First Choice - Sickness at the Holiday Village Turkey
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First Choice update - 22 October 2009
First Choice claimed the problem had gone away. Yet we're still getting reports of families coming back sick. However, we persuaded First Choice to allow our hygiene expert Lisa Ackerley and her team to go out to The Holday Village and investigate. They're in Turkey now - and we'll let you know what they find.
Update 1 October 2009: First Choice told Watchdog:
"Normal booking conditions apply and therefore amendments are subject to charge as per conditions. Should customers wish to contact us, the telephone number is 0844 871 0701.
This week customer satisfaction scores at the property remain high and general sickness levels are very low. We have every confidence that holidaymakers will have safe and enjoyable holidays at this hotel. Of course we continue to monitor the situation closely."
Original story from 24 September:
Watchdog has received complaints from holidaymakers who have got sick after staying at the Holiday Village in Sarigerme, Turkey this summer.
The hotel on the south-west coast of Turkey, is exclusive to First Choice for UK customers. With 17 pools and a dozen restaurants it's sold as an ideal, all-inclusive resort for families.
But what First Choice won't tell you when you book - is that hundreds of people who have stayed at the hotel have become seriously ill.
37 trips to the toilet
Victoria Shaw who is 11 caught salmonella. Her dad, Mark, caught campylobacter - an intestinal illness often caused by undercooked meat or cross-contamination of food. Mark said he was so ill he couldn't climb the stairs and on one day he went to the toilet 37 times.
First Choice is trying to get to the bottom of the problem and has sent independent experts to check the resort three times this year. But whatever they've done - it hasn't worked. Watchdog kept on hearing from more cases of people saying that a few days into their trip they have started vomiting or developed diarrhoea.
To find out what's going on, Watchdog sent undercover researchers to the hotel. On the surface, everything looked fine. There were cleaners everywhere, and the restaurant looked spotless but it wasn't long before the team started to meet people who had become seriously ill.
Carol Monteverde was part of a group of 21 that the team met at the hotel. Thirteen people had become sick while at the hotel and four more developed symptoms after they returned home.
Rep blamed the 'oily food'
One rep at the hotel acknowledged that people were falling ill but suggested it was simply an unfamiliar diet. "You find here the food is very oily, in comparison to the UK where it's very salty," they said. "But there's no sort of, disease or bug or anything."
Well maybe, but these holidaymakers definitely caught an illness somewhere. Once back in the UK, two of Carol Monteverde's party took stool samples to their doctor. One of the samples tested positive for cryptosporidium - a waterborne parasite that infects the stomach and intestine.
Watchdog enlisted food hygiene expert Dr Lisa Ackerley to help find out what was going on. She says salmonella, cryptosporidium and campylobacter are serious pathogenic micro-organism bugs that cannot be caused by something simple such as a change in diet or oily food.
Lisa met some of the families affected. She listened to their cases and assessed them. She's sure that whatever the cause, something's definitely going wrong at the resort.
Not the first year there's been sickness
And this isn't the first year that people have got sick at the hotel. Solicitors Irwin Mitchell and Pannone are representing more than 1,600 people who claim they became ill at the resort.
The first cases were five years ago, when the resort was actually two hotels - The Pegasus Palace and the Pegasus Tropical. So the lawyers are astonished to have had so many new ones this year.
The lawyers say First Choice has admitted liability for claims against the hotel in 2005, 2006 and 2007, for families whose holidays were ruined by illness, so they can't understand why that's not happened with newer cases when they say there are confirmed cases of salmonella.
It's not clear what is causing the problems at the hotel but Dr Lisa Ackerley is keen to find out. First Choice has now agreed to let her go out there to see if she can help solve the mystery.
First Choice's statement about Holiday Village Turkey
"At First Choice, the health and well being of our customers is our primary focus and we would like to apologise to anyone who has experienced sickness whilst staying at the Holiday Village Turkey.
"The Holiday Village Turkey is one of the biggest and most popular resorts in our programme, with nearly 48,000 customers visiting each year. Whilst we accept that any level of sickness is unacceptable, the numbers of holidaymakers falling sick remains very low when the larger population is taken into consideration.
"We closely monitor all the hotels in which we operate with a view to ensuring that the strictest health and hygiene standards are maintained. In light of the reported issues at this resort, we can confirm that we have significantly increased our checks. We have commissioned independent consultants who have undertaken three additional rigorous audits during the summer. On each occasion their reports have rated quality standards at the property to be high, and well above those inspectors' requirements. These studies are in addition to our own audits, as well as those conducted by other hygiene specialists instructed by the hotel management.
"We also employ our own health and hygiene specialist who is based at the property. Water samples from each swimming pool are tested at least four times a day.
"We have also instructed an independent, detailed epidemiology study to look right across the food supply chain going into the resort. This will further investigate all possible sources of the illnesses and transmission routes, as well as environmental factors such as local water supply, waste management, transport and sea water quality.
"The Holiday Village in Turkey is and continues to be very popular, with the substantial majority of customers rating the property highly in customer satisfaction surveys. In fact, over 80% of our guests would recommend the resort to a friend. However, we will continue to do everything we can to ensure that all of our customers have a safe and enjoyable holiday.
"Customers wanting to discuss this further or get more information can contact our dedicated Holiday Village Turkey Customer Services team on 0844 871 0701."
We asked Dr Lisa Ackerley - an environmental health practitioner - how to avoid food poisoning on holiday. Let us know what you think. Do you expect to fall ill when you go on holiday? Remember after this blog has closed you can still send us any new stories you want us to investigate.
© MMIX~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~53~RS~)
Comments
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Once again, we (watchdog) seem to think that we rule the world! Yes its unfortunate that people get sick when they go abroad ,but thats what you should partly expect from these lesser societies.
Before you go preaching at others you should get your own house in order, ie. E-coli at petting farms.
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We stayed in the Holiday Village this summer with no problems, however whilst we were there about 100 fell ill due to "food poisoning". Everyone is quick to point the finger at the hotel and the holiday company, however, whilst the British decide not to replace the food covers after helping ourselves and whilst we insist on not washing our hands after going to the bathroom then helping ourselves to the food, there will always be food poisoning.
The outbreaks of food related instances can be directly attributed to guess what – us. After a week I became concerned about letting my family eat in the restaurant.
The restaurant even places handwash (the alcohol gel stuff) at the entrance(s) to the restaurant, which practically everyone walks past and doesn’t bother to use.
When you cannot grasp the basic fundamentals of hygiene then don’t blame the hotel
Also, there are a number of people who let their children defecate in the pools. No doubt this contributes to people illnesses.
Once again we're always quick to blame everyone else except ourselves.
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we went in may this year and had a fantastic time. none of us (husband, me and 2 year old son) got ill. we ate a variety of foods in the restaurants and used the pool areas, drank loads of soft drinks from the bars etc. we saw lots of food testing being done, the staff were amazing, the main pool was closed on afternoon as a kid had pooped in it and it needed to be cleaned. our room was spotless. highchairs were cleaned constantly and covered in clingfilm to keep them clean etc. we did see other guests who were lacking in personal hygene - leaving dirty nappies round the pool, leaving plates with food round the pool and just being dirty. I knew when i booked our holiday about the problems in previous years as i checked out some review websites but we chose to book regardless and happy we did. I don't think it is First Choice responsibility and was angry at the way Anne treated the guy from First Choice on the programme tonight too. People need to take responsibility for their own hygene too - hand washing kills the germs and they had hand gel at the restaurant entrance. Would still recommend the hotel to friends and go back next year.
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I'm starting to worry - I've already booked this resort for next year and wondering if I'll lose my deposit if I want to change it - quite scary and thefact that First Choice don't seem to be overly concerned is a real worry! I really feel for those poor people who suffered while they were there.
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We went to Sarigerme this August (Family of four, two adualts and two children, aged 9 and 12).
The hotel was immaculate. The food was fantastic. The gardens were amazing.
My youngest son had an ear infection. Myself and my partner had stomach upsets; my girlfriend has since been diagnosed with Salmonella.
However, my only complaint is with the Brist going on holiday there - not the staff. Although you cant see the kitchens - the food on display and that was cooked in fornt of you was always very clean.
I wouldnt be surprised that most of the bugs are from the lazy Brits that cant be bothered to wash their hands and have no idea about manmers when it comes to choosing food from a buffet !
Watchdog should monitor the holiday makers as much as the hotel staff before they pass judgement !
Oh and by the way - I'm almost 100% sure you'll find out it's the grubby holidaymakers pooing in the pool not the staff ;-)
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We are going to this hotel on monday with our two young children and have been put off by the comments on tv tonight. Where do we stand now?
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I took my 2 children to Holiday Village Turkey in August this year for 2 weeks. All 3 of us were ill with terrible stomach pains and diahrrea which lasted a few days. Many others we spoke to while we were there had the same symptoms and worse, 1 child being on a drip.
There are 2 main pools at this village and 1 of them had to be shut 4 times. This lasted each time between 24 and 48 hours.
Its not a cheap holiday so you would expect the standards to be high, not expect to be ill.
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I am going to The Holiday Village in three weeks not sure what to do!!!
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To Sesntim - Don't worry, you will have a fantastic time! It is a brilliant hotel :-)
Oh, and apologies for all my typing errors in my previous post. I typed too quickly in my anger after Anne Robinson was so one sided on the TV.
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My family and I are due to go next week I have two small children and am in early stages of pregnancy so am really worried and wondering what to do????
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we went to this hotel in sept 08 just after the wedding story in the sun newspaper we had been to the same hotel in sept 07 and couldnt believe what we read having seen the cleanliness of the hotel the first time there were 9 in our party and no one was sick nor did we see anyone else being ill there was hand sanitiser in the restaurant which we used every time but others didnt we were careful and were fine i think anne was very harsh they can only do so much the rest lies with the holidaymakers and their own hygene i cant fault the hotel whatsoever i wouldnot be put off going this year in the slightest
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we travelled to the holiday village in Turkey in June this year 2009, there were 4 adults and 4 children,
we had a fantastic time, the food was fantastic
everywhere was spotless.
the staff cleaning the tables used anti-bac spray all the time.
not one of us got any illness whatsoever.
i would recommend the holiday village to anyone.
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Hi All
We lost 4 days of our £3500 holiday due to illness at the holiday village Sarigerme Turkey, Our 5yr old son had to have a anti illness jab in his thigh as he was vomiting time and time again for 24 hours, I was also ill and so was my girlfriend, continuous vomiting and upset stomach. When we returned to the UK we wrote to First Choice and we recieved a letter back offering NO COMPENSATION,not even offering to pay for the injection and medicine(£60) that we had to pay for but, saying thanks for letting us know and we will try and resolve the problem, we do not have this letter anymore and heard nothing further from First Choice.
Thx Daniel Butler
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Myself and my family returned from the holiday village last week after a two week stay, it was our second visit in two years and let me tell you what a fabulous holiday, the first time was fantastic which is why we went again the hotel was spotlessly clean the maids were still cleaning rooms at five in the afternoon, the staff worked tirelessly keeping the outside areas clean and tidy, as for the food, we ate in the main resturant up to three times a day, and found the variety and quality of the food to be very satisfactory,my son had a bit of heat stroke and a ear infection but these were due to the heat and humidity nothing to do with dirty pools or anything eles, dehydration makes people sick, and melting ear wax from the heat gives you ear infections nothing eles, i would definatly still use first choice as a holiday comnpany and would definatly recommed the holiday village i would also consider going back next year...
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I'm no supporter of first choice or any particular tour company for that matter. I'm sure they are a very responsible company and would never knowingly send tourists to a any dodgy hotel..........there is simply just too much for them to lose. Why is it always assumed its the hotel's fault? And why did Ms Robinson or the reporter not ask the medical expert on the show of the possiblity that these problems could be symptomatic of poor hygiene of some of the guest themselves, and by that I mean cross contamination, touching/sneezing on or near food etc. My comments are not aimed at the particular families highlighted on the show, but they could easily have become a victim of other guests with poor hyigene. A bit of balance please!
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As per previous comments, it is more to do with the tourists rather than the hotel itself. The pool was closed because of children pooping in there and stayed closed at least 24hours each time. Inconvenient for the other holiday makers, but staff cant be blamed. Kids were always helping themselves in the restaurants and hygene isnt paramount with them. Its just strange that if it is the tourists then why isnt it as bad at every hotel we stay at?
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Has anyone considered checking if there is any form of ground water seepage (leakages) from the Hotels' sewage systems into the swimming pools and possibly the beach?
If people have been ill in the last couple of years at this location, there is every chance that their excreta contained those deadly viruses Salmonella and Campylobacter which would easily proliferate in the sewage system and eventually find their way into the pools if there is any form of underground connectivity.
It would also be useful to check that there are no sewage discharges into the nearby beaches under the cover of the dark!
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Just seen on your programme about holiday village Turkey. My family and I went there in July this year and we were all ill. When we returned home I was still ill and was diagnosed with chriptospiridium. We knew a lot of people were ill but did not know how common it was. Could you let us know how to put in a claim. Another angry first choice customer Maureen O'Hare.
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We too took a trip to the Holiday Village in Sarigerme in May this year. My husband had severe sickness and diarrhoea whilst we were there and my youngest son (aged 5) became ill on our return journey to the UK. His diarrhoea was so severe that he had to have stool tests which came back testing positive for campylobacter. Environmental health got in touch and told us there was no question that it had come from the hotel and would be carrying out an investigation. However, we have never heard anything further until this evening when we discovered you had featured this huge problem in your programme. Needless to say we will not be making any further visits to the holiday village, which is a great shame as we had a really fantastic time. We will probably also think twice before booking another first choice holiday village any where else either.
Sue and Mark Baird, Hull
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My Fiancee, and 2 children went to this holiday village in June this year for a week, Very competativly priced.
We read about the sickness from the year befores reviews, questioned it on booking. I was reasured it was delt with!!
We enjoyed our stay, NO SICKNESS, but the drinks were very limited, so we stayed with the water, beer and wine. Maybe the alcohol kept the adults well! Basically we researched the holiday prior to booking, was well awear of the sickness, We were all ok, and enjoyed the stay. I cant complain about the clenleness, food quality, or the staff.
I can only assume personall hygene is to blame for the sickness. But then, if you live on a diest of beer, burgers, and chips, maybe its not a surprise if you are un well!
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we are meant to be going to the holiday village on monday morning!! the comments have unsettled us and we re not sure what to do? we are taking our 3 yr old son with us and this is also meant to be our honeymoon!! not sure what to do about the holiday now, dont really wana spend time being ill!!!
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Really worried, have booked to go next september don't know where we will stand as paid low deposit and due to pay the reminder Nov.
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me and my partner are going to this hotel on mon 28/09/09 with a 7 month old baby and i am now considering cancelling and losing my deposit what to do can i demand First Choice find us alternative accomadation please help me someone.
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All the information is on trip advisor about the Holiday Village in Sarigermeon just how bad it still is.
ok there are still lots of people Who had a great time but in my option it is still unacceptable for people to still be getting sickness and diarrhoea one person falling ill is one to many.
First Choice just seem More concerned in making money at the expense of the people still getting sick at the Holiday Village
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We have just returned from a week at the Holiday Village in Sarigerme. I am not normally the sort of person that writes on blogs however I was really shocked by what I was hearing on Watchdog tonight and feel that I have to share my experience. Our family of 5 (Myself, husband and 3 teenage children) had a brilliant holiday. The resort and the staff are excellent. The cleanliness of the hotel is probably the best I have ever experienced. We could not fault it at all however having said that I do feel for the families that have been affected by illness since or during their visit, but I agree with other comments posted here, some people just do not have any manners at all, the staff were continually clearing up after others and to be fair they have put measures in place, hand wash outside restaurant, covers on food (although many people didnt bother covering it up again afterwards, again the staff were walking around doing this) The swimming pool was checked regularly with water checks. All I would say to others who have booked, go, enjoy but be sensible, i.e. wash hands etc etc. and hopefully like us you will return having had a wonderful time. Again the staff could not do enough for us and all the First Choice reps and local Turkish staff were wonderful. I would definately recommend !! It looks like First Choice are taking the matter seriously which is what we would expect but why penalise them when it appears they are doing everything they can to sort out these isolated incidents. Happy Holidays!!
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We went to this hotel in August this year. Both of our children became very ill with diarrhoia, as did our friends children.
We were charged £52 each time to see the hotel Doctor plus the money for the drugs he prescribed. (My daughter, husband and our friend all had ear infections too)
Our children were so ill that as soon as we returned home we saw our doctor. Both of our children (aged 3 and 6) and our friends children (aged 11months and 3 years) were all confirmed with Salmenella and Cryptosporidium.
My 3 year old daughter became so ill, that she ended up in HOSPITAL for a WEEK on drips for dehydration and for her antibiotics. She was not only confirmed with Salmonella and Cryptosporidium in her stools, but also Salmonella Typus in her blood (resulting in a horrendous rash all over body)
The hotel doctor took stool samples from both my children (at vast expense of course) so they MUST've known there was a problem in the resort.
[Line removed as it broke house rules]Frist Choice deserve everything I hope they're going to get!
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We are also due to visit this holiday village in 10 days time. We are now extremely concerned as we have a six year old and 8 month old baby. What do others think? Where do we stand with First Choice? Any advice appreciated.
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does anyone know if we can cancel without losing money going in two weeks, surely first choice should offer an alternative seems unfair we will lose nearly two grand if we cancel, we were in our local first choice office last week and they brought up the fact that we should ignore the reviews and that it was down to bad food hygiene on the tourists part, i hadnt even mentioned it at that point, tonights programme explains a bit.Very Worried
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The Holiday Vilage Turkey, has fantastic grounds, pools, and people, Stay with the bookings, and just use comon sense when your abroad with strange foods, if your unsure what it is or if you may not like it. DONT EAT IT! Keep the holiday bookings, You will enjoy it. I Did, and my family did.
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I stayed at this holiday village September last year with my family and suffered this dreadful illness and i still have ongoing problems a year on!I was off work 6 weeks due to my illness and was so dissapointed that such a beautifully maintained hotel could cause this many problems for at least 3 years running.First choice need to sort this hotel out before it takes a tragedy for them to do something about it and stop using the coperate line "airborne infection" bought in from the uk if this was such the problem you think they would stop flying holidaymakers out!Sarigerme is such a lovely resort shame first choice does not look after customers as well as it maintains the grounds!
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This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
Further to our comment above.....yes the place was spotless and the staff working tirelessly was evident throughout our stay. I dare say that a lot of people don't take hygiene particularly seriously, however we as a family do! One of the pools was closed several times during our stay due to small children 'pooing' in it, this I have no doubt will add to the problems. The restaurants were spotless, tables were cleaned within minutes of people leaving, food was constantly being tested by staff members. So the question is why were so many people falling ill????
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We went to the holiday village on 24th august for 7 nights, 8 people in our party, 4 adults and 4 children, aged 7,8,12,14 and absolulty loved it. That much that we are booking to go again next year. This place is amazing, couldnt fault it in any way. The kids loved it, from 10am till 11pm there where things going on for the kids and the swimming pools where second to none.
The food was buffet style but what do you expect when lazy brits who are too sozzled from drinking all the free beer dont put lids back on the food trays. The cleaners where fantastic and so polite, the gardnes and surrounding areas where immaculate.
Yes we had stomach ache on return but the turkey trots as my mum called it, but damm worth the wait. We paid over £4000 for our party and think it was worth every penny and would reccommend this hotel to anyone with kids. FANTASTIC, AMAZING FOR KIDS.....LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF THE HOLIDAY AND WOULD GO BACK IN A FLASH.
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My 3 yr old son was hospitalised through the illness while at holiday village sarigerme. Had the sickness which caused internal bleeding. He was given various medication via the medical centre, who eventually admitted they couldn't help him further and sent him to hospital in Marmaris. He was ill for the last 7 days on our holiday and for a considerable time after we arrived home! My 6 year old son and husband also feel ill with sickness, but not as bad.
The holiday village does appear clean and cleaners were always around, but while were SO many people ill while we were staying there, and why so many people in the past??
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We are a family of 4 (2 adults and 2 kids aged 10 and 13) we are going on 15th October this year and I dont at the moment intend of changing my booking. I have been in in customer service for over 13 years and as anyone will tell you - the complainers are generally the ones who get heard. How many travellers who became ill hadnt had the advisory injections before travelling to turkey??????? how many brushed there teeth with the water????? It doesnt matter where you go illness is possible, I know someone who went to a lovely place in the canaries and ended up on a drip in hospital.. You have to just be sensible and careful and if you are ill - dont be silly and carry on as normal - bottled water and the usual medication and you'll be fine - i've been and stocked up on the usual sachets and tablets just in case. Anyone else going on the 15th Oct see you there ....... So if you have been and was poorly come on be honest had you had your injections????????? Did you wash your hands????????
