Half term holiday hikes
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We all know that prices go up at half term. If you are a parent it's just something most of us accept.
Watchdog checked internet prices this October half term. If you booked a family of four self catering in Tenerife with Thomson, you would pay 85% more in half term then you would the week after. If you travelled with Thomas Cook during the holidays that would be an increase of 123% for the same period that week and with Cosmos you would see a price hike of 111%.
But one company trumped all of that. Center Parcs had the highest price hike and they don't even take you out of the country.
Center Parcs first opened in the UK 22 years ago. They offer short break holidays in a luxury forest location. All four of their villages offer a number of leisure activities -you can cycle, get a massage and go for a hike. But there's one hike they don't shout about on their TV ads and that's the one they do with their prices in the school holidays.
We went online to check out their prices for a two bed, four night mid - week break and found it would cost £699 the week before half term, but for October half term the same two bed villa shot up to £1,699. The week after the holiday the price went down to £399 making the cost to go at half term a whopping 326% more.
When we compared the cost of holidays with other companies offering holidays in the UK and abroad none of the ones we checked put their prices up as steeply as Center Parcs.
We spoke to parents to get their thoughts and they weren't impressed with the increase. One mother told us, "If they are valuing it (villa) at £400 that's what the holiday is worth. I don't know what exactly you are paying for that's going to be that much more."
But why are Center Parcs charging so much and so much more than other similar companies? Business is booming according to their own website which boasts an annual occupancy rate of 90%. One parent believed it is because they can. "It's opportunistic and it's not entirely fair but most holiday companies do put their prices up for holidays. Trying to book flights for holidays you're going to pay a huge amount extra."
So if you can't take your kids out of school, is there any way of getting a better deal? We wondered if it might be like booking flight tickets? With flights it is often the case that ifyou buy early the price is cheaper. So we looked at Center Parc's prices for half term next February.
The week before February half term would cost you £299. During the holiday, the price shoots up 250% to £1,049 and the week after it goes back down to £339. Even if you try to get ahead and book now for half term in October 2010 - pretty much the same thing happens.
One dad we spoke to was resigned to the fact that prices will go up in school hoilidays; "There is nothing you can do about it. It's supply and demand. They know that's when families can go and so the prices will go up. We're trapped".
Center Parcs said:
"In common with many other companies, (not exclusively in the holiday sector), our prices are set according to demand. Price increases reflect the popularity of our breaks during peak periods, and the value which our guests place on them. We will be 100% full during the forthcoming half-term and will actually have over-demand for these breaks.
"Center Parcs is a unique short-break concept and, unlike many UK holiday companies, we are open 365 days a year. We offer a huge range of both indoor and outdoor facilities and in essence this makes us weather-proof. As a result it is very difficult to make accurate comparisons between Center Parcs and other operators who may have more seasonal demand patterns.
"For those who are tied to school holidays, there is choice in terms of price you pay for a Center Parcs break. Our best rates are available well in advance, and significant
savings can be made if you book a break more than six months before arrival. It is also worth pointing out that, as a short-break holiday operator, we offer excellent prices for three-night weekend breaks all year round."
Other companies whose prices Watchdog compared also defended the higher charges in school holidays. Butlins and Haven Holidays said their rates were affected by seasonality and demand, and that customers got value for money. A spokesman for Butlins said, "During peak booking times and school breaks, we import additional entertainment - including the popular stars from Britain's Got Talent and The X Factor - and provide extra facilities and activities for all the family. An enhanced experience naturally attracts a higher cost but means guests get even more for their money."
Haven Holidays said:,
"We believe a Haven holiday, where the price includes accommodation, entertainment and access to facilities including swimming pools, is excellent value for money, but as in any market the decision as to whether this is the case or not rests with the guest."
Both companies say they're experiencing strong demand for October half term and Haven says customers who booked their holiday early would have benefitted from an early-bird price of £220.
© MMIX~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~46~RS~)
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This is not new - BUT with the new "no children out of school unless in the official holidays" is now law, what can you do but toe the line.
We've been looking a Center Parcs and have in the past had some great times, but their money grabbing edict to hike the price is a disgrace and the excuse "because we need extra staff" does NOT IMHO merit a doubling of holiday costs.
We have found a good alternative in holiday cottages, but even they hike up the price, but not so severely.
If only people stayed away on mass for just ONE HOLIDAY PERIOD these leeches would find their comeupance!!
