Pontins Wall Park, Devon, England
Hotel Information
Hotel Description:
The perfect 'chill out' zone, Wall Park Centre enjoys one of the sunniest climates in Britain. And with the 'English Riviera' resorts of Torquay, Paignton, Dartmouth, Brixham and Teignmouth all within easy reach, you can explore a tremendous variety of beaches, coves and cliffs - as well as the scenic splendour of Dartmoor National Park inland. In the heart of heavenly Devon, you can relax and take life easy. loading...
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Pontins Wall Park Reviews
" On arrival there was an awful smell... "
Submitted By: Mrs C Street
On arrival there was an awful smell in the room which we realised came from mice which we saw running around the living room and bedroom, two days later.
When we went to complain at 8pm customer services was closed, so went to the front gate.
We were told someone would come to sort it out. Unknown to us at the time it was a security guard and not a duty manager. After lots more unfortunate incidents we left the resort early as it was so disgusting.
When we wrote to complain, the response was ' as we had not followed procedure, i.e. report it to customer services (remember, it was closed) or spoken to a duty manager (we had expected one to be sent) they could not uphold the complaint, further more 'it is expected if the resort is next to fields (are they not all in green areas?).
Moral of the story, Pontins do not care about Public safety, Public relations or basically - The Public!!! They defend themselves with impossible, impractical procedures.
I would never go to another Pontins and am happy to continue to tell everyone not to go to use this company.
When we went to complain at 8pm customer services was closed, so went to the front gate.
We were told someone would come to sort it out. Unknown to us at the time it was a security guard and not a duty manager. After lots more unfortunate incidents we left the resort early as it was so disgusting.
When we wrote to complain, the response was ' as we had not followed procedure, i.e. report it to customer services (remember, it was closed) or spoken to a duty manager (we had expected one to be sent) they could not uphold the complaint, further more 'it is expected if the resort is next to fields (are they not all in green areas?).
Moral of the story, Pontins do not care about Public safety, Public relations or basically - The Public!!! They defend themselves with impossible, impractical procedures.
I would never go to another Pontins and am happy to continue to tell everyone not to go to use this company.
- Date of Holiday:Sep 2007
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" We were terrified at what was going... "
Submitted By: Miss H Walters
We were terrified at what was going to welcome us having read some of the other reviews on this page.
There were a group of us holidaying and between us we had children aged between 3 and 15.
We found our accommodation to be basic but very clean. We had all the usual cutlery and equipment. Our only criticism is that the sofa bed could have done with being updated.
Throughout our holiday, the staff were very friendly and helpful. The park itself was spotless and was regularly patrolled by staff doing a wonderful job of keeping it this way. The entertainment was good and there was something to keep all our children amused. The older children enjoyed the variety of activities provided.
We ate in the parks restaurant and found the food to be good value and enjoyable despite a short wait.
The pool was a particular favourite of us all. It was clean and did not feel too crowded.
There is plenty to do in the surrounding area. Brixham is within walking distance (albeit be prepared for a climb on the return.) The beaches at Paignton were enjoyed by all and Torquay was also a favourite.
Our only disappointment was the British weather. Not a lot we can do about that!
There were a group of us holidaying and between us we had children aged between 3 and 15.
We found our accommodation to be basic but very clean. We had all the usual cutlery and equipment. Our only criticism is that the sofa bed could have done with being updated.
Throughout our holiday, the staff were very friendly and helpful. The park itself was spotless and was regularly patrolled by staff doing a wonderful job of keeping it this way. The entertainment was good and there was something to keep all our children amused. The older children enjoyed the variety of activities provided.
We ate in the parks restaurant and found the food to be good value and enjoyable despite a short wait.
The pool was a particular favourite of us all. It was clean and did not feel too crowded.
There is plenty to do in the surrounding area. Brixham is within walking distance (albeit be prepared for a climb on the return.) The beaches at Paignton were enjoyed by all and Torquay was also a favourite.
Our only disappointment was the British weather. Not a lot we can do about that!
- Date of Holiday:Aug 2007
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Pontins
" After reading all reviews about Wall... "
Submitted By: Mr D ILES
After reading all reviews about Wall Park I was quite astonished in the difference of opinions of all the people who put their views forward.
Firstly I do agree in some ways how certain people were not happy with the standard of accommodation, it's hardly the Ritz, and it could do with updating a little but what you expect for the price you pay.
The budget apartment we were given was small for a family of five, but it was reasonably clean and had ample enough equipment for me to cater for my family.
Moving on, the restaurant was clean, average price and the food was very good. The restaurant staff were polite and very helpful. The menu could do with a little more variety, but all in all I was very happy with the three meals we had over the week.
