The Retreat at West Beach Parks

The cabin felt nothing like the online photos, and the whole stay was horrible. The carpet was stained and disgusting, the beds were worn out and uncomfortable, and we barely slept. Bugs were everywhere. Furniture and appliances were outdated too: the TVs looked like they belonged in the 1980s, not the flat screens advertised, and the couches were sagging and uncomfortable. It seemed the photos had been taken years ago. We chose West Beach Parks Retreat partly because the pool was advertised as heated, but the water was freezing and unusable. Parking was frustrating and poorly organised. The atmosphere wasn’t welcoming either. The security guard spoke rudely and disrespectfully, and many people there seemed unfriendly. It felt run down, misleadingly advertised and not worth the price. We expected a clean, comfortable cabin that matched its description, and got none of that. With the poor cleanliness, bugs, old furniture, cold pool and rude treatment, I think compensation or at least a partial refund is more than reasonable. This was extremely disappointing, and something needs to be done to make it right.

The location is great and the staff were friendly and helpful, but the cabins are old and so much was broken. We spent three nights in the sea dragon cabins and had to call maintenance three times. The TV only worked on our last day after two calls, the fridge broke and our food went off (we were reimbursed), and the bathroom sink plug was stuck. The blinds wouldn’t close all the way, and I found a giant cockroach in my bed. We wanted to use the park facilities, but the games room was just four old arcade games and only one worked. The gym, with a bench and two spin bikes, wasn’t inviting. The basketball court and jumpy pillow were good. There was a washing machine in the room, but nowhere on site to buy washing powder. I’m 5’2 and the pool came up to my shoulders even at the shallow end. The kids’ section was too small and dropped off above my head, so it wasn’t suitable for my three kids under 8 and their swimming abilities. As a mum who travelled six hours with them, I was very disappointed. We won’t stay again or recommend it.

The location is brilliant, with easy access to everything, but the cabin feels dated for the price. Our microwave was broken and the lounges were very uncomfortable. We’ve stayed a few times, and one younger staff member was super lovely at check-in, while the other more or less growled at me.

My kids were bored, bored, bored, and we won’t rebook. So much was out of order: the games room screens and keyboards didn’t work, gokarts weren’t available, and the laundry room was closed. The playground was extremely dated, and the so-called gym had two exercise bikes and a couple of light dumbbells, with a rack that wasn’t even full. In our room, the mugs were stained brown inside, the toilet roll holder and towel rails were coming off the wall, and our key broke in the screen door lock. We had to leave the room unlocked when we went out for dinner.