A 30-something techie. Married, one kid, one cat. Not much free time at the moment, but I try to rea...
A 30-something techie. Married, one kid, one cat. Not much free time at the moment, but I try to read and write as much as possible.
I'VE JUST UPDATED SEVERAL OLD OPS. RATE AWAY!!! ;-)
Member since:12.06.2001
Reviews:46
Members who trust:20
Mmmmmm... Center Parcs - Why did it take me so long to discover this most excellent of adventures?
A family of friends, and my own family decided recently to share a holiday. Having experienced this before in a less-than-successful light (Caravaning in France) I was quite reluctant. None the less, I was persuaded by the reasonable prices (Only off-peak is reasonable!) and the suggestion of separate a Villa for each family.
We visited their UK LongleatForest park, and I think the items below cover the opinions of all four adults.
The place is wonderful. PLUSSES: -------------------------------- The really DO cater for kids, and from what I could see, for disabled and elderly visitors too. Every restaurant and building has access for buggies and wheelchairs, and almost all of them have a small play-area for kids aged about 2+.
The swimming pool is big, fun, child friendly, FREE, centrally located. Fun, fun, big... I loved it. I visited at least 6 times in 8 days. The layout is well planned, there are 5 slides for adults and 4 for children. There is a hot-tub, a cold tub, two wild water rapids (one for adults and strong swimmers, and one... yup, for the kids...)
The park is designed to be bicycled around. This might not suit everyone, but the exercise is good for you. It means a minimum of cars, walking is safe for kids/buggies etc. and the bike-hire rates are reasonable (About £20-£30 for the week, depending on extras such as helmets)
They have an excellent choice of restaurants, cafes, bars and facilities. French food, Italian, Dutch pancakes, American, Sports-bar... Not a lot is missing in fact, and if you can't find it... Do it yourself...
... the villas are very well made, comfortable, not un-attractive (if somewhat plain) and are set in the most stunning woodland scenery, with REAL WILDLIFE literally on your doorstep. Do read the booklet provided to find what is NOT provided.
For sporty types they have squash, badminton courts etc, a lake for small and simple water sports, archery range, "hawking" lessons (With a hawk of the flapping variety). And for the indoor types they have snooker/pool tables.
They also have parks and play areas galore dotted about to keep the kids out from under your feet.
Nothing is perfect. MINUSES: ---------------------------- Regardless of the season, the extras soon add up. I think I added 50% to the cost of the holiday in the 8 days we were there (This is for a family of 3) - A more frugal holiday os certainly possible if you take the self-catering theme a bit more seriously; We ate out quite a bit.
This place is hilly. Shallow pathways are provided, but try to aim for the Northern-most villas if hills are a problem; Its much flatter there, but further from the sprting areas.
OVERALL: --------
We paid about £650 for 8 days in a 2 bedroom villa. This could be equivalent to a family flight to the USA of course, but for the UK and for the location, it is excellent value.
very good opinion. Sounds like a great place to go :)
BTW (dont laugh) what is a hot tub and a cold tub?
From_The_Continent 18.07.2001 13:09
Another excellent op of yours. I really like Center Parks, but wouldn't recommend them for a complete holiday for the very reasons you have mentioned, i.e. expensive during the main season plus many extras. Instead I would suggest to find a nice holiday home somewhere near and occasionally use the Center Park facilities on a day pass. Cheers, Hans
Xelavie 27.06.2001 02:04
Looks like you're being very honest with the plusses and the minuses. This op can give one the wanderlust to try a weekend adventure in Center Parcs. Have you been paid for this good advert? Just kidding... Alex
NH Hotels, the hotel chain leader in Europe, with more than 300 hotels in 20 countries in Europe, Latin America and Africa. Enter into our web site and find the best available tariff at all times
Advantages: Great family holiday, perfect for kids, lovely natural setting, plenty to do Disadvantages: Lodges can be shabby, you will wear yourself out with all the activity!
fallen121 20.03.2006 (20.03.2006)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: exceptional
Review of Center Parcs
Jun 22nd, 2001
very helpful by (100%):