My whole experience at pontins was one of pure pleasure, as I had a great week all in. The bluecoats were great fun, brilliant with the children and to top it all off they were genuinely polite.
The entertainment was absolutely superb something different each night (APART FROM THE PARTY SONGS)but we really enjoyed ourselves. Brixham town and harbour was picturesque and really beautiful.(also the best fish and chips I’ve ever tasted).
To finish my review off, I would just like to say thank you Wall Park for a great holiday.
Firstly I do agree in some ways how certain people were not happy with the standard of accommodation, it's hardly the Ritz, and it could do with updating a little but what you expect for the price you pay.
The budget apartment we were given was small for a family of five, but it was reasonably clean and had ample enough equipment for me to cater for my family.
Moving on, the restaurant was clean, average price and the food was very good. The restaurant staff were polite and very helpful. The menu could do with a little more variety, but all in all I was very happy with the three meals we had over the week.
My whole experience at pontins was one of pure pleasure, as I had a great week all in. The bluecoats were great fun, brilliant with the children and to top it all off they were genuinely polite.
The entertainment was absolutely superb something different each night (APART FROM THE PARTY SONGS)but we really enjoyed ourselves. Brixham town and harbour was picturesque and really beautiful.(also the best fish and chips I’ve ever tasted).
To finish my review off, I would just like to say thank you Wall Park for a great holiday.
- Date of Holiday:Jul 2007
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" We have just returned from a 4 night... "
Submitted By: Mrs J Cerson
We have just returned from a 4 night midweek break at Wall Park Pontins. This was not our first time at this centre and when I read the previous reviews I thought the place must have gone to the dogs, however on arrival we found our chalet reasonably clean with fresh bedding and it didn't smell at all bad.
The centre itself is fairly well kept with nice gardens and flowers at the gate. The facilities are what you would expect from a holiday camp.The centre has a lovely pool with a large flume slide for the kids and I have to say the pool was very clean. We have visited all the Pontins centres and Wall Park is by far the cleanest and tidiest. This is not to say it is faultless.
The restaurant is slightly pricey and not what you would call top quality food. It is edible and very basic, but do expect a long wait even at the quietest times (we were the only ones in there) we still waited forty five minutes for our food. The entertainment was good we were lucky enough to see Boney M during our stay and they were fantastic.
The bluecoats work hard and there was always something going on. The key to enjoying a Pontins holiday is to join in with everything, play bingo, do the quizzes, enter all the competitions, get into the spirit of it. There is plenty to do out and about in the local area, if you are lucky to have good weather then visit Shoalstone pool, or take a walk along the cliffs to Berry Head, the scenery is stunning. Another good day out is Paignton zoo.
All in all if youve got young kids then I would recommend Pontins as they will love it. But if you like luxury and you are the sort to make a fuss over a bit of grime and noise then go elsewhere. We love Pontins and have already booked our next Pontins holiday.
The centre itself is fairly well kept with nice gardens and flowers at the gate. The facilities are what you would expect from a holiday camp.The centre has a lovely pool with a large flume slide for the kids and I have to say the pool was very clean. We have visited all the Pontins centres and Wall Park is by far the cleanest and tidiest. This is not to say it is faultless.
The restaurant is slightly pricey and not what you would call top quality food. It is edible and very basic, but do expect a long wait even at the quietest times (we were the only ones in there) we still waited forty five minutes for our food. The entertainment was good we were lucky enough to see Boney M during our stay and they were fantastic.
The bluecoats work hard and there was always something going on. The key to enjoying a Pontins holiday is to join in with everything, play bingo, do the quizzes, enter all the competitions, get into the spirit of it. There is plenty to do out and about in the local area, if you are lucky to have good weather then visit Shoalstone pool, or take a walk along the cliffs to Berry Head, the scenery is stunning. Another good day out is Paignton zoo.
All in all if youve got young kids then I would recommend Pontins as they will love it. But if you like luxury and you are the sort to make a fuss over a bit of grime and noise then go elsewhere. We love Pontins and have already booked our next Pontins holiday.
- Date of Holiday:Aug 2007
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" What a dump. Don't even go there,... "
Submitted By: Ms E Booth
What a dump. Don't even go there, dirty, mouldy, damp and smelly accommodation. Rude staff, run down complex, looks shabby like an old prisoner of war camp. Bulldoze the whole place, soon. My family hated every minute, couldn't wait to return home. Will never return there or use Pontins again will stick to Haven in the future they know how to holiday properly.
- Date of Holiday:Aug 2007
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Arrived at Wall Park 4.00pm on 28th... "
Submitted By: Mrs M Darhali
Arrived at Wall Park 4.00pm on 28th July 2007 just in time to get the keys and check in to our 2 bed classic accommodation.
