Centre Parcs Complaint

oldgrumpygit

From your first post

"As my husbands mum made the booking he told the manager he couldn't say what they would expect, however after 20 years of holidaying there, and always booking two villas, he said the expectation would be high."

It seems your husband indicated that his mother would expect some sort of compensation, and that it should not be insignificant.

As I said in my original post no harm in writing to them but as I also said you are entitled to nothing so it is all down to their goodwill.

Sassie72

Valli wrote: »

No you didn't mention the word 'compensation' but you've been offered a goodwill gesture you're not happy with. And you want something by way of an apology - comes pretty close to compensation - or can't you see that?

Centre Parcs won't call it 'compensation' either - because if they did it would be tantamount to accepting liability!

What I meant Valli that I didn't appreaciate being lumped in the same category as compo chasers that expect something for nothing. I guess that's what has upset me as I deplore the whole 'compensation culture'. So to be labelled has such has rocked me. All I wanted to know was, was I silly to be upset at £100 off another holiday. All people needed to say was yes or no. Or am I missing the point of 'asking for help!

ILW

Sassie72 wrote: »

Whoah there! At no point in my post did I mention compensation!!! All I said was I felt £100 off another holiday wasn't quite right. Basically we will have to spend more money with them to get it. If they'd have offered it as a refund, that would've been better. And another thing. I asked for help and advice not an attack about the compensation culture, which I actually hate myself!!! I reiterate. I did not state I wanted any compensation!!!

Why not just be happy that no harm has been done and now you have drawn it to their attention, they will probably check the rooms a little closer in the future.

They have probably already sacked the guilty cleaner already.

summersmum82

Hiya
Having worked in cp complaints dept Im wondering what they wrote in the letter? have they wrote 'in full and final settlement?' if they have they wont give u anymore. They also wont give u any 'refund'. I worked there years and only once did i have authorisation to offer a refund. if your not happy with the offer why dont you ask for free day passes etc? they will only offer you compensation that you will use on site. Im assuming that the 100 was 10% of that particular lodge price? which is standard housekeeping comp offered. if you feel you are not happy with what they have offered then ring them and ask to speak to the manager (the name on your letter) and tell them what u want/expect and they will come to a compromise with you.

warehouse

Sassie72 wrote: »

Thanks warehouse. I asked for help and you offered your opinion, in a nice way. Sometimes when your close to a situation you can't always see it for what it is. Other opinion, from an uninterested party is helpful. I just feel that to get the monetary apology by spending more money is a bit naughty.

Lol you're welcome. I've visited Centre Parcs a couple of times and the kids love it. Unfortunately it's moved a bit out of my price range now, mores the pity.

Please be warned that this forum, whilst an absolute mine of information and advice, doesn't seem to like new posters who have a complaint. You will attract the less nice posters like bee's to a honeypot with this thread, so you might need a thick skin today. Please prevail though, once you wade through the s*** it's a good place for advice and info.

Valli

Sassie72 wrote: »

What I meant Valli that I didn't appreaciate being lumped in the same category as compo chasers that expect something for nothing. I guess that's what has upset me as I deplore the whole 'compensation culture'. So to be labelled has such has rocked me. All I wanted to know was, was I silly to be upset at £100 off another holiday. All people needed to say was yes or no. Or am I missing the point of 'asking for help!

Thing is, what happened is a chalet wasn't properly cleaned.

What you found IN the chalet, though, triggered the emotional response we see and hear so often. Yes your children COULD have found the tablets. They could have then taken them. But they didn't.

So you're thinking £100 isn't a lot considering what could have happened (if I'm reading your posts right).

Other posters have no vested emotional interest - it wasn't us; it wouldn't have been our children.

If I were going to go again I would consider £100 off a holiday reasonable. I might drop a hint about how nice a welcome pack would be, when I arrived, too;)

Edit - having read Warehouse's post - I would wholly concur. Mind you, if a poster whose name begins with M comes along and starts trying to persuade you to go to court over this you might need to consider whether that's a total overreaction. He'll have laid into all the regulars though, too, so you'll easily spot him;)

summersmum82 wrote: »

Im assuming that the £100 was 10% of that particular lodge price? which is standard housekeeping comp offered. if you feel you are not happy with what they have offered then ring them and ask to speak to the manager (the name on your letter) and tell them what u want/expect and they will come to a compromise with you.

Useful to know there's a standard rate offered summersmum; thank you!

Sassie72

summersmum82 wrote: »

Hiya
Having worked in cp complaints dept Im wondering what they wrote in the letter? have they wrote 'in full and final settlement?' if they have they wont give u anymore. They also wont give u any 'refund'. I worked there years and only once did i have authorisation to offer a refund. if your not happy with the offer why dont you ask for free day passes etc? they will only offer you compensation that you will use on site. Im assuming that the 100 was 10% of that particular lodge price? which is standard housekeeping comp offered. if you feel you are not happy with what they have offered then ring them and ask to speak to the manager (the name on your letter) and tell them what u want/expect and they will come to a compromise with you.

Thanks for your advice, again offered in a nice way!!
The email was actually very nice, the £100 was offered as an apology and goodwill gesture, to be used within two years. I'm not sure of the price of the villa to be honest. I just wanted some unbiased opinion if we were right not to be happy with what was offered. I do think my inlaws will be contacting them though and tha is again for your help.

Sassie72

Thanks Valli. You're right, there is emotion involved, hence the post to ask for help from people without emotion. I was upset at the attack about compo, with or without advice. I just feel that there was no need for that.

oldgrumpygit

Other than the money I would be interested to know what the letter said about what procedures have been put in place to minimise this happening again.

It could happen any time of course but I would like them to acknowledge that they have reinforced their processes and ensured that all cleaning staff have been informed to do thorough checks.

Much more important than compensation.

Hezzawithkids

They didn't have to offer you anything so £100 off a holiday is quite generous. If you feel so strongly about it you can always vote with your feet and never go there again.

As an aside my Mum booked into a Travelodge once and found a packet of condoms in the bedside drawer!:eek: The staff fell over themselves to apologise but she thought it was hilarious! (did I mention that she is 90 and a widow? :rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:)