"Rosie" at Lower Hyde, Isle of Wight - Kingsgate 57

The lodge was clean, roomy, and had everything we needed with a baby. We paid a reasonable extra amount for a travel cot and highchair, which made things much easier. The restaurant food was very nice, and we ate there a few times. The entertainment kept our little one happy, though being out of season meant much the same show each night. It also worked well as a base for nearby attractions. We were there Monday to Friday, but the pool only opened at weekends, so we had to go a mile to the Landguard Parkdean to swim. I found that place a bit run down. Apart from that, we had a fantastic family stay. Thanks, Lower Hyde.

The main disappointment was the swimming. The outdoor pool was closed, and we were told the indoor one was so small that booking weeks ahead was apparently necessary. We didn't know that until we arrived, so the kids never got to swim and were really upset. The reception car park was tiny for a site this size and always full. Staff seemed stressed, understandably during school holidays, but arrival didn't feel very welcoming. There are plenty of positives: it's a large, family-friendly park with lots of room, close to shops and within walking distance of the best parts of Shanklin. Sandown beach is a quick drive away. The on-site food delivery, arcade, bar, shop, bike hire, and little park were all fine, and there was a hot tub. The “luxury lodge” was really a nice caravan rather than a lodge. Cleanliness and attention to detail could be better: the travel cot we paid for had old crumbs and food in it. And the holiday was poor value during school holidays. More than £1,300 is a rip-off, as far as I'm concerned.

We spent a bank holiday weekend on the island with the grandkids in a Gold static caravan. I've had nicer ones out of season when prices are much lower, but this one had all the home comforts. The kitchen was fully stocked with plates, cutlery, pans, baking trays, a whisk and a strainer. Bring salt and pepper if you plan to cook. Bedding was supplied, but we needed our own towels and tea towels. The kids enjoyed the outdoor pool, and we paid a small extra fee for pool activities they loved. The young pool staff were responsible and hardworking. There was plenty to do without leaving the park: a nearby play area, mini golf that was fun and not too pricey, kids' club, bingo, a music quiz, and dancing. The evening entertainment had a bit of something for everyone. The arcade must make a fortune, so I'd set the kids a firm spending limit. Food in the entertainment club was okay. If you're out late, Thunder Chicken was deep-fried but really tasty. In summer the vans get very hot, so I'd take fans. Parking is close to your van, but lock your vehicle, and lock the caravan doors and windows when you go out. I felt safe inside the park. You can also walk to sister park Landguard if you fancy a change of scenery, though it's much the same.

The caravan was the biggest issue. We booked a Gold one, but the newer labels are misleading. When I complained, I was told Gold now describes size rather than quality. We didn't need extra space, we wanted a decent caravan. Ours was an old one that had supposedly been refurbished, Medina Court 14, but the work looked like a bad spray-paint job and little else. The curtains were coming off, vinyl on every cupboard was peeling, the sofas were dirty and uncomfortable, and the dining table had three matching chairs plus a random different one. There was no dressing table chair, the bed was too far away to sit on, and the electric fire seemed to be missing parts. The heating never worked, which was awful with a four-year-old. The radiator knobs were hanging off. I reported it, and someone came while we were out and removed the knobs without fixing anything. I followed up. They said the curtains were fixed, but they weren't, and I explained that heating was the bigger problem. They said they'd come back, but nobody did. The bed was tiny too. My husband is 6ft1, not especially tall, and his legs from the knees down hung over the end. Getting in was another mess. Check-in was delayed until 4:30, and even after the time had passed we were told to wait for a call. Once they called, there was a huge queue, with little explanation from reception. After a long journey with a four-year-old, that wasn't acceptable. Thunder Chicken was also a bad experience because of a really rude server. We had parking arguments with other caravans. No. 13 took three spaces for one caravan, and someone from no. 11 knocked on our door demanding we move our one car so they could use the space outside their van for mobility reasons, even though it wasn't reserved or disabled. I complained twice while we were there and again at checkout. Reception said someone would take my details and get in touch, but five days later nobody had, so I assume I'm being ignored again. The Easter weekend entertainment was lacking. The clubhouse and other bar were dirtier than ever, with disgusting tables, and the clubhouse had few drink options. The pool was closed over Easter, which seems badly planned. There's no sign explaining how to play crazy golf or where to get putters, so it was always empty. There were a few good points: the chicken was really nice despite the server, the delivery guy was pleasant, and the Hyde View staff bringing drinks were good. Joe Show was really good, but the only entertainment we truly enjoyed. We had already booked for summer before this trip, so we'll be back then. Otherwise we would have chosen another park. I hope this feedback improves things by then.