Was told to come back at 5.30 as was still getting cleaned. 5.30 Still no keys was told to come back at 6.00. Walked round the camp and was dreading which apartment we would be in, as they looked really scruffy small and cramped.
Got keys at 6.00 went to apartment walked in and it smelt of cat wee and mould even though it had just been cleaned. Bedrooms were so tiny and our bedroom didn't even have a window for ventilation. Tiny sitting room with one 3 seater settee and our accommodation was for 6 people, kitchen chairs very scruffy looking. Not even a toaster or microwave in the kitchen.
Entertainment venue very smelly, pool very small too shallow to swim in properly. The sauna was closed the whole week, Blue coats too stress. We did see Boney M there one evening and that was the only fun night we had on site. Spent most of our time outside the camp in surrounding areas which are the main reason why we went there in the first place.
The camp was a real let down compared to Pontins at Brean sands. Classic accommodation there is so much better, cleaner etc, the entertainment venue there is very big, Blue coats brilliant entertainers.
If you want to go to Brixham, Paignton Torquay DON’T go to Wall Park Pontins.
Was told to come back at 5.30 as was still getting cleaned. 5.30 Still no keys was told to come back at 6.00. Walked round the camp and was dreading which apartment we would be in, as they looked really scruffy small and cramped.
Got keys at 6.00 went to apartment walked in and it smelt of cat wee and mould even though it had just been cleaned. Bedrooms were so tiny and our bedroom didn't even have a window for ventilation. Tiny sitting room with one 3 seater settee and our accommodation was for 6 people, kitchen chairs very scruffy looking. Not even a toaster or microwave in the kitchen.
Entertainment venue very smelly, pool very small too shallow to swim in properly. The sauna was closed the whole week, Blue coats too stress. We did see Boney M there one evening and that was the only fun night we had on site. Spent most of our time outside the camp in surrounding areas which are the main reason why we went there in the first place.
The camp was a real let down compared to Pontins at Brean sands. Classic accommodation there is so much better, cleaner etc, the entertainment venue there is very big, Blue coats brilliant entertainers.
If you want to go to Brixham, Paignton Torquay DON’T go to Wall Park Pontins.
- Date of Holiday:Jul 2007
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Hi, just got back from Pontins Wall... "
Submitted By: Mrs K Ashman
Hi, just got back from Pontins Wall Park, what a lovely place, so much to see and do, lovely beaches and views, boat rides to Torquay, fishing trips, Kent caverns.
I must say though, if you have young children it will be hard to keep them away from the fun factory and all the bluecoats who are so so good and work so hard they are probably worth the cost alone, thanks Jo, Tara, Alison, Declan and all the rest of the blue coats.
The classic accommodation was fine with no problems to report.
I must say though, if you have young children it will be hard to keep them away from the fun factory and all the bluecoats who are so so good and work so hard they are probably worth the cost alone, thanks Jo, Tara, Alison, Declan and all the rest of the blue coats.
The classic accommodation was fine with no problems to report.
- Date of Holiday:Aug 2007
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:pontins
" We have been 3 times to Wall Park now... "
Submitted By: Mrs V Brennan
We have been 3 times to Wall Park now 2003, 2004 and 2006 and are going again in Aug 2007. It is fun, lively and ideal for children!!
We live in East Yorkshire and set off at 6.00am to make the journey down to Devon. The location is idyllic. As adults, we love Brixham and the surrounding countryside and spend most of our days out and about. Our daughter, 5 is just in love with Pontins!
Each time we have been, the accommodation (classic) chalets have been basic but very clean. OK, the bed settee isn't the most comfortable, but better if mattress in placed on floor. Fantastic shower though!!!. Considering the amount of time spent in the chalet, it is sufficient. This year we are living the high life and booked a Club chalet!!! (Doubt, it will be much different apart from patio doors and free electric) The rest of the facilities on site and the friendly staff make the holiday. The blue coats never seem to stop. You see them entertaining the kids from 9.30am and then you see the same blue coats in the club working and entertaining the adults/children till well past midnight!!!
Our daughter is so excited about going again this year. OK at 5 years old, we do not allow her to go wandering around by herself, but feel quite safe for her to play outside the chalet. She meets loads of other children and has collected the full Pontins Gang character toys over the years which now has to travel with us.
To be honest, if we didn't have children, a holiday camp like this wouldn't interest us as a holiday. But when children come along, holidays are centred around them. It is value for money, great fun and just seeing our little girl enjoy herself so much makes all worth while for us. What more can you wish for?
Looking forward to this years trip!!!