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We have been going to Centerparcs with our children for over 6 years. Since the pricing policy changed to flexible pricing, we have been unable to afford the frequency of breaks we used to have. However, at the end of September 2008, we booked a Christmas break for December 2009 and we got a 3 bed comfort plus villa for one week at a cost of £944. Thinking we could perhaps book early again (i.e. now) for Christmas 2010 and get a similar reasonable price, we went online. As at this evening, the same villa, for a week at Christmas 2010 is £1262. THIS IS A 33% INCREASE year on year, which makes the comment that "best rates are available by booking well in advance....." a complete nonsense! How can this be justified?
Come on, Centerparcs, look after your loyal customers, please.
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Too expensive ? Go somewhere else ,simple
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We are going to the Netherlands for half term, to a luxury lodge at a LandalGreen Park (google it :)) , cost including overnight ferry is still LESS than a midweek break to CenterParcs UK
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Last week supermarket prices, this time holiday prices. Should there be a communism in the UK so that Watchdog is happy? If the customers do not want to pay, they will go elsewhere.
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It's supply and demand. If the holiday park is full - they are charging the correct amount. If the park is empty they are charging too much. The value of anything is the amount that anyone is prepared to pay. A better question is "why are all the school holidays at the same time?" A couple of years ago Norfolk had different February and Easter holidays from most of the rest of the country. Cheap holidays and no queues - great
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As a teacher of some 30 years standing with a family, I have never had the benefit of being able to take my family away in off peak times. Whilst I appreciate that we have long holidays, we have never been particularly well paid and I have had to accept these price hikes if I want to get away.
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What about the teachers? I am a teacher with no children of my own and have to take my own holidays in term time. I have been to Center Parcs and would have liked to return but there is no way I'll be able to afford that!
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I agree with pynodave. If you have children then you know that a holiday will be more expensive in the school holidays. If people are willing to pay the advertised price then that is what a company will charge. If you can't afford to go somewhere then you don't go - that's life. It annoys me that the BBC have wasted my licence fee with this lazy and unnecessary journalism.
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This is because Center Parcs is a good product that is in short supply. I am working class but have been taking my children to center parcs for a life enriching experience since 1986. The result is that my son took his honeymoon there and now with my new grandson and larger family we are pushing the boat out and celerbrating new year together at longleat. Thank you Center Parcs!
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Oh come on guys, Mr CentreParcs has said 'we are completely full in the school holidays' and while people are happy to pay the prices then the people are happy, along with Centreparcs.
One thing you do not get are people behaving badly from kids to adults. No drunkness.No loud swear words. No horrible messes. No darkened corners with hoodies - and that is worth paying for.
Lets face it when something loses its premier status the riff-raff return and just make it a dump - and centre parcs dont want the stereo-typical holiday drunkard going anywhere near the parc.
I applaud you CentreParcs and I am more than happy to pay extra to have a holiday without the ****.
Thank you and keep up the good work.
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What a ridiculous piece on Center Parcs - Watchdog should be ashamed. As another of your bloggers said - it's simple: if you can't afford their prices, go somewhere else. If they have set their prices too high, they will go out of business. Get real Watchdog.
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we went to Center Parcs in Belgium in May 2008 - it was the half term in the UK, but not for Belgian schools. We paid £250 for our midweek stay, which would have been £800 in the UK (and the £250included bike hire). So even with the extra costs of driving there, it was still much cheaper.
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This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
This article was an appalling example of both Watchdog and Anne Robinson’s bullying and lies. The whole presumption of the article was factually incorrect. HOLIDAY companies – get the word HOLIDAY – build their business model and their facilities based around THE HOLIDAYS. They then have to discount the out off holiday periods to attract other people and make their profits. The real price and value of the product is that of the holiday period, all other prices are special discounts to attract additional business, which would not otherwise come! Yet again we are hearing from the loudest group of the “Screaming Mes”- the brat breeders who’s selfish indulgences have over populated this planet, brought about the extinction of numerous other species and are the route cause of any such global warming! They live of those of us who don’t have children, indulge their selfishness with our subsidies and now whinge that they can’t get off peak discounts but still expect the facilities to be built for them on the cheap!
Its about time parents were made to pay for the damage they cause to the planet and the selfishness of the indulgence of their self perpetuation. If it were down to me they’d all be paying higher taxes than those who are not so selfish.