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Firstly I think that Anne Robinson was incredibly rude to the man from First Choice. But then she is a horrible, rude woman. And yes I'm welsh!! Secondly I have stayed at this hotel on two seperate occasions and like other people have commented the problem is not with the hotel but with the guests. On four different occasions the pools were closed because people were allowing their children to use the pool as a toilet. Disgusting!! Also, plates of food where being left in the sun then eaten later, hence upset stomachs. One the final day of our holiday a small child was unwell with what his mother thought was prickly heat but is was apparent he had an upset stomach yet she still fed him all sorts and let him in the pool without a nappy when he had terrible dirrohea. Again disgusting. So i would say it is obvious that the hotel and staff at First Choice are not to blame but people who don't understand basic hygiene.
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Well we have already expressed our concern about this village back at the beginning of this month after we saw This Morning and the illnesses. First Choice said they were doing everything to sort this out...clearly it hasnt worked as now we hear they are still getting ill.
We are going as an extended family, 8 adults and 3 children (3, 1 and 5 months old) in just 16 days time and now have hit a state of frustration that First Choice are making no attempt to help or give advice to those going soon, its shocking .....Russ
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We visited the Turkish holiday village in June this year. My boyfriend suffered with servere diarrhea for 5 days. As with some of the other reports, the reps blamed the oily food. On our last day of the holiday my boyfriend's 3 year old boy also fell ill with diarrhea which lasted for over a week on our return. Whilst at the holiday village we met a number of couples who had suffered varying degrees of sickness.
Within one week our our return I wrote a letter of complaint about this and a number of other issues [Removed as it breaks the house rules]. We received a letter to acknowledge our complaint but WE ARE STILL WAITING FOR A FORMAL RESPONSE.
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Hi there we are going to this hotel on the 19th october and I am glad its been highlighted on watchdog. I have already been in contact with first choice about changing hotels. I was fuming, as when i saw bad reviews over 3 weeks ago,I rung about problems at the hotel and guess what I was told we cant change unless we incurr a £750 charge!!!!! What annoyed me the most was I asked about a complaint I had seen from last year before I booked and was assured that this was sorted and could feel confident in booking this year.
When I complained in writing last week their reply was the same as their representative on watchdog tonight, that they are satisfied with the hygene at the hotel. I contacted a company called HOLIDAY TRAVEL WATCH, who were really helpful and said we had no choice but to go and watch what we eat and drink and avoid the pools!!! Not much of a holiday. They will be in contact with us on the holiday and we can feedback on how things are. To cover youself, we were advised to write to first choice confirming that we will take legal action if any of my young family or I become ill.
I felt really sorry for the people that had young children that were ill, as they are your main worry and concern and i feel guilty for going out there but we are not in a financial postition to change hotels and should not have to find the money to change.
I think by being on watchdog, maybe First Choice will take peoples complaints more seriously and get this sorted out for new travellers.
I hope they do empathise and let this health expert woman go out and check out the hotel. I also hope any of the genuine claims are upheld. I went to Los Zocos last year through first choice which was great, and I think if they act now and sort this out then they may keep my custom in the future. If you look at trip advisor, recent reviews have been better, so maybe first choice have been already working on this, or these are not all genuine reviews who knows?
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This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
We are going on our 1st holiday abroad (first choice holiday village Turkey) with 4 children on Monday and am quite shocked at the extent of this food poisoning problem! Also all the comments about the swimming pools with poo in are disgusting. I can honestly say that I have never and would never leave dirty nappies around anywhere nevermind around a pool and also defacating in the pools is vile, Where do these people come from?
We have all been looking forward to this holiday for months and I now feel like I want to cancel or swap to some to other destination.
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we are meant to be going on 3rd october really worried about these results where do we stand have u got any answers please
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This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
Just came back from the Holiday Village a couple of weeks ago. I have to say that the place was SPOTLESS. Everywhere I turned there was a cleaner or a gardener. The grounds were immaculate and the staff were friendly and helpful.
During my time there I stuck to the rule I use with ALL holiday destinations. Dont have ice in my drink and stay clear of any food that would be washed in local water such as Salad. I did not become ill and I ate a variety of different foods including meat, fish and egg. I think somebody else mentioned it previously but they even have alcohol gel to use to make sure your hands are clean before you enter the restaurant and I too saw people just stroll past the dispenser.
Although I did not become ill I did however hear of three children who were sick or had an upset tummy during my stay. My friend had a growling stomach for a couple of days but nothing that stopped her from carrying on as usual.
If you are traveling there I would not worry yourself sick, just be cautious. Especially if you have children. Make sure you find a spot with an PARASOL. We went at the end of the season and it was REALLY hot. If you are out and about in the sun during peak season you are bound to feel ill. Make sure your kids have breaks from the sun and don't let them swim straight after eating. I know that sounds obvious but one child complained he felt sick but I had just seen him munch through a huge ice cream then straight after he was going nuts jumping in and out of the pool. No wonder he felt sick!
I like many others would definitely book another holiday there. I feel for the families who became ill. It must have been awful seeing your family suffer but to those of you headed there, I wouldn't let their experiences change your mind and your booking. Now its been on Watchdog there's probably even less reason to worry as they will be even more pushed to keep the resort clean and the food well cooked!
Hope this information helps :-)
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Like some others we too have booked to go to this Holiday Village next October and I am now a bit worried to say the least. We had similar problems at the [details removed by moderator] in August 2008. The whole family went for a family wedding and my husband had a 4 night stay in the local hospital and ended up missing the wedding. Similar symptoms to those mentioned and I don't want to go through that again. Does anyone know where we stand with the booking??
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I went to the holiday village 3 years ago and i am still suffering so badly from stomach problems that started when i was out there. I have under gone loads of tests and lost almost 3 stone as a result. It has had an huge impact about how i have to live my life now. It is a beautiful placeout there and yes it does look spotless but believe me if you have booked cancel! Its only money and really not worth the risk of having these sort of problems that i have.
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Jus tIn First Choiuces Defense As I Am a Travel Advisor At First Choice we do Not Realise What Happens In Resort We Have Staff Members Who visit This Resort And Come Back after a Great Holidday It Is Unfoprtunate That People Have Been Ill And Have Had A Spoiled Holiday and I Am Sure If We All Knew This When Booking Our Customers Holidays We Would Let Them Know We Do Not Want Our Customers To Have A Bad Holiday We Work In The Company We Do becasue Were Her To Help And Want Our customers To Have The Best Holiday Possible....Anne Robinson Was Disgusting The Way She Trewated The First Choice Worker I Would Not Have Stood For That Myself I Have Sent Customers There And They Have Come Back After AGreat Holiday With Pictures And Thanks... We do Not In Any Way Set out To Harm Customers Or Even Send Them Somewhere If We Knew They Would Become Ill...This Is The Puyre Reason We Try To Ensure Every Customer That Travels With Us Takes Out Insurance....And to Blame Us For This Unfortunate Happenings Is Stupid First choice As A Company Cannot Control The Millions Of Hotels That we have a Contract With....There Are Also Other Companys Travel agents And Operators That Sell This Particular Holiday Not Just First Choice....We Value Our Customers They Are What We Work For And To Slate A company All oiver The Tv Isnt Right in That Case Other Operators Are Involveds Tooo As They Sell It Aswel.....Also On This Matter To Go To a More Unfortunate Country Is Bound To Call Illness your in Different Surroundings Your Not Going To Expect The Same As Over Here....Turkey is A More Unfortunate Country And Isnt Going To Be Perfect We All Know This but This Is a Risk you Take.....The Holiday Village Turkey Has Its ups And Downs And I Agree When People Say Maybe Before Slating The company think About Your Personal hygiene.....Its Not Just Surroundings That Can Cause Illness....ABSOLUTE RIDICULOUS STORY....
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I went to the holiday village in July this year with my husband, 12 yr old daughter and 5 yr old son. Not one of us had any ill health whatsoever. As other people have stated, any illness that occured at the holiday village I think is down to some very unhygenic people. When we were there, on 2 occasions people pooped in the main pool. I think that is damn right selfish and disgusting. Parents with young children who are still in nappies should ensure they wear swim nappies (if it was a young child)!
Brits can really let the country down, the only other instance was a young girl of about 3 was sick in the restaurant at breakfast, obviously it was not her fault, but less than an hour later, the mother let her swim in the small childrens pool, i was fuming as you can imagine as my child and many others were in the pool, so I went to find a rep who said she would come down and deal with it, but unfortunately didnt!!!!.
Apart from that, the hotel is spotless and yes, if people are not clean in themselves, then germs will spread.
I have booked again for next year, and no doubt I will have another brilliant holiday. I do not blame the hotel in anyway, they are forever cleaning and doing pool checks,I blame the dirty people have no respect for others (hate to see what there homes are like).
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My family and I went to the Holiday Village in Turkey in August. My two youngest daughters fell ill on the second week, my six year old was quite poorly. Although the place looked clean on numerous occasions I couldn't eat the meat as it wasn't cooked properly and the fruit and sweet section was never covered up. We noticed many people with ear infections and yes children had accidents in the water because they couldn't help themselves NOT because their parents let them!! I thought that we had been unfortunate and just 'caught a bug' but when we got home and my daughter was still running to the toilet we sent stool samples in. We were informed that she had cryptosporidium and salmonella. Needless to say we have been in touch with Irwin Mitchell and they are dealing with it as First Choice have never bothered to get back to us and they were contacted weeks ago.
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I would like to mention that i was v careful about all the obvious hygiene issues e.g washing hands, only drinking bottled water, no ice and brushing teeth with bottled water, only eating food that had been freshly brought out and still v v ill!
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Me and the family is going there on saturday (children 3.5y and 15 month)..... My wife however but me on the spot 2day after reading on the wep about this place... and said how much is it worth going there and being sick?????
I didnt know anything about anything about this place before 2day and now im thinking maybe its better not 2 go but on the other hand we wont get any money back if we cancel.... It whould be helpfull with some adwise..... after all, having a holiday is all about having a good time with your family and now its down to my deside what to do......luckely my wife was putting the littel one to bed when this program was on.....
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i went to the holiday village in august of this year after previously going before as we had such a lovely time. this year towards the end of our holiday my daughter fell ill which we thought was just a bug and now we realise from tonight that perhaps it wasnt, as she had severe diarohhea for two days and was not right for a week after we had come home. i felt this year the standards of food quality was poor with no choice for young kids except chips! i made sure i ate bread, cheese and fresh foods rather than processed as i have had salmomella before. food in my opinion is not checked frequently enough and topped up rather than replaced. all i can say if you stick to the basic fresh foods you should be ok, dont eat the burgers/hot dogs or any meat and you should be fine. everything else is fine with the resort. but wont be returning again as i thought that overall quality was down on previous years.
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I think Anne was fair with the First Choice rep, and I am sure the people who have been so badly affected by these illnesses are not complaining about her direct and tough approach. Whether First Choice claim that is only 1% of customers or not, the re-active measures don't appear to be getting to the core of, or solving, the problem. Re the earlier comment that it may be due to holiday makers poor hygiene, that is true anywhere, and I don't believe that is the sole issue as the pattern of horrendous illness is undeniable, especially in children. Watchdog's "call to action" is a response to appalling cases of illness, I dont believe they think they "rule the world" - they are exercising a duty of care - highlighting poor customer service, providing information and giving everyone the opportunity to make their own mind up.
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Went a year ago and could not wait to come home!!!
On the coach going back to the airport the rep announced to us that we were going back home every one cheered with joy!
First choice do inform you that there is an outbreak of something when you get on the coach to the resort in a letter.
If you do fall ill with the symptoms its £50 for a consultation with the doctor.
Just make sure you take a trip to the pharmacy before you go pepto bismo, immodium, rehydration sachets just to help with the symptoms there is a shop there but i think its the most expensive shop in the world!
One of the pools was evacuated at 4pm every afternoon when we were there because some one kept on having a 4pm poopy in there!
The lift and room did smell of sewage for two days, maybe first choice should be looking at that as well to get to the bottom of the problem!!
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I am due to go to the holiday village on saturday that i have been looking forward to for 10 mths i am very worried now about what i have seen on the bbc tonight and not sure what to do!!!!!!!!!
I am going with my 2 children 7 and 5 years old and my husband!!!!! what would u do????????
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We wanted a holiday for adults and kids of all ages so left it to first choice to choose our destination,as we couldnt decide where to go.We told them what we wanted and where we wanted to fly from and left the rest to them.They recommended this holiday village to us all and never once mentioned any of this.....going next july,really worried and unsure of what to do or where i stand with regards to what has already been paid towards holiday....HELP!!!!!
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I resent others on here stating that "it is down to some Brits and poor hygiene"!
I took my wife and children (5 and 8) to the holiday village last August(2008). My daughter and I both fell ill with stomach upsets and sickness. We spent over £300 in the resort doctors/hospital - I was given two litres of fluid (including drugs) via a drip and spent nearly a whole day in the hospital. Both my daughter and I were given medication to take for the rest of our holidays (over 8 days!!!) and this ruined our holiday. My wife and son were constantly worried they were going to fall ill and my daughter was still ill for a number of weeks on our return (this included several trips to our doctors checks and stool sampling).
I like many on here am truly annoyed that this has been going on for many years ... the resort doctors even had the cheek to say it must be because I was dehydrated due to too much sun exposure and my body couldn't cope with the heat ... what a load of tosh ... I spent my time in the shade as I am no sun worshipper!!! I didn't get ill this year after spending time in the same heat in Portugal!!!
First Choice need to get this sorted and fast!!!
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No one has said they had the innoculations before going yet???? And at the end of the day you can get if from ya local chippy or infections from your local swimming pool? I have a friend who has been to the holiday village in the dominican and a friend who has been to the turkey village twice both loved them . I will make my own opinion when i get there - just gotta be careful and hope all will be well.
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We first went to The Holiday Village in Sept 07 when our daughter was only 16 months old, we had such a great time we went again in Sept 08 taking our friends with us who also had a young daughter. Although I had a 'dodgy' stomach for most of the holiday and for two weeks after I returned I have to say it did not ruin our holiday at all. Our girls were fine and so was my husband. Our friends got slightly ill but it did not last long. Although we seem to very lucky in regards to what other people have gone through I do strongly believe that this problem is not down to the staff or the food there but the brits who have no respect for cleanliness or hygiene what so ever. Hand sanitizer was provided but I saw so many people who didnt use it, food was left uncovered (by the holidaymakers ) people let their kids pick food out with their fingers and then put it back again..no wonder theres problems..
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hi i have returned from turkey two weeks ago my twins of 2and a half are still ill they have caught salomella and crypto - sporidium from the resort [details removed by Moderator], it just needs to get sorted as this is a bug all round turkey, i dont think people take this seriously its very serious and those people who have not caught it do nt have a clue, its very upsetting watching your babies go through so much pain. There has to be a reason this is happening around turkey.
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my family were ill and we knew there was lots of it about but the food and restaurant, bedrooms seemed immaculate. However, the kids club rooms were dirty and smelly and I wondered if they got cleaned very often. Watchdog, please make sure when your hygiene doctor visits , these rooms are tested.
Also since the restaurant appeared so clean we felt the problem was with the pools, in particular the childrens/baby pools whereby the water was not that clear. My daughter fell ill after spending an afternoon in that kind of pool.
I hope they get to the bottom of this because as others have said this could be a great holiday place and other than that we really enjoyed ourselves. I would say to those who have booked and are going for the rest of the season just make sure hands are washed and pool water is not swallowed! Dont use the baby pools.
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My husband and i have booked to go to the holiday in turkey september 2010. I have rang first choice and been into discuss our worries with them and each time they have denyed there is a problem there. They are all liars and dont care as long as they get the money. They have told us we can transfer to another holiday but we have to pay £35 per person admin fee a total of £105. I dont care what i loose i am cancelling but i will be taking it further the least they can do is waiver the admin fee. They should never have carried on selling these holidays. With response to comments about unhygenic people, yes i agree the brits can behave like pigs sometimes but its not just at that hotel they behave like that some people are like that wherever they go yet they dont infect every hotel with salmonella.
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hi i dont usally do this sort of thing but having just watched anne robbinson go on about the [brand removed] holiday village in turkey i felt i had to give my views on this subject my partner my sister and brother in law and myself have just returned from the holday village in turkey less than 1 week ago were we had a fabulous time the hotel was spottless cleaners were working around the clock the resterants were excelant there were kitchen staff doing temp checks on the food throughout the meal time on the walls outside the resterants were antibacterial sprays just like you would find in hospitals so any one who entered could wash there hands at night time we saw staff cleaning the pool area and pools the staff couldnt work any harder if they tried we did not here of any cases of food poisoning whilst we were there so any one who as booked up for this holiday i would say dont worry you will have a great time we had also heard these horror stories but found them to be untrue as ive said we had a great holiday
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Well Can't believe what i have watched today as we fly out to this hotel on Saturday !!!! So will report back after our week and let you know what information we are given from First Choice as I will be asking the question when we arrive about this all being on a nationally Television program !!! Will makesure our hygiene is kept on top of at all times... Going to celebrate my birthday so hears hoping I have a great time !!!!
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A message to all those who have booked - Go on holiday and enjoy yourself! This place is very clean and the staff are extremely friendly. The service is excellent, the food well presented and general experience is superb.
A message to all who think First Choice are at fault - Get a grip! My stepson inhaled chlorine fumes when a pipe burst in the main Palace pool. (this was an unforseen and unforunate occurance and could not have been pervented). The bar staff, medical team and first choice reps were fantastic and did everything they could to not only help my stepson, but make sure the rest of the family were looked after. My wife was ill for the last couple of days of our holiday (suspected food poisoning but most likely caused from a bar in Sarigerme) and the reps couldnt of helped us any more with insurance details, getting us home and making sure we were sorted out. The hotel was extremely clean, staff were very friendly and our whole holiday was fantastic!
I agree with the pervious comments that us Brits are disgusting when it comes to hygiene. I saw toddlers swimming naked, adults spitting the pool water, nappies dumped in the plantations and people not washing their hands after using the toilet or before they entered the restaurant - despite the signs to remind people. I was told by one rep that a group of teenagers were evicted from the resort in summer because they purposly excreted in the pool 'for a laugh'. As a policy to protect its clientelle, First Choice and the Hotel put the pools into quanertine for 24 hours. Now tell me they dont look after their guests!!!
Furthermore, i heard a few people saying they were going to sue First Choice because people had slipped and hurt themselves... If they used commen sense and didnt run around the poolside, or atcually took notice of the abundence of 'slippery floor' signs, they they wouldnt have fallen in the first place!
My only problem with First Choice is their prices... The same holiday was nearly £800 cheaper flying from London Gatwick than had we flown from Glasgow. Even paying our for hotels, food and train tickets to Gatwick, we saved around £600 and had a brilliant time!
Happy holidaying!!
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We recently booked to go here and are due to leave in october. We arent going to go now due to watchdog raising these issues and just hope that we can change our destination! How can you take your 2 year old daughter on her first holiday and not let her go in the pool and constantly worry about the food/drink hygine! Its discusting that First Choice have been letting people book a family holiday to this place! I am sure that they wouldnt take their family there!!! Awful!
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Further to my previous post, whilst out there I became friends with a turkish tour guide from the local village who told me that the illness was only happening at the holiday village and none of the other couple of hotels in the area and that it was common knowledge there was a problem there. I hope First Choice do eradicate the cause as it is a lovely hotel and area. I always use First Choice as my travel provider and have been to Mexico twice and Dominican republic once with them, both poorer countries as well as plenty of other places but never had a problem. I don't think Anne was harsh on the First Choice guy as they were questions we were asking of the reps when we were there. They were so out of their depth with complaints rep managers were brought in (one from as far as greece) to try and sort customers. First Choice need to sort it out but to say how ill I was it won't put me off First Choice and yes I would go back there!!!
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My partner and i stayed at the H/V this september and had an amazing time we were very impressed with the cleanliness of the place,and we noticed regular checks of the food,which was cooked infront of you. I wonder if people have checked at the airport???? As this kinda thing has happened to hotels before and it has resulted to being a bug picked up from there and not the hotel itself.We have actually booked our wedding for next year,i would be lying if i said i wasnt worried,but often when these outbreaks occur the place ends up being the best one to go too as they have had to step up their game,that said i didnt think they needed too .We couldnt fault it.
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i posted earlier group of 9 visited sept 07&08 we all had injections before going but were told you didnt have to so i expect many didnt we were all fine not a single upset tummy if you have booked to go i would still go just be carefull 2 weeks before we went there was stories in the papers and on the news so we were worried i gave the kids vitamins before we went took loads of hand sanitisers but didnt need them as there were bottles all over for you to use and had plenty of medicines from the chemist which werent used just go and enjoy yourself and you will see how clean it is and how fantastic the pools are just go armed with mozzy spray that was the only thing i could find to comlain about
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We have booked for two weeks next year where do we stand if we cancel, do we lose our deposit???