We live in East Yorkshire and set off at 6.00am to make the journey down to Devon. The location is idyllic. As adults, we love Brixham and the surrounding countryside and spend most of our days out and about. Our daughter, 5 is just in love with Pontins!
Each time we have been, the accommodation (classic) chalets have been basic but very clean. OK, the bed settee isn't the most comfortable, but better if mattress in placed on floor. Fantastic shower though!!!. Considering the amount of time spent in the chalet, it is sufficient. This year we are living the high life and booked a Club chalet!!! (Doubt, it will be much different apart from patio doors and free electric) The rest of the facilities on site and the friendly staff make the holiday. The blue coats never seem to stop. You see them entertaining the kids from 9.30am and then you see the same blue coats in the club working and entertaining the adults/children till well past midnight!!!
Our daughter is so excited about going again this year. OK at 5 years old, we do not allow her to go wandering around by herself, but feel quite safe for her to play outside the chalet. She meets loads of other children and has collected the full Pontins Gang character toys over the years which now has to travel with us.
To be honest, if we didn't have children, a holiday camp like this wouldn't interest us as a holiday. But when children come along, holidays are centred around them. It is value for money, great fun and just seeing our little girl enjoy herself so much makes all worth while for us. What more can you wish for?
Looking forward to this years trip!!!
- Date of Holiday:Aug 2006
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Just spent a week at Wall Park... "
Submitted By: Mr D Iles
Just spent a week at Wall Park Pontins and had an absolutely fabulous time.
Accommodation wasn’t exactly great but what do you expect for peanuts, still it was clean and livable. Found all Pontins staff very helpful on arrival and throughout our stay. Bluecoats were brilliant really funny and superb with the children[a lot better than
butlins].
Entertainment was excellent different variety every night for all ages and I’ve got three children aged 12,8,and 4.
Have read all the different articles about how rubbish the restaurant was, food not up to standard, had to wait too long etc etc, if this is the case then they must have been eating somewhere different to the restaurant that me and my family ate in three times during the week. I’m not saying the menu couldn’t do with a bit more variety, but what they have got was tasty and plentiful.
Overall at Wall Park I was very impressed and if you were that bored on the camp the little harbour town of Brixham just a ten minute walk away is absolutely beautiful.
Thank you wall Park Pontins had a great holiday and will definitely be back sometime in the near future.
Accommodation wasn’t exactly great but what do you expect for peanuts, still it was clean and livable. Found all Pontins staff very helpful on arrival and throughout our stay. Bluecoats were brilliant really funny and superb with the children[a lot better than
butlins].
Entertainment was excellent different variety every night for all ages and I’ve got three children aged 12,8,and 4.
Have read all the different articles about how rubbish the restaurant was, food not up to standard, had to wait too long etc etc, if this is the case then they must have been eating somewhere different to the restaurant that me and my family ate in three times during the week. I’m not saying the menu couldn’t do with a bit more variety, but what they have got was tasty and plentiful.
Overall at Wall Park I was very impressed and if you were that bored on the camp the little harbour town of Brixham just a ten minute walk away is absolutely beautiful.
Thank you wall Park Pontins had a great holiday and will definitely be back sometime in the near future.
- Date of Holiday:Jul 2007
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" The most disgusting place in the... "
Submitted By: Miss Tenielle Verwoerd
The most disgusting place in the world. I am so disappointed in Pontins as well as the Sun Newspaper for advertising this resort.
We drove 3 hours with my 8 month old son, this was our first family holiday, and we couldn’t wait to arrive. We got the keys after waiting 20 minutes in the pouring rain, the staff were friendly.
There was no parking so we had to walk to our chalet. As I opened the door a smelly, old, mouldy cigarette smell hit me like a ton of bricks, I burst into tears.
Our chalet had not been cleaned and the linen had been left on the floor. The door rattled and the floor was so dirty I would not place my son to play on the carpet.
We spent a whole 30 minutes in the rotten place. How anyone could be expected to stay for 3 nights in a cramped smelly room. We decided to go to the conservatory restaurant to figure out what to do.
At the door we waited 10 minutes to be seated, no one came although staff walked straight past us so we sat at an open table and waited a further 20 minutes to be served. By this time I was fuming and so upset I could not eat, we decided to come home.
At the reception 2 further complaints were being made about the same points I have mentioned.
We are taking this matter further as we could not upgrade.
My best friend is due a holiday there in September this year, after telling her about our experience she has cancelled today.
In November we are going to South Africa which will then be our first holiday as we want to forget about our experience at Pontins.
All I can say is there’s no place like home.