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As a teacher of some years I have had to pay full price for all holidays as my family and I don't have the luxury of pulli g out of school for a week it two, I feel like as a professional we are suffering yet again
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Are you running out of stories WatchDog as CentreParcs was complaining about something that has nothing wrong with it.
What next - Aston Martin charging £145,000 for a new car - scandalous - how are we all supposed to afford one.
ITS JUST NOT FAIR ! ! !
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Simple economics of supply and demand. Holidays are affordable sometimes and not others. No different with Center Parcs. Remember it is a private company where it's existence is dependant on profitability. Consider that if prices were reduced at half term that prices would be increased at other times, which would preclude a certain group of people from attending during term time. Holidays are cheaper in the Caribbean in Autumn because of reduced demand due to the risk of Hurricanes. In winter, they are considerably more expensive because there is a minimal risk of Hurricanes hence demand at these times creates a market price where demand meets supply. This is no different. Need to accept that this argument is floored and that great holidays, wherever they may be, can be afforded at some times but not others. I am not an employee or shareholder of CParcs, but understand that supply and demand will dictate the price of everything that we buy - holidays or anything else for that matter.
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I agree with pynodave. Since it opened Center parcs has always been a haven from the typical uk resorts like Butlins, Pontins, Hoseasons and has tried to keep its appeal as being a top class resort with 1st class facilities. Its the simple fact that if you can't afford it then go elsewhere as it will only turn into another UK family resort and lose its charm if prices drop. Yes the price rise may not equal the quality of the resorts but its the people that are around you that can make or break a holiday and this is a resort that is best kept without chav types, misbehaving kids, and stag/hen partys.
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I would just like to point out that teachers cannot take time out during term time to take advantage of the cheaper rates, therefore they are ALWAYS at a disadvantage cost wise!!!
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I found the spokesperson from center parcs quite arrogant towards Annes questions because basically watchdogs interest in center parc prices is water off a ducks back to them. After all if those people who can afford to pay these stupid prices seem to be quite happy to have their purse/wallets raped and still fill in a questionnaire saying how much they enjoyed the holiday why should center parcs worry?
To be honest its less center parcs I'm annoyed at and more the idiots who pay these prices in the first place.
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We have been Center Parcs for the last 3 years. Twice to Sherwood and once to Cumbria. It is fantastic and we DO want to go again in Feb 10, but we WILL take the kids out of school, and NOT go in half term! We looked into it, and it was a complete rip off! For 4 days? Come on, this is only for the rich people during this time. However, i do agree with Center Parcs, if they are selling out at those prices, why the heck would they reduce them?? Just like Premiership football tickets, they go up every year, why? because they sell out every time. Until people stop paying these prices and stop going, the prices will not go any other way, other then up!
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Just watched this, utterly ridiculou! Are you going to get the director of Ferrari, Rolls Royce or Porsche on next week to complain their cars are too expensive and why aren't they the same price as a Ford or Vauxhall. What about getting the top man from the BBC about the price of a TV licence which seems expensive to me in comparison to other tv licences, oh sorry there are no other tv licences are there? The point is if you cant afford it, you dont go, thats life! I want lots of things but I cant afford them, so I cant have them!
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At my age I dont have to worry about school holidays and the extra costs associated with taking them on holiday.
However, everyone seems to accept that extra costs for holidays during term breaks is okay !! WHY? Do the Holiday Companies encure extra outlay for exactly the same holiday sold one or two weeks earlier? Or as we should all expect and a lot accept, that this is HIGHWAY ROBBERY and PROFITEERING.
There should be some way that price hiking can be stopped for these periods of holiday time, that parents can ill afford.
Maybe the big banks are tied into this to foister their bonuses!!!!
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Perhaps it is time for all schools across the country to have staggered holidays. The only opposition seems to be from the schools - but as teachers will benefit from more even holiday prices throughout the year - why not? Each area could have the same timetable to help families. If you wanted to catch up with somebody in a different area - do it at weekends.
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By legislating that children can't be out of school any time other than half-term, the government has forced a period of spike in demand for UK holidays. There's no reason Centre Parcs shouldn't price to that. Consider it "Ultra High Season". The reason non-UK destinations don't increase in their prices is that they consider demand from other locations that don't have the same spike!
Importantly, any consumer that decides to pay for the holiday isn't being ripped off by the Park, because they're choosing to pay. However, they have been ripped off by the government....the law of unintended consequences.
