| |
Holiday Reviews > Holiday Parks > England > Somerset > Pontins Brean Sands > Read Reviews
| Board Basis: |
Self Catering |
| Date of
Holiday: |
Jul 2007 |
| Tour
Operator: |
Booked Independently |
| Submitted
By: |
Mr S Broughton |
| Overall
Rating: |
10/10 |
| Comments: |
By reading other peoples reviews I was going to cancel our holiday to Pontins because of people saying it’s dirty, carpets stained, unhelpful staff, etc... I could go on.
On arrival we were welcomed by the security man on the gate, good start. We arrived early as check in wasn't until 4.00pm so we had time to have a quick look around.
First impressions were ok, and staff were polite, and helpful. We went into the hall at 3.45pm ready to get our keys for 4pm.
We went into our room which was a classic and to our surprise it was clean and tidy. Ok there were a few stains on the carpet but it’s something you would expect for how many kids are there.
Entertainment of a night was brill, bluecoat Michael is brill, keeps everyone entertained not just kids.
Overall the holiday we had was 10/10, for what it costs there what do people expect, marble floors.
Thanks to all staff at pontins you really entertained me, partner and two kids and my daughter’s friend. We have already booked again for Christmas...thanks.
|
|
|
|
| Board Basis: |
Self Catering |
| Date of
Holiday: |
Jul 2007 |
| Tour
Operator: |
Sun Holiday |
| Submitted
By: |
Mrs C Jones |
| Overall
Rating: |
1/10 |
| Comments: |
We were a family of 11 sharing 2 classic chalets.
Absolutely appalled by the cleanliness of the chalets. Mould on curtains and bedding, writing in every bedroom on wardrobes and beds, chewing gum stuck in corner of walls and in bathroom, curtains hanging off. Wall heaters being held on by 1 screw. Carpet disgusting and badly stained needed to be removed.
Complained to reception offered another chalet but that was in an even worse state. I thought about calling environmental health and health and safety.
The staff member in the Fun Factory shop brought my son to tears by being really abrupt to him, complained to staff but no-one was bothered, same as the cleanliness of toilets, nobody was interested and did nothing about it.
Only stayed because of the children otherwise I would have gone home on the first day. Spent most of my holiday outside the camp in other places and eating elsewhere which I think is wrong because they should encourage you to stay in the camp.
I banned my children from entering competitions to win a free holiday incase they won.
I must say the woman in the swop shop (arcade) was the nicest member of staff that they have. The entertainment was not up to standard and the bluecoats really need to rethink their shows. The Sun should be ashamed that they class this as a holiday resort.
|
|
|
|
| Board Basis: |
Self Catering |
| Date of
Holiday: |
Jul 2007 |
| Tour
Operator: |
Not Specified |
| Submitted
By: |
M G |
| Overall
Rating: |
9/10 |
| Comments: |
We have just returned from Pontins, Brean Sands. We were dreading the holiday after reading many negative reviews but when we arrived we were absolutely amazed!
We checked in with no problems at all, the chalet (classic) was modern and very clean.
Our 3 children loved the whole holiday, entertainment on an evening was great for them, Captain Crocs Adventure land, and the park kept the kids happy.
The staff were friendly and polite.
|
|
|
|
| Board Basis: |
Self Catering |
| Date of
Holiday: |
Jun 2007 |
| Tour
Operator: |
Booked Independently |
| Submitted
By: |
Pagan Mojo |
| Overall
Rating: |
8/10 |
| Comments: |
Every June I visit Brean Sands for the England Darts Open. The accommodation is very basic but it is clean and for the price you pay is more than adequate.
The staff are very helpful. The breakfasts served in the Queen Vic are fantastic and the BBQ food is lovely. The fish and chips are nice from the shop on site.