We drove 3 hours with my 8 month old son, this was our first family holiday, and we couldn’t wait to arrive. We got the keys after waiting 20 minutes in the pouring rain, the staff were friendly.
There was no parking so we had to walk to our chalet. As I opened the door a smelly, old, mouldy cigarette smell hit me like a ton of bricks, I burst into tears.
Our chalet had not been cleaned and the linen had been left on the floor. The door rattled and the floor was so dirty I would not place my son to play on the carpet.
We spent a whole 30 minutes in the rotten place. How anyone could be expected to stay for 3 nights in a cramped smelly room. We decided to go to the conservatory restaurant to figure out what to do.
At the door we waited 10 minutes to be seated, no one came although staff walked straight past us so we sat at an open table and waited a further 20 minutes to be served. By this time I was fuming and so upset I could not eat, we decided to come home.
At the reception 2 further complaints were being made about the same points I have mentioned.
We are taking this matter further as we could not upgrade.
My best friend is due a holiday there in September this year, after telling her about our experience she has cancelled today.
In November we are going to South Africa which will then be our first holiday as we want to forget about our experience at Pontins.
All I can say is there’s no place like home.
- Date of Holiday:Jun 2007
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Not Specified
" I have never been to such a dirty... "
Submitted By: Mr R Chandler
I have never been to such a dirty disgusting place in my whole life.
The chalet smelt of mould, the surfaces were not cleaned, the linen smelt dirty, the window did not close, the front door did not shut properly, cobwebs seem to be a standard feature in every room!, the sofa-bed smelt of stale cigarettes, the bathroom was filthy...shall I go on.
I am glad I never paid full price for such disgusting accommodation.
Infact, having a 7 month old son....we left asap, there is no way I would even place my son on that excuse of a chalet floor to play! Disgusting. Pontins ought to be ashamed of the service / lack of it.
They will be hearing from me!
They shouldn't be allowed to get away with it!
The chalet smelt of mould, the surfaces were not cleaned, the linen smelt dirty, the window did not close, the front door did not shut properly, cobwebs seem to be a standard feature in every room!, the sofa-bed smelt of stale cigarettes, the bathroom was filthy...shall I go on.
I am glad I never paid full price for such disgusting accommodation.
Infact, having a 7 month old son....we left asap, there is no way I would even place my son on that excuse of a chalet floor to play! Disgusting. Pontins ought to be ashamed of the service / lack of it.
They will be hearing from me!
They shouldn't be allowed to get away with it!
- Date of Holiday:Jun 2007
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Sun holidays
"
Dirty, smelly and... "
Dirty, smelly and unacceptable.
I wrote a letter to Pontins upon our return, but for those of you who don’t want to read the whole story, to put it in a nut shell:
The letter reads:
Oh dear oh dear! I don’t know if you will remember us or not Malcolm and Nigel! As it appears that not only were we right about the amount of other complainers that we saw in person but there are many many more found on holiday review websites.
Why was I so surprised to find that our complaints appear to be common place amongst your other guests that have had time to complain (this being a lengthy process and the British public not being renowned for complaining, I am sure many more have suffered in silence or even thought oh well we have only paid £15 each, does this entitle Pontins to take away basic human rights?).
I shall describe our situation/ experience:
We (2 couples, 1 with a teenage son and 1 with a 5 month old baby) left home at 8.50am on Monday 11th June, arrived at Wall Park Holiday Centre (nice welcome from guards) at 3pm on that same day. Whilst standing in the queue to check in I was horrified at the number of guests storming to the front of the queue to complain about the standard of accommodation and hygiene. It was our turn;, I asked the receptionist if I would be having to come back to complain too, she said that we would have to see for ourselves! This gave us little confidence! Even before we entered our chalet (287) things didn’t look good, pillows and duvets were deposited on the lawn, on entering we were horrified at the condition of the chalet not only did it smell, you would expect to find better quality sofa beds at our local tip, the furniture was battered and chipped, the mattresses did not fit the bunk beds, the mattress covers were ripped and there was not enough room to swing a cat let alone put up a travel cot (I dread to think what would have happened had we chosen to hire a Pontins cot, what manner of germs and dangers our precious baby would have been subjected to?)
We immediately returned to the reception where we were told that it was Malcolm we needed to see, and could we take a seat, he would be with us shortly. After a few moments one of the poor reception staff was sent out with a key to another chalet, with the message “Malcolm says try this one”. I don’t think so! We insisted on seeing “Malcolm” and insisted that he inspect this second chalet with us. So we met Malcolm at the side door and off we went. Unfortunately this chalet was just as bad, however Pontins staff had already been in and put sheets on the beds (I assume to hide the stains), I tried to point out all of the issues to Malcolm, he couldn’t see the hair on the bed sheets (and when he did, “its probably the cleaners“), nor was he distressed by the torn sofa bed or the fact that the only place for the travel cot was next to the heater and electricity socket “well you wont need to put it on so its ok“.