In any case, the spokesman on this show didn't really show up prepared...what should have been softball questions from the presenter made him look a little predatory.
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We've been going to Centre Parcs for 6/7 years, sometimes twice a year and enjoyed a stay in May school hol this year sharing an 4 bed with another family, which was reasonably priced. Looked to go again in the Oct half term and a 2 bed midweek basic lodge was over £1000, 4 bed over £1600! As I have stated, love the place been time and time again but now is OVERPRICED - will not pay this and have never paid this high a price before, have booked elsewhere. I must say though that a recent search showed only a few lodges left so someone is paying these prices. In my opinion it's not worth it!
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I am absolutely fed up with the whinging about holiday prices. The formula is exactly the same for any business and isn't meant to be 'fair'. It's meant to make money. Families are not a universal charity!
You work out the profit you ideally want to make on a product. You then average that cost over your total expceted sales, taking account of sales demand peaks and troughs. When there are more people competing to buy the product the price is higher. When demand is less the price is less to stimulate more take up. You then increase and decrease that base period price dependant on the sales activity at the time.
If your product is popular and lots of people buy it, you make a profit. Ideally you have sold more than projected at a better demanded price and made a higher profit than forecast. All companies do this. It's simple.
However, on the reverse side, perhaps all these parents would prefer it if we single, non-parents, effectively subsidised their holidays, along with everything else we subsidise them for!
I cann't afford to go on the only holiday I enjoy, skiing, becasue of the euro rate. Perhaps the government could bring in a law that says a ski holiday must be made cheaper for me because I cann't afford it!!!
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I've never ever felt the need to make a comment before but this has really made me want to get up on my soap box. I really appreciate watchdog for uncovering scams and fraud however I feel it's awful when legitimate businesses are attacked.
Take a look at all tourism, prices go up with demand. Yes, centre parcs hike their prices higher than any others however they are at the luxury end of their area of the short breaks market. If they are able to command the rates they are offering then what's the problem? If their prices were too high they would not command the business they desire and they would need to lower them.
It gets my goat when people whinge and complain that they can't afford something that is a luxury, a want not a need. If you can't afford to take your kids to centre parcs during the school holidays then don't, go somewhere cheaper that you can afford. This is like complaining about now being able to afford a BMW or Mercedes, or whinging about why you have to settle for factory seconds rather than designer clothes.
Why shouldn't a business that offers a non essential product/service maximise it's profits?! Surley sucessful businesses are better for the countries economy overall?
Also while I'm up here on my soapbox, just how accurate are these rise percentages? I have a feeling they have been dramatised. Centre Parcs are more than likley offering substantial discounts on the dates around the school holidays as these are reknowned as quieter times for the industry so the comparison may nto be fair. As for appearing more attractive to young couples and individuls well what's wrong with that? That is merley a sucessful business knowing it's market. Short breaks and holidays are for people with an appropriate disposable income, in this current climate young couples and indiviuals without children are those people.
If you can't afford it don't book it, it's that simple. If you think it's too expensive don't go, no one is making you. If Centre Parc's prices are too high for their customers they will soon work it out and lower them.
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Wake up people there are alternatives.
Try booking Centre Parcs in Europe. They are not as far away as you think and are a good deal less even with the Euro so low. Our family have been to 9 different European villages and wouldn't go back to rip off Britain. Oct half term you can get a 3 bed for 750 Euros add 200 euros for Ferry and Petrol and voila a real adventure.
6 years ago we were the only english going now the car parks are full of our cars, the word is spreading.
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My family have stayed at Center Parcs twice and found the accommodation really very poor. This year we wnet to Bluestone in Pembrokeshire, Wales (awarded 5***** by the Welsh Tourist board) and had a fantastic holiday. Lodges immaculate and facilities on site first class. How dare the center Parcs sales Manager SAY THERE'S NOTHING SIMILAR IN THE UK? He's obviously never been to Bluestone.
We've rebooked for next year and paid a very reasonable price for peak season. Can't wait!
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As an older person who can't have children, I have found that one of the (few) perks left to me (please) is that I can take a cheap(er) holiday whenever it suits me. (I like the idea of going to Center Parks as well as visiting farms but frankly think these tend to be family-orientated venues).
