Holiday at Center Parcs - Do I complain?.....(Very Long Post, sorry)

kelloggs36

Write the letter and send copies of the photos you took (not originals as they may 'lose' them! We had the same sort of problem with Keycamp on our holiday a couple of years ago, even though they did fix every problem (the place was filthy, the fan had at least 2 inches of dust in and on it, the shower was broken, the door wouldn't stay open as the catch was broken, the fridge door fell off, the highchair was missing and when we got one it was filthy dirty, there were missing items on the inventry so we went and asked for them and they were given to us) we still wrote and complained. We received a cheque for 150 pounds as an apology and a 50 pounds voucher for future use - although we chose Haven for the next (and subsequent) holiday as they worked out cheaper and the accommodation was much bigger and much cleaner too!!!!

DUKE

I would email them a complaint Cinders. Someone I know had similar problems recently and they got another holiday - good luck

Cinders2001

Thank you, I appreciate you all taking the time to reply to me. xx

RibAd

Again, I too agree with the above comments of others, but I would definately make a formal complaint. I had a look online at what the UK type Center Parcs was (I'm more familiar with the name in Europe than UK) and had a look at the type of accomodation you said you were in... well, from the photos online they look like standard letting self catering accomdation, but what you described was more like a low budget and non hygenic setting!
More than likely there's a dispute with whatever company is outsourced to clean, or there's a serious managment issue! I'd say that the only compensation you'd would be a discount on a future stay if anything at all!
Good Luck with it!

Kerry39

complaining is the way forward, these places sometimes need a rocket up their over priced backsides. No sitting on the fence with me it sounds disgusting, get writing !

Cinders2001

Well I am waiting for a reply......(from Center Parcs, not you!)

JasonLVC

Sounds like Sherwood Forest to me.

I've had some very poor quality accomodation here in the past, basically like something from a 70's borstal. I kicked off big time and got upgraded to a slightly better surface bomb shelter.

I'd write a letter, politely outlining the issues and the disappointment suffered and I'd be also asking for an amount they consider to be appropriate compensation (that way, if they give you £50 you can go to the local papers and tell everyone) and I find putting the ball into their court will focus them on giving you either a bigger refund or some bigger discount.

And don;t even get me started on Butlins, they refused a refund but a few letters later and I got one. Butlins Skeggy:mad: :eek:

Cinders2001

So if they offer £50 then do I accept or refuse?

JasonLVC

No, don't accept the £50, the trick is let them decide what is suitable compo (and of curse, what you're happy to accept). If they fob you off with £50 write again saying something along the lines of "centerparcs doesn;t value it's customer service and when it fails ofers derisory £50 as compo...I wonder what the newspaper would say about this and Centerparcs attitude towards valued customer who spend a lot to use the site, etc, etc....


If they give you a value or discount that you are happy with hen well done, take it no further.

I'd be looking for £100 cash or at least 30% discount off next visit in order to restore confidence in the product offering, otherwise they've los a customer for life.

Cinders2001

Thanks Jason for replying.

I did spend a lot at the place actually too.
The whole reason we were able to go there in the first place was because Mother in Law died and she left us some money to enjoy ourselves on a holiday and we chose to go there.
Not only the villa money but also for things like Horse riding and Scuba diving, Bungy trampolining and Aqua Sana. Not cheap activities. But she paid for the holiday.

I should have put that in the letter!!