So off we go back to the office, we were told that there were no upgrades available (I knew this as I had called twice prior to our holiday to pay for and upgrade and had been told that they were fully booked) . Miraculously an upgrade was found, chalet no 40. Malcolm was finishing his shift now, and was being replaced by Nigel the night manager, he was made fully aware of what had gone on and so should we have any more problems he was up to speed. Chalet no 40 consisted of bunk beds in a room big enough for the cot as well, a double bedroom (the travel cot would have got in here too) and the overall appearance (same smell though) was much better, however on closer inspection the windows did not shut securely. No good for a baby and I don’t suppose it would have done the adults much good, particularly as the weather worsened somewhat during our stay, with torrential rain!
So back in the office again. We did not expect the Ritz, all we were looking for was habitable basic accommodation that was suitable for the size and ages of our party. Nigel did not know what to do with us now, but by some miracle managed to find 2 separate chalets (again club class, this time with UPVC door and windows). Not ideal as we had booked as a family and come prepared with one of most things as we would be using the same bathroom and kitchen facilities and generally enjoying a holiday eating and socialising together. Then there was the catch; because you had been so kind and provided us with such a choice of accommodation, and then been forced to provide us with two separate chalets as those offered previously were uninhabitable by anyone with standards/ young children, we had to pay you for the privilege or be escorted off the premises!! But it gets even better! After Nigel spoke with his finance director (it was 7.30pm by this time) you so kindly offered us a fantastic 50% discount and so wanted an extra £86, we got this down to £80 which we tried to pay there and then, but your tills had been closed for the night - luckily for us
So off we went to chalets 199 and 220 (you were unable to provide chalets on the same block as you were fully booked, familiar story!) It was clear to us upon to-ing and fro-ing to each others chalets that there was accommodation available next door to, and opposite chalet 220! Any how we unpacked our belongings in chalet 199, it was not the Ritz but hey it was a vast improvement on previous offerings. In order to put up the travel cot we had to tip one single bed on to the other, what a lovely grubby mess we found, we put a sheet on the floor to cover the grub. After eating at the camp restaurant we returned to our chalet I fed my son and put him down for the night, whilst the remaining five of us squeezed round the table out side to have a well deserved drink. Our son woke at 1am and so I went in to feed him, I was mortified; the stench of damp was overwhelming, I had subjected my little boy to this!! So into the high quality comfy sofa bed with us he came. This was the last time we went into this room other than to show Nigel the mould around the window and the filth on the floor and for him to breathe in the aroma.
So after a very long night the morning came we chose not to go to reception and pay an additional £80 and instead endeavoured to get on with enjoying the English Riviera. We returned around tea time and received a knock on the door from security, chasing payment. We highlighted the damp, the smell, the rusty fridge, the black mould behind the door and the window and sent him back to Nigel with a request that he visit us after about ½ and hour no show from Nigel so we went into Brixham to find something decent to eat. It was around 9.30pm when we returned; again I put our son to bed, this time at the side of the sofa bed in the lounge. At 10pm Mr security guard turned up with a key to chalet 160, even further away from the rest of our family. Obviously not the time to be moving and anyway what confidence did we have that it would be any better? We said that we would come to reception in the morning to see Nigel. This we did and again went over the whole fiasco, we tried to negotiate further the outstanding £80. After speaking with the finance director, we were told, “her words, not his that this was the best they could do and maybe this was not our type of holiday. Surely no matter how cheap something is cleanliness, functionality and suitability are important. We only wanted basic, clean and functional accommodation. The only way this could have been worse is if our son was able to crawl as he would have been so frustrated, because there was no way he would have been allowed to touch anything. Nigel then came up with the chalet next door to 220, a miracle (well not to us as this had been empty all along) So no choice here other than pay up or go home and we will refund you for the nights you didn’t stay. We returned to our chalets (poked our noses into the chalet next door only to find that old familiar smell) and discussed this with rest of the party. None of us relished the thought of driving home so soon and decided that ok we would pay but would pursue this matter when we returned to civilisation.
Back at reception Nigel was unavailable “in a health and safety meeting” (lots to discuss here I don’t doubt), but luckily we were able to see the elusive finance director, who stated that her understanding of our situation was that the accommodation was not big enough and that we insisted on moving for this reason only, she said that she was unaware of the real problems behind our complaints, and we reluctantly paid £60 (£20 less, this seemed quite fair due to the circumstances, she said).
