Pontins Reviews 

We arrived for our holiday to be told that they were closed that week due to insufficient bookings. We were told we had been informed by email, letter and text.....we had not, neither had the other people who arrived whilst we were there. We're an elderly couple and I'm disabled, the other elderly couples had travelled from the south of England and a man who was very clearly visually impaired, had come on public transport......when I complained by email, after getting home, I pointed out that none of us would have gone, had we had any sort of a cancellation. Therefore not only did we deserve a full refund but compensation for costs of travel, inconvenience and emotional distress. They just refunded the cost of the holiday :( I've been ill and having hospital treatment and not up to a further fight. However, I think it's only fair to publicise their terrible treatment of us and others.

Booked holiday for next year which has been cancelled - this I can understand but there was little sympathy in how we could resolve the issue.
The alternative park that was offered would have had a significant increase in the cost of travelling and there was no compensation offered in upgrade of room etc. had no other option but to accept a refund but now unable to book anywhere for the same period at the same cost.
They have little sympathy and will take bookings they cannot honour.
First and last time using this company.

Grim. Looks like a concentration camp with spiked metal fences to keep people in. Accommodation was really out dated and sofa bed really disgusting had to wipe down before we could even consider laying a bed sheet on it. Front door had a 2” gap at the bottom which we had to block at night. Floor didn’t look like it had been cleaned in weeks hence why we all kept our shoes on. Shower curtain 🤮. Had to wash all cutlery wasn’t enough of anything to even consider eating. Water was described as thick by our son so we used bottled. The pool looked like the best feature of the site but it was closed due to technical issues. Neighbours smoking constantly and inconsiderate at night. Kids in amusements running around climbing on machines with no shoes/socks on and no parents to care, with just a couple of attendants that looked like they needed taser guns to keep control.Did not eat on site found a nice pub called the New inn and enjoyed Wales for the memories outside of the concentration camp. Yes we could have complained but was not worth the effort. Britannia hotels who own Pontins need to spend millions and should not be allowed to operate in partnership with the sun holidays.

I would never EVER book with this company EVER again!! They have zero customer service and clearly do not care about people enjoying their much need break!!in these hard times all they care about is squeezing more and more money out of every customer. Basic accommodation and even more basic food!!!never again!!

Gave Sand Bay second visit, shame really as very much enjoyed the entertainment: Eclipse - brilliant vocals, 'Blondie', 'George Michael', 4 Tune, amazing Lorna, fabulous Kirsty, also quiz, met nice couple from Bristol (up 'the Gas'), desk staff good, food: some OK but needs vegan update, room good/liked bath - all spoilt by hardcore smoking fest especially in and around flat and just about all over, had to leave after 2 nights so sick, cost me over £70.
At Brean Sands nice room apart from serious leak, was repaired well, two clowns on desk 16/9/22 after
nice Georgia and colleague.

We arrived at 4pm ready to enjoy our long awaited holiday. Things went wrong from the moment we arrived.

Initially we were given the wrong directions at the gate which meant that I wasted 30 minutes queuing at the wrong place with my children before being told to go to the correct place.

The whole park was very run down and untidy, rubbish everywhere, staff couldn't care less.

We went to our chalet and were disgusted by what we found. There was not one area of the chalet that was clean

- Filthy floor throughout whole chalet
- Milk left in the fridge
- Food stuck to the back of the fridge and rubbish in it
- Dirty shelves and sides throughout
- Kettle and microwave were both filthy
- Blocked bathroom sink
- Toilet was covered in hair and dirt
- Duvets and pillows were stained and covered in hair and dirt
- Mattresses had crumbs etc on them

From the above, it was evidently clear that the chalet had not been cleaned since the last guests.
I attempted to call the emergency helpline but that just kept going to a voicemail service that was full so I was unable to leave a message. At reception the only queues were for people checking in, with no separate customer service area.

At this stage I had no other choice than to attempt to clean the whole chalet myself to enable me to get my family settled. This was no easy task given how disgustingly dirty everything was. This took up the first few hours of our ‘holiday’ while my partner had to entertain our children.

I then spent a further hour attempting to get things sorted with staff on site at reception.