The beach is lovely and the restaurant across the road serves a mean carvery on Sundays :-) The Seagull pub provides a lovely meal but the wine is a bit expensive. It is a pleasure to stay here and will be returning again in 2008.
|
|
|
|
| Board Basis: |
Self Catering |
| Date of
Holiday: |
Jun 2007 |
| Tour
Operator: |
Booked Independently |
| Submitted
By: |
Mrs E ? |
| Overall
Rating: |
1/10 |
| Comments: |
This was our first experience of Pointins and we would NEVER go back. I know it is cheap but surely even the 'poorest' if people deserve a clean holiday! When we got there and went in to our middle class chalet our faces dropped. The windows hadn't been cleaned for months as there were still rude words written on them, the fllor was grimey and our feet kept stiking to it - obviously noone had cleaned this floor in ages. The chairs at the table wobbled and were just plastic and the beds were nomt great either. The staff were rude and were complaining about working there. We hated the site, it was a dump and unfit for purpose. We went off site for the 5 days we were there and stayed there as little as possible. The apparent kids club was just an uninterested bluecoat doing some drawing with them and the indoor soft play area was a bit extinct. When we left and handed our keys back we didn't even get a 'goodbye' or 'hope you had a lovely stay'. Customer servie was poor.
We have been to Butlins this year and stayed in Gold appartment and could not fault it. Butlins has moved on in leaps and bounds. We usually hire out a log cabin down south each year as out main holiday so forutnately for us Pontins was not our main holiday.
Maybe some people live like Pontins present their accommodation and site but for us it was unacceptable and we will not be going again and have also told others not to go.
|
|
|
|
| Board Basis: |
Self Catering |
| Date of
Holiday: |
Jun 2007 |
| Tour
Operator: |
Sun Newspaper Offer |
| Submitted
By: |
Mr AR Gooch |
| Overall
Rating: |
10/10 |
| Comments: |
We had no problem booking in, we were a bit worried after seeing some reviews, and had no problem finding our chalet.
It was as stated basic but clean and there was plenty of bedding all clean ,it was perfect for our needs as we didn’t stay in much as we were on holiday.
The facilities on site were excellent we swam every day (showers in ladies were cold).
The chip shop food was good and plentiful and the entertainment was great.
The kids enjoyed the parks and the beach was great clean and plenty of room.
The staff were very helpful and the bluecoats really know how to keep you entertained.
All in all one of our better holidays we would come again.
|
|
|
|
| Board Basis: |
Self Catering |
| Date of
Holiday: |
Jun 2007 |
| Tour
Operator: |
Booked Independently |
| Submitted
By: |
Mr T Ellis |
| Overall
Rating: |
9/10 |
| Comments: |
We have returned from a 7 night break at Pontins Brean Sands.
The chalet we stayed in was a classic, it was clean and basic. The chalets could do with some improvement but they are good for the price. There is some work at the moment refurbishing some chalets.
We saw the cleaners spending about 45 mins cleaning a chalet and they do do a good job. It can’t be easy keeping them nice with the high turnover of guests, some not respecting the chalets.
We found the entertainment on site good and varied but avoid the Fun Factory between 7pm and 8pm if you have children as there is bingo and they are expected to be still and quiet!
This is the only problem we had with the entertainment. The Bar prices are fair and the food is well priced. The buffet is good value and portions are a good size.
All the staff are nice and friendly and very good with Children.
The pool is nice and kept clean. There are Lifeguards on duty at all times.
There is a good steak house down the road (Jae’s opp Brean Leisure Park) and a nice cake shop opposite Pontins entrance.
Although the on-site Nisa is dear so get your shopping from somewhere else, (Somerfield in Burnham on sea or Tesco at Edithmead).
We did go off site a lot and there is lots to do. For people of all ages. Get to the tourist information and get the money off coupons.
This was our second visit and we will be visiting again next year with friends.
|
|
|
|
| Board Basis: |
Self Catering |
| Date of
Holiday: |
Jun 2007 |
| Tour
Operator: |
Sun Newspaper |
| Submitted
By: |
Mrs H Pryor-jones |
| Overall
Rating: |
8/10 |
| Comments: |
I was dreading this holiday after reading the negative reviews about the site, so I packed loads of cleaning stuff and sheets to put on the mattresses and carpets (I have a 3 year old boy and a 10 week baby).
Well what a pleasant surprise!! The guard was friendly and directed us where to park and book in.
The booking in process was pain free and quick. The directions were again accurate and we found our accommodation easily.
The 2 bed club apartment was basic and small - (I wouldn’t like to try and fit 6 adults in it!!) - But importantly it was CLEAN!! The mattresses and carpets were stain free and clean. The sheets were pure white and in good condition as were the towels which were fluffy. The sofa bed was comfortable.
