Away Resorts Reviews 

Don’t stay at Sandy Balls. I’ve been 4 years in a row always staying at Knightswood - meant to be exclusive.. it is not. 2 nights into a 3 night stay already called maintenance twice because of a toilet that don’t flush, blocked sinks on arrival, broken entrance door handles. Whilst maintenance are great and come quickly, the call can be lengthy. The grey sofa is showing the filth. My socks alone from walking around the lodge would make your eyes water, filth. The shop has no bread and no delivery until Tuesday, not great selection of meats etc so get a food shop before hand. The Woodside Inn is not even worth heading to… tables taken up be families drinking pints, you can’t get seated to have a meal. If you have children and want a meal reserve a table at Aubrey’s before hand or you won’t get seated. I booked a load of activities, Alpaca Keeping in error which was £75 instead of Alpaca Walking. Head of activities had agreed to put my daughter into the Alpaca Walking which was £25 and a slime session which was £10 also given the option for the Aqua run (she can’t swim so that’s a no). The full list of activity on offer was not given. Had it of been then she would have wanted to do plushie making. On noticing that yesterday afternoon I contacted activities and requested some of the £40 left to be put towards that as they had openly offered alternatives earlier that day. I was informed she would get booked on, if there were any issues I would get a call (I did not). Up and ready and at plushie making today for 10am to be told she is not on the list. Went to the leisure centre for head of activities to come over and basically inform us that was an option yesterday but not today. There were 2 empty tables that seat 4 in plushie making, there was absolutely no reason they couldn’t let her do the activity. We used to come to Sandy balls for the luxury of the lodge and nice people, it’s quickly changing. People don’t pick up after their dogs either. It’s all just getting very dated and going downhill and in need of a major revamp. So disappointed.

Good design and functionality. Slight delay in delivery

I'm as upset about the handling of my complaint as I am about the trip itself - I will call out Steven Dunn who seems to have gone into radio silence the last time I emailed him advising him that the booking process is not compliant. So heres the thing:

I booked a 2 night break in Whitecliff Bay, Isle of Wight, just before Christmas for my family and some friends. What I didn't realise is that literally none of the facilities (apart from Crazy golf and laundry I think) are open. They have 3 eateries and entertainment centre - which is advertised as you book - but none of them are open (which is weird in my experience).

My issue isn't with that - it might be strange but it is their choice. My issue is that not only is this not clear - it is actively advertised throughout the booking process. Not only that they advertise - on the Whitecliff Bay park page - Festive Breaks. All very misleading.

So I wrote to complain about the misleading booking process and got a very "cut and paste" response from Steven telling me I should have found the link towards the bottom of the long page clicked on it to see what was open.

He then proceeded to offer to move me to another park or change dates. Crazy idea for 2 reasons - 1) I can't just align the stars for 9 people to all have time off at the same time again and 2) I'd paid for unrefundable ticket for the Isle of Wight ferry. A very weird offer by Mr Dunn.

He also stated it wasn't possible to put a banner up which advised at the time of booking that there was limited facilities open - yet The Lakes Rookely, another park on the Isle of Wight and also on the very same Away Resorts website as Whitecliff Bay, does put a very helpful banner up on the booking pages advising that there are limited facilities for the time you are booking.

I let Mr Dunn know this and advise that I would need to complain to the NCC. Whether this will do anything I have my doubts, but given the lack of response from Away Resorts and rudeness of Mr Dunn - I don't think I have an option.

But here is the kicker - just yesterday Away Resorts marketing in their infinite wisdom decided to send me an email entitled "Your guide to an extra tasty escape" - where it advised me that I can eat at one of the 3 CLOSED venues onsite. Truly ridiculous and shows they have no real respect or appreciation of their customers.

A word of balance here. I have been to Whitecliff Bay a few times before. It is lovely when it's open. The staff are friendly and the grounds a well kept. But this is about Away Resorts and I will never use them again.

That's them deleted a negative review because they know they are at it!
Unsafe machinery and unsafe working practices.
Can't handle a bad review and obviously don't want anything getting out to the public.

