Center Parcs Promotion codes

Kimmybo

Guys,

Have just called Center Parcs as I have been a frequent visitor over the years and have received no offers/discounts within the last year. I have gone in groups and just with my husband as a couple at times but have always used a discount of some sort.

The lady on the phone told me they are NOT doing discount codes anymore but are encouraging people to book early/well in advance to get the best offers which is really not practicial if you work and can't book time off for Jan/Feb 2010 now! They are also operating 'flexible' pricing now which means one day a villa could cost £400 and the next day £250 depending on demand! I asked if there are likely to be any codes again and she told me that at present they are not aware they will be issuing discount codes again!

I think it's ridiculous especially for people like myself and my husband who have been frequent visitors over the years using these discounts and now probably can't afford to go back (1 bed villa at end of Sept this year is between £400-£500 for two people) way too much I can go abroad for that!!!

I did ask if there was a reason they have stopped these codes and she mentioned about people selling them on Ebay and posting them on internet sites when they were intended only for the customers they were sent to so I'm guessing that this is the real reason why they are no longer doing them and these people have now gone and ruined it for genuine visitors and regluar customers of Center Parcs!:mad:

klb_3

I did ask if there was a reason they have stopped these codes and she mentioned about people selling them on Ebay and posting them on internet sites when they were intended only for the customers they were sent to so I'm guessing that this is the real reason why they are no longer doing them and these people have now gone and ruined it for genuine visitors and regluar customers of Center Parcs!:mad:

Center Parcs previously had a discount code on their own website which was for everyone to use. They also regularly ran promotions in the national daily newspapers, again not targetted. Remember where the codes originated from, Center Parcs themselves.

People posting codes on internet sites have not ruined it for you. Center Parcs has done that.

retepetsir

Has anyone tried getting an upgrade before? We're off to Center Parcs next week and booked the Executive (old style) accomodation with another couple (2-bedroom). I've stayed in the 3-bedroom before so assumed that the 2-bedroom also came with the sauna....this apparently isn't the case. I've only just realised this though!

I've had a look on the website and they still have some 3-bedroom villas left for next week which haven't been booked.

If they are still available do you think they might upgrade us?! Might phone them if I get a chance....what do you all think?

They also have 2 of the 'new style' executive villas available but they are now priced at £999!!!

The_Old_Bag

Kimmybo wrote: »

Guys,

Have just called Center Parcs as I have been a frequent visitor over the years and have received no offers/discounts within the last year. .........

I think it's ridiculous especially for people like myself and my husband who have been frequent visitors over the years using these discounts and now probably can't afford to go back (1 bed villa at end of Sept this year is between £400-£500 for two people) way too much I can go abroad for that!!!

I have been going to CP since it first opened in the UK in the 1980's - and now I am completely unable to afford to go any more.
Last year it was so expensive, I went on a mediteranean cruise instead !
I had a brilliant time, kids thoroughly enjoyed it, and we had fabulous weather:T

I still get the CP magazine, and they email me regularly, but the prices are so ridiculous I cannot see me ever being able to afford to go again.
Remember that the Brochure price is just the starting point. You still have all your food and entertainment/activities to pay for on top.
I have recommended CP to so many family and friends over the years, I should have got commission, but they have all had a great time and gone back again and again themselves.
Shame really, we had some really great breaks there , but I suppose unless I win the lottery I won't be going again.:cool:

Bottom line is, while ever people DO pay the prices and CP keep the occupancy and profits high, the prices ( and current policy of no discount codes) will continue.
But if occupancy and profits fall, maybe they will have to re-think.

Perhaps with the 'recession' and more people having a uk holiday, they have increased demand.
But I certainly found a cheaper alternative by going on a Cruise, so we can only wait and see if their "no-code" policy will work for them in the long term.;)

retepetsir

The_Old_Bag wrote: »

I have been going to CP since it first opened in the UK in the 1980's - and now I am completely unable to afford to go any more.
Last year it was so expensive, I went on a mediteranean cruise instead !
I had a brilliant time, kids thoroughly enjoyed it, and we had fabulous weather:T

I still get the CP magazine, and they email me regularly, but the prices are so ridiculous I cannot see me ever being able to afford to go again.
Remember that the Brochure price is just the starting point. You still have all your food and entertainment/activities to pay for on top.
I have recommended CP to so many family and friends over the years, I should have got commission, but they have all had a great time and gone back again and again themselves.
Shame really, we had some really great breaks there , but I suppose unless I win the lottery I won't be going again.:cool:

Bottom line is, while ever people DO pay the prices and CP keep the occupancy and profits high, the prices ( and current policy of no discount codes) will continue.
But if occupancy and profits fall, maybe they will have to re-think.

Perhaps with the 'recession' and more people having a uk holiday, they have increased demand.
But I certainly found a cheaper alternative by going on a Cruise, so we can only wait and see if their "no-code" policy will work for them in the long term.;)

We managed to book an executive 2-bedroom villa for £329 (4 people going) which I didn't think was too bad. The comfort one at the time was £319! That is for a mid-week from September 7th to September 11th. We've kept the activities to the minimum this time though.

Still tempted to ask for an upgrade but I'm scared of getting laughed at :eek::rolleyes:

The_Old_Bag

[QUOTE=retepetsir;24825183

Still tempted to ask for an upgrade but I'm scared of getting laughed at :eek::rolleyes:[/QUOTE]

If you don't ask, you don't get!!!!:money:

What is the worst that can happen ?
1) They say "No"
2) They say "No" and laugh
3) They say "Yes, and that will be £299 extra please....".;)
4) "Let me check...Oh yes, I'm sure we can manage that !....Extra charge ?, oh no, that won't be necessary...."

One in four chance.
Asking costs nothing, so give it a go ......

retepetsir

Well I've just received a reply to my email....

"Yes of course you may upgrade your accomodation. You would have to call us to do so, and would have to pay the difference in the cost between the two accommodations. If you call in 08448 266 266 anyone in the reservations team will be able to do this for you."

That would be £370 extra so maybe not! Not really worth it for a sauna and a spare bedroom...!

They still have 5 x 3-bedroom executive villas available so I thought it was worth a shot rather than leaving them empty.

ultramagnetic_commuter

Not that I'm supporting CP at all but if you look at the prices for advance bookings they are very reasonable. We booked a few months back and the same accomodation is considerably more now.

Booking early isn't always practical but we certainly will for next year and get it even cheaper (we left it a bit late this year).

Kimmybo

I agree Center Parcs did provide codes for everyone to make use of however I think what they were referring to when I called them were the 'book within 28 days' codes that people used to get sent when returning from a visit.

These would generally offer quite a good discount of your next break whenever it may be but you needed you booking code from your last visit in order to qualify for the discount and some individuals were selling these on Ebay!

hamsterholly

I definately agree with trying to book early if you can. We booked back in March this year for a midweek break in December. We managed to get a lakeside lodge for £225 which is a fantastic price seeing as today they are going for £599 !!!

The prices look as if there going up and down on a daily basis