We continued our holiday and made the most of it, we were unable to use the camp facilities of an evening as we don’t subject our son to cigarette smoke and had no confidence in the cleanliness of the pool and sauna?
So back at home, I find that you are fully aware of the problems we have experienced, as others have complained of the same. Yet you still had the audacity to make us pay extra when you have clearly provided free upgrades to others that were perhaps a little less vocal than us.
- Date of Holiday:Jun 2007
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Sun Holidays
" Just returned from 3 nights at Wall... "
Submitted By: Mrs J A MACKENZIE
Just returned from 3 nights at Wall Park. Stayed in budget apartment (mobile home) didn't expect a palace but if I’d paid full price I would have demanded an upgrade or full refund.
It smelt really musty and no amount of bleach/toilet cleaner or air freshener could disguise it-really pleasant to wake up to especially when your settee bed is next to the bathroom! Paid for electric but still didn't have hot running water from taps, had to boil kettle to wash up.
Hot water in shower as long as next door wasn't having a shower at same time! Shower head was new but didn't fit attachment so slipped to bottom of hole which meant you either had to lean against wall to make contact with water or hold shower head. Lino stained and too small for floor, toilet seat had bare patches, towel rail and tin opener really rusty-my 10 yr old daughter refused to eat in apartment complaining that everything was rusty!
Mattress on settee bed was washable (vinyl or plastic), made you sweat and oh so uncomfortable we felt we couldn't straighten up once out of bed and ached all over. Furniture worn and some in need of replacing, if you opened a non-double glazed window you struggled to shut it.
Dining room chairs really classy plastic, paint stained school chairs. Fabulous!
Kids had to push twin beds together to be able to close the bedroom door. Swimming pool changing rooms smelt of urine so we didn't venture to pool. Two o'clock in the morning two nights running we were woken to the wonderful sound of our neighbour’s effing and blinding at each other, slamming doors and locking each other out. Charming.
Take-away food bar was good, food cooked fresh while you wait with several apologies from staff for the wait but we didn't mind and burgers were really tasty and not expensive. We didn't use entertainment room but on last night passing through we wished we'd tried it as the Abba show was quite good, room big and decorated nicely, staff there friendly. Security staff friendly too.
We filled in a complaints form at the end of our stay and we will not be returning. I feel sorry for family's who save up all year round for their holiday and have to put up with these standards. We did laugh and take the Mickey out of our accommodation but it wouldn't have been funny if we'd paid full price!
We love Brixham and surrounding areas so next time we will choose our holiday park more carefully.
It smelt really musty and no amount of bleach/toilet cleaner or air freshener could disguise it-really pleasant to wake up to especially when your settee bed is next to the bathroom! Paid for electric but still didn't have hot running water from taps, had to boil kettle to wash up.
Hot water in shower as long as next door wasn't having a shower at same time! Shower head was new but didn't fit attachment so slipped to bottom of hole which meant you either had to lean against wall to make contact with water or hold shower head. Lino stained and too small for floor, toilet seat had bare patches, towel rail and tin opener really rusty-my 10 yr old daughter refused to eat in apartment complaining that everything was rusty!
Mattress on settee bed was washable (vinyl or plastic), made you sweat and oh so uncomfortable we felt we couldn't straighten up once out of bed and ached all over. Furniture worn and some in need of replacing, if you opened a non-double glazed window you struggled to shut it.
Dining room chairs really classy plastic, paint stained school chairs. Fabulous!
Kids had to push twin beds together to be able to close the bedroom door. Swimming pool changing rooms smelt of urine so we didn't venture to pool. Two o'clock in the morning two nights running we were woken to the wonderful sound of our neighbour’s effing and blinding at each other, slamming doors and locking each other out. Charming.
Take-away food bar was good, food cooked fresh while you wait with several apologies from staff for the wait but we didn't mind and burgers were really tasty and not expensive. We didn't use entertainment room but on last night passing through we wished we'd tried it as the Abba show was quite good, room big and decorated nicely, staff there friendly. Security staff friendly too.
We filled in a complaints form at the end of our stay and we will not be returning. I feel sorry for family's who save up all year round for their holiday and have to put up with these standards. We did laugh and take the Mickey out of our accommodation but it wouldn't have been funny if we'd paid full price!
We love Brixham and surrounding areas so next time we will choose our holiday park more carefully.
- Date of Holiday:Jun 2007
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:SUN NEWSPAPER
" Just travelled 280 miles to Wall Park... "
Submitted By: vectra
Just travelled 280 miles to Wall Park and was utterly disgusted to see the state of the chalets as we drove into the park.
