Alan191 replied on 18/11/2022 15:41
Posted on 18/11/2022 15:41
It seems that the CAMC web services have been updated since I last looked for a CL.
If I look for a CL using links under "Search and book" I get a map view that allows me to drill down to find CL locations in my area of interest. When I click on a marker I get a popup that enables me to access information about the CL in a box on the left of the screen.
However, this doesn't provide:
- The basic price, plus any additions - e.g. for an awning, additional adults, etc.
- The size of the CL and local info - sloping, levelling blocks required
- Detailed access info from the owner, including specific routes and local hazards
I like to know the price and size of CLs as they help me make a choice. Local guidance on access is very helpful, sometimes essential. All this was available to me previously.
I phoned CAMC to ask about the information that was missing and was given a different route to find this. It seems that I wasn't the first person to call about this.
CL information is still available from the Home Page, Find a UK campsite, Certified Locations from where it's possible to drill down through several layers to get to details - e.g. https://www.caravanclub.co.uk/certificated-locations/wales/conwy/colwyn-bay/plas-onn-isa/
I used to be able to get to these pages from a map search at https://www.caravanclub.co.uk/uk-holidays/map-search/ but this now redirects to https://bookings.caravanclub.co.uk - i.e. a different web site.
I'm bemused by the references to "Book a Certified Location" as I thought CLs were managed locally by their owners. I wondered whether all CL booking admin had now been centralised, but then I couldn't see how to actually make a booking online. Maybe I've missed something?
On behalf of CL users and CL owners could I ask how the CAMC feel that they have benefitted their customers by the inclusion of CLs in the content at https://bookings.caravanclub.co.uk?
How many CLs are bookable? Is there a plan to roll out CL booking to any significant extent?
While I can see that it might be reasonable to include some basic info in the new CL pages, why has price been excluded and why is no link available to the far more helpful information on the main site at https://www.caravanclub.co.uk? I think that many members believe that this information has now been lost. It is still available, but a lot more time consuming to find.
Could CAMC reinstate the CL map search facility formerly available at at https://www.caravanclub.co.uk/uk-holidays/map-search/ to give easy access to the CL pages?
If CLs cannot be booked at https://bookings.caravanclub.co.uk it would be helpful and avoid confusion to remove them from the scope of operation of this site. If they are to become bookable, then it would be very helpful to provide links to the detailed information pages from the summaries now introduced.
I'm sure the new content was well intentioned, but it seems to have overlooked the way many CAMC members use the Club's web services. Maybe a case of administrative ease over customer needs?
Perhaps some changes could be made to restore much needed functionality and to serve members better?
After all, it's us that pay for all this!
4 people like this
Alan191
Caravanner