At reception I was told that the duty manager was on his way speak to me, however unbeknown to me, he showed up and was not directed to speak to me so I sat waiting for over half an hour before chasing up, only to be told he was already there and I now had to join a further queue to speak to him. He then proceeded to give me a handful of free vouchers for the ‘leisure zone’ which was closed on Saturday so we were unable to use them. He also incorrectly wrote on my form that I did not know a new clean could have been done, this was not the case, my expectation when I pay to stay somewhere is that it is clean however I was unable to get in contact with anyone and therefore had no choice but to do it myself.

Despite having been told by the duty manager that the floor would be cleaned first thing on Saturday morning, by Sunday evening it had still not been cleaned, despite me following up at reception twice in that time. At this point, even though I had spent all of Friday evening cleaning the chalet myself and then following the somewhat pointless conversation with the duty manager, we decided that enough was enough and took the decision to end our ‘holiday’ early and go home. Definitely not the holiday experience we had been anticipating for such a long time.

Cancelling our holiday 3 days before we was supposed to go.

Absolute joke. Have to wait 7 days for a refund so can’t book anywhere else. No help given over the phone.

After seeing all the terrible videos on tik tok, there is no way I would stay there

I wish I could give no stars! We checked into our accommodation atPrestatyn sands, it was absolutely filthy, there was sick around the toilet, old contact lenses and used ear buds on the floor amongst other stuff.
I went to the accommodation office who said they could put the room down
for a reclean (suggesting it had already been cleaned) but might not be on the day as they were behind - which I can accept but don't give people the keys to apartments until they've been cleaned.
My partner and I went and bought cleaning products and cleaned the apartment ourselves.
The site itself is practically a building site and everything is very run down. Staff were rude and defensive even before you spoke to them even upon picking up keys(guess they were getting alot of complaints).
I've been to a different site before and that was ok but I wouldn't ever go here again or recommend it to anyone.
A complaint was logged but even that wasn't read properly. We were offered a discount on a like for like in the future but I honestly won't be taking it the whole experience was awful.

Camber Sands Sussex
We spent 4.5 hours to get there, on arrival we were given a key and directions from a friendly member of staff and that is where nice ended. We got to our "apartment" to greeted by a broom lying on the floor complete with hair and other sweepings that must have been there for ages, because the floor was filthy. In front of us was a three draw cabinet with a broken draw hanging out and a tv remote on the floor in front of it. Having travelled for hours the first thing we wanted was the toilet however that had the remains of faeces all over the rim and underside of the seat made us retch. The sink was not attached to the wall supported only by the pipe work and pedestal and was unstable if you leaned on it. There were cobwebs every where a bits all over the sofa bed, the kitchen was dirty with rusty appliances. Chairs were upside down on table.

We arrived at 15:35 and had returned the keys to the abandoned reception by 15:55 and were on our way home another 5 hours in the car and a tank of diesel. We had not been away for nearly 3 years very upset. Unfortunately no photos as camera was in car and we just wanted to leave. Should not be called a holiday camp not fit to be so.

Was supposed to be going to Pontins Camber Sands on the 9/9/22. They emailed me two weeks before and informed me that the accommodation I had booked months ago was no longer available. I received a refund. I contacted Pontins customer service today to check whether a further booking from 12/9 at the same location was still available ( I have sent numerous emails but they have not replied) and I was told it is. When I asked why the 9/9 accommodation was not available they told me it was because of lack of bookings for that weekend. After all the months since I booked this, they decide two weeks before I go that the accommodation is not available. Disgusting!

So this was our second holiday park during the school holidays. Our first was to Seal Bay in Selsey (formerly Bunn Leisure).

We’d seen all the negative comments and this allowed us to arrive with an open mind fully expecting the worst (no surprises) the litter, the run down park from the 60’s and the hot show room etc..and to just try and make memories as a family.

We arrived on a Monday which is also check out day for some. On arrival the park does look weathered and in need of some TLC (lick of paint, grass verges pruned - colourful plants) and there was litter everywhere BUT this is mostly down to the lazy people staying here who simply can’t be bothered to treat the park with respect and put things in the bins, which are everywhere so there isn’t any excuse for littering. All rubbish that had been blown around was collected by the team of litter pickers walking around the site. Making it look very clean ready for those checking in.

We was staying in Club apartment (zone 2) and it was lovely and clean. Which was a fear of mine but the staff had done a very good job.