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We are due to go to the holiday village on 24th October this year. This will be our Honeymoon, although we are taking our 3 children with us and our youngest will be 2years old. My wife is also recovering from a recent major operation. Whether it's the hotels fault or not, there is clearly a higher risk of 1 or all of us getting salmonella. I cannot spent the duration of our holiday worrying about this. We have paid in full now and were about to pick up our tickets. Please someone tell us where do we stand? In light of Watchdogs report surely it is in First choices best interest to move us to different accommodation without charge.
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Myself and my family are going on the 12th of october my daughter is 2 if we cancel would we loose our deposit
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Myself & family (yes, we are 'Brits', who actually do wash out hands before we eat- Do not sterotype!) went to Holiday village, Turkey this summer for 2 weeks (23.7-6.08) I have to say it was awful,I just wanted to go home in the end, which is very unlike me, as I love my summer holidays. we usually go to holiday village in Lanzarote, have done for the past 3 years, but wanted to try a different 'village' wish we didn't.
I came down with food poisioning, I was so ill for 2 days, I was in the bathroom for most of 24 hours, due to very bad diarreah (sp) Lucky I took some imodiums with me, as I always do on holiday, as you never know... I took about 10 tablets to actually slow it down, not get rid of it totally. I barely ate for the rest of the time I was there. I noticed in the resturant (yes, it was clean) but they cooks never rotated food, they just 'chucked' a new lot over the top of what was already there.. there were so many flies on the 'cheeses' and salad, as there was no covers over them.
Around the kids pool near the kids club, there were so many wasps, yes, I know you get them everywhere, but there was so many plates and cups of drinks, food on the floor that hadn't been cleaned up, the wasps were having a feast, my husband actually got stung.
My eldest daughter (6) she was sick whilst there too.
I would never ever go back there, it was a waste of our money, which cost over 3 thousand pounds.
I will stick to lanzarote holday village, it is fantastic, was never sick there and it is heaven. ( although first choice will no longer have suntropical in lanzarote in their brouchure, after april 2010) such a shame, who ever takes over lanzarote from 1st choice, I will book with them.
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We visited the holiday village this August (4 adults and 4 children (aged betwee 5 and 9). Whilst we heard of a few people with stomach upsets we never saw or heard of anything so severe as per this evenings tv clip. None of our party were ill and neither were the other 2 family's we met out there during the same period (total of 20 people). We ate in every restaurant in the hotel and the steakhouse - no illness at all. Unfortunately, whilst it's not what people want to hear, or believe, personal hygiene is a factor, not washing hands after using the toilets (seen on numerous occasions), not using the bacteria hand-wash supplied at the entrances of the restaurants (again, very few people bothered), people allowing their children to pick food up with their fingers and then put it back again not to mention letting their children poo in the pool - and you wonder why bugs go round?!
There is also a lot to be said for the change of food/diet, eating three big meals a day, all inclusive drinking all day, heat, de-hydration...
The hotel is clean, the rooms are clean, the grounds are lovely, it doesn't smell of sewage and in the 2 weeks we were there we did not witness anyone being or taken ill!
Whilst the stories in question of people being ill are sad to hear, given the amount of people falling ill, compared to the some 4500 people there every fortnight, it kind of puts things into perspective.
People shouldn't be put off by this, it's a brilliant hotel and the whole family will absolutely love it...
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well totally gutted spoke to first choice they seem to think no one had anything like that for 4 weeks now. im due too go out next thurs im totally bricking it.
an basically peeps we cant cancel cos if we do we cant get money back an we cnt change cos we have to pay for where ever we change too.....am i happy no, im petrified. im scared for my 4 yr old little boy.
i jus keep askin myself do i wanna lose the holiday money......or risk possibly losing my little boy cos some of these things seem pretty bad an all peoples bodys are sensitive in different ways...
my only other suggestion maybe for people to ring there travel insurance people an see what they say!!!
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I stayed at Sarigerme Holiday Village in October 2007 with my husband and 2 sons when I was 6 months pregnant. The surroundings were lovely but I did not feel that the hotel could cope with the high volumes of people there, there were frequently long queues for food and as a result the chefs were rushing to cook the food. One week into our stay I bit into a chicken wing(from the buffet restaurant) and found there was blood pouring out of it on to my plate. I immediately took the piece of chicken to a rep who looked horrified at what I had just eaten given the fact I was 6 months pregnant. Luckily I only suffered mild symptoms (upset tummy) but the incident ruined our holiday as I was so worried I would be really ill and go into premature labour. I did not eat any meat for the rest of the holiday. First Choice sent me a £200 compensation voucher but I would never return there !
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My family and I went to this resort May 2008, we had a fantastic holiday. We found the resort immaculate, the cleaners were constantly clearing away and cleaning. The grounds were beautiful and clean and so was our room. We found all staff very friendly and the food was exceptional. We did not fall ill and didn't meet anyone who had been ill, but I do agree with the other comments of the lazy, drunk holiday makers that unfortunately put the brits to shame. We took all the usual precautions and used bottled water to brush our teeth etc, we were also at the start of the season and maybe this is why we managed to remain healthy.
We had such a great time we have booked to go back again next May 2010.
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It seems perfectly clear to me that the majority of illnesses are being caused by the people and their own actions at the Holiday Village.
Did they not say that there were 38,000 people at the holidy village and yet only 300 possible illnesses - surely this is to be expected... And it is surely the solicitors that benefit ??!!
It seems a witch hunt against first choice and the illinformed comments on this website are ruining future holidays for the majority of people who will have a fantastic time.
I regularly holiday with First Choice and will continue to do so, and I highly recommend the Holiday Village.
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I have been with my family and friends to the Holiday Village - once in 2007 and then again in 2008.
This is one of the cleanest resorts that i have ever been too. The food has always been fresh and the restaurants are spotless. I agree with a comment that someone else mentioned about how some holiday makers leave the covers of the food - which leaves it open for flies and mosquitos to land on it.
both times when i have been there i heard of no severe cases of people being ill.
what you have to remember is that this is a very large resort that overall i beelive can hold over 4000 people. the amount of people that become ill there is probably no higher than any other hotel in turkey or infact other places in the world.
i would not let this report put you off going there. this reosrt is perfect for families, the kids clubs, entertainment, rooms, cleanliness of hotel and facilities is great. the only downfalls are the mosquitos, but as there is so much greenary you have to expect that. the beach is also a turtle beach so dont expect to build sandcastles there and the nearest town is a short bus ride away and doesnt really have much there (1 nightclub and a few bars and shops.
overall the hotel food and drink were fine, the staff were great and it is fantastic value for money.
take some alcohol gel, use it after you have handled the money and wash hands after going to the toilet. You should be fine. If you have kids, make sure they do this as well.
i would definately go back to this resort.
Jane
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my family and i visited this resort in june 2009, and fortunatley were all ok, but on returning home heard some stories about sickness relating to this resort. my husband did a little research and found a website regarding where the resort was built and what it was built on, it turns out it was built on some old marsh land and that locals had used as some sort of dumping ground. may-be worth looking into as we noticed a lot of bad smells whilst out-side in the day when it was at its hottest. may-be this could be a link to the sickness,s
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I take offence to certain people casting the blame on our own personal hygeine habits being the cause of illness. My daughter was diagnosed with cryptosporidium at the end of August, of which i might add has nothing to do with washing of hands, handling of food etc. If anyone would kindly like to google it, you will indeed find out that it is a parasitic illness which is usually water borne. It is contracted after swimming in water containing faeces or sometimes eating uncooked food can be a factor. My daughter was extremely poorly for 2 wks on our return, lost a great deal of weight (infact she is 5yrs old and now having to wear aged 3 clothes!!!!) We were extremely careful about what we ate, our handling of food even down to taking our own anti-bac hand gel of which we used religously. We doubled up on my baby daughters swim nappies, and i'll also add that we only used the kids pool on the palace side, and not once did i see a baby or toddler without a nappy and for the whole duration the pool remained open.
I'm genuinely pleased for those of you who had a great holiday, but it could have been very different, and before any of you that are quick to blame the unfortunate people who have suffered, take a moment to think what it could have been like if it was a member of your family.
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Hi,We are flying on monday 28 sept,of course we are worried re the watchdog programe/plus reading other reveiws who would,nt be,i think if people adhere to the rules regarding food and personel hygene perhaps there might be less of a problem, we will be making our own judgement whilst there and will most deffinately write a reveiw on our return for all other worried travellers, for anybody who is going next week see you there.
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My family and I went to Serigerme Holiday village this year in August for 2 weeks. I agree with various of the comments above. on the one hand I agree that the food appears very well presented and some of the holiday makers hygene may be questionable, however my belief is that food is left out too long and the temperature is not monitored or maintained sufficiently.
I could go on for ages about average service, dirty table cloths at second sitting, food that was supposed to be hot but often luke warm at best and could elaborate on the fact that three of our party of four had stomach cramps and an upset stomach (including myself and I never have an upset stomach anywhere) at some point during the holiday which went on for 10 days or so after our return. However my main comment is to concur with the BBC and regards the fact that First Choice are doing nothing to advise holiday makers of the possibilty of falling ill. 3 weeks before we left I saw an article on the Web about the amount of people falling ill and went to our First Choice agent to discuss what I had seen. I was told I could not change my holiday without spending thousands extra and that in any event they had not heard of lots of people falling ill there. First Choice have failed in their Duty of Care to their customers, this was our most expensive holiday ever and sadly also the worst. I could not recommend the Holiday and will certainly not be returning.
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I went to the holiday village turkey for 2 weeks in june, with my partner and 5 year old son. I was very impressed about the cleasiness of the hotel, room and grounds. The staff were extremly friendly, the weather great. My son enjoyed the kids club, and the swimming pools. On several occassions young children were "pooing" in the pools, and like many of the other holidaymakers, We too were extremly annoyed with the holiday makers who were not putting approprate swim nappy's on there children, but again impressed with the hotel for shutting down the affected pool to clean it.
HOWEVER, I became ill on the second to last day, I was feeling very giddy, shivery,neausea,and was sensitive to light. All i wanted to do was sleep. My temperature that night, kept spiking up to 40degreeC, and I was having rigos, with only paracetomol to take, with litle effect. My whole body began to ache, and I had no energy. The following morning we were due to check out of our room at 11.00, but I could not raise my head off the pillow. My partner payed extra to keep the room on, as we were not being picked up by the coach to the airport till 6pm. All day, again I had the above symptoms, and slept! when I was in reception, on the bus and at the airport i really did not know how I was going to make the journey home! I slept all way on the plane. I crawled into my bed, late that night, and the following morning had horrendous cramps and diarreha. I had 11 days of diarreha andcramps. Various g>p visits and stools samples, and i was diagnosed with samonella. I had to have 3 weeks off work, and 2 lots of antibotics. I too would like to know, how to make claim, could you please inform me how to do this???
And for all those people, who have commeted about holiday makers hygiene standards ie not washing hands etc,SAMONELLA comes from cointaiminated chicken/poutry/eggs, which has also not been cooked to a high enough temperature to kill the bacteria!!!!!!!
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Having re read some of the reviews i would also like to say both my children used the main pools and the kids clubs all the time. on both my visits which were 2 weeks each time and neither fell ill.
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My husband and I have just come back from the Holiday Village Turkey. We were amazed by the standards of cleanliness we observed there, although of course we did not view the kitchens. The staff were extremely diligent. The accommodation was spotless, and public toilets and all ares were regularly checked and cleaned. The pools were regularly monitored and on the occasions that we were there that somebody (possibly young children) had pooed in pools they were shut immediately, announcements were made, and the pools were shut for 24 hours after the incidents had taken place. We did not have any injections before we went (we booked last minute, and were not aware of any that we should have had). With regard to the hand sanitisers around the restaurant, unfortunately these were not mentioned by the reps or hotel staff, and we did not spot them until near the end of our holiday. Having said that, we always washed our hands just before entering the restaurant and used the tongs provided for dishing up food. The staff wore gloves when dishing up food and were very careful to change these and wash their hands between dealing with raw and cooked foods. All drinks made with water were made with bottled water (which was done in front of holidaymakers), and the staff gave out bottled water freely throughout the holiday. We did not have ice in our drinks. We sat in shade during the day, and drank lots of water to keep hydrated. Many people sat out for hours in full sun and quite a few let their young children play in the shallow pools in full sun too (even over the lunchtime period). A lot of people did not move from the pool areas at all during the day and seemed to eat burgers, chips and pizza from the pool bars virtually every day of the week. I had absolutely no problems at all at the start of the holiday. We ate only in the restaurant for most of the holiday. However, on one occasion near the end of the holiday we ate at one of the pool bars at lunchtime. I did not see the man making pizzas that day wash his hands, and he was squatting down behind something making calls on a mobile phone between making them (we assumed that he was not supposed to be using it, so that was the reason he was ducking down out of site with it). That area did not look all that clean, so possibly I was stupid to even try the pizza. We also had a pancake made by a lady that sat on a grassy area on the way to the beach. She did not wear gloves and I remember that she put her hands in the sugar and then sprinkled it on my pancake. These were the only obvious lack of hygiene signs that I saw whilst at the Holiday Village. Just after that I experienced an upset stomach, which involved me having to take Imodium (never travel abroad without it), which brought the problem under control, although it continued until after I had returned home. We decided after I became ill that we would not eat at the pool bar or pancake lady again in case the problem had been caused by either of these areas. My husband had no problems at all whilst in Turkey but has had stomach problems in the week since we have been back, and has had to take time off work. That may or may not be as a result of our holiday. Just before I started having problems we had been on a coach trip with a lady that was violently sick, and during the trip we had been given a drink at a Gold Centre (we don't know if that was made with bottled water or not). Unfortunately I believe that both of us forgot a couple of times at the beginning of our stay to use bottled water to brush our teeth, and I certainly at least once swallowed some swimming pool water (not on purpose obviously). I do think that possibly some of our lapses may have contributed to the problems we have had. I do agree that some other holidaymaker's standards were not brilliant - allowing children to put their hands in food, and some adults did have quite dirty looking hands so obviously had not washed them before going into the eating areas. There were a lot of cats around the complex, and some people were encouraging them in the restaurant areas onto their laps, stroking them, and then going up to the buffet areas and collecting food without washing their hands.
Having said all that we had a brilliant holiday. The Holiday Village itself is beautiful and has lovely gardens and loads of pools. The hotel staff were extremely pleasant. Some of the reps were a bit offhand at times, and could have been a bit more helpful and informative. Their information was sometimes a bit inaccurate. We were shocked to see the item on Watchdog, as we had no idea of any major problem having occurred at the resort. We both agreed when we left that it was a place that we would like to go to again, and would recommend to other people. I can understand why people that have already booked are concerned. I personally would not take very young children abroad to a hot country anyway, but do realise that it is up to individual choice. However, it needs to be said that there is a doctor in the hotel complex, but we were warned that the fees to see him/her are quite high. For low risk holidaymakers (ie not the very young or very elderly) I think it should be an enjoyable holiday and it is probably just best to be very careful with regard to the water, and if there are any concerns about any of the food not to eat it. The hotel does put on a wonderful spread of delicious food in the restaurant though, and there is plenty of choice.
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hi my family and i are booked for the holiday village in july next year and i am vvv concerned! have to say though when i called first choice to voice my concerns they were excellent! always book with first choice and now unsure what to do?? rest of deposit to be paid nov............
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After watching this programme I am surprised to learn of the problems yet again at this hotel!
Myself and my family and friends all booked into this hotel last sept and had a thoroughly good time and withy not 1 illness reported during our time there! The resturaunts were immaculate with the antibacterial had gel given to every person ebtering or leaving!!!
The rooms were cleaned to the highest standards and with no stones unturned. The poolside was clean too, albeit for a few discarded wasp filled plates. A holiday that was thoroughly enjoyed by us all. We had no complaints (apart from the two nights of thunder storms, which i suppose will be blamed on First Choice too!!!!)
In fact we enjoyed it so much that 13 of us have booked up to return in june 2010! If holidaymakers do not take all precautions for themselves then they are the ones to blame. Poor hygene, water that is provided not used, eating out of the hotel (which we all do at least once) are all contributing factors towards such illness'.
Would i consider changing my holiday plans??? No. was the best holiday we have had and would recommend it to any hygenic self respecting holiday maker.
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This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
I have stayed at this resort in July and two of my family members were ill, my wife and my son. As a result 9 days of the 10 were lost to us being stuck in the room caring for them. Extremely dissapointing- especially as I now learn that this has been going on for years. This cannot be simply explained away by dirty holiday makers and nor is it just the responsibility of the Brits, this hotel is not exclusive to british holidaymakers. Secondly we did all we can to minimise any cross- infection by washing our hands, but all of the hand sanitisers on entering the restaurants were always empty.
Any signs advising holidaymakers to clean their hands or use hygiene products were only in English, where were any of the ther languages. I think they recognised that an area where infection was accurring were the water coolers, at where people were filling up bottles. A great area for contamination- especially as the water was never cool, always lukewarm. These were replaced halfway through my stay by fridges with bottles in them. I cannot deny the hotel and the staff did appear to do everything in their power to keep the highest standards of cleanliness, however if their efforts are in vain perhaps the hotel is just not fit for purpose. It angers me that if this is the case they have at best, ruined my holiday and at worst put my young sons health and wellbeing at risk.
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Rest assured if you are shortly going to visit the Holiday Village in Sarigerme you really need be no more than 'cautious in a foreign country'.
The hotel is spotless, the staff are friendly and the only thing that could possibly spoil your holiday is poor hygiene and filthy habits of other holiday makers.
Yes, Brits Abroad should be suitably ashamed.
We went to the Holiday Village from 31 August to 7 September and had a lovely Holiday. The food was plentiful, well prepared, delightful to look at and hot. The only advice would be AVOID THE A LA CARTE RESTAURANTS, they are disappointing to say the least.
Our 3 year old son spent his days in the pool and always found something pleasant to eat.
The baby pools are a liability because people don't put their little ones in swim nappies and I'd bet a pound to a penny that the bacteria causing the problems are as a result of poo in the pools. Despite the staff clearing the pools and cleaning them as quickly and efficiently as they can.
As with all things, it's a numbers game and 'spanish tum' works just the same in Turkey with so many holiday makers there will be a percentage of people getting ill.
I took Imodium, Diarrolyte and Cayoline & Morphine (apologies for the spelling). I didn't need any of it although met someone who did - she'd had a fried egg that she realised hadn't been cooked properly.
It's easy to be sensible, have scrambled eggs or an omelette or why not hard boiled eggs. You can make your own toast and there are plenty of other options.
Have a great holiday - it really is a lovely place!
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UPDATE from First Choice:
Customers wanting to discuss this further or get more information can contact our dedicated Holiday Village Turkey Customer Services team on 0844 871 0701.
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We have just come backfrom side in turkey. There were alot of people ill in our hotel can resort but u know the brits r very disgusting no wonder they get ill. I know that kid pee in the water u hear the mums telling to do so. And the gel is in the hotel and the brits will walk round the other door to avoid using it why?? I carry it everywhere with me. I been to spain lots of time and people have been ill as well so why pick on turkey.!!!!!!!!!!
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We holidayed at this resort from 10th to the 24th August, 5 year old daughter became quite ill with S&D which at first we put down to the heat etc. We took all sensible precautions, no ice in drinks, always used bottled water, stayed in shade, made sure hands were washed after toilet visits (as always) and the alcohol gel was used prior to going in to the restaurant but the symptoms persisted throughout the second week. When the symtoms carried on on our return home we got our daughter tested and she had salmanella & cryptosporidium and was ill for another 3 weeks. I don't think that the lids being left open in the restaurant had a lot to do with it as we always ate as soon as it opened as it was unbearable once busy but even then I would never describe the food as hot.
Putting that aside I do think the holiday village would be a great place if they could sort this issue out, there is loads for the kids to do, my daughter wants to go back next year despite being ill! If you are due to go there soon I wouldn't worry as I think the main problem is the hotel cannot cope in the summer peak period but should be much better out of season, however if you have booked to go during next years summer holidays I would think again.
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We stayed at the holiday village in 2009 and 5 out of the 7 of us travelling were ill. My son was put on an iv drip and was confirmed with salmonella when we returned home. We are a very clean family & wash our hands regularly! Unless you have someone suffer in the way my son did you will never understand how much it ruins your holiday. The rest of us had improved by the time we returned so never had samples taken so therefore we all could have suffered from some bacterial infection but unaware. How many more of the "happy" 38,500 people who visited this hotel had similar problems but never reported it when they got home.
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My daughter is currently out in the resort in turkey and guess what she is very ill with sickness and diarrhoea. she has been very distressed on the phone to us. (She is in turkey with her grandmother)
I know that they have been very careful with hygiene etc. I am very upset with the holiday company for not informing us of the problems with this resort.
