Plenty to do in Longford and it's quite similar to the French version.I've used Centre Parts in Germany, France for adults on week-ends away. Just a place to lay the heads and get a bit of grub, local boozer for those who wanted it, BBQ space near the houses, no organised activities. We found them fine, stress free, which is what you want on a holiday. Disappointed to hear there's an Irish version of the product available that's low-rent and stressful but not surprised.
Great post and advice. The funny thing is I have been there twice already in Longford so I am a returning customer. I mentioned that also but they didn't care. They still couldn't do anything for mePlenty to do in Longford and it's quite similar to the French version.
You can simply go there, relax, have a barbeque, few drinks and destress.
But many also want to use the pool and restaurants and book activities.
Problem is that there are capacity issues due to covid and they had a system in place which they changed without notifying the op.
It does not come under a marketing email as it's pertinent information regarding their holiday. Just like the email that they most likely received with the booking confirmation.
But it's no use getting angry at the person on the end of a phone line, they are unlikely to be able to do anything.
Write a physical Letter to the general manager Darragh Feighery, keep it relatively short, let him know the disappointment and request that he rectifies it.
Don't be too dramatic. Almost suggest that you'd hope to be a regular visitor if you enjoyed this break. Therefore they will see long term benefit of a successful outcome.
If someone makes a complaint to a company and acts in a way that the company thinks that they will never be a future customer, then the minimum possible solution is given. If the company sees future business, they tend to be far more generous in the solution offered.
So write the letter tomorrow, keep it simple, keep it to the point, let them know how disappointed and let down you feel and say you hope that they will be able to rectify it so that you have a holiday to remember.
Include your email address and phone number.
Post it Monday and I bet you will have a very positive response by Friday
Don't be so dramatic.Thanks all. I am going to try and ring Joe Duffy on Monday and see if they will discuss it.
FWIW we went pre-COVID and thoroughly enjoyed it. The staff were all professional and very friendly. Pool was great, accommodation was great, food was good. We went off-peak so the price was very reasonable for what you got. Other friends have had similar experiences and it seems to be similar to what friends in the UK experience there. In summary, it’s not ‘Paddy spec’ and I’d highly recommend it, but probably not at the moment based on the OP’s lousy situation!Disappointed to hear there's an Irish version of the product available that's low-rent and stressful but not surprised.
That really is not a route to go.Thanks all. I am going to try and ring Joe Duffy on Monday and see if they will discuss it. I can't really cancel as the kids are really looking forward to it (as much as I'd love to). The fact is they would have 100 people ready to take my spot as they are booked out until September. In any case even if someone was to take my spot they won't get the pool as it's all booked out...... I spoke to the guest relations manager in there during the escalation process. Didn't get anywhere with her.
Maybe give the company a chance before speculating what they will do.Writing a letter to Centre Parcs probably will elicit a response something like "We have an unusually huge demand on our services at this time and consequently could not meet all your holiday requirements, but we are enclosing a voucher for a free hamburger on your next year's visit." or at best "we will try to obtain as much access to the swimming pool on your next visit provided (a) . . . (b) . . . "
Or by contacting Joe Duffy you likely will get all your money refunded pronto and/or a decent offer of Centre Parc facilities on your next visit.
Whatever way you look at this, the Joe Duffy approach is easier and may pay a higher dividend (this forum is Askaboutmoney afterall) for less effort.
If you are contacting Mr Duffy I recommend you write down everything you will say and be au fait with whatever questions you will be asked. You should know what questions you'll be asked. You have Centre Parcs over a barrel. They need bad publicity like I need a Life Loan. Go for it!
Not on your nanny! Centreparcs have had 15 months to get their act together. They fell down on the job and have a captive audience. The least they can do is deliver on their promises with a stress free outcome. But, they couldn't even do this.Maybe give the company a chance before speculating what they will do.
Almost all people staying have had no issues. This seems to be a one off. I'd definitely point out their policy regarding emails in the post a couple up as it means that their excuse doesn't wash.Not on your nanny! Centreparcs have had 15 months to get their act together. They fell down on the job and have a captive audience. The least they can do is deliver on their promises with a stress free outcome. But, they couldn't even do this.
Does anybody want to be in a plane where the pilot gets 95% of the landings correct? I want to be in a plane where the pilot gets all the landings 100% correct.
Talk to Joe; it's the way to go!
The problems in this case were well predicted by anybody with the least knowledge of customer service. Centreparcs fell down on the job. A good company would have contacted the OP in advance of the opening of the booking portal. Time now for Centreparcs to put up the hand of being wrong and despite the OP's efforts Centreparcs failed. Failure to do this is an admission that they thought they'd get away with it.Almost all people staying have had no issues. This seems to be a one off. I'd definitely point out their policy regarding emails in the post a couple up as it means that their excuse doesn't wash.
The problem with the whine to Joe show is exactly that. Many people just see it as a whine show. Others will laugh at and think "middle income mummy with first world problems" - there are 6 children on this trip. The op will be recognised and that then can lead to unsavoury types making comments to the kids.
Just not worth airing in such a public manner when there is plenty of time for a better outcome.
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