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

Chellesbells_2

After a little persuasion from my friend who has visited Center Parcs a few times, I agreed to book up a long weekend with her. I'm a single mum of two currently studying a full time degree and money is very tight but I am paying for my half as and when I can (my good friend, Claire paid for me). I have never been before but already I am furious. When Claire rang those-that-be to book our long (well-needed) weekend for us and the children, the lady on the other end of the line told us that for £40 extra we could have the original executive lodge (or villa - sorry, really can't remember at this point) that comes with it's own private sauna, own garden area, en-suite in every room - one of which has a hydro batch and other bits ie tv's dvd players, stereo etc. So naturally, we thought 'great' and booked up. Not long thereafter a friend told Claire that the specific type of lodge (or villa) that we’d booked is a bit grotty and not worth it in comparison to the newly decorated, less luxurious ones. She also told her that the £40 extra deal is basically not guaranteed and is almost like a first come, first served basis. So Claire rang up again and Center Parcs confirmed this and then informed her of the £35 fee to change accomodation. Being unlike me, Claire finally agreed to this. Whereas I am extremely annoyed at companies like this (The 'Next Directory' being another fine example) getting their facts wrong (intentionally or otherwise) over the phone, to then admit liability but refuse to act on their incompetence, charging the innocent public for the privilege. Who the hell do they think they are?
I am just about to ring them myself and I am not getting off the phone until a full refund is issued and a sufficient apology is given. I’ll let you know the outcome.

lynnexxxo

Chellesbells wrote: »

After a little persuasion from my friend who has visited Center Parcs a few times, I agreed to book up a long weekend with her. I'm a single mum of two currently studying a full time degree and money is very tight but I am paying for my half as and when I can (my good friend, Claire paid for me). I have never been before but already I am furious. When Claire rang those-that-be to book our long (well-needed) weekend for us and the children, the lady on the other end of the line told us that for £40 extra we could have the original executive lodge (or villa - sorry, really can't remember at this point) that comes with it's own private sauna, own garden area, en-suite in every room - one of which has a hydro batch and other bits ie tv's dvd players, stereo etc. So naturally, we thought 'great' and booked up. Not long thereafter a friend told Claire that the specific type of lodge (or villa) that we’d booked is a bit grotty and not worth it in comparison to the newly decorated, less luxurious ones. She also told her that the £40 extra deal is basically not guaranteed and is almost like a first come, first served basis. So Claire rang up again and Center Parcs confirmed this and then informed her of the £35 fee to change accomodation. Being unlike me, Claire finally agreed to this. Whereas I am extremely annoyed at companies like this (The 'Next Directory' being another fine example) getting their facts wrong (intentionally or otherwise) over the phone, to then admit liability but refuse to act on their incompetence, charging the innocent public for the privilege. Who the hell do they think they are?
I am just about to ring them myself and I am not getting off the phone until a full refund is issued and a sufficient apology is given. I’ll let you know the outcome.

I think you'll find the cp won't even speak to you over the phone as you are not the person who booked it (data protection).

I'm a bit confused though, anytime I've been to cp they have told me my exact villa address, so you could easily confirm if its an executive lodge. Honestly if it is then the extra 40 is a total bargain. I've always wanted one with the sauna and stuff, but they are far far more expensive (ie hundreds more) than the standard ones. The decor is the new ones is far nicer but the standard new ones don't have the extras like a sauna or hydrobaths like the executive ones

Your best bet is to speak to you friend and find out the exact villa you are staying in them look at the accomdation map and find out what kind of villa it is.
Phoning up and shouting at them won't help, however a letter signed by your friend explaining the situation might.

Good luck, i hope you enjoy your break.

Kez100

TBH you lost the main opportunity when you were there. Yes, their accommodation is getting worse - they look after the higher priced only. However, it is still more expansive than the Travelodge £9 deals and they manage a better quality of accommodation.

However, I do think you went a bit OTT on your report. Letting far too many things get to you. Personally, if I wanted compensation, I would have asked while there. Now I would just not go back.

I suspect they will regret their not looking after people in the good times. Now we have hit a recession as people will be careful where they spend their money and expensive (but badly looked after) accommodation.