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As a family of 4 we returned from Side in Turkey a month a ago. I have been ill with diarreah and so has my wife. She was a lot worse than me and went to see our GP. Having had a stool sample tested she is confirmed as having cryptosporidiosis. GP is sure that I have too but Iv'e not been tested. Worst of all, because of all the trips to the toilet my wife's anti epilectic drugs failed and she has been in hospital after a grand mal seizure. The holiday was fantastic, the hotel -[details removed by Moderator]- was spotless with the staff working endlessly to keep it so but all the indications are that we contracted this parasite there. Anyone else had problems in other areas of Turkey or are we just unlucky?
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After much discussion last night my partner and I decided not to take our family to this resort in 10 days time. Our family has one diabetic and one baby who we considered at risk of illness, a chance we were not willing to take. First Choice were extremely understanding and helpful and allowed us to change our booking to the Cyprus Village at a minimal charge which we went to last year and we loved. All is not lost to those who want to change. I hope this is helpful to those worried with young babies.
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We have just returned from hv turkey and had an amazing time!!! After watching the delightful Ann Robinson be arrogant and extremly rude to the first choice representative i am appauld! The hv is clean, friendly and the food is great. The problem is with some of the alledged people that became ill alot seem to be out for compensation immediately! These people would of checked online reviews before they left as we all do as us brits are scepticle of everything so less of the ignorance and admit you were aware of some bad reviews,don't these people have anything better to do than moan!!We had no sickness at all during our stay and were sensible with hygiene and hydration which cannot be said for all but we were not ill!!! It was amazing to see but one of the people who had stated very loudly to everyone in the vacinity that he had food poisoning and was going to sue was still managing to drink vast amounts of alcohol on resort and still ate the food that ALLEDGEDLY made him so ill! You cannot blame the hotel for illnesses try pointing the finger elsewhere, maybe too much sun / alcohol or even a mixture. Leave the hv alone its FAB and we WILL be returning next year! Well done to the gentleman who represented first choice he was very professional and answered all questions fired at him from all angles, good man!!!
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We have just returned from holiday but Tunisia I was ill for 3/4 days while there but I know it was not food poisoning it was a bit of a couple of things one was there local drink which did not agree with me another was the sun and the other was the pool which I think was not filtered properly,I have read numerous accounts from people who have been to the Holiday Village those who got ill and those who didn't and 2 things show up all the time 1 that the holiday makers had no concept of there own hygiene,I am disgusted some times when I use a public toilet in this country and see the amount of people who do not wash there hands before leaving this could be one of the problems,and 2 I have read numerous comments from people who have said the pools were closed all the time and the accidents that have happened in the pool if the filtration system and chlorination of the pool is not up to it this could be another problem one of the letters mentioned a baby who got ill but they took all the babies food with them how could this happen, I do feel a lot of sympathy for the people who have been ill there is nothing worse after working all year for your holiday but I think watchdog should get all the facts first.
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Hi all, my wife and I returned from the holiday village complex 11th September it was a last minute break really enjoyed it.The staff were fantastic complex spotless. The problems seems to be the Brits and the lack of personal hygiene and in some cases brains. People entering restaurants without tops on picking food up with their hands and then returning it. I was embarrassed by the attitude towards hygiene by many of the holidaymakers. The day we returned I started with the most violent diarrhoea I could not keep water down this has just started easing after two weeks. I know what the cause was!! When Both my wife and I saw appalling personal hygiene including holiday reps walking straight out of public toilets without washing and heading for the restaurant buffets what chance have you got. Doesn't matter when there are many with that sort of attitude eventually you will pick up a bug. Until all get wise the complex can't avoid it.
Hotel Staff 1 Reps and many holidaymakers 0.
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We got back 25/09/09 and in our party of 4 (2 adults, 2kids) we have all been ill, my partner was ill from day 4 of our holiday and is still ill now, myself and children day before last. It is unacceptable, people should be told there is health risks like this at a resort we have paid to go to. If i had of known i would have changed holiday destination.
Our holiday was ruined and all 1st choice resort manager could say to us was............. " it is the responsibility of the hotel not 1st choice". I booked through 1st choice.............. they just dont care....
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I just would like to add that myself and my family returned from the holiday village on September 7. On the flight home my eldest daughter (aged 6) began to get ill. We later found out she had Salmonella. We were EXTREMELY careful as a family, we used all the hand sanitisers and even took our own. We washed our hands thoroughly after every toilet trip and before eating. We did not eat any meat, or eggs or other food which didn't look good. My daughter only drank bottled water. We are baffled as to how she caught it. It goes to show even with great hygiene (ie better than we would have at home) you can still get ill through no fault of your own.
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we have booked to go to the holiday village in may 2010. we have watched the program and are really concerned. we have been in touch with out travel agent and also to first choice. they both told us that as far as they are concerned it is normal booking precidure and if we wanted to change our holiday it would cost us a further £35 each person!!! we were told on booking this holiday that it was a fantastic resort and had outstanding reviews!!! they obviously knew about this problem years ago but are still booking it out to unaware customers. we feel like we have been completely missold this holiday, they have taken our money and now its a case of risk it and be ill or lose your money!!! CHEERS!! they have obviously admiitted some responsibily because they have payed out compensation so if they value their costumers as much as they say why are they still putting them in this very difficult position? people work and save very hard to have a holiday so people expect a certain level of commitment from their travel agents and unfortunately we feel they have let us and many other families down. we hope they will get this sorted but we are not holding our breathe, they havent fixed in 5 years!!! please restore our faith in the travel industry and either let people transfer their holiday without charge or if people decide to go that if they become ill with the named illnesses that they get their holiday refunded in full with an apology and a goodwill gesture!!! i did have a holiday we were looking forward to but now we are dreading it!!! any honest advise would be great!!!
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Myself, partner and daughter were at the holiday village back in September 2006 and was a great complex. We have had all our holidays with First Choice and in perticular, Holiday Villages elsewhere.
We all became very ill at the end of our holiday, my partner has felt ill since then...... My daughter has got IBS and I have IBS and worstening Arthritis..... what people my not fully understand is the longterm complications caused by FOOD BOURNE PATHOGENS ( Viruses )
I do agree that personal hygene is very important but the viruses mentioned are Salmonela,Campylobacter,Cryptosporidium Etc.
SALMONELLA :- The common sources are Eggs,Milk,Beef and Poultry
CAMPYLOBACTER :- Common source of infection are Milk,Poultry and Water
CRYPTOSPORIDIUM :- Can be transmited in water... so the swimming pools would be a source of infection.
So I think you see that it isn't purly down to personal hygene.
Anyone who has come back from holiday recently needs to keep a close eye on their health....... In my case I found my longterm problems started with very painful soles of the feet (perticularly first thing in the morning) over a matter of days it had worked its way into my ankles. I have been back and forward to my doctor and also the hospital.... My condition is worsening by the month.... Most joints are affected in particular the hands an wrists and also the knees.
I can have good days and bad.... at my worst... I find it difficult to get toothpaste out the tube. I have also been at the hospital for an Endoscopy into the bowel..... that's another story!
My daughter suffers with IBS since the holiday and can have pretty bad stomach cramps and my partner feels constantly unwell..... you can also feel quite lathargic.
As I have said, "personal hygene is very important" but in this case it is mainly down to badly prepared food!
WATCH THIS SPACE
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I went to this hotel 17th - 31st August and had a wonderful time. The hotel is fantastic, very clean other than having a constant problem with ants in out room. I thought the food was very good.
However, my Dad had an upset stomach for about 4 days, my daughter had an upset stomach for a couple of days and we had heard of other people having similar problems. I started having an upset stomach on the last 2 days of the holiday, but am prone to them so didn't think too much of it, but after I had been home 4 days I became very unwell and had to go to the Dr. Tests confirmed it was salmonella, I was extremely unwell for 2 weeks and had to take time off work. The reading that I have done on salmonella indicates it is food poisoning, and will originate from food, and unless you are handling other peoples feoces it is not going to be transmitted from person to person.
I am now also wondering whether some of the issues of 'children pooing in the pool' could have been due to them having unexpected diarrhea due to food poisoning.
The first choice man indicated that 38,500 out of the 39,000 people had no problems, but I wonder whether the statistics were in fact much different as they are probably not aware of all the cases. I'm sure that not everyone did have problems, but I have a think it would be more like 40% visitors.
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We stayed here May/June this year for 2 weeks and had a really good time. My daughters at the time were 11 months and 6yrs and none of us were ill. We were in the pools daily for the majority of the day. We eat in nearly all the resturants/bars around the resort. My only complaint about the hotel were the people holidaying there, no manners, always pushing in the queues for food and who never said please or thank you to staff. You couldn't fault the staff who were always very helpful, even when people were rude. We had our daughters pool toys taken while we were at lunch and people were always leaving towels out at 5am to keep the beds.
I really enjoyed this holiday and would say as long as your personal hygeine was fine and you eat/drank sensibly then you'll be fine.
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My family and I went to the holiday village in 2008 and generally had a good time. The place was clean and the food was ok, none of us were ill. What I did see, was other british holidaymakers generally being quite filthy - leaving food by the pool, leaving used nappies by the pool, allowing children to defecate in pool areas. I also witnessed what can only be described as absolute greed and glutoney by many fellow britons; behaviour which must have left the locals with a very bad impression of us as a race. Before we go looking at the hotel we need to make sure we have our own house in order.
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I was incensed by Numberwang1976 who referred to Turkey as a 'lesser society'. Turkey is no different to anywhere else and is certainly not a lesser society. Flippant remarks like yours are unnecessary. I have lived in Turkey for a number of years and note that people do get sick due to the difference in diet, or the oil that the food is cooked in and is not necessarily food poisoning. Drinking the water for the first time can make you poorly too and recommendations are that you drink bottled water.
Even extremely expensive english restaurants recently come under fire for causing upset stomachs haven't they? So lets not scaremonger too much eh?
cokdeli
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Hi Guys,
I was due to go to HV on 12th October, I knew before booking that there had been some problems after seeing reviews and questioned First Choice when I booked, I was assured that everything had been sorted and that there was nothing to worry about.
I had been really looking forward to going away with my partner and 16 month old on our 1st holiday abroad and was pleased to see that the reviews seemed quite positive for the hotel.
I was then totally shocked to see the programme and could not believe the sheer number of people that have been ill. I am well travelled and know that a "dodgy stomach" is sometimes expected but surely there must be something more to this! I agree that the behaviour of some Brits abroad is appaling but this is not isolated to this one hotel, unfortunately it happens everywhere so can not see that being the main cause. Also from the reviews of the people that have returned it seems that cleanliness of the hotel is a priority and so am inclined to believe that there is an underlying problem maybe as previously suggested with the sewerage system.
Anyway, we have taken the decision to cancel our hotel I simply can not put my childs health at risk! I first contacted my travel agent who was not even aware of the problem and had not been briefed on anything and so told us that we could either cancel and lose everything or go and take the risk as we were flying in less than 8 weeks. I was not satisfied with this so contacted FC directly and was advised that we could change the holiday for £35 per person plus any difference in the price of the holiday. Went back to my travel agents who contacted FC and was advised that it was £50PP and the replacement holiday can not be cheaper or at a later date. Apprantley they are only able to offer this to groups with infants as they are at higher risk.
We have settled on the HV in Portugal and have had to pay an extra £130.
I am a little disappointed because I do not think that the resort is as nice as Turkey but I am sure that we will have a great time and I am relieved that I wont constantly have to be worrying about what my son is eating and doing and praying that he doesnt get ill. Thats not my idea of a holiday!
I am inclined to think that the resort would have been fine and had it been just my partner and I we would have taken the risk but I am not prepared to play with my sons health.
It does seem that FC are just concerned with how much money they can make, had they told me at the time of booking that there was a problem I would have just picked an alternative hotel, but instead they lied (this has been going on for years they can not deny that) and I had to find out from a national TV programme and have had to pay extra to stay somewhere else and as such have lost my custom forever.
I sincerely hope that all those that are going in the next few weeks have a lovely and sickness free holiday.
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My 2 children went with their dad in july and my 3 year old son after a few days did not want to eat anything and complained his mouth hurt. The day they returned he came up in a prickly rash, when i took him to the doctors he was diagnosed with hand, foot and mouth disease. The first symptons of this disease are mouth ulcers, which explains his complaints.
Also the pool was closed several times as others have commented.
Would just like to make people aware who are travelling there in future as hand, foot and mouth disease is not very pleasent for young ones, so early treatment is good.
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i came back fromn the holiday village 2 wks ago after my 3 yr old was diagonsed with food poisioning day 7 of our 2 wk break and ended up in marmaris hospital for the last 3 days of out holiday and a huge amount of drugs due to sickness diarohea and temperaturs so high he was burning up like a oven. the hotel doctor prescribed drugs that he couldn't keep down and had a emergency injection in the hotel. The First choice man in your film stated that the doctor has to report back to the reps with that days illness is rubbish, the rep had no idea how many people where ill throught out my stay there, i spoke to many famlies with members ill, when my son was rushed of to hospital the rep on duty didn't even inform other reps and i had no comminication from them during my stay and when i retuned back in the resort 3/9/09 i made a 2 hr complaint on which i've had no reply so since i have been home iv'e wrote again still with no reply. i'm so disgusted with my holiday all i want is my money back, the meat was under cooked on one occasion my eldest cut through a meat ball and it was red raw.
my eldest also suffered ear infection on day 4 and didn't entre the water again because of the pain. my holiday cost me a fortune for 6 of us and in some way or other it was a holiday from hell.
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Well I spoke with my GP today who gave me some great advice for our 2 week all- inc holiday on mon 28th. He said "do not eat in the hotel and dont use the swimming pools!! Great one. My water babies (age 6 and 7)will love that! First choice informed me today that 2000 people have recently been and were all fine. What can you do? Can't let it ruin our family holiday. Just hope we wuill be ok. If you took everyones advice and not drink water, have no ice, dont eat meat, avoid the salad, dont use the pool, keep out the sun WHATS THE point in going away!!! Am going to have a good time!!!!!!!!!! See you there!!
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My family and I have just returned from Sarigerme on Monday and absolutely loved it! everything it said in the brochure and more. We were aprehensive after reading a few bad reports and do feel sorry for the genuine illnesses but my own observations were of gents leaving toilets without washing hands then marching into restaurant minus hand sanitation, pile up plate while leaving hood open then wading back to poolside to expose all this to tempratures of 29 or over, if this aint asking for trouble what is ? Think a lot of the illness cases will be down to the claim Britian society.
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i was really suprised to hear about the problems in the holiday village , i am booked to go on thursday and naturally have some concerns about the situation , i have been to two other holiday villages with first choice ,one in eygpt and one in lanzarote and both were of an exellent standard but what worries me the most is the standard of most british peoples hygene,letting there kids deficate in the pools,if your children cant control there bowels or bladders then you can buy swimming nappies.letting your young children trawl through the food and deserts with there unwashed little bug filled fingers that havnt been washed since they had a poo in the pool. i do realise that this does not apply to all people but being a regular user of first choice i am sure they do there upmost to keep conditions at there highest so lets just look at ourselves before we judge first choice , and no i dont work for first choice . thanks for listening
andy smith (Co.Durham)
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We went to the Turkey Holiday Village in 2008, 4 adults and 3 children, 7, 6 and 3. We all had a fab time and I agree with everyone on this site that has posted good comments about the place and agree that if everyone watched their own personal hygiene that would probably solve the problem, or reduce it anyway. If I was going tomorrow I wouldn't be at all worried as I know that the place is spotless and we're looking forward to going in 2010 as we have already booked to go back. Please don't be put off as you will love the place and the staff and surrounding villagers are very friendly.
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we are due to fly out on in 2 weeks and like alot of other people we were very concerned regarding all the media attention so I sent an email to first choice regrding our familys health concerns and about where we stood if we were to cancel or change hotel as we have paid up in full. First choice replyed within 24 hours and reasured me about thier tireless efforts with the resorts hygine and we should follow simple hyginic guidelines to minimise any infections of any kind, which is realy just common sence anyway.
regarding anyone who is thinking of cancelling and expeting a refund then unfortunatley you will be dissapointed as the email also explained that this was not possible and to refere to the brouche or travel agent for the trems an conditions.I can only asume that i there opinion there isnt enough justifacation to warrant such a request.
I will post any feed back on my return from this holiday heaven or holiday hell.
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Me and my husband are due to go to the Holiday Village October half term with our two children aged 9 & 15, after reading these comments and seeing watchdog, not sure what to do as the holiday is booked and paid for, any advice would be appreciated.
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It sounds like people are making excuses for the holiday village because they were lucky enough not to have contracted anything whilst on holiday there. We must remember these are proven cases of SALMONELLA,CRYPTOSPORIDIUM and CAMPYLOBACTER, they're not tummy bugs brought on by drinking local water or eating oily food. It's not a one off it's been happening at this resort for the last 5 years.
First choice posted a notice to inform all holiday makers what their stance was after the Watchdog program, now it seems this page has disappear along with First Choices concern over the matter. So much for valued customers. Never again will I use First Choice to book my holidays.
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I went here June last year, had no problems with anything at all, apart from teh repetative food, same everyday.Im going here again on monday!
all i can say is, the usal dnt drink there water, wash ur hands and check ur food. As alot of other people have said, id say its the other brits that go out there and treat the place like rubbish. i really wouldnt worry, jus becareful as usual when goin to a forgein country!
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Really dont no what to do saved all year and have booked to go next may, are first choice letting you move your holiday for nothing or are they making people pay a charge , the holiday looks lovely and I have heard good reports what shall i do as I have a 5 year old boy ?
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We stayed at the holiday village in June for a week and had an excellent time. The problem here is nothing to do with the food or cleanliness, it is to do with the British tourists that don't seem to posess basic hygeine. During our stay, the main pool was closed on 2 occasion for 48 hours each time because someone had let their baby swim wearing a normal nappy. I observed countless times men strolling into the toilets straight from the pool with their drinks, doing their business, and leaving without washing hands. In my opinion, the staff do all they can to avoid outbreaks of food poisoning. It's certain clients that are the cause.
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We stayed at the Holiday Village in August 2009. My husband was ill with sickness for most of the second week, but he suffered more from an ear infection. He was unable to return to work for a week when we returned from holiday and it took 2 doses of antibiotics to resolve the infection. We thought the illness and infection were isolated incidents (ie, bad luck) until we came home and checked trip advisor on line, where we found a number of posts with the same complaint.
We commented a number of times on holiday that the hotel must be spotless because you always saw staff cleaning where ever you went. We're now wondering if this was reactive rather than proactive due to the degree of illness throughout the hotel.
We thought the sickness was an isolated incident (so called "Turkey Tummy") and a case of pure bad luck, but are now concerned that it may have been something else. However, we still believe the ear infection was due to kids pooping in the pool, which happened daily despite Reps constantly reminding parents to put aqua nappies on their children.
For the benefit of those who have booked to go to the Holiday Village, we are one of the "4 out of 5" who recommended the hotel to a friend. Illness aside, the hotel is great for kids. However, we did think the sickness was an isolated incident at the time of filling in our feedback form. We do think the sickness was food related as the only one of our party of 3 who was sick was the one who waited patiently in line for carvery meat every night. But, other than that, our 12 year old had the best time and hasn't stopped raving about the holiday since he came home.
I was slightly reluctant to go on holiday with First Choice having had a bad experience with them a few years ago. (Collectively, the holiday makers imaginatively called them Last Choice) However I put it down to a one off and took the risk with them again. I am now firmly of the belief that they either ignore or run away from problems, which is the main reason why I would have reservations about a holiday with them in the future.
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I have visited this hotel twice, once in June 2007 with my husband and two teenage children and had a fantastic time, none of us were ill. Then my husband and I holidayed there in June this year (09) and again had a great time and were not ill. We noticed that the food was being regularly tested and checked throughout the day by very official looking men and we had no idea at all that people had been ill or were being ill. We both thought the food was great and such a variety, lots of food was cooked infront of you. Reading some of the other comments i agree with them about the cleanliness of some of the holidaymakers themselves, and their laziness not re-covering the food etc. Anne was quite rude to the First Choice man on the show, people have the choice to go if they choose and if they choose not to then they dont go, simple as that!!
