Center Parcs disappointment - best way to complain?

hethmar

My dil works at a CP (has done for 6 years) in a supervisory position. Some days she is working 12 or 13 hours due to staff cut backs and they do really work hard and are concerned about their visitors comfort. They rope in lots of part timers for change over days by the way.

diddyangel

I read somewhere (perhaps on here) that all of the comfort lodges are gradually being refurbished into woodland lodges.... however until this happens the maintenance on these is minimal and as a result they are not meeting previous standards. How true this is I do not know but apparantly they are aiming to have no comfort lodges once the refurbishments are complete. Having previously stayed in both a comfort and woodland lodge I would always pick the woodland lodge as there is a massive difference in the standards - and I haven't been for 18 months.

I went to Sherwood once 3 years ago and have never been back there. We usually go to Elvedon but we went to Sherwood to meet with friends who live in the north. The place was a let down for us - perhaps because I was comparing it to Elvedon so if you have never been anywhere else I'm sure you'll find it ok. I just thought the layout of the village was not as good and as Elvedon and it didn't have the same vibe.

As I say I haven't been for a while as having school age children mean its prices are so high thats its cheaper to have a week abroad in the school hols, which is a shame as I love it there. I'd like to think its standards aren't slipping as I am planning to go next year and I would hate to fork out all that money only for it to be a massive let down.

h.cowell

Thanks for all the responses . Like diddyangel, I really hope standards aren't slipping because it can be a brilliant holiday... I have already spoken to OH about trying a different site, perhaps Elvedon, next time. Hethmar, it was our impression that some of the staff were fed up. Overworked perhaps? What a shame if that's the case .

I've composed a letter to send to head office, complete with photos. If nothing else it's more feedback for them to act on. I'll will post on this thread any response we might get.

Thanks again!

pinkmami

mspig wrote: »

We've been going to Whinfell for years and never had a problem. We were thinking about trying one of the others in the Uk but all i heard of lately is people saying how bad the others are(especially sherwood) think i might stick to whinfell.

Same here - we've been going to Whinfell & going on our 8th visit this year. We've never had a problem. I've also read reviews & found that many complain about the villas in Sherwood. I think I'll stick to what I know.

DON79

I stayed at a woodland lodge in Sherwood with my toddler and 3 month old baby - I was really sickened to find the kitchen infested with black ants and the worst way I found out was when I went to feed my baby his bottle of milk - there was a black ant floating in his milk! They were crawling in and out of the kettle! I really felt sick. I really can't stand ants

hethmar

h.cowell wrote: »

I have already spoken to OH about trying a different site, perhaps Elvedon, next time.

Yes, try Elveden

Chocolate80

I went to Centerparcs Longleat at the end of June for a midweek break. I was actually there with two of the guys I support. It was the first time I had experienced Centerparcs and I was pleasantly surprised. I thought it was a great place with attentive, polite staff. I couldn't sing their praises enough!

I stayed in "Pine".

h.cowell

I just wanted to give a quick update to this thread. Center Parcs replied to my complaint letter, firstly within a few days with a simple acknowledgement, and then 2 weeks later with a full and comprehensive reply. They addressed all the concerns I raised individually, and the tone of the letter sympathetic while still business like. They confirmed that they had raised the cleanliness issues with housekeeping and agreed that (particularly the beds) it was unacceptable. They did hint, although not in concrete terms, that 'some' villas are due to be refurbished.

I forgot to mention it in my original post but we also had a bad experience with the 'time out' club - my daughter complained the staff were just chatting the whole time, and they sent her back with an article covered in wet paint that transferred to her clothes and my jacket. The 'time out' staff hadn't offer to keep the article overnight for next day collection, allowing for drying time. After complaining about this, Center Parcs offered to have the clothes dry cleaned at their cost, which I thought was generous of them .

Lastly, we have been offered £165 off another holiday at Center Parcs, and will probably book a break for next Spring.

Overall, I'm very happy with their response, particularly as they took the time to address each issue, and hopefully it will help in making the place even better in the future .

snapping_crocodile

Good outcome :j

I have been going to center parcs for many many years and have never had any problems. I know my mum has had a couple of minor issues on a few visits and they have always replied quickly and provided gift vouchers as compensation. Well done CP :T

bovysbabe

we have been to sherwood forest many times and i am off back there in november. We love it. have never had any issues with the place. however we do pay for woodland lodges and not comfort (basic) ones