We ate in the Pub mainly and the food was of good value and quickly served piping hot - again by polite and friendly staff. The evening entertainment for the children was great. My 3 yr old really enjoyed the games hour at 7pm with a blue coat called Sam - who was excellent. The indoor play area (similar to the play areas at wacky warehouse) was also adequate.
We didn’t experience the adult entertainment or the swimming pool as we went out during the day (- Wooky hole and the animal adventure park) but we had an excellent time.
I would definitely use pontins again. even if it was just for the children’s entertainment.
|
|
|
|
| Board Basis: |
Self Catering |
| Date of
Holiday: |
Jun 2007 |
| Tour
Operator: |
Booked Independently |
| Submitted
By: |
Mr P Humphry |
| Overall
Rating: |
8/10 |
| Comments: |
This was our second visit to Pontins, it's ideal for a kids break and that’s why we go, the entertainment for the kids is first class and they love it.
The pool is good, the park areas are good, and prices are good.
Our chalet was the classic type and served its purpose as we only really slept there in the mornings we were up and out either to the pool or the beach just across the road. Most importantly it was clean.
Also noticed they are doing a lot of refurbishment work on the chalets so they are bringing them up-to-date.
Like I said this was our second visit and we will go again.
|
|
|
|
| Board Basis: |
Half Board |
| Date of
Holiday: |
Jun 2007 |
| Tour
Operator: |
Booked Independently |
| Submitted
By: |
Ms J Abrahams |
| Overall
Rating: |
6/10 |
| Comments: |
Pontins as ever is a cheap and cheerful holiday. The chalets were clean and tidy and when the TV would not work, the staff were exceptional in helping us resolve the situation.
Nearby Weston Super Mare has become a town of amusement arcades and cheap and cheerful cafes. The entertainment offered at the Winter Gardens was very good, but of course we may have been lucky with the time of year.
Shopping in Weston is limited but always remember to get your snack supplies here before entering the camp.
Beer was a reasonable price on camp and the entertainment with the help of the Bluecoats pulled it through.
|
|
|
|
| Board Basis: |
Room Only |
| Date of
Holiday: |
Jun 2007 |
| Tour
Operator: |
sun holiday |
| Submitted
By: |
Mrs Lj James |
| Overall
Rating: |
1/10 |
| Comments: |
We turned up on Monday 5th June, got the keys opened the door and the smell hit us of damp.
We knew that budget would be basic, but chalet was shocking! The pull out bed was bust, we had 2 channels on the telly and the carpet stained.
The chalet had not even been cleaned from the last people. The chalets are too old and need to be pulled down.
People are paying to stay in these places and should not be allowed.
We came home on that day.
|
|
|
|
| Board Basis: |
Self Catering |
| Date of
Holiday: |
Jun 2007 |
| Tour
Operator: |
Sun Media |
| Submitted
By: |
Miss C Abley |
| Overall
Rating: |
8/10 |
| Comments: |
After reading other comments by visitors to Brean Sands, Pontins we wondered if we had wasted our money booking this holiday!
We arrived an hour before we were able to check in and had a bit of a wander about.
Yes the site could do with a bit of makeover but what do you expect for £80 for a week!
We were fortunate that we didn't have to wait too long to check in.
When we arrived at our apartment we were shocked as the room hadn't been cleaned but after speaking to a lady at reception a cleaner was sent over immediately. We were given free complimentary drinks and a £5 electric token. The cleaner left our room immaculate on our return. We were impressed especially as the previous occupants had left it in an appalling state!
We were impressed with the facilities for our daughter aged 3 although the pool could be better! The pool was cold and the showers were awful, cold and didn't work very well. The lifeguards were spot on and soon put a stop to the older kids knocking toddlers flying as they raced to the slide.
The food at the Queen Victoria Restaurant was excellent and if you leave hungry it's your own doing! Unfortunately Captain Cod wasn't at his best during our stay as most things on the menu were unavailable.
All staff were friendly and helpful on site.
If you don't want to eat on site then we recommend The Seagull Inn especially for the speciality food nights, or if you just want a quick snack try the Ocean View Cafe.
The beach was fantastic and free of litter. There are pony and donkey rides for all ages and horse riding abilities and the people who run this were the friendliest people we met at Brean Sands.
Overall we had a great time and yes the accommodation was basic and perhaps a bit cramped but we only used it to sleep! We don't go holiday to stay in and watch TV we want to explore and have fun!
