Why does it have to be so difficult to book.....

KjellNN replied on 02/02/2018 17:55

Posted on 02/02/2018 17:55

We are almost finished planning and booking a couple of trips this year and are using more CLs due to costs.

Some CLs have been really easy to book, we sent an e mail, they replied promptly, we  confirmed....job done.

But  a few seem  to want to make booking more difficult or complicated.

One gave an e mail for contact, and had a website, but insisted that we ring them to book, and wanted a 50% deposit, which was not mentioned at all in their details.

Another also gave an e mail for contact, but no website link.  They replied after a short delay saying  they had availability, but that to book we must either phone, when no deposit would be required, or book via their website, which would ask for a deposit.

 By the time they replied, we had found their website, but the booking system was not easy to understand so we had decided to wait for the reply to our e mail.

On another, the details on here said they had hardstandings, but turns out they do not, and we also noticed one which appeared to have all sorts of facilities but turned out to be a very basic site!

We are still waiting for one to reply to our e mail.

It is all rather frustrating!   frown

 

replied on 24/04/2018 10:00

Posted on 24/04/2018 10:00

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moulesy replied on 24/04/2018 10:08

Posted on 24/04/2018 10:08

"Looking at most CL and CS listings they seem to want prior booking, deposits sometimes wanting cheques, and frankly making it difficult to be spontaneous."

Given the small return most CLs and CSs make, I don't find it surprising that they prefer bookings in advance and a deposit, though a fairly modest one in most cases. The things is that, as more and more folk are starting to realise what good value these sites are, the more popular they get so, yes, it may be harder to just turn up on spec.

replied on 24/04/2018 10:24

Posted on 24/04/2018 10:24

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Takethedogalong replied on 24/04/2018 10:46

Posted on 24/04/2018 10:46

There are more and more members using CLs nowadays, probably because of cost of Club Sites in comparison. Problem is, some "new to CL" members are expecting booking and using a CL to be fairly similar to Club Sites, and it isn't. Some CLs are so popular they are booked up at certain times a good year in advance, and if you want to visit certain CLs you have to be prepared to book, pay a deposit and be totally committed in terms of honouring that booking! Hence why a few of these gorgeous little holiday sites require prior bookings and sometimes up to full payment in advance. 

Having said that, we have had no problems doing tours around different parts of the country, at busy times, mainly booking a few days, or on day of travel. A lot depends on what your "must have" list consists of, as this can sometimes restrict choice. A lot in the NE, Northumberland, Durham, Hadrian's Wall area are farms, but if you want some CLs and small private sites DD, we know area quite well, so might be able to make some suggestions. Happy to help if we can.laughing

replied on 24/04/2018 10:58

Posted on 24/04/2018 10:58

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Takethedogalong replied on 24/04/2018 11:05

Posted on 24/04/2018 11:05

How large is your MH DD? And could you manage on firm grass I'd weather was fine? Or with waffles under drive wheels? 

Might be an idea to get Nellie on the case as well, he knows of lots of excellent CLs up there, in fact I think his last trip he did a good bit of NE. 

 

 

replied on 24/04/2018 11:22

Posted on 24/04/2018 11:22

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Takethedogalong replied on 24/04/2018 11:55

Posted on 24/04/2018 11:55

Ok DD, I will be in contact later. Not sure if you use Caravanchat? That has a great PM facility, cost nothing to sign up. It might be useful, as there are lots of great reviews for all sorts of sites on there, and usually with photos, so excellent browsing.smile

replied on 24/04/2018 12:02

Posted on 24/04/2018 12:02

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KeefySher replied on 24/04/2018 12:03

Posted on 24/04/2018 11:22 by

7.5m long and 4.5t.  In good weather we have used firm grass and waffle mats if pushed but prefer HS's.  

I just wish this forum had a PM system as I have no idea how to contact others.  Incidentally my email is on my profile.   

Posted on 24/04/2018 12:03

Often use uk campsites tool. Here are Northumberland CL/CS:

http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/sites/results.asp?county=Northumberland&clubs=on

If you change the county in the list on the left you'll find more. Choosing Motorhome may give further info.

Doesn't give choice of hardstanding, but you could trawl through the area you like.

near Malvern Hills Club Campsite Member photo by Andrew Cole

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