If I could give 10 stars I would , after having disaster with another chalet on the bay (nothing to do with Away)
We moved into one of the meadows chalets , dealt with by Away resorts , who are on site , I have to say the whole process of dealing with them has been a joy , from the reception to actually moving into the chalet , wow wow, unbelievable, so so clean everything, every part of it and the presentation when you walk in the table set up for a meal , warm so inviting, you can see the pride in how the housekeepers leave it.
I do not want to leave , I love it ,
It has not been an easy time on this short break my hubby ended up in hospital , but Away made it better and looked after me with an extended stay, I am so happy, it has been so lovely to stay here, I cannot wait to come back.
Also the little doggy box was so sweet , he loves his little cover it is a lovely little touch.
A HUGE THANK YOU
Kindest regards to everyone involved.Diane Lukeman xxSheffield.

I’ve been going to Tattershall Lakes for 4 years now & never had an issue prior to my recent visit. The customer service was fantastic but when I got to my lodge, which was the Shadow Wood range that was built in 2024, I found multiple issues. The coat hangers weren’t drilled in correctly so they twisted when anything was hung up, the heavy curtains in the living room were hung on a flimsy plastic runner which meant the curtains didn’t shut properly. The curtains across the doors were missing meaning there was no privacy from walking from the bedroom to the bathroom & the road was visible from the doors. The radiators in both the bathroom & en-suite were leaking all over the floor, the window cill in the dining area fell off when it was leant on. The dishwasher door was put on at an angle so had to open the cupboard doors on either side to access the dishwasher, the entrance door had dropped on its hinges causing a gap at the top of the frame allowing the cold from outside into the lodge. The hot tap for the bath only gave Luke warm water, there was a screw in the bed frame hanging out which wasn’t screwed in properly, the TV wouldn’t access the internet connection & with it being a smart TV requires WiFi so had to use my own data from my phone in order for it to work. Finally the hot tub was not private & was easily viewed from the road & adjacent lodges.

Last minute short stay Whitecliff Resort Isle of Wight
Just paid for a short stay at Whitecliff Resort Isle of Wight and this time foolishly booked via Expedia.Once paid I was informed there would be a further charge for the dog and there did not appear to be a link to the ferries that there normally is. (not a problem but its still a misleading advert by Expedia and it will be reported to trading standards) The hour suddenly took a turn for the worse. I noticed I had booked the wrong dates. Went back on Expedia (within the hour) to try and change dates only to find out there was nothing anyone could do to change the dates as Away resorts clearly do not change dates for genuine mistakes. Everyday is a school day as the saying goes. Things learnt: 1)Use a reputable company.2) Dont book a vacation right after a night shift. 3) Take a law degree to read the small print.

Just had 4 nights at Sandy Balls in The New Forest. Our lodge was exceptional well equipped and nothing to want for. The hot tub was monitored twice daily and I cannot fault it. The staff were attentive and polite at all times and we had a brilliant time. Close to Paultons And Peppa Pig world. I would recommend and definitely return.

Our stay was absolute fantastic! Beautiful lodges , roomy and spotlessly clean!
Staff so helpful ,
Great contact with them , if any thing was not ok they came out within , a few mins ! All sorted !
One of the loveliest places we have stayed!

Would no recommend at all, we stayed for our daughters 8th birthday and away holidays completely ruined it

Do not book with this resort

had 6 days stay at Mill rythe on Hayling island. Great accommodation everything wwas clean and servicable, as were the areas. The staff were friendly and helpful. All in all we could not have asked for more.

The ‘luxury’ stargazer experience is lacking. The sofa bed was broken and uncomfortable as your main item of furniture to sit on in the lounge area.

The curtains are falling from the track with broken plastic clips so privacy an issue in the main bedroom if you have the lights on once dark.

The plumbing with the washing machine to sink combination meant water came up into the sink when the washing machine was used.

The carpets are dirty.

2 folding clothes driers were in the caravan, both broken and unable to stand by themselves.

Slats broken on the bed in the twin room.

We had a great week - but that was due to the day trips, location and friends holidaying with us, not the accommodation.

We stayed at the Rookley lakes, Isle of Wight resort and it was perfect. The caravan was spotless and well equipped .
The staff were outstanding especially in the restaurant . The food was well prepared and presented . Good value for money
A good choice for a pub and kitchen menu.
Well done

We stayed with away resorts in mersea island. Staff were friendly and helpful and the Caravan was very clean and comfy. Had an electrical issue on the first night and had to call the out of hours number. There was no answer but a very nice man phoned me straight back and talked me through how to fix it. Wasn't a massive problem but wen you don't no its a bit worrying! And the next day they came out and fixed the electric fire that had cause the problem, very quick, friendly and efficient service. He also sorted a flickering light bulb aswell which was annoying. All in all and very quiet and relaxing 3 day stay, would definitely go again. One thing I would say is the Caravan we stayed in could have done with more cooking utensils and another frying pan but we made do.