We will certainly consider going back next year.
|
|
|
|
| Board Basis: |
Self Catering |
| Date of
Holiday: |
May 2007 |
| Tour
Operator: |
Booked Independently |
| Submitted
By: |
Mrs S J Austin |
| Overall
Rating: |
8/10 |
| Comments: |
When my husband first suggested Pontins, eight years ago, I must admit that I turned my nose up, I'd neer been on that kind of holiday before.Well, after returning to Brean Sands every year since and only ever having two issues in that time, I can only assume that people going on the £9.50 Sun Holidays need to upgrade to a Club Apartment. Although it's not The Hilton, the apartments do the job of being somewhere to lay your head. Really this is all you need as invariably when you go to Pontins you have the kids in tow, so the holiday should be spent outdoors entertaining them. If you want to spend most of the holiday in the apartment then what are you doing at Pontins? The Bluecoats do a fine job of entertaining both children and adults, the apartments are cleaned every morning, there is so much for the kids to see and do, the characters are plentiful and regular around the site and the only two issues that I have ever had are, and this is not down to Pontins, is that the family entertainment centre allowed smoking which is quite irresponsilble as there are so many children there, thankfully it now non smoking and once we complained about the entertainment, it must have been a particulary poor season. But as thats not the only place to be entertained in and around Pontins, its not so much of an issue. So come on everyone, it may be basic, but it's value for money, clean and family orientated with reasonably priced holidays, So those of you that can afford Mauritius and the like, please remember that not everyone can and for those that can't Pontins makes a memorable fun holiday for families with young children on a budget.
|
|
|
|
| Board Basis: |
Self Catering |
| Date of
Holiday: |
May 2007 |
| Tour
Operator: |
Booked Independently |
| Submitted
By: |
Mrs C Jones |
| Overall
Rating: |
1/10 |
| Comments: |
What can you say, don't bother? We were in a large party supporting our local netball team, taking part in a netball tournament held at the site.
Arriving on the Friday and see the state of the so call 'apartment', I wished I could have turned around and gone straight home.
Our chalet was absolutely disgusting, mould on the walls, curtains and on the bathroom floor. The bed linen was full of holes and stained to high heaven, with what I dare not imagine. We had an indoor water feature, but the best bit was the vomit on the bathroom walls left from previous guests.
We had the basic chalet, what the budget was I shudder to think. I was expecting basic accommodation, but the filth was totally unacceptable.
The staff were nowhere to be seen when I tried to complain, luckily we were only there 2 nights.
If it weren’t for the netball, I would have gone straight home.
The site is ongoing refurbishment, but I think a bulldozer would be more beneficial.
|
|
|
|
| Board Basis: |
Self Catering |
| Date of
Holiday: |
May 2007 |
| Tour
Operator: |
Sun Newspaper |
| Submitted
By: |
Mrs B Buckley |
| Overall
Rating: |
1/10 |
| Comments: |
Went with my sister and 3 children on a 4 night break. The booking in procedure was an absolute nightmare. Everyone gathered in the overcrowded ballroom to collect their chalet keys. You had to queue for ages.
In fact I soon learnt that queuing was to become a major pastime on this holiday. Parents were tired, babies were crying and children were skating around the ballroom on those wheelie trainers they all seem to have nowadays.
I knew straight away what a terrible mistake I'd made!
Our accommodation was a 2 bedroom classic chalet which is one up from the basic. Can't begin to imagine how basic a basic chalet is. Having said that we had what we needed to get by and although it was a bit dog eared here and there it was quite clean. I think the whole camp could do with a refurb to cheer it up a bit.
I have to say that the entertainment went down extremely well with all the children and if ALL you are interested in is giving your kids a good time, then this is the place to go because they will love it.
BUT if you, as an adult, want a share of the holiday for yourself then my advice is to stay well clear. There is a never ending stream of Captain Croc, Chuckles the Monkey etc etc characters that want to hug you and be photographed with you day and night.
Even after the blue coats have sung the traditional "Good night Children" song the kid’s entertainment just carries on regardless in the ballroom for the rest of the evening.
They are allowed to run around and skate all over the floor all night except for bingo time. The music is so loud that you think your head is going to burst. I can only compare the volume to being at a Wembley pop concert which is very hard going 4 nights running.
You have been warned so go at your peril. I for one won't be seeing you there!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