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I stayed at this resort in September 2008 and in June 2009. I cannot praise the staff highly enough. Everything was clean and the food was delicious. We spent 2 weeks there in 2008 and not once had any health issues other than mosquito bites. We ate in 3 of the restaurants and at poolside bars, all of which were immaculate and the food hot and tasty. I am not a person who regularly eats foreign type foods but I was happy to try some of everything. Whilst I was there on holiday on both occasions I did comment on the fact that people eating at the poolside bars, especally children, would nibble on food, leave it to wander off and return to it. This food could be plates of chips, burgers, chicken nuggets, pizzas and even plates of fruit. By doing this they were leaving their food open to all manner of insects. Drinks were often returned to in the same way. Surely this along with the temperatues in Turkey is a more likely cause for sickness issues. I sympathise with people who have had their holidays ruined by illness, but with the thousands of people who pass through their doors, is this not a little blown out of proportion? One thing I did witness whilst there was the excesses of people who are using their "all inclusive" allowances, and the sorry state some of them got into. Food and drink all day long for a short time when it is not what you are used to every day, can easily make you ill. I would also doubt that the visitors never left the holiday village - when we went there were only a small number who did not go to the local market - a bargain will call to most. At the markets you are offered apple tea by just about every stall holder, and they can be very persuasive! Free tastings of turkish delight are also plentiful. These stall holders are very friendly people and like to shake hands - how easy to pick up tummy bugs!
I will be more than happy to go back to Sarigerme.
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I went to the HV turkey with my wife and 2 young daughters for 2 weeks in August '09. Myself and one of my girls began to feel ill on the last day and subsequently developed really bad diarrhoea on the day we arrived home. In my case this lasted for 12 days and for my 3 year old it lasted for 21 days, during which time she had to spend a night in hospital. Stool samples taken in the UK proved positive for both salmonella and cryptosporidium. I am angered by the ignorant people who post meassages on this blog blaming the 'dirty English' for the problems. These serious illnesses are caused by pathogenic organisms in contaminated food and water. Do 'dirty English' people not travel all over the world on holiday to similar hotels and resorts, yet such appalling illnesses are not contracted in such vast numbers in other places. Too much sun, booze or dehydration may cause minor tummy upsets but do not cause salmonella and cryptosporidium. Until these ill educated ignorant people actually understand the facts they should keep their opinions to themselves. The food was at best poor, with poor handling practices of topping up and stir it in, luke warm and often covered in wasps. Some areas around the pool and bar stank of sewage and the pool water was often cloudy. In my opinion this resort is simply too big for its own good - it simply cannot cope with so many guests and although it tries admirably and most of the staff are good some things are sliping through the net.
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comment for mysteriousmatrix i to have been to holiday village turkey in aug 2008 became very ill out there came home with in 3/4 weeks of returning i developed joint pain in feet and other joints cut a very long story short it has now developed into rheumatoid arthritis which is an auto immune disease can be trigged by a bacteria infection would like to talk more to you about it i thought i was the only one
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JUST GOT BACK FROM THE HOLIDAY VILLAGE IN TURKEY, AND GOT TO SAY IT WAS FAB..THE FOOD WAS AMAZING AND THERE WERE STAFF GOING AROUND MONTIORING AND TAKING TEMPERATURE OF THE FOOD ALL THE TIME, ALL THE HIGH CHAIRS WERE COVERED IN CLING FILM TIGHT AT THE END OF EACH DAY AND WERE SPOTLESS CLEAN, THE CHEF S WORE PLASTIC GLOVES WHEN THEY WERE PREPARING YOUR FOOD AND THEY WASHED THEIR HANDS REGULAR, I WOULD GO BACK TO THIS PLACE TOMORROW, THEY GOT HAND SANITIZERS BEFORE YOU ENTER THE FOOD AREAS BUT GOT TO SAY I DID NT SEE MANY PEOPLE USE IT, FOR ALL THOSE PEOPLE WHO HAVE BOOKED FOR NEXT YEAR AND ARE WORRIED, DONT, I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS PLACE.. THOUGHT THAT ANNE ROBINSON WAS OUT OF ORDER TO THE GUY FROM FIRST CHOICE, AS A TOTAL AGREE WITH WHAT HE WAS SAYING...THE STAFF AT THIS PLACE ARE AMAZING.......HAPPY HOLIDAY
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The one thing that surprises me most about this story is that full board holidays still exist. They date back from the days we were only allowed to take a small amount of foreign currency out of the country, so we paid for everything up front. This isn't the case any more, so why do these dinosaur holidays still exist?
I really cannot understand why people should go to a beautiful country like Turkey, where the food is fabulous, and go FULL BOARD! You might as well just go to Blackpool (or will that not impress your friends so much?)
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This was our first family holiday 30.07.09-14.08.09 i have read most of the comments on this blog. Just to comment on a few about handwashing and hygiene. I did make sure our family of 4 did all the basic hygiene and using the hand sanitiser before entering the buffet area. So can you tell me why my 2 kids came down with salmonella and crytosporidium half way through this holiday? What we are trying to say is why isnt First Choice telling the likes of me and other families like me that there is a few problems ongoing before you go to this place? Yeah all they want is your money. Whom ever is going out there or next year you have been warned you are gambling with your and your families health. So you take the gamble i will not be travelling with first choice any longer as they are no longer my first choice. All we want is that this problem gets sorted out so other families like me dont have to go through the same as me. It isnt nice watching your nearest and dearest in pain from this. Please get this problem sorted First Choice for all the holiday makers past present and future. I hope if some of you are going you dont come back ill? Then you will know what me and other families have had to go through.
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We went to HV turkey in May 09 & 08(3 adults, 9 & 5 year old). We have also been to Majorca. Turkey was by far the best holiday we have ever had. The hotel was immaculate, the rooms were cleaned every day, cleaners are in the grounds from the moment you get up to when you go to bed. We are about to book for next year and have no worries at all.
People are complaining about the pool being closed due to children pooing in the pool, would you rather they left it open so you had something else to complain about? Maybe FC should make it compulsory for children under the age of 4 to wear swim nappies, I know when we were there not many toddlers were wearing swim nappies. There are plenty of other pools to choose from while HV cleans the other pool.
The food was amazing (esp the puddings, still dream of them now) and we always saw the empty containers taken away and a fresh tray of food put in place. Tummies will always get upset with new food, lots of beer & fizzies and the heat that we are not used to in the UK, I know these cases are proven bugs, but you could get them on any holiday or in the UK and lots of people do, there also seems to be a minority that have been ill compared to the amount of people that have been here and come away without being ill.
I think general hygiene is a problem as some children seem to think that as they are getting straight in the pool they dont need to wash their hands after the toilet, but may then go and eat food from the buffet.
With regards to the pool area and people complaining that the food is not being taken away from under the sunbeds, there are stacking shelves for the plates & glasses to be placed when you have finished with them. The cleaners are forever circling the pool areas clearing up, but shouldnt have to clear under all the beds.
And finally, (sorry essay style here), Anne Robinson was awful to the man from FC, she didnt even let him get a word in, I think the fact that he has agreed to allow the cameras in to HV speaks volumes. I bet if there is nothing to report we wont here Anne apologising to FC HV Turkey.
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People the first choice representative didnt answer all the question Anne through at him he beat about the bush all he could say was sorry all the time we work really hard for a holiday like this and for many of us it will be the last i know people will have their own opinions but thank your lucky stars you dont get any illness from any holiday? Im glad Watchdog highlightened this problem as it has been going on since 2005? For anyone wanting to go on this holiday think twice please. All the sales reps want is that they sold this holiday to you knowing full well they have had complaints about this subject they will not tell you the truth.
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i went to the holiday village on the 7th sept,2009, on the face of it it was a lovely place, friendly staff and very hard working, but within 6 days of our holiday my 12year old son became ill, at first me and my husband put this down to , too much sun, but it soon became apparent that this was not the case, after fainting on the first day of his illness, he then started developing stomach cramps and discentry, this got worse as the days went on, by the 4th day we took him to the doctor in the resort, who examined him and gave him medication, his temperature was 39 .c at this point and we were struggling to get it down, however after 3 hrs his temperature had dropped back to normal, but the other symptoms had got worse. he was so weak he couldn,t even lift his head off the pillow. this lasted for another 2 days before we seen any improvement, however his weight loss was frightening. we arrived home on monday, and then i was shocked to watch the programme on thursday. since returning home my son has had stool tests and we are awaiting the results . even now hes not 100%, and i,d love to know whats caused this terrible illness that no-one should have to suffer let alone a child.
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I shall be going with my family and friends in a couple of weeks and feel that as First Choice are aware of the problems, should anybody become ill whilst they are staying here, they should receive FREE medical treatment from the onsite doctors as way of reassurance. This should include not only a consultaion but ANY medication prescribed.
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Having stayed at the holiday village in turkey myself, I can honestly say that despite eating three times a day in the restaurants for three weeks, I never once even felt a little ill. Do you know why? Because I didn't get drunk to the stage of inchoerent every day unlike the majority of other customers tended to do. After being drunk for 5 nights in a row (all-inclusive alcohol supply) and sunbathing through a hangover every day, who wouldnt be ill? The hotel was spotlessly clean in all of the areas I went into...the only problems that arose originated from the absolute ignorance of the other holidaymakers. Like parents not putting swimming nappies on their children then complaining when the pools are closed to prevent illness happening...The hotel and the first choice staff are damned if they do and damned if they dont. I'm all up for having a good time on holiday but some people seem to think that this means all signs of basic hygiene and common decency can go out the window and this inevitably leads to people being ill. I thought that the hotel and the holiday village as a whole was a fantastic place and the only reason these idiots are complaining is because they think that they can get some money or a free holiday out of being "ill". While this is a generalisation and I cannot speak for all of the cases of illness, the unfortunate truth is that the majority of people were dehydrated/ drunk and are just all to quick to point the finger elsewhere. I'd also like to commend all of the first choice staff for making my holiday an imnmensly enjoyable one. My whole family had a fabulous time, the only thing I would change - the attitudes of the rest of the people on holiday with me.
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I have read alot of these comments with interest.
I travelled to the holiday village when it first opened -June 05
with 10 other members of my family, being some of the first people there. Within 2-3 days we all started becoming ill. To cut a long story short we all came back with cryptosporidium. Other families we met had salmonella. We were compensated by first choice, but this remains in our memories as the worst holiday we've EVER had. Hence- we have sworn never to travel with them again.
Comments I've read are pointing fingers at unhygenic brits which I do not believe is the underlying problem. This was a brand new complex
( not even finished being built! ) when we arrived.
For us to have caught something that soon, when everything was brand new........ it had to be already there and by the sounds of it , continues to be.
We have also heard that it is built on or near to sewage works. This would explain alot.
The simple facts are; there have been repeated outbreaks every year since it opened and First Choice continue to take peoples money and send them.
I comment on behalf of myself and all the people who have become ill as a result of visiting the holiday village,
CLOSE THE PLACE AND FIND OUT WHAT IS TRULY CAUSING THIS!!
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Myself and my family were due to stay at the HV for 14 nights on 12/10. However after watching the programme we were, to say the least, a wee bit concerned!!!!! We have since changed our accomodation due to another AI Hotel. I knew from some other forums previously that there had been problems in the past before I booked it, but didn't realise that the matter was still ongoing. We chose to change our accommodation because, although there was a good chance that no one in our party would become affected by any illnesses, we didn't want to take the chance as our party includes 3 small children. We did have to pay admin fees to change but I would say that it waas worth it to give us peace of mind!
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we had 2 weeks at the holidayvillage in August. (2 adults,2 children)
non of us were ill with diarrhoea or vomiting although i did overhear 1 lady say she had been ill with D/V.In the resturant entrance there was alchol hand gel but i didnt see anyone use that. The food was heat tested at every meal time by staff in white coats.Staff walked round wiping up food spillages at every meal time. I do think the serving cutlery should be changed frequently as people were not washing their hands.
I did have some lamb cooked on the grill one night which was completely raw inside and i showed a waiter who took it away but i dont know if the chef was informed.
We enjoyed the holiday although we would not return for other reasons. The complex is huge and mostly inhabited by british people who at times acted completely inappropriately. In the first 9 days the main pool was shut 4 times for 24 hours each time because people were pooing in the pool and this wasnt toddlers!This really spoilt our holiday as the temperature was in the high 30's we needed the pool.Lots of people were complaining of ear infections adults and children. My son got one and we treated him with antibiotic drops and steroid drops we bought from the local pharmacy. Try not to see the hotel doctor as he charges huge amounts and you can easily buy them from the local pharmacy at a fraction of the price.
Clearly there is a problem there with pathological bacterias but holiday makers must adhere to basic hand hygiene ie washing their hands ,not sneezing and coughing in their hands then picking up a spoon! The reps are at the hotel alday listening to complaints and believe me there were people queing most days. Having visited Turkey 5 other times we would not go to the holiday village again or recommend it either.
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we had originally booked our holiday for august next year to the holiday village but on reading the reviews in the internet we had our reservations when i got in touch with firstchoice headoffice the assured us that there were no problems and we should leave our booking as it was.only last week when there were more bad reviews my husband and i agreed we would not go. when we went into our local shop in wrexham they said we could change our holiday but at a chrge of £35 each (4 in our party) we have now changed our holiday and are looking forward to 2 weeks in Florida for not alotmore than we were paying for turkey and in the end we did not have to pay to change. could not undestand y they would let me but now i now thanks watchdog
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Some of you say its all to easy to blame 1st choice whilst blaming the holidaymakers for poor hygeine. Yes, the hygeine standards of some people can be bad, but I've been going All Inc now for the past 5 years with my wife & 2 kids to various countries & have never suffered any illness like my wife did at this hotel this year.
On 2 seperate occasions the main pool was closed. Not 1st choice fault, but the least they could do was tape it off & sign it appropiately. We only got 1 muffled announcement over a mic. Anyone not at the pool had no idea, so people were still useing it. After a number of complaints to reps they taped it off.
Dont get me wrong, the hotel looked spotless with a great variety of food, except the maggot my daughter found on a cherry!
We went to the Costa Del Sol one last year which was smaller but far superior in every aspect. Especially entertainment, which was the worst I've ever seen. Finished at 10.30pm.
Maybe its only bad hygeine holidaymakers that go to this hotel like many of you suggest, but going by its record, it would be a massive coincedence. 1st choice have offered us 3345 pounds after our letter of complaint as my wife was off work for further 4 weeks on our return. We paid 2800, so I found this a reasonable 1st offer as declining it would then drag out the claim.
Would not take the chance going to this hotel. Lottery!
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My Partner kevin spoke up on last Thursdays programme and we are very proud of him. We went to the Holiday Village between the 27th July and the 6th August 2009 and we took our 3 yr old daughter.
We had all of our injections prior to going. We took our own supply of antibacterial gel and other medical supplies to be on the safe side. At first we were pleasantly suprised by what we thought was a spotless resort. Initially we had a great time. We did use the pools and during our stay the pools were closed for 24hrs due to accidents in the pool. We did not have a problem with this as it was for hygene purposes. The chlorine levels of the pool were tested and the temperature of food appeared to be tested.
We used the antibacterial gel and made sure only bottled water was drunk. I took my 3 year old to the toilet and wouldnt let her touch the toilet seats etc. She washed her hands thouroughly.
She ate pasta for most of the holiday and it was only towards the end of our 10 day stay that we finally persuaded her to try other meats and foods.
Her symptoms started the last day of our holiday and really kicked in on arrival at home. She was completely dry until her illness but we had to put her back in nappies. Yes she was the one who got through 40 nappies in two days. Her temperature hit nearly 40 degreees. She was tested and had caught both salmonella and cryptosporidium. She was ill for nearly 3 weeks and in the first week of her illness lost 5lb in weight. Dramatic weight loss is one of the sign of cryptosporidium. It was deverstating to see her so ill.
What brought it home was our local environmental health officer telling me her illnesses could have been fatal.
Cryptosporidium can survive in high levels of Chlorine and can live in the filter sysytems of the pool. My environmental health officer told me this. It is extremely contagious so by shutting the pools is simply not going to resolve the problem.
I only found out cases of salmonella were there by pure accident by going on the internet and by contacting some families who were also ill.
I am very happy for all those people who were not ill. I take offence to people suggesting that it is down to poor hygene. We could not have done more. Something is seriously going wrong at this hotel. We should have been warned. If you had experienced the same as we did and witness your 3 yesr old lying helpless and lifeless then you might just understand where we are coming from.
I feel so guilty at playing Russian roulette with our precious young daughters life and watching it all on Thursday made me feel incredibly sick as it brought back all that she had gone through.
in my opinion Anne Robinson did a fantastic job and I just wish I knew before we went what I know now. I never wish this on anyone.
I do hold First Choice responsible as these illnesses can be prevented. Anne was just doing her job and trying to get some clear answers and for that I thank her for trying to do what we have all been trying to do.
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My familiy and i went to the holiday village in Turkey in may had a good time and decided to go again in august, what a mistake! On returning home my 5yr old son starting vomiting followed by diarrhoea after 5 days of this ended up in hospital on a drip for 2 days. It took 3 weeks for him to recover. After reading some of the other comments on here i would like to point out that the whole family washed their hands before eating and i carried my own supply of alcohol rub...could i have done more? I don't think so, my son became ill because of poor hygiene at the hotel NOT OUR PERSONAL HYGIENE!! Just because something looks clean does not mean it is.!!
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I stayed at the holiday with my family for 11 nights i got ill quite soon after we arrived i have never felt so ill in my whole life and the way that first choice dealt with it when me and my family talked to them about it was appalling iv never been treated so badly in my whole life i will never ever go with first choice ever again they were so rude and sarcastic towards me and my family they had no sympathy for any of us and claimed that no one else had complained about becoming ill whilst on holiday at the holiday village just didnt want to no they need to learn about how to give good customer service because the way they treated us all is discracful its so unacceptabe. i couldnt wait to get home.
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As being a Turkish when I watch this I have felt upset!!! I really would like to see the results of hygiene test!!! Would we be able to be informed about the result? If so I will be really glad.
Thanks.
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My husband, myself and our 20 month old son were booked to go to Holiday Village Turkey on Saturday (3rd Oct) for a week. After hearing about the problems there via Watchdog we decided that if it was just my husband and I going we would risk it, but could not take the chance of our toddler son picking up a bug and potentially becoming very ill. I know that First Choice have reassured travellers that only a small number of people are becoming ill, but we felt that it was too much of a risk to take with a toddler who still picks up everything and puts it in his mouth, drinks pool water etc.
We had booked online but decided to go into the First Choice travel agent on our high street to see if there was anything they could do to change our holiday. At first the response was standard, that the holiday could not be changed as it was within 14 days of departure, and they did initially try to persuade us that it was fine to travel to the Holiday Village in Turkey, but we persisted and eventually did get agreement that we could transfer the holiday, and are now booked for the same dates to the Holiday Village in Mallorca. We did have to pay a £50 per adult admin fee, but to honest I was happy to do that to get a resolution.
We were there for three hours, so it was not an easy thing to get done, but if you are persistent and stick to your guns they should be able to transfer your holiday, even at such short notice as we had. They did seem to be particulary helpful as we were travelling with such a young child (although I presume most people going to the Holiday Village would be in the same boat), no harm playing up that fact if it helps get your booking changed.
Hope everyone has the good luck we did in being able to change destination and avoid the risk of illness for our family.
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We are due to travel their in may and we are extremely worried about the issue's that watchdog has raised.I have just spoke on the phone to thompson and first choice about our concerns with the holiday village turkey and they have assured us that they have resolved the problem and that this has been blown out of proportion and the percentage of illness is less than 1% however the party of 21 had 13 reported case this is more than 50%.
I do feel angry that thompson has taken my hard earn;t cash and sold us a dream holiday knowing of the outbreaks of food poison.We where not inform at all and told by the travel agent the same old story OH MY AUNTY'S JUST COME BACK FROM THERE AND SHE LOVED IT SHES BOOKED AGAIN!!! maybe iam a bit soft but i could not send a family on holiday knowing that for five years their has been outbreak after outbreak without mentioning it..I hope the commision is worth it..had it not been for watchdog we would have still in the dark THANK YOU. So we now have the choice to pay extra to transfer the holiday, which we cannot afford to do as we already payed more as it was so "highley recommended" or lose the money we have already payed!!!! oh they are really looking after their costumers!!!so we will go and we will give a honest opinion and hope all is ok.
We have just looked at are travel insurance and it states:
we will not pay any claim directly or indirectly caused by something you knew about that could effect your cover or your decision to take or to continue with your trip..
Does this mean that because we know of the outbreaks that now if we go and became ill with any of the three highlighted illnesses we will not becovered.
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Oh no I have already booked to go to the holiday villiage in august 2010. Next step was to change the holiday only to be told that there was a charge of £35 per person to change it. I was disgusted with the charge as we have already had 8 holidays with them and another 2 booked. The best they could do was drop the admin charge to £50 total, so I was in the position of lose my deposit or accept the charge. My PAST loyalty makes no difference so needless to say I had to accept the £50 charge which i begrudge paying and change my holiday.
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ive just tried to speak to first choice about these problems and what they could offer me in exchange foe our holiday in 2010 , i was told i could charge holiday resorts at a cost £35 each person so thats a cost of £140 or take the chance in turkey ......... come on first choice sort out the problems in turkey or give every body a exchange free of charge............
