Dissatisfied, disappointed, mis-sold
After vigorously researching the best Welsh parks to stay at in 2023, we decided to book with Away resorts Barmouth bay. 12 months and many reviews read later we arrived on the 6th August and were instantly disappointed. We booked the comfort van after reviewing the specs and looking at the images provided on the website believing it would suit our needs. We were welcomed with a claustrophobic, old and grotty van (number 170) that was absolutely nothing like the van we were sold and welcomed with when we logged into our customer portal. I immediately went to reception to ask if any upgrades were available, and understandably as it was the 6 week holidays there were none available, no one enquired as to why we wanted an upgrade though.
Our hob only had 3 rings working. After reporting the fault on the app, fair enough an electrician came round first thing the next day. He took a look and said he would be back once the hob had cooled down but never did, no one from guest services followed up to make sure it had been sorted. There was lipstick on the glasses, a hole in the roof and mold on the walls.
Apart from us feeling absolutely robbed how is this not mis-selling? if there is a chance the van we may be allocated is massively different to the ones shown on the website and the van shown to us when we logged into our customer portal, why are these images not also shown on the website?
Onto the luxuriously heated swimming pool. It is tiny, dangerously busy at times, not at all heated and once again nothing like the sales script leads you to believe. There are no dedicated changing rooms or cubicles just an open plan room which meant me and my 7 year old had to change in the toilets literally straddling urine on the floor in order to gain some privacy.
The WiFi, again sold as site wide and usable. It is literally useless! even upon check in the first thing we were told by the advisor and even before being asked who we were was and I quote the WiFi is terrible, your phone signal will be better, if you think you'll be streaming movies then think again!
Next the entertainment passes that are included... Having entertainment passes advertised led us to believe we would be able to take advantage of the fantastic entertainment on offer.....well there isnt any. The only possible entertainment we could think of would be to visit The Sands complex which is a privately owned complex next door consisting of a hot dog stand, a bar that only the bravest would wander into with doormen included just to make you and your family feel extra safe, fish and chips shop, mini market and arcades. There certainly wasnt any Mr Tumble or Oasis tribute acts on whilst we were there.
Anyway onto a positive, Barmouth itself is beautiful and the beaches are stunning. There is plenty to do in the surrounding towns such as Porthmadog and the food on offer is really good, ISIS pizzeria and knickerbockers get a special mention
6 August 2024
Unprompted review