I sympathise that prices are high, but I would imagine that there is much less demand out of season (as with 4-bedroomed holiday cottages) and that Center Parcs have to make their holiday attractions pay outside holidays by raising prices at other times.
This suits me personally, so I'm afraid I haven't got an answer to the problem.
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We have been going to the netherlands and belguim for the past 5 years.
We go for a week and that is cheaper than 4 days in the UK. We tend to go the last week of the school holidays to get the best price. They are always a high number of brit cars in the car park. I wonder why the UK is more expensive when the netherlands and belguim both have a high cost of living it worked out this year almost a 1 to 1 exchange rate so why are we getting ripped off here in the UK.
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Why is there now this notion that everyting should be available to everyone irrespective of what they can afford to pay. The place is clearly full of people who can afford to pay the asking price so what's the problem? It's so hypocritical of Anne of all people to grill Centre Parcs over this. I'm sure she like many others will be happy to pay premium price to not have to share a holiday with people who can't afford what she can. Unfortunately people who can't afford to stay at Centre Parcs will have to settle for Butlins but don't expect to find Anne there.
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[Note from Watchdog: Duplicate of previous post]
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Just watched your report on the Center Parks price hike. Sorry, but you simply have no idea of how the commercial world works. How can you decide what is a "fair" price unless it is by supply and demand? The Center Parks representative was very patient with you, but you just did not want to understand that you can't run a holiday camp for the few weeks when everyone prefers to holiday. When my kids ask how much something is worth, I ask them how much they are willing to pay? That is the only way of regulating a market. If you think something costs too much, just spend your money on something else! (Duh...)
I also watched your other reports. Scam TV repairs are quite different, and you are right to warn about unknown companies. The problems with the Renault car dashboards and the iPhone freezes are different again. Cars and computers are complex objects; the more complex they are, the more they will go wrong. People choose to buy these more complex products, so there is some shared responsibility. Do people really buy iPhones because they want to telephone ? The guy who downloads every application and "system upgrade" even if he doesn't really need it, is asking for trouble. And of course he knows it, but still complains, and goes and buys a dedicated 'phone for actually telephoning (Duh again...)
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why is this such a big deal you would pay extra for a hotel if it had a higher standard of care[ie number of stars] so why not a holiday it is only worth what people are willing to pay.
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We wanted to go to Center Parcs in Nottingham for 5 nights during Christmas. A villa with a hot tub would be £4999!!!!
Cheaper just to buy a hot tub or go to Gran Canaria for the sunshine, flights, apartment, transfers and entertainment for 2 grand less. No contest.
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I am a Reception class teacher and parent of two children. We could not afford to go on a half term holiday because of the ridiculous price increases that places such as Centre Parcs charge. Schools are put under pressure to improve school attendance figures and are saying no to term time holidays. I was very angry about the remark made by John Inverdale, that it doesn’t matter if your child misses a week or two during their early education. I have taught other age groups and chose to teach Reception as I feel it is the most important year in a child’s school life and it sets their attitudes and dispositions to learning. Children can miss an awful lot in one week and with an already overcrowded curriculum there is little time to catch up on what is missed. The week before half term is also when most teachers carry out assessment tasks to plan for your child’s future learning. Not a good time to miss school.
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Yes I appreciate that people have a business and need to have a price that reflects good quality accomodation, but , what I don't appreciate is any large rises for school holidays. If I had to pay extra for bank holiday dates and yes that makes it understandable but that is only 8 days per year... The rest is not justified, stop being greedy Centre Parcs. I vote with my feet and go somewhere else, so should others.
With regard to the superior statement by Jamesbond about high costs helping keep the drunks and the foul mouthed ones out, It does not matter what salary you earn does it to get drunk or be rude or wear a hood or make a mess. Neither did I have to use '**'s in place of an abusive comment, because I have the decency not to.
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Colin Whaley of Centre Parcs stated that "it is a fact of life that holidays, air travel cost more when so many people are trying to get away at the same time".
No it doesn't cost more, the holiday companies, air travel companies etc are just greedy knowing that there are more people who can go away at a specific date i.e. school holiday periods.
The actual upkeep of the hotel room, flight or in this case the use of the swimming pool or villa does not costs more at all.
I'm not riff raff but come from working class. I'm not a typical hoodie, or a swearer, getting drunk, make a horrible messes.A stereo-typical holiday drunkard or a **** as jamesbond classifies people who find the price a bit steep.