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we have used the holiday village holiday before but we went to costa del sol , we had a great holiday and the village did what it said on the can , but we had read about a out break od chicken poxs in the resort and when we get to the resort we were told the out break was small and had been sorted .
then we got speaking to other holiday makers who said children were still catching chicken pox three days later our little princes got chicken poxs ( thanks first choice ) we spoke to reps , we wrote to head office but got nothing back for the problems it cause .
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we are due to visit this so-called holiday village on 1st may next year,but want to change it but the agent wants another £105 to make the change.we are not happy to pay even more money as she virtually admitted that because we will be there for the first two weeks of the season we are literally guinea pigs for the company.one of our party has medical conditions which could become serious if he gets an ear infection,or infection to the scar on his leg.even these complications do not regester with first choice,so we may now lose over £400 because this conpany could not care less...LAST CHOICE they should be renamed
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My family and I booked to the holiday village in Turkey for May next year, today we changed our holiday, im not even going to risk it as I have two young children. We were all excited about going as it looks great fun. I hope the problem gets resolved x
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Hi Greatshakespear, It doesn't surprise me to here of your problems with rheumatoid arthritis... believe me we are not the only ones. I am due back at the hospital on the 11th of oct, I will be due to go onto some heavy duty medication, which has to be very carefully monitored. I have been watching my joints change shape and am loosing a lot of power in my hands in particular..... very annoying.
I was a race license holder..... so kept myself fit... i.e Gym,Biking,Swimming. I am finding it hard at the moment but trying to keep a level of fitness by walking ( that's when my knees allow it)
I would just like to reiterate too some of the people that have posted some rediculous comments. I take personal hygene very seriously but just get your facts right before spouting off..... GOOGLE:- FOOD BORNE PATHOGENS and check Salmonela,Campylobacter,Cryptosporidium......OK
I have been a good customer of FC and been to quite a few of their A.I and never had any problems before H.V Turkey.
Also just to let you know... If you do see anyone over indulge with alcohol you'll probably find that at best... they will wake up with a hangover. Anyone who is going to the H.V this year..... keep your hands as clean as you like, lets just hope that you don,t end up with the health issues I have.
Just a last wee note to Greatshakespear....... I am making it my mission to find out how many of us have been left with this condition.
ALL THE BEST
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This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
I visited this hotel for the first time with my 9 year old daughter & her father in august this year & after reading some of the reviews i was a little apprehensive but took some medicine with me for 'deli belly'. I couldnt believe how clean the whole complex is & how hard the staff worked to keep it that way, i can honestly say there is no way that would happen to the same degree in this country & i have worked in hotels for many years.
What i found embarassing was being English, 'brits abroad', people left rubbish & uneaten food all around the pool when there were trolleys dotted about to put waste on, these were cleared regularly, in the restaurants people piled their plates high with food & then didnt eat it all. Parents let their children poop in the pools...im happy to say that the pools were cleared when this happened & cleaned & free drinks obviously means to some, consume as much alcohol as is possible in one day.
My family had a fantastic time at this resort & i would definitly go back. I will say to those of you who are not sure about going now, please use you're initiative. There are grills where you can see the food being cooked..if you think your chicken is a little pink ask the chef to cook it some more. Use the bottled water to clean your teeth & drink..& drink plenty of it you will need to, its so hot!!
I ate a great selection of food from steamed fish to grilled chicken & salad from the salad bar...but no mayonnaise just vinigarette. Be sensible, my daughter didnt eat from the kids buffet she had all sorts of food from the main buffet & none of us had any ill affects at all.
I couldnt fault the staff at this complex, all friendly & extremely helpful considering what they had to put up with...most of the 7 deadly sins. They certainly dont deserve to be slated in this fashion, though i am sorry for those who were ill but why didnt it happen to all of us if it was that bad????
Turkey is a beautiful country & the people will do everything they can to make sure you enjoy your stay with them...can you say the same about us when the Turks come here??
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i went to the holiday village in september 2008 with my other half we were warned about the health and hygeine but whilst we were out there we did not experience any illnesses at all..in fact the holiday was absolutely fantastic, first choice were brilliant and the hygiene in the resort was spot on...we are planning to go bak there in sept 2010...if you keep your hygiene up whilst you are out there then you shouldnt have any problems i.e no ice, washing hands before eating etc having shower when getting in and out of pool.. we have just got back from [resort removed] and compared to Turkey it was very dissapointing the food was awfull the party i travelled with and myself suffered with dodgy stomachs for the whole two weeks we were there, the first choice staff were fantastic..we were told that no locals were allowed in the resort and every weekend there were locals staying there i was very appaulled with [company removed] resorts which the holiday village is situated and felt for what we paid for the [country removed] we did not get service which was satisfactory, the entertainment and activities team were absolutely fantastic and it was them who made our carribean holiday special it was just ashame the staff were so rude and inconciderate and the food was so awful... i do not have a bad word to say about turkey holiday village and i would recommend it to anyone.
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PLEASE!
PLEASE!
read this if you have booked the holiday village. we have just contacted our travel insurance and they have told us because we know of the illnesses in turkey we are not covered.please read your own policies..
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numberwang1976 the petting zoo has been closed down
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We went for a week in Aug/Sept and my 5 year old son came home with Salmonella and Cryptosporidium. He only went back to school yesterday after being ill for the past 3 weeks. He spent 3 days in hospital and was on a drip for 2 nights due to dehydration. We weighed him the other day and he was only half a stone heavier than our 2 year old.
If we'd known that there was a 1% chance we wouldn't have booked to go there. I appreciate some other peoples comments that you can get these illnesses anywhere, but the truth is that me, my wife or my 2 children never have. There is obviously a problem at this hotel which is a shame as on the surface it is very nice, but you shouldn't expect to play Russian roulette when you go away. I hope that everyone that got seriously ill get better and you get some form of compensation.
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We booked a weeks holiday to the Holiday Village for October 2009. After booking this holiday we were reading [company removed] and saw a number of comments regarding 'illness' at the hotel. We took our concerns to Thomson/First Choice as we have a 3 year old son and did not want to put him at any risk. The thought of going on holiday and not being able to relax was not our idea of fun! Thomson/First Choice allowed us to change our holiday but not aknowledging any problems at the hotel. Our suspicions were alerted when the fee to change our holiday went from £50 per person per change to the holiday. ( flight dates, times and desination) This fee was changed to £35 per person for all changes. We feel that no charges should have been made although, it is a small fee to pay in comparrison to other families that have unfortunatly been ill.
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iratecitizen wrote:
Everyone is quick to point the finger at the hotel and the holiday company, however, whilst the British decide not to replace the food covers after helping ourselves and whilst we insist on not washing our hands after going to the bathroom then helping ourselves to the food, there will always be food poisoning.
The outbreaks of food related instances can be directly attributed to guess what – us. After a week I became concerned about letting my family eat in the restaurant.
The restaurant even places hand wash (the alcohol gel stuff) at the entrance(s) to the restaurant, which practically everyone walks past and doesn’t bother to use.
When you cannot grasp the basic fundamentals of hygiene then don’t blame the hotel
Good Post above from iratecitizen
Could not agree more, the wife and I have just returned from the H V (Palace) and had a great week. Not once did we see anyone Gel their hands before entering the dinning hall. The hotel was spotless 4****, odd times the food was cold due to lids been left open by patrons. Meat was cooked in front of you and the sea bass was beautiful. I have recommended my family take the grand children next year, The wife and I are both in our 60s and only booked at the last minute and after getting home and reading the reviews thought S***, was in two minds to cancel. Pleased we went had a good holiday with no complaints.
If you have booked and are it two minds my advice is Go, you will be surprised after what you have read and seen on watchdog. Should maybe take Ann Robinson with you she was quick to criticise it with out actually see it. Remember 38,000 people went through the HV last year.
Hope you all have a good a time as we did.
Johnson Hull.
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help i have booked to go to the holiday village next year and i am due to pay the rest of my deposit this week.Ido not wish to go because i dont think this holiday should have been sold in the first place.First choice are asking us to pay this money until they have decided to pull this holiday out of their books at the end of the season.Inow can not afford to book a holiday for me and my family due to this please tell me what do i do.
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what do we do about our deposits
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I am afraid I am going to HIGHLY recommend all people booked to go change the holiday!! (or live off chip butties!!!!)
My husband, 2 year old daughter and I arrived back on Monday (28th September) from a week at Holiday Village Sarigerme. We had a good time, loved the facilities for our daughter who loves to be in the pool all day, and the entertainment at night was brilliant for her. The selection of food was not great, (my husband and daughter ate breakfast cereal and chips all week!!) but after hearing some horror stories before we went we were just glad to have dodged the bullet and not become ill....or so we thought!!!
We arrived home Monday evening, by 6 am Tuesday I was being violently sick and had severe diahorea, and continued to be that way each time I moved until 2pm today (Wednesday), I now have blisters on my lips from vomiting bile so much! I could not even hold down water until earlier today. Unfortunately I have been unable to get a sample to get to the doctors so I dont know 100% but I am fairly certain I have some form of food poisoning!
We met up with a family who flew out on the Saturday after watchdog, they tried to change the holiday with first choice as they were travelling with a young child and were obviously concerned, but were unable to change the holiday without substantial cost to themselves. We had not heard of people being ill while we were there and passed this information on to them, I now feel pretty bad about reassurring them and have my fingers crossed that they are not also ill!! I am kind of grateful that my daughter is such a fussy eater as hopefully, this has saved her from this terrible illness...
Good luck to anyone who is going there!!
Clair
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I have just returned from a weeks holiday at the holiday village turkey with my partner and two young girls (3yrs & 12mths). I found the hotel immaculate and the food delicious!
Any problems that may be occuring at this resort definiatley seem to stem from many of the british tourists that stay there.
During my stay i witnessed parents letting young babies in the pools without swim nappies and also telling young children they could use the pools as toilets, so if people then have compliants about the pools being closed they should look at the guest around them not the hotel!
I also agree with the hygiene of the british guests when it comes to eating, leaving food uncovered after serving themselves and talking plates & plates of food to the polls even though requested not to and then just leaving them lying around!
I also witnessed at one point a man who had obvisiouly drunken too much sit at his chair and vomit more than once on the floor and instead of seeking assistance to have this disqusting mess cleaned up, where childrenare playing him & his partner decided to put a chair over it & move to a different table, very hygiening!!!!
Watchdog should look at the bigger picture before jumping to conclusions and blaming the hotel & first choice and maybe lok closer to home!!!
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i went to this holiday village from 18th augaust to 31st augaust i felt ill with stomach pains and upset stomach for the fist 3 days since i had got there then on the seccond week i came down with it again for the last 3 days and as i am 16 years old i wanted to say by to my friends that i had met over there that basicly had ruined my holoday.
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went to this holiday village end of aug 08 for 2 weeks,just before it shut for deep cleaning last yr.
all 5 of us came down with server sickness and upset stomach's within days of arriving there along with a whole wedding party who ended up in hosptal and many othes. staff not very helpful but most we sick aswell, there was no hand gel in reststrants, food left ucovered so flys got on food, many complants were made to staff, never been so ill on a holiday ever, runied most of our holiday, but i did find it a really lovely place just shame about being ill.
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Well, we went to the holiday village, last sept as a group of ten, 6 adults, and 4 children, 5, 3, 3, 18 months. And not one of us had a problem, The week we were there we never heard of anyone being ill. Only a few people who had slipped over and hurt themselves.(mainly drink related) Wasnt until we come home that we even knew about the illness, Which was manily on the orange side of the complex. The one thing that seems to always pop up was young children pooing in the pool.
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Well i went to the holiday village for a week last sept,(on the blue side) As a group of ten. 6 adults and 4 children, ( 4, 3, 3, 18 months) and not one of us was ill. We didnt see or know off illness until we came home.(and was mainly on the orange side) We did see a few broken bones, But this i think was drink related and the floors were slippery. But i have to agree that there seems to be a problem with kids pooing in the pools. But we had a fab time best holiday ive had and ive been on a few. We have looked to book again.
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My dad took me, my sister (3) step brother (10) to the holiday village this summer. None of us fell ill and neither did anyone we knew. Best holiday ever so much 2 do; loads for everyone no matter your age. Really recomend it . Love it !!!!
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Feel very very sorry for all that became unwell. However, we've just had a fantastic week there, and are all perfectly well. We stayed when the hotel was half-full, so maybe thats why there are fewer cases of illness now, however I'm sure the problem lies pool-side rather than in the restaurant, which we found very clean and hygienic. The pool-side floors were quite dirty, with litter, food, soiled nappies left lying around. My 18 month year old daughter picked up things and put them in her mouth on numerous occasions- but luckily she wasn't ill. Plus swallowing pool water must be a big contributer to stomach upsets. And , I witnessed many people taking uncooked pasta and bolognese sauce from the snack bar before it had opened and been cooked...I'm not sure i blame the hotel for the sickness, people should be responible for their own health.
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I am one of those "holiday advisors" that some of you are referring to. I have never written a blog before but feel strongly enough to do it for the first time tonight. I travelled with my family (children between 9 and 2)along with some friends (children 10 -18months) to this Holiday Village this summer. Since I have returned I have recommended this holiday to many many people. I found the facilities and staff amazing. The food was cooked to a high standard with plenty of choice. The cleanliness of the resort was second to none. Travelling with lots of children obviously comes with spillages but as soon as something was spilt there seemed to me a member of staff straight by our side cleaning it up.Having worked in the trade for the last 25 years I have travelled far and wide and stayed in some top notch hotels but for my family holiday I will struggle to beat the holiday that we had at the Holiday Village Turkey this year. The Kids club reps were the best that I have seen on any other holiday/visit.Since I have come back 3 of my work collegues have all been at various times with thier families(one of whom flys back tonight)and all have had a great time with no sickness what so ever. I hope that this blog puts some of your minds at rest who are booked to go to Holiday Village Turkey in the future.
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I am going to this holiday village at the end of October and am unable to change this - its either go or stay - so we are going. I've sifted through the comments and the most common theme throughout for those who have and havent suffered - the dirty brits. I am shocked at the stories of parents letting their kids use pools as toilets, dirty nappies and drunkards vomitting by the pool, food left by the pool, no one washing their hands and general ignorant low-intelligent behaviour.
That is the most shocking thing is the British people seem to be acting like primates.
All we hope is that half term will be a quiet time and the primates cant afford or dont come out of season - and if that is the case I am sure we will be fine.
As for those dirty filthy Brits I detach myself from you. What must the locals think of us? They probably are glad some get ill after watching us soil their pools and litter their village.
TURKEY - On behalf of rational thinking, clean British people - I SINCERELY APOLOGISE for the behaviour of those who act like gutter rats.
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Myself partner son(4) and stepdaughter(17) visited here August 2007, we went for 1 week only. We were all poorly, my partner started with shivers burning up then spent all night been sick and the runs. I then started the next day this was 3 days into holiday. My comment on this is that I only drank water I noticed that the water dispensers were juicers that spin they would fill them up with bottled water and add bags of ice!!!! I carried on drinking only water as I had such bad stomach pains and the runs ate dry bread or toast. When we returned home my son started with the runs and stomach cramps and my stepdaughter. My son and I was like this for 2 weeks after returning from the resort, we went to our GP who took a stool sample and tested for compliabacter, but it came back clear. When we were waiting to leave the resort I did notice a notice in the reception saying that the ice had a high chlorine contact, why are they putting ice in the water and drinks, could this be the source of the problem!
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I had a booking for turky untill i seen this. I went in to first choise they said there is nothing to worry about and i said there is i have children going. They are not worried at all and said there was only a few cases. I dont care how many there is i didnt won't to go. They did allow me to change my holiday but i had to pay an admin fee of £35.00 each there is 8 of us in total going away so was alot of money but they knew i would pay as i didnt have much choise it was that or loose what i had already payed. I am much happier with the choise iv'e made not to go but not happy that it cost more on top of the £2500.00 i have to pay for the holiday in the first place.
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to the person asking if we had our jabs we visited our doctor and were told where we were goin did not need jabs ,we made sure we had bottled water as we had young children with us as i was pregnant i watched what i ate and my hygiene standerds are high i still became ill and lost the baby hospital record dates shows that the date the baby died was when i became ill on my holiday
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I am getting extremely angry and frustrated by many of the comments listed on this page. I caught the review tonight about HV Turkey (having missed 24th) and looked up this site. Well done Anne! Glad you are back in the chair!
My Hubby, now 3 1/2 year old daughter and I had the holiday from hell last year Sept 01 2008 - for 2 weeks. I have not as yet made a complaint as quite frankly want to forget the whole ordeal! (May reconsider)
Thank you Holiday Village Red Sea - this years holiday - what a fantastic time! You have restored my faith in FC Holiday Villages - HV Turkey should take some lessons - highly recommended to those looking into alternatives.
To those lucky holiday makers who escaped being ill - I am really happy for you, but do not suggest drunkeness, bad hygene, drinking local water, food intolerence, heat stroke etc... made my then 2 1/2 year old seriously ill with Salmonella. Though how you didn't hear about the on site illnesses escapes me! I had viewed reports before I went, not expecting it to be so bad - you must have had your heads in the sand.
FACTS
I was unfortunate enough - whilst sober - to break my foot on day 4 of our holiday - my daughter also contracted a double ear infection on the same day - hence we were later unable to fly home early (I wish).
As part of my fall I had to attend the doctors surgery each day to ensure that the few cuts and grazes did not become infected. The treatment received - excellent! (PS Dont allow the hotel or reps to send you to hospital in a taxi - First Choice insurance will only cover you in medical transport eg ambulance - I'm nearly £100 down due to this small print!!)
On each occasion the treatment rooms became more and more full with holiday makers on drips each day due to the Apparent "Noro Virus" we all received letters about! At one time they were so full that two patients were crammed into the minor injury treatment room/cupboard whilst I was getting patched up! Just occured to me - surprising I didn't get it if it was Noro!!!???
True I have never experienced - thank goodness - deficating in the pool in any resort before. FYI - The translator in the medical centre informed me that there was some kind of competition running between teenagers - how many of the 17 pools they could close in one day - our first week - 86 pool closures. Delightful! Pools however were only closed for 3 hours for cleaning on each occassion. Cause of ear infection - possible - not the bacterial infections however....
Having spent 10 days in a wheel chair, I was able to befriend several staff members - the mangement say it's only the holiday makers who are gettin ill - the staff say that approx 30% at any time are ill. They don't use the pools!!??
Only on day 6 of our holiday did staff appear with some form of anti bac in a trigger spray at the restaurant door. We had to request that high chairs were cleaned before use and tried on all occassions to only eat freshly prepared food - food was not replaced - just recycled and added to. Milk was very often off. Then the man in the little white coat appeared, apparently hired by first choice to take food samples - he floated around for the rest of the holiday - and people were still getting ill.
By day 8 the staff at the pool bar (Orange Side) had to do overtime til 3 am cleaning the tables etc.. as food, straws etc... were in between the slats of the tables for several days.
I still have a picture, which I have been unable to paste on here, given to me by a fellow holiday maker who had spent 10 days out of 14 in his room being violently ill. Taken 04/09/08. To all those who appreciated the fresh bottle of water on your table at meal times, but did not finish it and the numerous sources of water coolers on site that you could top up a container at any time .... The picture clearly shows a member of staff at the end of service topping up empty water cooler bottles with bottles from the tables - I would suggest this is a sourse of contamination, or certainly one that needs to be looked into - I did show the picture to a rep whilst in the HV - she immediately called her managers, who showed no interest and didn't even request to see the photo.
A word supporting the reps - guys go easy on em' they are exhausted - they want to do happy holiday things - all they are getting is complaints, occasional staff drafted in to "relieve" the pressure and no support from the management.
To First Chioce - the complex is too big, you cannot achieve acceptable levels of hygene with a site this size. To anyone considering booking HV Turkey - Don't!!!!!! Book a different one. Too anyone still going - good luck!!!
U dont know how bad it is until you've changed your previously potty trained daughters nappy 15 times in 18 hours. Have watched her double up in agony for 3 weeks, and had to be present at intrusive investigations to check for chrones desease as blood was present.
Oh - and almost forgot ... If the hotel medical centre tells you they can split your plaster cast before flying - they cant! My advise with only an hour before going to the airport - find the nearest gardener, borrow his secaters and find a few of your mates to do the job - Thanks guys you know who u are! XX
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I stayed for 2 weeks in August at the Holiday Village with my husband and two children (11 and 13). My youngest contracted Salmonella food poisoning and Cryptosporidium, which yes is very unfortunate and a nightmare for the last 3 days of our holiday and afterwards, but I am in no way blaming the resort. I agree with previous comments, that basic hygiene was completely ignored by a lot of people, no handwashing and leaving lids off the food and leaving dirty plates around the pool. The Reps are a waste of time at the resort and we found the local Pharmacist in Sarigerme very helpful (and cheaper). So please if you are reading these comments don't let it put you off going to this wonderful resort. Just use your own common sense and stop blaming the resort when the touists are mostly to blame.
