Club sites - advance booking system

ask66 replied on 20/03/2018 09:24

Posted on 20/03/2018 09:24

Hi all, I'm sure this has been discussed before but here goes...

We normally use CLs as we like the peace & quiet and are happy to use our onboard shower and toilet etc., but on a certain weekend towards the end of June we want to visit Castleton in the Peak District.  There are no CLs in the village, leaving the Club site as the only option.

Looking online I see that no pitches are available for that weekend, or indeed for most weekends!

Now I have no problem if everyone who has booked actually turns up - good for them for planning ahead - but with the current system there is nothing to stop people making a large number of advance bookings, then cancelling right up to 72 hours before.  I can't wait that late - if the site is going to be full, we will want to book a B&B or hotel instead.

Would it not be a better idea for all pre-bookings to require a deposit of say £5 or £10 per night (more for the most popular sites, e.g. near London), refundable where there is a genuine reason for cancellation?  I believe a similar system may be operated by the Camping & Caravanning Club and this would surely deter people from  making advance bookings when they haven't really decided whether or not they will be going!

It would be helpful to know how many pitches are booked and then cancelled before the 72 hour deadline, just to give an idea of how much of a problem this really is.  Perhaps the Club could make some figures available.

Just to repeat, I have no problem with the site showing as full if all those who have pre-booked actually show up (give or take the odd one or two with genuine reasons for cancellation).

What do others think?

Takethedogalong replied on 23/03/2018 10:48

Posted on 23/03/2018 10:48

Get in there Jimmy! Birthday treat booked next year! No fuss, no hassle, love it❤️

Kennine replied on 23/03/2018 12:24

Posted on 22/03/2018 10:44 by JollyKernow

Mmmmm.... watch this spacewinkwinklaughing

JK

Posted on 23/03/2018 12:24

 JK. 

If you know there are going to be more pitches in the future and where,. either share it with the rest of the members or say absolutely nothing. 

Strange hints and innuendo are disrespectful to all. 

wink

ForestR replied on 23/03/2018 13:23

Posted on 23/03/2018 13:23

Booked our usual January, February & early March holidays at Chester and York without having to wait until August and do not expect to cancel any although having been cancelled twice and evacuated twice at Rowntree Park who knows.

Maybe we'll get lucky like earlier this month and arrive and depart on a lovely day but be on a two third empty site for much of our stay because of the snow. It did not bother us at all other than the lack of arrivals and departures was a unique experience at RP. 

I did not think I would say this but I think it's an improvement on the old booking system.  However I do think that cancellations may increase.

JollyKernow replied on 23/03/2018 16:56

Posted on 23/03/2018 12:24 by Kennine

 JK. 

If you know there are going to be more pitches in the future and where,. either share it with the rest of the members or say absolutely nothing. 

Strange hints and innuendo are disrespectful to all. 

wink

Posted on 23/03/2018 16:56

I'll go stand in the corner and face the wall thenwink

JVB66 replied on 23/03/2018 17:04

Posted on 23/03/2018 16:56 by JollyKernow

I'll go stand in the corner and face the wall thenwink

Posted on 23/03/2018 17:04

I think everyone  except it seems non members, understand your comments as the site we are now on will have a lot more pitches available soonwink

Kennine replied on 23/03/2018 17:57

Posted on 23/03/2018 17:04 by JVB66

I think everyone  except it seems non members, understand your comments as the site we are now on will have a lot more pitches available soonwink

Posted on 23/03/2018 17:57

What'd the name of the site are you now on JVB, you forgot to mention. surprised

young thomas replied on 23/03/2018 18:22

Posted on 23/03/2018 10:48 by Takethedogalong

Get in there Jimmy! Birthday treat booked next year! No fuss, no hassle, love it❤️

Posted on 23/03/2018 18:22

same here, 2 sites we havent been to and one old favourite but at a 'popular' time....wink

good system this, goodbye Frenzy Day, good riddancetongue-out

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