We was also half board and I was expecting the food to be repetitive and bland for the week and we were pleasantly surprised to see that every night had a different menu. The breakfast is what you expect to have with your full English, cereal and yoghurts but the food of an evening was delicious. Compliments to the chef. Even my fussy eaters wolfed down their dinners.

The arcade was never too busy and my kids enjoyed the different games to occupy them - my favourite was the duck racing game - best way to win lots of tickets :)

In the arcade you can also see what entertainment is on throughout the week and we made sure we made use of this. We paid extra to have breakfast with the Croc Crew and a VIP party (£5 a ticket was well worth it). We took part in quizzes, painting and watched wrestling during the day. Staff always friendly and polite and on hand to assist with any machine issues.

The beach is a 5-10 minute walk away and is a lovely sandy beach and was very busy and there is places to eat and drink.

The evening at Pontins is VERY hot (My legs swelled up by the end of the holiday) BUT we expected this to be the case and wore light loose clothing however I hope Pontins will look into this as it does deter people from staying and enjoying the Bluecoats entertainment which was fantastic (Liam is a cracking singer!). The bar lady was on her feet all night and worked mostly alone - I think she deserves more credit than some of the comments I read on here. We always got served pretty quickly and watched the acts from the queue no problems.

They all work so hard and made the holiday. Forget the rubbish, forget the dated buildings, forget the heat - the Bluecoats provided the memories which is all my girls will ever remember from this holiday. The characters (Croc Crew) all have fresh clean costumes - they was immaculate and not tatty or run down and the booked acts provided of an evening were brilliant - we loved Top Hat and Heels and the Wolcott Band!

The swimming pool was clean and tidy. One review said they couldn’t see the bottom of the pool ?! I think they must have had a sleep mask on. As pool was clear and my kids loved it although we only managed one visit as we was busy with the Bluecoats entertainment.

Mark T the manager does a fantastic job and all his staff work ever so hard to provide us with a great holiday experience.

As a family we had a much better time here in Pontins compared to Seal Bay which we found the entertainment to be very repetitive and boring - no outside acts just Seal Bay staff doing the shows.

The Bluecoats made our little holiday and gave us lots of memories and I’d rather return here than go Seal Bay for a 7th of the price.

See you in 2023!

Perry, Michelle, Paige & Evie

Pontins Brean Sands. Sadly, this place should not be in business, and certainly not as a family holiday park. Currently it is mismanaged and the 'management' includes one individual who is a sadistic, aggressive man (Scottish accent) who enjoys intimidating women if they dare to complain about anything. My experience included having to queue for over two hours to check in, being sent from one great long queue to another, one of them comprising a queue of about 50 people at reception who had been to their chalets to check in only to have to return due to it not having been cleaned, electricity meter not working or some other problem. One woman told me there was sick all over the window in her apartment and a dirty microwave and chocolate wrappers on the bed. I also encountered others who said their apartments were filthy and other problems including no linen being supplied for days. On top of that the children's 'activity area' is totally derelict with none of the facilities working, meaning Pontins are currently mis-selling this camp, and there is cannabis smoking all over the camp which is ignored by staff. I would give it minus stars if that option was available. The place and the management are a complete disgrace. Spoiling the holidays of hard working people who have saved up to try to give their children a holiday is totally unforgivable. I understand the place is going over to reduced capacity as of November this year as it will be accommodating workers for a local electricity power plant for three years. However, IT SHOULD NOT BE OPERATING AT ALL. Pontins, please show some corporate responsibility and business ethics by closing it down immediately and apologising to all this year's customers. The camp is a scourge on the local area, giving it a bad reputation, and it is totally unfair to be treating people trying to have a holiday in this manner.

Awful stay, left early. Queued for 40mins to check in. Then at the caravan no bed linen so back to queuing. Dirty bins in kitchen & bathroom. Dirty bath,& floors. Water left in kettle. Mug left on draining board which was dirty. The tiny freezer was full of ice & what space there was, ice cubes were left behind from previous occupants. Not enough glasses. Missing light bulb. Site cleanliness was poor. The bar was dirty with litter. Tables in restaurant where not cleaned in a timely fashion. Staff unapproachable, uninterested, a real lack of customer service. Many other visitors were complaining. It was such a disappointing stay. Don’t book there

Yet again pontins cancelled our booking no reason was in 2 weeks time, May be won't bother in future if pontins keep doing this to us

