Pontins Prestatyn Sands, ok as a base when on a tight budget (Pontin's)

Member Name: sarah101

Product:	Pontin's
Date:	01/09/08 (98 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Fun sporty activities, swimming pool and close to the beech

Disadvantages: Not very clean, not very comfortable

We decided to go here this weekend for a 3 night break just before the schools went back. It was a very cheap deal too and after having already had this summer holidays, over a week in Paris and Disneyland, a short stay in London and a few nights in hotels inbetween days out to various placed I was looking for somewhere fairly cheap to go and this worked out the same price as having a few days out closer to home.

I recently went to Haven with some family and enjoyed it and as it was just down the road was expecting a similar sort of place.

The bluecoats were very friendly and tried to entertain all the kids and get the adults involved too. The evening entertainment was ok one place aimed at children and the other aimed at adults after around 8pm. There wasnt really much to it and we ended up spending more time in the arcade that watching any shows.

The swimming pool was good and the only negative I have to say about it is that its a shame it is not open until a bit later or open earlier.

They have activities which cost £5 for over a hour for older kids which was what really drove me to go here. Such things as rock climbing, archery, quad bikes, abseiling, zip wire and others but they were the only ones we used. Well did not get to use the zip wire as it was closed for the weekend but it did look good!

It also had a mini golf and tennis hire both of which were free you just have to pay a deposit which you get back when you bring them back.

Now for the negatives!

The general cleanliness was not up to a good standard at all. I am well aware the cleaning staff have so much to do but they should really employ more staff or give them more time to clean as the rooms were not to a reasonable standard. I did sit there and think how much of the black around the bath sink and toilets could easily come up with some bleach and a good scrubbing!

The beds were very uncomfortable and considering I paid extra to have a two bedroom apartment and upgraded from budget maybe I was expecting a little better!? Two of the sheets were actually ripped and when sleeping on a matress which is plastic lined with a torn sheet I dont think many people could get a good sleep! I did manage to find someone to talk to about this and they did leave new ones but I had also requested additional pillows as the one per person they had provided was not enough. They did not leave extra pillows which was a bit dissapointing after them saying they would.

I also had to complain about the noise levels. As in the room next to ours three or four women felt the need to spend from midnight until 2.30am sitting infront of their room shouting, swearing and laughing! I first called at 1am but no one came out so I had to call again at 2am and this time someone came out within 10 minutes and in directly told them to be quiet! Still took another 20 mins for them to call it a night though.

All in all I think it is an ok place to use as a base for visiting around an area because there was some nice stuff nearby, and take advantage of the swimming and activities you like but I cant see how there is enough to do to stay on site.

I think people on a budget will enjoy this place but have to be willing to cope with the negatives I have pointed out. But for just under £90 for a 3 night break at the end of August it was good

Summary: Ok to use as a base for visiting area