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I stayed at the Holiday Village from 17/09/09 to 24/09/09 with my partner and 10 year old.
I can only commend the whole village, the food was very good, and we had no sickness.
I feel very sorry fo the people who were ill and I would expect that occasionally some of their standards do slip but all in all I would say the food standards were very high espacially in the A La Carte restaurant's.
I would reconnmend the Holiday vilage to anyone with familes as the facilities they have are fantastic. there is plenty to do and sthe staff are excellent.
I would also say that the cost was very reasonable and I would have expected to have paid far more that we did for the quality of the resort and food.
Please enjoy your stay if you are going in the future. We hope to go again next year. I only hope that they have a new song as 'Chocolatte' was dreadful!!!
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This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
I also noticed a comment from saddleup09..... and i qoute
"There are grills where you can see the food being cooked..if you think your chicken is a little pink ask the chef to cook it some more".
What an unbelieveably stupid thing too say... Chicken should NEVER BE PINK. A Chef should not be playing with peoples lives.... That is potentially a very dangerous situation to be in.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE You must understand FOOD and the dangers of badly prepaired food
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I have just come back from the holiday village on the 01/10/09. I stayed just 1 week with my wife, 2 children aged 1 year and 4 years and also with my in laws. Fortunately none us have got ill yet, but we did notice a few things while we were there.
I agree with some of the other comments and all the blame and problems can not be laid totally on the hotel or the staff, some of the clientell need to take some of the responsibility.
We noticed people not closing the lids on the food trays, and people not washing there hands after visiting the toilets and also not using the anti bacterial hand wash stations which are situated all over the resterants, also and possible th most discusting thing we witnessed was people sampling food from the tongs or spoons provided to serve and then placing them back. Again we noticed children not in swim nappies around the pool and in fact one of the pools was closed for more than 24hours while we were there for cleaing (one of the deaper pools used mainly by adults)
That beeing said and done we did notice some problems with the way the food was prepared and served. All the cooks were wearing disposable gloves when they cooked but rather than change them when the changed jobs or started to prepare a different type of food they would just wipe there hands with paper towels and leave the towels in a heap by the side of there prep area. The other issue was when there were putting fresh cooked food out into the serving trays when something was low, rather than remove the old food and replace they would just put the new food ontop of the old. So some of the food at the bottom of a tray could be there for a couple of hours.
I will be honest we were aware of the reported problems before we left as we had reserached the hotel after booking, hence why we possible noticed so many issues. At the time of booking first choice never once mentioned the problems at the hotel and when we questioned them once we had found out about the problems they (our local branch) stated there was no longer a problem. Because we booked a last minute deal we had the same problem as one of the previous comments in thet we either went or we didn't and lost our money. As a result of the way first choice handled this issue I would probably not book through them again.
On a positive note the location and hotel are great, there is plenty for kids to do if they like the kids clubs and the staff are very helpfull and friendly. This could be a fantastic hotel if they sort the problems out.
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Take you travel insurance policie to thomson and first choice point out the part that state your travel insurance is void because you now know of the illness.they will tell you that if its given the all clear from the resort that you will be covered DO NOT BELIEVE THEM! ITS NOT. WE TOLD THEM WE ARE GOING TO CITEZEN ADVICE.
We sat there and everytime customer's came in to the banch we raised the issues LOUDLY about the holiday village and how we felt they were prepare to send are family on holiday with all the sickness and if it was ok then it would not have featured on watchdog.
Atfer a few customers left they started offering us alternative holidays. ALWAYS CHECK THE ON LINE PRICE BEFORE YOU AGREE TO CHANGE BECAUSE THEY WILL OFFER YOU THE CHEAPEST FIRST..
To get rid of us they ended up offering us a swap with no charges to egypt to an aqua park.Low tactics i know but it worked
US 1
THOMSON/FIRST CHOICE 0
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My husband and I went to the complex, along with our Manchester friends, in Sept 2005. We enjoyed it so much we booked to go again.
Along with our 11 month old daughter and Manchester friends, Sept 2007 was enjoyed so much, we booked to go again.
August 2009, again was enjoyed so much by all 6 of us, including our 2yr old daughter. We couldn't stop ourselves booking for August 2010 2 days after getting home!
As with all foreign holidays, change of food created the 'runs' & sickness for 2 days. Food was great, temp regularly checked. Staff replaced lids on trays, which lazy holiday makers left off. Holiday makers did not use hand wash supplied. Kids sometimes use tap water instead of the mineral water.
So far had 3 holidays there, none of us had any problems so we are continuing. Great activities, pools, staff, food, cleanliness everything.
Idiotic holiday makers have poo in pool on their last day, and show it on Facebook!!! The pool gets shut for good cleaning.
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me,my partner n our 3 yr old daughter stayed there in sept 2008 n i did come down with a sickness bug on the last day so i contacted first choice who were more than happy to offer me half the price of my holiday back a compensation no questions asked which i though was very good, we then decided to give it another go this year in sept as apart from that we had a good hol and i must say first choice really have made a massive effort we had a wonderful hol with no sickness and they realy have made more hyginic changes the food is fresher and not left out like before and they have installed hand wash stations but we just felt overall there was a big effort for everything to be cleaner and kept better. we have even booked our wedding there next year we were that impressed, I have been to the majorca hv in june 08 and egypt in may 09 and although they were both good we felt the turkey one was just more comfortable the only thing i would say was wrong was the loud drunk typical common brits who are unhyginic and if you ask me are the main cause of these problems but there are plently of places to keep away from them i just overall feel although i did have problems the first year first choice dealt with it well and have since made improvements .
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I think it is hilarious that the majority of comments put on this blog are PRO Holiday Village Turkey....and so they should be too! I went with my wife and daughter age 8 for 2 weeks in July and had a brilliant time. Like many of the others on here it's their own hygiene that people need to think about. At the entrance to the restaurant in the Palace side there are dispensers with anti bacterial liquid for you to clean your hands. We used these on entry and exit.....how many other people used it you may ask.....not many! If it's there.... use it! It's the dirty hands of people who have low hygiene standards, opening the lids of food trays and then not closing them that is causing any illness.
I work overseas as a rep in the 90's and worked in a hotel in Majorca that DID have Salmonella poisioning outbreak.....there were 4 doctors on call in the hotel 24 hours a day and 7 ambulances on standby outside the hotel to ferry people to hospital.
90% of the hotel (including myself had it). There were people being sick all over the HOTEL....IN THE RECEPTION....IN THE LIfts....everywhere!!!
The Holiday Village Turkey has approx 3500 customers a week....did I see a stream of AMBULANCES on standby...NO.....was there people being sick all over the place.....NO! Was I sick....NO.....and I have travelled to Turkey 9 times and had some sort of sickness and diorrhea at least 3 times in them 9.
I love how the majority of comments are really good towards the Holiday Village as it is a great hotel and I would not hesitate in going back.
Don't blame the reps....they are only doing their job!
Keep it up people.....don't let that very rude Ms Robinson (and she was to the guy from First Choice on the programme)spoil your holiday!
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Hi,I have been reading some of the comments regaurding the Holiday Village Sarigerme,I am a big beleiver in personal choice and informed decisions so I was disapointed in some judgemental veiws.What may be fantastic to one person is anoughthers nightmare...I went to the holiday village last year with my two children and husband,on arriving the hotel and its grounds looked scenic and well kept,our room was not ready so we where asked to go have some lunch while the room was prepeared...the lunch buffet was fine,at the evening meal we noticed the food was luke warm and it was only early.By day three I was in our room with a temperature,sickness and stomach upset.As the days progressed I was halucinating and could not eat.I ended up on a drip and was ill for nine weeks on my return home.I lost three stone in weight.The enviromental health confirmed I had salmonella.The staff at the hotel said I had too much sun although I spent 12 of the 14 days in the room as I was so ill.I have since found out the hotel is built on an apparently mosquitto infested swamp land? Although cleaners where about on the grounds they only knocked once to clean our room!! also the water bottles where not sealed as they are refilled bottles...I understand some people saying about Brits cleanliness etc but I am impecable with hygiene and carry my own hand sanitiser!! I am very happy for anyone who has had an enjoyable holiday at this resort,I would never wish what happened to me on anyone,I just think people need to make an informed choice.My advice would be research and make your own decision.I would never go back personally in a million years even if someone offered me a free holiday there and I would not risk taking my children back there.
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roxie-d Im sorry to read you lost your baby ,this is a side affect of salmonella its so cruel.I was lucky enough that my pregnancy continued against the odds although my baby was born not breathing and needed special care,my baby was very ill for a few weeks after birth but thankfully is now doing well...there is alot more to salmonella then people think that is why first choice need to sort this problem out.The strain of salmonella I had was due to poultry nothing to do with mine or other holiday makers hygiene...I wish you lots of luck for the future roxie-d nobody should have to go through the loss of a baby...
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I myself or anyone i know have ever suffered any of the mention illnesses home or abroad.salmonnela is simply down to poor food preporation it does not matter if people use the hand gel or not!
As far as the water born germs being blamed on small children pooing in the pool its sound like an excuse.We have pools in this country where accident happen why have'nt we had out breaks.
Some of you who has defended the the HV and this includes the tour opperators who are still sending people there people must realise that for five years this has been going on. So are you all saying that for five years people have been pooing exclusively in the hv pool"RUBBISH"
However I have not read a bad review on the holiday village apart from the illnesses but Theres an old saying ALL THAT GLITTERS IS NOT GOLD!
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The holiday village in Turkey like all the other ones is fantastic, i have stayed here loads of times and not had one problem
make sure the food is properly cooked
dont let kids eat ice cream and fizzy drinks 24/7 or they will be ill
this is the best hotel i have stayed at for food and hygiene standards and yes when you go to foreign countrys you do get an upset stomach as certain foods us brits dont normally eat and the way they cook abroad is different. stop complaining and go self catering in future
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me and my grandma was very ill for a week even now we are still ill. when I was sick the man hoovered up the sick that same hoover that cleans the rooms that people are in that must be one way the germs are spreading!
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Myself,husband and 2 children went to the H/V in August this year. In reply to the people who state its the Brits who aren,t careful with hygiene then wouldn,t this apply to any hotel they went to? Wouldnt they get just as sick there? It appears to be just this hotel.Also to the people who say get your injections do they do injections against salmonella and cryptospyrosis???? While I was there I witnessed the chefs/kitchen staff just dumping fresh cooked food on top of food that had been there god knows how long, meat not cooked thoroughly which was brought to the attention of the reps and head chef.Both my husband and daughter were ill whilst on holiday although not enough to spoil things completely.But my husband was ill for over a week after we got home having to take time off work which for him is unheard of.My daughter also had an ,accident on the floor in the bathroom which we cleaned ourselves but had no disinfectant to clean properly. But despite numerous requests for a maid to clean the bathroom properly it seemed you are only allowed to have your room cleaned once a day.
It wasn,t just the illness that put us off though, the entertainment was poor as for some reason there was no entertainment team they were brought in half way through the holiday and were completely unrehearsed.The seating area in the ampitheatres whilst a good idea isnt relaxing or comfortable and there is nowhere to enjoy a relaxing drink whilst watching it either as you have to keep hold of your drinks as there is nowhere to put them. We aren,t usually a complaining family but I find it was a great shame as first choice have a fantastic site here and could do so much more. It hasn,t put us off holiday villages just this one.
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my family have just returned on the 29th sept from sarigerme holiday village. Can i say that my hygiene as a parent was and still is paramount. ON arriving back from turkey my 16 month old son has become poorly with severe diarrohea and a temperature with blood and muscus in his stools we are awaitng the results of a stool sample. I totally stand by anne robinson for coming down on the first choice representative as there company should not be sending customers to this place until the cause is found. I have had to take days off work to see to my sick child and more importantly watching my child in pain and being so poorly is unfair to my child and his parents and nobodys fault other than first choice's for allowing people to still visit there. People save all year round sometimes to go away for that year so this needs to be sorted so these problems stop now. The hotel itself was 3 star. the food was uncovered with flys landing on it which is down to staff and visitors. Howevere there are no signs around to ask of this. Drinks are foul so we stuck to bottled water and all i can say on the last day a cleaner had gone around the pool picking things up glasses e.t.c and totally missed a used tampon sitting on a sunbed. I reported this and it was delt with within 30 mins which i found poor . I could go on with the story but there is no need. All i can say i will be taking this further after watching my son suffer still today.
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We are a family of four who stayed at Holiday Village Turkey for 2 weeks between Monday 27th July - Monday 10th August 2009, all had our inoculations and have always practised good hygeine methods. This year more than any other we were much more concerned about catching swine flu so, we were more prepared than usual taking and using sanitising hand gels, and dettol surface wipes and always using the alchol gel at the entrances to the resturants just incase we caught swine flu unfortunatly we were all ill but not with swine flu.
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HI we arrived back on Sunday 4th October after having a brilliant time at this resort!!!! I was worried for nothing. I spent my 40th Birthday here and myself my husband and Child age 7 thought the place was clean tidy immaculate and the people were friendly nice and polite..... The food was delicious and very hot... We did see people leaving covers off the food once they had taken some .... But the chiefs etc were their replacing them ..... We heard of no complaints the people we meet all were speaking very highly of this hotel... If you have booked then dont worry as it's one of the nicest places to go..... As long as your not fussy or picky you will enjoy your holiday .... We ate in the Turkish Restaurant and the enjoyed the food and the service.... Please go and just relax and enjoy..... We only saw one pool closed and then letters were left about children must were swim nappies in the pool but believe me their were still parents letting small children wander around bear!!! Go and hopefully you will enjoy it !!!!
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We have recently returned from the Holiday Village in Serigerme Turkey where we spent most of our holiday on the toilet instead of enjoying the sunshine and one of the 17 pools this hotel offers. The food was left uncovered from 10.30am until 4pm, around the pool, left for flies to vomit on! First choice forget to mention that this holiday village is built on a swamp. So the flies are no normal flies, stuff knows what they are carrying, these flies bite!! No mosquito lotion can stop these from biting! Our family and close friends all became ill. After spending 9 days ill - we all took a trip to the Doctor, Guess what SALMONELLA!!!! Not an enjoying holiday i can assure you, we never left the complex so where else would we have caught this?!?! I Want to know the reason why First Choice are not advertising this in there 2010 brouchure?!?
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Our Holiday at the holiday Village in Turkey this May (2009) was nothing short of spectacular. There was 8 of us in our group comprising of 5 children ages ranging from 3-9 years and 3 adults, not one of was taken ill. There were Cleaners everywhere at all times of the day and night, there was constant testing of food in all areas and the overall standard was brilliant. The food always seemed well cooked, however the eggs are sometimes under cooked (this is how they eat them in turkey) but if you ask they will happily cook them longer for you. I feel for people who's holiday was ruined by ill health but having said that i would not hesitate on returning to the holiday village in fact i intend to rebook for next year. Could it not be that brits bring bugs in with them and pass them along?
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I have just returned on 05.10.2009 from the holiday village. I would like to point out that myself and family found the food awful and i had constant diarrhoea throughout the holiday and so did my 8 yr old daughter. however, on a positive note, the hotel was spotless and the staff there are very helpful if you need assistance. The pool was closed on numberous occasions which upset my children but strangely enough it was down to adults on most instances, not the kids, doing 'nasty' doings in the pools.
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I posted a comment on here after watching watchdog because our holiday was booked for 3 days after. I was really nervous about going but from the moment we arrived until we left I saw NO-ONE being ill, NO dirty nappies around the pools and NO one moaning about the food etc. I now cant wait to go again , the place is immaculate and the service is second to none. The kids clubs are great and choice of food is fantastic!!! My kids and I didnt want to come home. My only gripe is the rude, miserable and never satisfied people that come on holiday and moan about everything! There was only a few but some people are weird!
I would say to any one that have booked to go and are worried about the watchdog news. Go see for yourself its fab! I ate salads and fruit, had drinks with ice and so did the kids and also brushed my teeth using tap water and I never once felt ill. I hope everyone enjoys there holiday!
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myself, my partner and 2 young boys stayed at the holiday village turkey for a week in september this year, the hotel seemed 2 be clean there were people in white coats checking the pool water etc. ther was no mention of any1 being ill at all while we were there. thoughout the holiday my partner had a dodgy stomache but nothing more than u mite expect, then on the last day of the holiday my 5 year old was violantly sick in the kids club and i also started 2 get a bad stomach. when we got home all 4 of us were very ill for a few days. the children though seemed 2 get better but on a couple of occations were randomly sick and had diarrhoea which we couldnt understand.
a week later watchdog happened 2 to on the tv and so after we watched the report took the children 2 the doctors the next day, they took stool samples and Cryptosporidium was found in them! the doctor said that the random sickness is quite common as it can stay inside the intestines for 5 weeks!!!
i am very unhappy that we were not informed about the problem at the hotel,and although we did not miss much of the holiday from being ill we had 2 have days off work and school,which is an extra expence afer an expensive holiday. there is always a chance of getting ill from holiday but it seems the chances are a lot higher going to this hotel!!! they need 2 sort this problem out!!!
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my wife and i stayed at the holiday village sarigerme sept 08.it was the best holiday we have ever had.the hotel was spotless,the food was very good,the staff very friendly.the only thing that let the holiday down was the british.at times i was ashamed to be british. some parents let the kids run wild while they helped themselves to the all inclusive drinks etc.on the penultimate day of our two week stay a floater appeared in the large kids pool.it had been transported to the pool from the toilets.i just sat back and watched what went on and i could work out it was 1 0f 3 lads.how can the hotel be blamed for this.every time you went into the restaraunt your hands were sprayed and on the way out.when sending in your hidden cameras why not film some of the families.i would most definetely return to holiday village turkey
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This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
E-MAIL FROM OUR INSURANCE COMPANY
If you are booked to stay at one of the hotels that where highlighted on the program watchdog, you decide to travel there and you come down with salmonella this will not be covered and it was known to you that there was a high risk you could get the bug. If were travelling to a hotel where there were not any risks known to the company this would be covered.
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A few years ago we stayed in this hotel twice in a year. There were reports of illness at the same time we were there. If anyone has got a booking....DON'T cancel - it's a really amazing hotel. It's so clean and it's well maintained.
The First Choice staff are the best travel reps we've ever had. We expect high standards of cleanliness. I imagine it's more likely to be guests not washing their hands properly and then touching serving utensils, which you then touch and transfer any bugs onto your hands.
While the alcohol gel doesn't kill all germs, it's a good idea to have some on your table and clean your hands after each visit to the buffet.
This is a big resort, so you'd expect to see more people reporting illness than other places. Don't forget that often people who report illness don't always have confirmation from their doctors, so the cause could be simple stomach bugs not caused by food poisoning.
I've had food poisoning and I know how terrible it is (my bowel ruptured). I'm not saying there aren't genuine cases, just that it shouldn't put you off going to the Holiday Village.
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LISTEN.......... Forget hand washing for a minute....... Forget alcohol, Forget babies nappies. There has been a very serious problem at this hotel. WHY this hotel?.... people go on holiday year after year. I have been a very good customer of FC for years and never any problems.... WHY NOT? It will be very interesting to see what the doctor finds out. It does seem that the number of illnesses are begining to come down, but what has been going on? WHY THIS HOTEL? Time will tell! PLEASE PLEASE take into consideration FOOD BORNE VIRUSES... Not the guy with too much beer in him or the person that haven't washed there hands...... The biggest problem is FOOD.
CRYPTOSPORIDIUM is water borne so could be transmited in the swimming pools.
SALMONELA and CAMPYLOBACTER are Viruses from FOOD
I would like to know how many of you know anything about the long term complications of said viruses, not very many I would imagine.
I never got my IBS and Athritis through not washing my hands or getting too drunk..... DO YOU SEE WHERE I'M GOING WITH THIS!
You see, I get annoyed and a bit frustrated with some of the comments... not all. If you have been lucky enough to have a good holiday then that's great, I've said before, how the complex was lovely. If I had not been ill.... then I too would have said that I had a great time too!
Please consider this:- How many of you would like IBS and Athritis from FOOD BORNE VIRUSES?
Let them deal with the serious issues... then they can deal with the odd person that has.... godforbid.... not washed their hands!
I AM GOING TO FIND OUT HOW MANY MORE PEOPLE HAVE BEEN LEFT WITH THE SAME CONDITIONS I HAVE....... (IN TIME)
If you do come back with FOOD POISONING.... Please take it seriously and DO understand the possible LONG TERM COMPLICATIONS ( I wouldn't wish them on anyone!)
p.s WHY THIS HOTEL?