Pontins Camber Sands - Arrived Friday, had to sleep in the car that night as the chalet we were given was over run with ants. Spoke to Manager on the Saturday and after being offered 3 further chalets, all with differing issues (one already had guests in the chalet!!) we settled into a chalet on Saturday around 9.00 in the evening, 24 hours after we had arrived.
BAD POINTS
Chalets were filthy
Problem with ant infestation due to the fields
Windows filty
Needs painting everywhere
Only single glazed windows - not safety windows, whilst we were there a young boy and girl were hurt when one of them fell through a chalet window whilst playing
Grounds overgrown in most parts
Issue with communal toilets in the complex. Smelt awful and blocked
Generally needs some investment from the owners, Britannia but doubt if they will. I have seen their hotels!
Large parties of people just there to party in their chalets and on the green all night totally oblivious of the fact that there are families with young children on site
GOOD POINTS
Staff were brilliant, helpful and did all they could to make us enjoy our stay
Entertainment was great
Lots for children to do
Pool is an asset although you only get a choice of one of the 3 x 45 minute slots each day
Food wasnt bad, good choice, not gourmet but can recommend the Sunday roast
It really is a shame that Pontins has turned out to be such a dump. Surely Britannia earn enough from holiday makers to pay for decent cleaners (the ones they currently use clearly are unable to identify what is clean and what is not!), to carry out a deep clean before the season commences and to upgrade faciltites?

Sand Bay
Booked for a mid week break on the 22/8.

Terrible mistake. I took my mum and we were probably the youngest guests there. It said adults only but I didn't expect over 70's only!

Room was dirty- carpet not hoovered, dirty windows/ nets/ curtains. Used plastic cups in the floor. Tea cups not been washed. Broken kettle.
Bathroom gross, dirty bath, sunk and mirror and loo roll on the floor.
Bedding had not been changed as there was sand in the bed and marks on the covers. Pillows flat as pancakes, when I asked for some more they wanted to charge us.
Couldn't close bathroom or bedroom window and it rained non stop so the room felt damp.
Food was passable.
Got food poisoning on day two and came home on day three. Complained at reception and they said to go on line. Tried to complain online amd they said without a site complaints ref they wouldn't help!

Basically a waste of time and money.

Southport pontins..
Council estate
Crackheads holiday
Rude people
Dirty swimming pool (ear infection)
Rubbish everywhere
Noisy neighbours (playing music til 5am)
Overpriced NISA shop (£3.55 for 2L bottle of Dr Pepper)
List could go on...
Avoid this place unless you live up north..

utterly terrible place .
Review of Pontin's Prestatyn Sands Holiday Park
Pending review

having read all the terrible reviews, we thought no it just cant be that bad, and set our expectations at rock bottom.
however the awful reviews were all correct.the place looks completely run down and a cross between a building site and the worst chav estate you could imagine. we arrived on august bank holiday and everything was either broken or closed. pub closed..pool now condemned by environment agency literally nothing to do there.
the only thing we liked was the food which was ok and plenty of it.
having to wait at the bar for over 40 mins for a pint.. theres hardly any staff here
the only time we enjoyed our stay was when we left the pontins prison camp and went to explore the v nice prestatyn and its lovely beach...its only then when you realise you have to go back to the appalling camp that your heart sinks.the rooms awful grubby and you dont feel relaxed at all.
sleep forget it. apart from the dreadfull uncomfy beds you will be kept awake all night by the music, screaming kids and shouting and fighting drunk adults. kids out till all hours out of control.
in fact the overall impression we had was of lawlessness and it certainly did not feel safe there

please please do not ignore all these awful reviews they are correct. we left early as i note most people do.its the only time ive wanted to leave a holiday destination. how they are still able to trade and take peoples money is beyond me. was about £66 per day so not dirt cheap.far better off in a premier or similar

Hi been to pontins 26th to today came back a day early .the chalet was in need of a good update it was dirty and i cleaned it when we arrived and i left it as we found it as we left ,we had the italian buffet last light it was terrible food was cold ,burnt,and not nice ,people were not paying for it they were pinching it and taking it into the clubs for free ,in pudding bowls nobody batted an eye lid .at night time we had police come to sort out a fight one night then a drunk man trying to fight everyone the next night ,it was scary to go to bed ,i was glad i didnt haave little kids with us ,never again for us ,but what an eye opener