We booked a chalet at St Ives bay holiday park in Cornwall after receiving our key we went to our chalet to find a load of cobwebs on the outside of the entrance to the chalet and a piece of timber hanging from over the door frame which needed nailing back. On entering the chalet it was pretty clean and acceptable except for the extractor fan in the kitchen which was dirty and damaged. The 2 x 2 seater settees were really low to the ground and very dated and very uncomfortable the bedroom furniture was very dated as well the bed itself was also very uncomfortable too it had a plastic coated mattress and that was covered by a ripped sheet right on the corner of the mattress so over all it was like going back to the sixties.My wife and I then decided to try their restaurant we walked into the restaurant and there was hardly anyone in there we went to sit down on one of their rattan dinning tables near the swimming pool to find a really dirty table that looked like it hadn't been cleaned for a week we looked at one another and just walked out it was disgusting I wouldn't recommend anyone to stay at this camp it could do with a good revamp it was like going back to sixties.

We stayed at Whitecliff Bay. On the brochure its advertised free EV charging with EV chargers. This is the second time I have been here now with my EV and I have been over ten times before with a petrol vehicle. When I complained that the EV chargers still do not work, I was advised to charge my EV at Tesco's. Why would anyone want to spend their holiday sitting in Tesco's waiting for their vehicle to charge up.
Also, the caravan stunk of a Tom cat making his mark. Reception gave us an aerosol. This was very disappointing. As anyone would know a Tom cats smell does not disappear that easily.

unclean caravan, no customer care, caravan not fit for purpose (furniture) overall poor site service.
no understanding of how it ruin a family reunion, no amount of money will replace the disappointment they have not only caused , but could of prevented

Booked a late holiday, after experiencing a problem with another holiday company.
we stayed in a 8 berth comfort caravan ,we had asked that it be suitable for an elderly person with some mobility issues. we were placed in a caravan with parking very close.however the second bed in the third bedroom was not removed as requested. The cleanliness of the caravan was very poor with stains on the carpet and sofa. The kitchen blind was left on top of the cupboard broken,when reported it took two attempts to repair. The second bedroom curtains had no stop on the end ,so every morning i had to rehang. The same with the lounge curtains,which I rehung on arrival. Don't let the word comfort,fool you comfort is away resorts name for basic,no iron or board,no hair dryer,only one electrical point in each area. So very basic
This is our second visit to this park,and we will not be going back for a third visit

We stayed at Whitecliff Bay from 28th August to 2nd September and it was honestly the worst holiday we’ve ever had. The “superior” caravan we were given was filthy and completely unacceptable. On arrival we were hit with a strong smell of dog. We then discovered mould in the shower cubicle, bloodstains and other filthy marks on the bedding, hairs all over the carpets, and a sofa that was so dirty and smelly we had to cover it with our own clothes just to sit down. The kitchen was no better — plates, cutlery, and cups all had dried food stuck to them, and on the floor we even found a toenail. In the bathrooms we found rolled-up wet tissues, and on top of the cupboards there were tissues with brown stains — truly disgusting.

We reported everything to reception straight away. The only action taken was a broken gate latch being fixed; the supposed “clean” consisted of moving the toenail outside onto the decking and leaving everything else as it was. We asked to move accommodation but were told nothing was available.

The wider site was just as bad. The swimming pool was filthy with water so murky you couldn’t see the bottom. In the end, we spent most of the holiday off-site to escape the conditions and even left a day early because it was so unbearable.

This was a disgusting, poorly maintained resort with shockingly low standards of cleanliness and care. We would never return to Away Resorts and would strongly advise others to think twice before booking.

On arrival was given unacceptable caravan and initial contact with reception manager not good however I emailed Head office and straight away they responded the Manager Paul come to see me and he was completely understanding and so helpful he immediately resolved the issues and also checked up to make sure everything was good I could not wish for better service, I understand things go wrong and it’s how it’s dealt with that counts this was just brilliant service I will definitely be back and highly recommend