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we have just returned from 2 weeks at the holiday village turkey and had a wonderfull time with no problems at all .the hotel was spotlessly clean and the food was constantly being checked as were the pools .our 2 children 6 & 8 had no problems either i really dont know what all the fuss is about and would certainly return and hope that anybody else going has a great time too
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help!i didn't see the episode of watchdog although when telling my friend we had booked to go next year,she informed me about it and said i should check it out.i'm totally shocked.we booked in july this year and our travel agent at first choice never told us anything about what was going on.i should also add that we had 1st of all went to [travel agent removed]who never informed us either.we are going with our 2 son's next june and definitley don't want our holiday ruined by a bout of salmonella or worse!i should also add that before booking we had checked trip advisor but didn't think any of the stories were that bad(well no worse than usual).
is there anything i can do,can they change my holiday without me losing any money.the holiday itself wasn't cheap!
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We returned from our holiday at the Holiday village in Turkey. Worst decision of our life to go. We are a small family. Me, my partner and our 6 month old baby. My partner and my daughter were both ill. So ill that i needed to stop in to look after them - therefore ruining this holiday. Results are now back form the doctor, CAMPYLOBACTER. Very annoyed that half our holiday was ruined. The food was left uncovered. We took every measure possible to not end up ill. Vacinations, plently of creams, tablets etc. We wash our hands all the time, we have a baby who's nappy is always being changed therefore we have always practiced good health.
[Additional complaint removed by moderators and passed to Editor.]
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My wife, our 2 children and myself travelled to the holiday village Sarigerme with low expectations of food and hygiene management, based upon the reviews we had read on the internet. Much to our surprise, the quality of food and the methods used to keep fresh was beyond what we have experienced in the UK. Upon returning home we were told of the BBC Watchdog program and have since viewed online. We too did witness daily, members of staff testing food, drinks and the pools for contaminates, but assumed this was part of thier ongoing procedures. We too did notice many a guest lifting many a food item with thier bare hands, inspecting and then returning to the counter for some other poor guest to presumably take, as well as many a guest leaving the toilets without washing hands. For us, probably the worst thing we witnessed was slobs leaving thier childrens soiled nappies alongside thier half eaten food, amongst cigarette butts under thier sunbeds by the pool. C'mon guys, what hope does any large holiday complex stand when we sit by and watch these dis functional people travel the globe and spread their bad habits. We will be going back to the holiday village, with as many friends as we can muster next year, it was by far the best experience we have had on holiday and we cant thank First Choice enough for fulfilling our dream. Chocolatte.................
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To mysteriousmatrix
just reading your comment my son had salmonella and cryptosporidium this was 10 weeks ago and he still suffering from aching ankles and tummy aches and sometimes fevers and every now and then running to the toilet feeling tired all the time he has got a hosptial appointment for this im hoping there isnt any long term illness due to his age as he his only 10 years old and i would really be emotion reck if this was the case all because we went on holiday i wish i could of been some of the lucky ones whom had a great holiday there i really wouldnt wish this on my worst enemy can you give me any more information on this mysteriousmatrix on what you have suffered and how it was diagnosed thank you
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i was booked to go to turkey hv on the 12th oct but due to this story and other thing i saw on different web site i decided it was to much of a risk for my 14 month old and other kids upon contacting first choice i was told it woud be £50 per person to change plus there was other term and cons i say cons as there where so many it was take what you can get after complaining more and asking to speak to a supervisor to try and get somewhere they hung up on me so when i rang back straight away i demanded to speak to a supervisor who eventuly offered to exchange us for £25 per person as we where a party of 8 plus baby this was still £200
at the travel agentsi was offered either a cheap hotel in turkey nearly £800 cheaper but i would get no refund and still have to pay £200 to change or a hv in costa del solat £300 more plus change over fee after having another go in there they offered half price again so £350 lighter we went to costa del sol on the 3rd oct kids had a great time the place wasnt clean the food was not good and the entertainment wouldnt make the worst of x factor and to top it off most of us came down with you guessed it doggy tummy my baby and girlfriend are still ill but hopfully not to bad
the moral is if you are going to book a holiday dont ring first choice and change isnt always any better
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If these serious food posioning outbreaks are due to the hygiene practices of the British holiday makers then why are there not food poisoning outbreaks all over Europe?
I visited this hotel 2 years ago (2007) and like others could not fault it. I heard about the food poisoning but again like others here thought it was just people not being sensible with food and alcohol. Fast forward 2 years (2009)and we visited again (and took our friends on our recommendation of what a marvellous place it was). My son was seriously ill whilst there and my 6 year old daughter was hospitalised with Campylobacter food poisoning. Due to swine flu I had tons of bacterial gel with me and both my children still got ill.
Despite all the comments here and peoples opinions on what is causing them the FACTS are that this hotel has a serious problem. If you're lucky enough not to get food posioning (like we were last time) then great but why play russian roulette with yours & more especially your childrens health? To see a child seriously ill on a drip through no fault of her own is heart breaking for any parent. I will never return to this hotel again and I seriously hope no one else has to go through what my daughter did.
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Hi, please refer to my earlier comment 2/10/09, I just wanted to add an update...
We arrived back 28th Spetember, symptoms started 29th, I still now am following a bland diet and have to plan when I am eating to fit in with my day as guaranteed I have to rush to the toilet after eating and am still visiting the bathroom at least 5 times a day....too much information???
Well yes it certainly is, but for all the really lucky people who were not ill, yes the problem may not be being helped by the percentage of ignorant and unhygienic people out there but unfortunately these people can be encountered at every holiday destination, that is why my husband and I carry the alcohol gel to ensure our hands and daughters hands are always clean before eating.
I am not a naive traveller and have travelled to many countries, but I have not encountered this kind of problem before, for the lucky ones you will find that those of us who have been effected have an issue with this because of the FACT that First choice a supposedly reputable firm is still sending people to this holiday destination knowing how ill people are getting, charging full price and not warning people, and they certainly are not warning people to check with their holiday insurance whether they will be covered should they be hositalised with stomach problems because of the KNOWN issues.
I have complained to First choice, and surprise surprise they have not responded as yet, the issue being I have 2 holidays for 2010 booked with them, I have lost alot of faith in our 'reputable' holiday firm and would like to discuss issues with them before I pay them any more of my hard earned cash, but they do not even have the decency to come back to their customers.
Please people, for those of you who have escaped whatever it is, the people who have been ill are not necessarily to blame, I know there was nothing more I could have done to avoid the illness.
These comments from people are not exaggerated this issue needs to be addressed as I firmly believe in holidays being for a good time with good memories, not a stomach upset lasting longer than the suntan!!xx
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I have never joined a blog before, but, after reading about this, I was upset that first choice and the hotel have got a bad name. I stayed at the Holiday village for two weeks with my partner from 28th sept onwards. I was a little wary as I had read some bad reviews, but, I also read good reviews, so I went with an open mind, bearing in mind I have irritable bowel and stomach complaint. I honestly cannot fault this holiday village in any shape or form. I took my own precautions, used bottled water to clean my teeth, which I do in other countries, I have been to mexico, not ill, I have been to Egypt, was ill, along with other people, but, I did not blame the hotel or holiday company. Sadly to say, and no disrespect to anyone, I blame the actual tourists, who do not show basic hygene steps either for themselves or their children. I have every sympathy for anyone who was ill, as I said I was ill in egypt. I sat outside the main restaurant on numerous occasions having a ciggy, I was shocked at the amount of people with and without children, who DID NOT use the antibacterial handwash before they went in, and some of these people had been swimming in the pools just before going for lunch. Also they did not use it coming out either, which is just as important. The amount of young children I saw going round opening the food trays and not replacing lids, and also coughing or sneezing without covering their nose or mouth, also some adults. After a couple of days we avoided using the main pools as we saw some parents let their children wee in them or put babies in without proper swim nappies. These are the pools which were closed on a few occasions while we were there, and people were moaning about it, what do they want, it to remain open so they can get ill. There are notices about not letting children be in full sun from I think it was 12 until 4, something like that, but the amount of small children we saw in the full heat of the sun, with no hat, and even worse eating their lunch from a pool bar, and then, going straight back into the pools, which were very cold. This in my mind is not good, and can cause upset stomachs in anyone, young or old. We ate at both the hotels main restaurants, the only thing I did not eat was fish and lamb as I dont like them, but my partner ate everything, and I mean everything, and also went up two or three times before dessert. We ate breakfast, lunch and dinner and the soup and desserts, we were not ill at all, and have been home a week now, and still not ill, although we have come back to the uk where there is a bad sickness bug going around.
I enjoyed this resort so much that I have told my daughter that its a brilliant place to go with children as there is so much for them to do, and the food is catered for english and children. I would have no problems reccommending this holiday village to anyone, but would advise them to take hygene precautions, not because of the holtel, but other tourists who do not. Again, no disrespect to anyone is intended, I just wish people would think about hygene.
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I have just booked to go to this resort for next year. Naturally being concerned about what everyone was saying I decided to watch this report and read what others have said good or bad. I have also read all the holiday reviews about their experiences and have come to the conclusion I will still be going in July 2010. A colleague was there last week and almost nearly cancelled because of the watchdog report but she said that she almost cried having to come home after her week was up because it was by far the best holiday she had had in ages. I have been travelling abroad for the past 20 years and have come to expect a dicky tummy which includes cramps and regular trips to the lav. My daughter who is now 13 has been travelling with me since she was 7 has also accepted that she too will at some point suffer with the holiday tummy. It amazes me that people like to portion the blame on someone else but take little responsibility for their part. Quite often you see Brits at the bar as early as 11am buying alcohol instead of water to hydrate you, low factor sun protection, little head protection from the heat and leaving their rooms in such a state it would not normally be fit for a dog to live in. If you put it all together then of course some will be more ill than others and as with all young children they need constant supervision from their PARENTS/CARERS not just dumping in a kids club or let to run riot whilst we lounge about drinking our all inclusive booze and burning ourselves to frazzles. Yes we all expect a level of service because we all pay our money but that does not include paying for our own responsibilities and conciousness over our hygiene.
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To BAILEYSLADY and PRETTYSAMMIB,
Do your homework....... I have IBS and Arthitis due to FOOD poisoning
from this hotel. I didn't lick anyones filthy fingers...... drink too much alcohol or (godforbid) had too much sun.
SALMONELA and CAMPYLOBACTER are Viruses from FOOD. (FULL STOP)
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Returned yesterday from HV Turkey.As others have said Hotel is spotless.We avoided the open air snack bars which did look a bit dodgy and only ate in the restaurants.We also only used the adult pool as we had no children with us.As far as possible we stuck to our own toilet but the public toilets within the hotel were really clean with disposable seat covers and electric hand towels to prevent cross contamination.However People are still not using the hand gels and letting children run wild, picking up food and putting it back etc.(as are some adults)Saw several discarded soiled nappies lying around and main pool was closed once due to faecal contamination.However I assume that these sort of things happen at all hotels.The problem seems deep rooted - Have their health inspectors checked the snackbars, and has the sea water quality been checked?.We had a great time - did have a bit of the usual holiday tummy but tend to get that in other countries like Greece too.
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We have just returned from 12days in Holiday Village (8-19th Oct) and I have to say it was a brilliant holiday. We travelled as a family of 4adults and 2children (4yrs and 7months).
We were dubious about going after reading the many mixed reviews but made sure that we took plenty of hand-gel and used the gels before eating food. We stayed on the Palace side of the hotel (blue) ad personally thought it to be the better side as we walked over to the tropical side (orange) and it seemed very cramped and crowded at the time we walked past they were closing the main pool there for 24hrs due to contamination! Although we never saw any other instances of this.
There are notices in all restuarants asking guests not to remove food from the restaurants but still people were tkaing breakfast etc back to their rooms and then leaving on the collection tables dotted around the complex instead of having the decency to take back to the restaurant but that was only the odd few guests who clearly have no respect for other travellers. There was always a varied choice of foods and we never had any problems and always had a good meal.
We didn't personally see any contamination on the hotel beach but were told by other guests that "human faeces" were seen washed up on the beach and there was lots of "litter/debris" floating a short way out to sea. We did see "raw sewage" on Dalyan Turtle Beach when we went there on a daytrip, so it could be that people are bathing in the sea, picking up some form of illness and then unknowingly using the pools and contaminating them (just a theory).
As for the food elements I never once saw food that was uncooked and in fact they were cooking the food infront of you.
I appreciate that we went there at the end of the season and I can imagine that in the height of summer the hotel muxt be jam packed and the obvious heat/humidity will cause problems but the grounds, hotel, restaurants and rooms were spotlessly clean when we were there.
My opinion is to go for yourself, be careful and you should have a wonderful holiday in a wonderful part of Turkey.
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I have worked in the holiday village this year for first choice and personally had no problems with the food or health problems in general. The restaurant always looked clean and the food was always hot. I had herd that people were becoming ill with stomach problems but presumed that was part of some people adapting to the turkish style of cuisine. A few members of staff also had stomach problems but were fine after a few days.
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I have just returned from my second trip to the Holiday Village Turkey and had an excellent time. I travelled with 12 other people (three different families) and every single one of us enjoyed the holiday and would return for a third time. Although I did experience diarrheoa and sickness which just lasted a day, I found that the cleanliness of the hotel was fantastic - the cleaners worked from early morning (at least before eight o'clock) until late at night. What bothered me most was the attitudes towards cleanliness by the British holidaymakers. Many of them simply walked by the alcohol-gel dispensers and continued into the buffet-style restaurants, and then,when in the restaurant, left lids on food open and the utensils used for picking up the food inside, so germs are clearly spread via the customers, not the hotel. Young children were allowed to simply run around the restaurant and pools were often closed because of babies and toddlers being allowed to pee or poo in the pools. So, really, Watchdog has failed to look into this clearly as it's the British holiday-makers spreading the germs, not the hotel staff.
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I would just like to say that we have just returned from the HV Turkey and that it was very nice and clean the food was great loads to choose from, from snacks to meals, hotel rooms were spotless nothing was too much trouble for both hotel staff and the holiday reps
infact we will return in 2010 it was that good. we spoke to many whilst there and no one had a bad word to say about their holiday or the hotel. weather was great for the time of year, we did not encounter any problems with the said salmonella and cryptosporidium
I would recommend that dispite all the comments, you try it out for yourself.
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Me and my wife stayed there at begining of September, and we had a really good time, the food was excellent very clean, and there was hand gel to clean you hands before you ate, there was also signs in all food places asking you to clean your hands first, the amount of people who did was minimal, a few bits of food i didnt eat after seeing children with very dirty hands just picking up food and eating it, one even picking up food taking a bite not liking it and putting it back.
the waitors were fantstic , they were very help full, and always were clean and tidy,
the only problem we had with food was, when we out on the trips some of the food we had looked a bit dodge so we didnt eat it. It would be interesting to find out if all these people who got ill went out anywhere on the same trips.
We are planning on going again next year to the same place, its a fantastic place, and we were made to feel very welcome,
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Myself my husband my 17 year old daughter and her friend stayed here for 10 nights 17th -27th August this year. Our first impressions of when we arrived were good it was very clean very spacious and the staff were excellent and quickly got us checked in and to our rooms, we had two jacuzzi suites one for my husband and one next door for my daughter and her friend. The rooms were excellent very very spacious. We went with more friends so in total we were in a party of 14. We knew this was possibly going to be our last family holiday together with my daughter being 17. Everything was going well until 5 days into the holiday when i myself made a dash to my room just thinking it was a stomach upset, i lost total control of my bowels something which i have never experienced in 3o years of travelling abroad sometimes holidaying 3 or 4 times a year. From that point on i never left my room till travelling home. I just thought i had a 24 hour bug little did i know how ill i was going to be. This was the sunday as tuesday afternoon early evening came i said to my husband you better call for the doctor as the pain was becoming excrutiating i have a very high pain threshold but i could no longer cope with these stomach cramps i would rather give birth!!!!!! the Doctor came and administered what we believe to be a morphine injection he also prescribed some tablets to take before and after food .hardly appropriate as i wasnt eating anything. Gradually i was becoming weaker i was determined i was not going to hospital in turkey, i managed to just hang on i was determined to get my flight home. the hotel arranged for the buggy to pick me up from my room along with the suit cases to get to reception.
One thing that makes me angry from some of the comments listed up here is about personnel hygiene I would like to point out that my husband works in a Food company where is a maintenance engineer where the constantly have to use Sanitisers where he says he sometimes washes his hands up to 100 times a day so we know all about hygiene.
We have also been to Turkey numerous times and in " August " so we know how hot it is. We normally holiday at 4* and above. Also the comment made by someone at the top of this thread about the Sanitiser gel at the entrance to the restaurant ........in our opinion the way the door opened it was completely placed in the wrong place.
there was obviously something wrong as regards hygience in the kitchen dept as i have never ever taken ill before.
We never noticed any "chavs" as people call them, and does it not occur to some people that sometimes people do go on holiday to relax and enjoy themselves and let their hair down, sometimes i do believe people are to quick to judge others before knowing them. We never saw any holidaymakers filling their plates up and wasting food and we were there in August.
From the time i took ill my husband declined to eat hardly anything other than chips as he was concerned about myself my daughter and her friend only ate out in the town too.
I do believe myself that they are catering for too many people and this is where the problems lie.
We could not fault the place itself even the maids came in and cleaned my room whilst i lay there ill. It has made me very aware of food whilst on holiday. I was taken to hospital on my return to the uk and put on a fluid Drip in the A & E dept. I didnt relise the seriousness of food poisoning and i would not wish it on anyone. The only thing that was good was that i lost a stone in weight, bit drastic though to lose it so quick.
It took me a good month to get back to normal. I will never ever go All Inclusive again unless we have to and it certainly has put me off eating eggs and chicken abroad too. I feel for people whos small children took ill and one thing i am glad about, is that my daughter who was 30 weeks pregnant did not holiday with us the thoughts of someone in that condition taking ill well it doesnt bear thinking about does it???????
So all of you who had a good holiday please respect the ones of us who took ill. Think yourself lucky you stayed fit and healthy because having these stomach cramps along with constantly running to the loo and emptying your bowels is not a nice experience.
We are in contact with Irwinn Mitchell solicitors and i have also done a live radio interview as i do not believe people should be subject to taking ill on holiday.
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We have just arrived back from the Holiday Village in Turkey and missed the Watchdog programme about the food, but did have loads of calls from family and friends warning us, we said we'll be ok
Arrived on Thursday night at 10pm and had dinner in Restaurant, by 7pm on Friday my 9 year old son had chronic pain and sickness along with me by 12pm and my wife at 2am, followed by my 7 year old daughter at 3am, we didnt eat for 3 days and spent most of our 1st few days in hotel lobby away from the room.
After reporting to First Choice on the day of sickness and report form being completed, no follow up or communication, besides the hotel who changed our bedding and cleaned the room each day for us
Just glad we went for 14 days, my wifes 40th birthday was certainley one to remember
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My family and I went to this resort for the final week of the season.
Understandably, after seeing the watchdog programme, and the fact that this was the very first time my children (aged 7 and 9) were going to be travelling abroad for a proper holiday (and an all inclusive) - I was beside myself with worry.
The last thing I wanted was anyone to be ill and put them off holidays all together!
We had booked before seeing this article, and may have decided to go elsewhere had we known before. However, I am glad we didnt know.
We had a fantastic time, the hotel was clean, staff very friendly, and the weather was good (apart from 1 and a half days of rain).
Maybe we were lucky? But I want to congratulate First Choice on the things they have done right.
It is a very nice resort, and the entertainment team here In2Action - they were incredible. We would go back at the drop of a hat. My children had a thoroughly lovely time. Although the pools are cold! ;-)
There are hand sanitisers at every entrance to the restaurants - and maybe first choice, the reps and the hotel staff could promote them more... Some people do just wander into the restaurant across the grass rather than using the entrance doors - but the restaurants do have open air sections as people like to sit outside!
The bars dont really have hand sanitisers - and they do snack food - people just need to use discretion. We were continually ensuring that our kids didnt go touching everything, we encouraged them to use the gels, and helped them with the food. It was no problem and meant we were watching what they ate.
We ate pretty much everything they cooked! It was prepared very well.
Maybe when the resort is very busy, that is when the problems happen. As I can imagine it being very very busy and people just rushing around to get back to the pool!
Maybe First Choice might focus a bit more on the restaurants and staffing them during the peak periods next season just to keep an eye on things?
If you are going or wanting to go but are worried, maybe look at avoiding the peak period in the very hot months of june, july and early august... Go towards the beginning or end and you would have nothing to worry about.
Otherwise, go, enjoy yourself, and just be cautious. We were, and it didnt ruin our holiday - or stress us out at all.
Hopefully you will be as lucky as us and have a fantastic time.
Oh - and just one other thing - we booked into the a la carte restaurants to help avoid using the all inclusive restaurant too much... They were good, but to be honest - the all inclusive restaurant was superb - and the food there was varied and lovely.
Just be vigil!
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