.
We went by car and went out each day visiting nearby Rhyl, Colwyn Bay and the Great Orme at Llandudno.
We had a lovely week weather wise which always helps.
It was our first visit to Pontins & Wales and we would return.
Overall Pontins is ideal for a cheap & cheerful holiday, you can't expect 5 star facilities, but is a very enjoyable place to visit.

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  • User Rating:
    8 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Jul 2008
  • Board Basis:Self Catering
  • Tour Operator:Booked Independently

" Mon to Friday, first week in July - 6... "

Mon to Friday, first week in July - 6 of us in a budget room. First impressions - it's a prison camp! Concrete rectangles with windows in them, 2 levels, concrete steps up at each end.

On arrival we registered at the reception but had to wait in the "Fun Factory" until 4 pm to collect the keys - basically the entertainment area with an amusement arcade, stage etc, and with numerous bars selling 2 pints for over £7! Extremely loud PA, with a group of 18-25 year olds dancing about on the stage whilst trying to make the key collection countdown sound like a major entertainment event.. it isn't we just wanted our keys.

Anyway, we got into the room to be confronted by a hanging off wardrobe door directly in the entrance, filthy windows, especially the kitchen, stained / burnt carpet, worn out sofa bed with splits and tears in it ( we took an airbed and put it on top - if you don't you wont get any sleep! ), a turquiose bath suite, and plastic school-type stacker chairs with the coating picked off the legs - you'll recognise them from your youth.

However, everything (except windows) was clean, worked, and for less than £7 each a day we didn't expect anything other than somewhere to sleep. Once I got past the initial "oh no" I was actually quite happy with it overall. A quick trip to the local Asda at Rhyll sorted us out with a plastic shower and pipes to push onto the bath taps, and off we went. Only niggle we found was the smoke alarm.. right next to the door but even with the door and adjacent window open nd the cooker being as far away as was possible it went off every single time we used the grill for some bacon for breakfast. Far far too sensitive, and you could hear them going off all over the camp. Better safe than sorry though, and only a minor issue.

During the week we used the pool, which was excellent, and went to the "fun factory" only one night, while there was a karaoke on. Had a laugh but expect to pay £3.50 plus for each drink. Lots of stuff for the kids to do on camp, such as play areas etc. but most of your time will be spent off-site. I can recommend Electric Mountain and Llanberis - 60 mins drive and £20 for a family, but if you like "big stuff" then this power station is fabulous.

Beach near the park is far far better than the ones down the coast, it's all sand and no stones, the others are the opposite. Rhyll is a derelict disaster area with boarded up and burnt out hotels, closed shops etc., but get past those and it's a typical tourist beach resort with Chinese takeaways and amusements.

Do a bit of driving and spend minimal time at the the camp, and it'll be a good week - we all enjoyed it and I'd go back with the kids if I could have a proper bed this time!

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  • User Rating:
    6 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Jul 2008
  • Board Basis:Room Only
  • Tour Operator:Direct booking

" We have been 2 prestatyn sands for 3... "

We have been 2 prestatyn sands for 3 years now and i must say this has been the best year yet.We upgraded 2 club and were situated right outside the PGL tower .the appartment was larger than buget had better kitchen appliances and laminate floor which is easier 2 keep clean .the cleanliness of the appartmants could be better but please bear in mind these buildings are very well used so keep an open mind . my 2 boys are nearly 10 and very active and this year had out grown the blue coats this is where the pgl staff take over, they are a bunch of fun loving crazy people they have lots of patience when dealing with kids that get scared with heights .Alex got the thumbs up with my kids , he made them feel fantastic ,we were all sad 2 leave .pontins 810. PGL 1010

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  • User Rating:
    8 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Jul 2008
  • Board Basis:Self Catering
  • Tour Operator:Booked Independently

" Just returned from this site after 4... "

Just returned from this site after 4 night stay,on arrival security very good,had to wait at reception for the key to the appartment , stayed in classic,the appartment was reasonably clean apart from the windows they looked like they had never been cleaned.The park was fine apart from most of the things were closed,the shop was ok but a bit on the pricey side for some things,but two minutes around the corner was a little shop,Prestatyn was only 5 minutes in the car.Plenty of things for kids but not enough for adults.We tried this site but don:t think we will go back much prefere Haven sites

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  • User Rating:
    5 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Jun 2008
  • Board Basis:Self Catering
  • Tour Operator:Booked Independently

" just got back off holiday, have a... "

just got back off holiday, have a fanstatic time, room were clean, blue coats were friendly.
the kids really enjoyed it apart from the weather but thats england for you, i defo looking to book for next year.