We can't afford that price, for in effect 3 days holiday, although I have in the past enjoyed midweek breaks at different parcs and more recently taken the kids out of school to go as it is so much cheaper.
We also can't afford to go abroad either because that costs too much and getting 5 passports for the family to go is ridiculous.
I agree with fargo, I think the different counties should have different holiday times. It worked much better that way as places were cheaper to go to & there were less queues at popular venues.
I think the main problem here is that Center Parcs is one of its own, unique, because Haven and Butlins etc have got a reputation now for cheap holidays which attract the type of people jamesbond was mentioning. Let there be competition which will reduce prices...
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We're booked to go to Center Parcs in March 2010. We have had to take our 5 YO out of school because of the vast difference in price, £219 the week we go, £949 for the same type of accommodation the week of the half term just a few weeks before. We love CP its so relaxing and safe and as someone else said in a previous blog, the high prices does keep the riff-raff out!!!!! We have chosen to take our child out of school (and have yet to have the OK from the headmaster) but we won't be able to do it again, due to SATS next year and so on, so this will unfortunetly probably be the last time we go, there is no way we could afford the prices in the holidays. The guy on 2nites programme said the weekends were more affordable, this is complete rubbish as its for less nights and CP increase prices at busy periods inc. weekends.....plus you still have to take kids out of school if you're to get your full moneys worth. Its a difficult subject really, but i think as everyone else seems to say...if you don't like the prices, don't pay them!!!
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For myself I feel Watchdog should not be only investigating only Center Parcs regarding this issue but all holiday companies. As a single mum with one child of school age it is impossible for me to afford a holiday at all as due to pricing regarding single room supplements I and others like me would be paying more than the cost for 2 adults!! I do feel hol companies are taking the mick re school hol time price increases. I have a friend who is a rep and she tells me that certainly regarding overseas hols the hotels aren't charging the travel agents any more at these times and flight prices certainly don't account for the amount of increase either, they're simply lining their own pockets. Businesses they may be but surely its wrong to charge extortionately?
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I've just watched the section about half term holiday hikes. I'm a school governor at a small rural primary school. I found John Inverdale's comments incredibly ill-informed. I have always respected the BBC as providing a balanced view through presenting both sides of an argument and I realise that John's comments were of a purely personal nature but it shocked me how poorly informed he is. Opining that someone of any age can just 'skip' a few days school fails to recognise the impact of this to all involved. To the child (in terms of the missed lessons in a module which will never be repeated), the teachers or teaching assistants (who are often expected - wrongly - to set work for the child who is on holiday) and to the rest of the class (who will often then lose the support of a teaching assistant used for the benefit of the many who will not be available because they are trying to catch up the child who has missed lessons). His comments also devalue and denigrate the incredibly important work of educating the children who will be our future. There is of course always a case where time spent with a family who may be in crisis is more important than a specific part of education - but for goodness sake this should only be done by the parents having an informed discussion with their child's school and agreeing about what is best for the child.
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Whilst I agree that the cost of a CenterParcs holiday does appear to keep the 'riff-raff' away I would have to question CenterParcs reasoning behind the massive price hikes during school holidays.
If they are proudly claiming 90% occupation all year round then they must be staffed at a very high level all year so it shouldn't cost too much for additional staff to cope with the extra 10% for full occupancy during school holidays.
A lot of the extra staff will be for the restaurants and bars and most of these appear to be franchises who would surely employ there own staff!!
As for the excuse that they bring in bigger stars for shows and put on extra activities during school holidays then that really is irrelevant. Shows and activities have to be paid for and do not come as part of the cost of hiring a lodge. The additional people paying to do the activities and attend the shows should cover the additional cost.
Once again, blatant profiteering at the expense of people with children of school age disguised as a 'supply and demand' argument.
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Last month we looked into going away over the Christmas period with the children and looked into Centreparcs. The prices were extortionate - #1,540 for 4 nights. My husband was also at the time looking into going to Disneyland Paris and also found the Disney hotels to be very expensive. We have in the end booked a 4 night stay at Centreparcs just outside Paris for #520.00 - and that is with an upgraded cottage compared to the Centreparcs in the UK! We're taking the car across on the Eurotunnel and the holiday in total is costing us #620.00!
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To all those people without kids who are asking why they should pay more for their holidays to make it cheaper for those with kids, I'd like to turn the argument around.