When we were given the keys we opened the door to smell something disgusting and old tatty carpets, door missing off wardrobe and just something you would expect a sewer rat to live in.
We complained along with mostly everyone who went there and was given another key only to find exactly the same conditions, given another key to find same again, then another key, same again not quite as smelly.
We went to ask for an upgrade to be told we had been given one, so shocked asked for a full refund which we were given and drove another 280 miles home back to civilisation.
This was the first Pontins holiday we had been on, never again, my garden shed is a palace compared to Wall Park.
We have been on lots of £9.50p holidays and have been really delighted at the standard of accommodation we received; Park Dean at Croyde Bay is amazing for example. Wall Park needs bulldozing a.s.a.p.
When we were given the keys we opened the door to smell something disgusting and old tatty carpets, door missing off wardrobe and just something you would expect a sewer rat to live in.
We complained along with mostly everyone who went there and was given another key only to find exactly the same conditions, given another key to find same again, then another key, same again not quite as smelly.
We went to ask for an upgrade to be told we had been given one, so shocked asked for a full refund which we were given and drove another 280 miles home back to civilisation.
This was the first Pontins holiday we had been on, never again, my garden shed is a palace compared to Wall Park.
We have been on lots of £9.50p holidays and have been really delighted at the standard of accommodation we received; Park Dean at Croyde Bay is amazing for example. Wall Park needs bulldozing a.s.a.p.
- Date of Holiday:May 2007
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Sun Newspaper
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When we first arrive at Pontins Wall Park, it seemed presentable but I was shocked to see the condition of the apartments which was suppose to sleep 6 people, 4 full grown adults and 2 children.
The apartment looked like it had not been decorated from since the 1960’s which was disappointing and smelt mouldy. I feel the children’s bedroom which had the bunk beds was a reasonable size as well as the bathroom. However the double bedroom hardly had any room to move around and only left us around 23cm to get around the bed on each side.
The wardrobe in the double bedroom backed out to the living room/ kitchen area which made it even smaller to move around when the sofa bed was put out. I felt ashamed as I was the organiser of this holiday from Kent and London to Devon and at a cost of £245.00 I feel the money was wasted not only on the accommodation but on the complex as well.
The top bunk bed mattress was bumpy and the springs that were nearly coming through were causing discomfort to the eldest child. The sofa bed which my husband and I and the other couple took turns to share the burden, was very uncomfortable and un-supportive to the body and would recommend that they should be serviced every 3 – 6 months.
I was surprised to learn when complaining to the duty manager that the apartment we had was one of the largest on the complex, which caused some concern to me as a member of my group had a leg injury which made it hard to manoeuvre around, as you had to be a size of a 4 year old child to move freely about the apartment.
H20 zone was also disappointing as I never realised the pool was that small and that the changing facilities was in such a bad state, which explains why I saw other people going back to their apartments to get clean and dry causing them to walk out in the their swimming gear in the freezing cold. When I got into the changing rooms not only were the cubicles small but they were very dirty and we were met with a very strong smell of urine. The smell seemed it had been there for over a week as the strength of the smell was too strong for just a couple of hours or day to get to that level, unless there were about 200 non neutered Tom cats that had been left loose for a day to leave their markings, which I doubt. One of the other parents did complain to the staff and a member of staff with a bucket of bleach came in to attend to the stench by pouring the fluid down the drain in the changing rooms and left without mopping.
The Active Zone was the only other thing than the staff politeness that eased the disappointment a bit. My only suggestion was that it was frustrating that you could not pre-book activities earlier than 14:00 the day before, as many of the times there was a huge queue and the activities were already booked out. We managed to do Archery and quad biking but we would have loved to have a go at Rifles and other activities available.
The outdoor kids area should be a bit more entertaining as when there were no activities available the kids needed to burn their energy and got board quickly with what was on offer. I found we had to go out to other excursions i.e. Woodlands to really entertain the children. The under 4 section and pottery corner was also very disappointing too.
I am surprised that Pontin’s being a well established holiday park for the family was so disappointing. I have been to Butlins in Bognor Regis and Haven in Hastings and Pontin’s was the worst out of all. I found that Butlins had more of an idea of what families want.
If I had known from booking and upgrading that the apartment was going to be that small for six of us I would have booked 2 apartments and I would strongly suggest that people are advised of this whilst booking.
Unfortunately, as we had driven over 250 miles to get to Pontins in Wall Park and as it was the busy half term period I had no choice but to put up with what we had and try to make the best out of a bad situation and was not going to cause any upheaval to the children by changing the location.
But to see other people go after the first night is disheartening and I hope the comments and the suggestions will be taken seriously by Pontins, in order to make it special for another family instead of making it a disappointment.