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  • User Rating:
    10 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:May 2008
  • Board Basis:Self Catering
  • Tour Operator:sun holiday

" We have just got back from Prestatyn... "

We have just got back from Prestatyn Sands, Pontins. We booked the holiday with 2 other families. We thought that we were going to have a great time.
The first day we were told that some of the children were too small to go on anything, my friends 4 year old son was allowed on 1 ride. My son was 7 and was too young and was just slight of the 4ft guide line whereas my friends 8 year old daughter was old enough but was too small at 3an a half foot.
We decided to take them inside to captain crock adventure land, upon arriving there the children started to play in the ball pit and were told off for being too loud so we vacated, leaving the room empty so they had no children in the room. I was utterly annoyed so I went to complain at reception and it was basically like talking to a child who didnt understand, no apology or nothing.
Most entertainment was for gamblers or alcoholics but nothing much on in the form of entertainment itself, we dont drink and the arcades were boring. The kids complained they were bored.
Anyway to top it all off when we complained yet again on wed, no luck and on thurs we made formal complaint when a blue coat told my child he was too loud, he is deaf and shouts a lot any way, she could see his hearing aids. Then we were told it should have been a shut down week so most activities were closed but we were not informed or offered a change of week.
We left a day early and the kids were fine about it, they wanted to go, i'm going to write and complain. Hopefully i might get an answer or apology for our spoilt holiday.

Sorry it was long, Tinkers x

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  • User Rating:
    1 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:May 2008
  • Board Basis:Self Catering
  • Tour Operator:Pontins

" I am only giving a 1 because there is... "

I am only giving a 1 because there is no zero or minus to give.
Well myself and my sister in law booked with Pontins to go and watch my neices dance on 25th April. We were booked Friday until Monday.

Due to the state of the room AND them saying we would be charged to upgrade i took a blow up bed, own pillow, sleeping bag, plates, cutlery, microwave and even took my own cleaning things to clean the place so we could atleast use the sink and bath.

The carpets were sticky, there was blood on one of the curtains, bath was disgusting but hey the loo was clean. Food on the plates and that much dust the kids were fighting over who had the biggest pile.

Two of the other ladies from our group complained and got £10 in electricity and got moved rooms with a charge of £10 each. We were told there were no other rooms except the ones these other two ladies had left and when i saw the cleaner coming from one of their rooms for the 2nd time i was disgusted to see the colour of the water he poured down the drain AND THIS WAS A SECOND CLEANING.

The drinks were over priced so was the food and the staff just laugh like they are used to hearing what your saying. Its pathetic.

The lady who runs my neices troop was biten so badly the bites became infected and she had to seek medical advice on her return home.

We were utterly appalled and after complaining again we were told by the staff they had been taken over and the new owners are fully aware of the state of the place they are hoping the new owners are going to clean it up a bit. My advice would be demolish it and start again.

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  • User Rating:
    1 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Apr 2008
  • Board Basis:Room Only
  • Tour Operator:Booked Independently

" ive been going to pontins for the... "

ive been going to pontins for the past 29years for the darts what a great 4 days we have.chalets we stay in are clean got everything in them we need.a holiday is what you make it.as long as you have a bed,bath,cooker+fridge for your beer what else do you need.ive got 4 kids they love it there.

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  • User Rating:
    10 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:May 2007
  • Board Basis:Self Catering
  • Tour Operator:booked over phone

" Well, we have just been back for a... "

Well, we have just been back for a long weekend and what a change! It was much quieter than in October, but our Club apartment bathroom could have been cleaner. The underneath of the toilet seat left a lot to be desired! There was crockery for 3 instead of 4, not enough towels. All minor, but annoying things.
The main change was in the activities. WHERE HAVE THEY ALL GONE?? Since October, the fencing, aeroball, rifles, soccer stars, raft building, water polo plus more have been taken off! Granted the sessions are longer now, but you have to pay for them ALL so it can be expensive. The programme we were given didn't run as planned and the management really need to replace the carpet in the Lunar Bar. It still smells of wet dog!
I checked out the budget accommodation whilst there and can't believe what people are expected to stay in. Black plasticky floors, worn, rusting fridges and a TV that looks as though it belonged on Antiques Roadshow.
The kids enjoyed it, but I think that is the last time we will go there.
On the plus side, the Bluecoats and the PGL staff especially were great with the kids.
The swimming pool could do with being open later too. 5pm close is too early.
Or is it a ploy - finish activities early to get us in the BAR??

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  • User Rating:
    5 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Feb 2008
  • Board Basis:Self Catering
  • Tour Operator:Booked Independently

" I have just returned from a Holiday... "

I have just returned from a Holiday from hell at Pontins Prestatyn. Having been to Brean Sands in the 80,s I was confident things would be similar, with our 2 Grandchildren aged 7 & 5 yrs. The cleanliness of the chalet was a disgrace and dirty. The Bathroom appeared not to have been cleaned since last Summer. Thick dirt was lodged behind both taps of the Bath ,the soapholder had flaked paint droppings from a hurried ceiling artexing. We were not even in Budget accommodation but Classic ,God only knows what Budget must be like. Whilst at one of the only free things at the Camp i.e. the Swimming Pool, it was difficult to breathe as all the windows were masked with condensation and all windows closed. It appeared to me that the whole Camp has been geared towards Snooker. I certainly would not return if the Holiday was free. To cap it all the 7 yr old "lost" his wallett with £17 in it .Was it handed into Lost Property? what do you think!



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  • User Rating:
    1 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Feb 2008
  • Board Basis:Self Catering
  • Tour Operator:Booked Independently
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