Why should I, a person with two kids, pay extortionate prices to subsidise your cheap holiday? I have already provided the country with two kids who will no doubt end up paying your pensions so why should I also partly pay for your holidays? Do you want part of my salary while you're at it?
If CenterParcs prices were high all year round then I would have some sympathy with the argument 'If you can't afford it don't go'. However, for approximately 80% of the year I can afford it but am not able to go and for the 20% of the year I am able to go I can't afford it.
Comparing holiday prices with car prices is absolutely ridiculous. Expensive cars are expensive cars no matter what time of the year you buy them.
Everybody would have a fit if car dealers suddenly decided to treble prices during school holidays and only allow people with kids to buy a car during school holidays. Admittedly CenterParcs aren't stopping us going outside of school holidays but the law effectively is so the net effect is the same.
Surely this is tantamount to discrimination against people with children of school age!!!
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I've never seen centerparcs prices so high but it does work on demand if people with more money than sense didn't pay these prices then they wouldn't go that high but it also works the other way some villas do come down in price because there not being used and where he said people go on weekends so they don't take kids out of school you'll also find this is always more money than midweeks for less nights but all companys do that
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If you wanted to stay in London for a weekend could you afford to stay at The Ritz - probably not so shop around for something cheaper! Center Parcs is a business and is there to make a profit just like other businesses. If you can't afford the activities then use the pool and go for lovely woodland walks, take your own food instead of eating out - we have done this in the past and still had a fantastic time.
We love Center Parcs - yes its not cheap but we shop around for the good deals. Ten of us are staying in two villas at Sherwood for 3 days this Christmas (28 - 30 Dec and in the holidays) for just £897, this is just £89 per person and this is not in their cheapest villa as we wanted a dishwasher etc. You don't need to pay £4999 as someone mentioned - they had obviously looked for one of the most expensive breaks they could find!!
We haven't always been able to afford breaks like this but I still think it is good value and this will be our 14th stay over a period of 10 years. I know my teenagers are occupied and relatively safe - it all makes for a happy relaxed break and where else could you find that?
This was not a fair representation of what Center Parcs has to offer and I don't find the responses on this blog surprising - mainly in favour of Center Parcs.
Well done Center Parcs - keep up the quality work as we hope to keep on visiting for years to come.
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after watching your programme last night i went onto centre parcs website europe to go to the centre parcs in belgium this half term it will cost you 529 euros which is roughly £520 for a midweek break staying in the accomodtion you mentioned so it pays to go abroad in our half terms greg & Sue baker
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I took my sister and her two children plus my husband and son to Elveden, which is local to us, in early April (not Easter hols) for a long weekend. No schooling was missed during this break; I recognise my son's future will inevitably be shaped by his level of educational attainment, whether I like it or not, and Mr Inverdale might do well to accept that too! Base price was £580 which we all thought was good compared to other local accommodation only options. Bearing in mind this price included use of the pool complex, it could have been great value. However, we splurged on the expensive extras so it probably ended up double that. Yes, ok, I accept this part was all customer choice.
However, here comes the dark side of Center Parcs Elveden. I am mobility impaired (and to the 'you're so selfish, you breeders' brigade please note I took five years out of work to raise my boy, then worked part-time til he was 13 and am now back in work full-time) and stated my disability at the time of booking, as often required.
Perhaps I am one of the 'riff-raff' they allegedly don't want, but I witnessed plenty of loutish behaviour from people of all ages, as well as questionable parenting in the pool complex and extremely dangerous cycling on site, all of which went unchallenged.
It also didn't appear especially tidy and clean, and the wildlife seemed unnaturally tame and rather plump, so I am not sure how valid Center Parcs' environmental enthusiasm is, or the seemingly widespread assumption they are a 'luxury' product.
On arrival I was issued with a 'Less Able' (I kid you not) card to put on the dash. I didn't even notice the big bold wording until one of my party mentioned it, laughing.
I was also presented with a letter (is this legally binding?) advising me I was not to use my car around the site, for purely environmental reasons, and indicating the alternative service they provide which was limited pick-up and drop-off of only me plus one assistant in all of four!! locations on the huge site. Oh-and here I feel echoes of Ryanair and their wheelchair levy court case-I could have hired a mobility scooter for something like £30 per day but of course didn't. It doesn't go nearly as fast as a bike.
I used my car twice, one to go to the main gate (a very long way from the 'villa') to sign in a guest and two to take my party from an expensive activity to another expensive activity the other side of the site. I was threatened by a security guy that I would have all privileges rescinded and have to park in the main car park if I did it again. I didn't, but it leaves a nasty taste to this day.
So I would say, buyer beware. I feel that being treated with courtesy and respect (the 'luxury' element) would to quite a large extent have offset the high prices, but this was sadly lacking from the Center Parcs ethos for me.
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As a teacher it is a shame that we are not thought about, we are not high earners and will never be able to take breaks in term time and always have high prices to pay, perhaps we could be thought about by the companies.
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Centre Parcs is 'full','100% taken',no vacancies' in school holidays.End of story.
What the BBC really needs is a consumer programme investigating why they waste money on an hour long show that could be reduced to 20 mins. The item on TV repairs was chopped into 3 segments with each successive part just repeating the same story!Why does it have to be presented by a 'Laurel & Hardy' act on a motorbike?
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Watchdog need to take a look at centre parcs prices for accomodation for disabled , the prices hike up far more than breaks in half term , we were shocked at what they charge , they are priced for hollywood movie stars.
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We often go to centerparcs in mainland Europe for a week (infact we have opted that Holland centerparcs for this october halfterm), even with a ferry ride across to Holland, its cheaper than the UK CP!
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If one of the political parties promised to introduce a ruling that stopped all holiday companies from hiking up prices for school holidays, then they would get my vote.
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Its nothing to do with demand its all to do with GREED..
The owners of the parks and resorts know thats when we go away so they hike up the prices.
We go camping on a local site 30 min away from where we live in wales..its around £12 a night for all 6 of us....
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Hi,
We have been to Center Parc's 5 times and enjoyed our holidays, and would love to go back. We found it very relaxing and stress free. My wife is disabled and she finds the accommodation very comfortable and accessible. The great thing about the C.P sites is that we know that the facilities are easily accessible to the less abled, so we don't spend the holiday pre checking accessibility of attractions.
We have always found C.P to be very expensive, but worth it until last year, the prices have become ridiculous. Especially during school holidays, my wife is a teacher so she can't take holidays during term time.
I do understand that they are a business to make money, but with £111 million in pre tax profits last year, it seems they are tad greedy! and don't really give a stuff about there customers.
I did laugh when the gentleman from Center Parcs, tried to justify the expense of there holidays, by saying "They are a short-break holiday operator, we offer excellent prices for three-night weekend breaks all year round". The problem with these are they are more expensive than the 4 night breaks. The site facilities are cramped beyond use on the Friday you arrive and the Monday you vacate your villa, so they aren't good value for 2 days of use.
Anyway that's my two cents.
I'm off to find something affordable.
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We have been going to center parcs for over 13 years and the last time we when it was feb half term 2007,I was going to book for feb half term 2008 but the villa which we had in 2007 had gone up from £699 to £1449. I wrote to center parcs and ask how they can expect people to pay these prices and got back a letter saying basicly pay the price or don,t come. We have been looking again this feb half term but have not booked because we feel that we are been ripped off I hope that if poeple stop paying these ridiculous prices then maybe center parcs will have to lower there prices.
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You have to be a sucker to spend so much money to go to Center Parcs.
You don't get anything included other than villa. It's a total rip off.
[comment removed - contains new allegations]
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The reason Center Parcs and all other holiday villages are cheaper in the Netherlands than in the UK is that the school holidays fall on different dates. Believe me, come holiday time in Holland, they pull the same trick as in the UK. But hey, enjoy it.
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You don't like the prices don't go - why the fuss? Its not as if center parcs have a monopoly on providing holidays! Go somewhere else! Anyway everyone posting on here is savvy enough to use the internet to research holidays. Like some of the other posters we took advantage of the much cheaper rates in Europe, if holiday dates are different in other countries - great, all the better for us, better deals, less crowded and more of an adventure and a chance to fill the car with wine on the way home! No contest!
In Belgium and Holland we have stayed with Sunparks for the past 2 years - they are managed by center parcs but have even better prices. It is not exactly the same but close enough with great water parks which I can't get the kids out of. The one de Haan is in a fab location too - right on the beach and close to Brugges too so we actually felt like we had experienced the destination and didn't just confine ourselves to the activities on the park. And we made some great Belgian friends too. Everyone speaks English in Europe especially in Belgium - it is so easy! It is European parks for us all the way now.
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