Re: CCC v CMH

by RML Sat Feb 17, 2018 11:35 am

Askit wrote:We’ve been members of both organisations (don’t think of them as clubs) since we started motorhoming nearly 3 years ago. We use them for about half of our stays on sites with the other half being on commercial parks. The key for us are the locations and we like to go where some of the club sites are. Off peak for us on concession (referenced by others) the CCC can be a cost effective option but, generally, I don’t think either can be considered cheap. Having said that, a commercial site in the Lakes was quoting over £40 a night last year.

We don’t have any problems with the rules and have yet to encounter unfriendly or unhelpful wardens (although everybody is entitled to an off day, right ). I have seen wardens doing their jobs and being subjected to, what I consider, unacceptable abuse. The closing of toilets for cleaning around the late morning departure time is an irritation but I guess it’s to ensure those arriving are met with clean facilities. The rules are well publicised, and mostly for the comfort of the majority, if you have a problem with them then don’t join either organisation. They suit us so we will renew our membership of both this year.

Meant to add, we’ve never been allocated a pitch in advance by either club and have been offered a choice of those available. Conversely, almost all commercial sites have allocated a pitch when we’ve booked in advance although some have offered a swop if we were unhappy and other pitches were free.

That's me told off then.. smile!

Rich..

by boxerman Sat Feb 17, 2018 11:44 am

Askit wrote:Conversely, almost all commercial sites have allocated a pitch when we’ve booked in advance although some have offered a swop if we were unhappy and other pitches were free.

I cannot think of any commercial site that I have stayed at in the last 20+ years where I was allocated a pitch. It has always been a question of choosing your own.
Different people have different experiences. shrugg

Frank

by Gromit Sat Feb 17, 2018 11:50 am

boxerman wrote:
Askit wrote:Conversely, almost all commercial sites have allocated a pitch when we’ve booked in advance although some have offered a swop if we were unhappy and other pitches were free.
I cannot think of any commercial site that I have stayed at in the last 20+ years where I was allocated a pitch. It has always been a question of choosing your own.
Different people have different experiences.

Frank

Exactly Frank.
You've defined the crucial point perfectly! up!

by Paulmold Sat Feb 17, 2018 11:53 am

It's worth keeping in mind that many club sites have some smaller pitches that are not included in the website booking process. So if a site shows its full and you have a small van , say 5.5metres or less, it's worth phoning the site to see. When we had the Nuevo we got on Lady Margaret site at Chirk (one site that is usually fully booked) after phoning direct because they had a small area set in the trees with 5 small pitches not included in their website figures.

by MelB Sat Feb 17, 2018 12:15 pm

Paulmold has explained more fully and similarly I have had no problems with the C&CC. We consider the 60 yr old 25% discount a bargain for the main sites but more often than not we to use the much cheaper CL & TC sites. However, its the MH section Waggoners we use the most for its price, excellent venues, on-site functions and the homely friendliness of other like-minded motorhomers. The facilities can be basic but in our case its worth every penny.

by Askit Sat Feb 17, 2018 1:01 pm

RML wrote:
Askit wrote: We’ve been members of both organisations (don’t think of them as clubs) since we started motorhoming nearly 3 years ago. We use them for about half of our stays on sites with the other half being on commercial parks. The key for us are the locations and we like to go where some of the club sites are. Off peak for us on concession (referenced by others) the CCC can be a cost effective option but, generally, I don’t think either can be considered cheap. Having said that, a commercial site in the Lakes was quoting over £40 a night last year.

We don’t have any problems with the rules and have yet to encounter unfriendly or unhelpful wardens (although everybody is entitled to an off day, right ). I have seen wardens doing their jobs and being subjected to, what I consider, unacceptable abuse. The closing of toilets for cleaning around the late morning departure time is an irritation but I guess it’s to ensure those arriving are met with clean facilities. The rules are well publicised, and mostly for the comfort of the majority, if you have a problem with them then don’t join either organisation. They suit us so we will renew our membership of both this year.

Meant to add, we’ve never been allocated a pitch in advance by either club and have been offered a choice of those available. Conversely, almost all commercial sites have allocated a pitch when we’ve booked in advance although some have offered a swop if we were unhappy and other pitches were free.

That's me told off then..

Rich..

Apologies if it sounded like that or you thought that was my intention, because it wasn’t. I was only relating our experience of staying on club and commercial sites over the last three years as others have done up!

by RML Sat Feb 17, 2018 3:12 pm

Askit wrote:
RML wrote:
Askit wrote: We’ve been members of both organisations (don’t think of them as clubs) since we started motorhoming nearly 3 years ago. We use them for about half of our stays on sites with the other half being on commercial parks. The key for us are the locations and we like to go where some of the club sites are. Off peak for us on concession (referenced by others) the CCC can be a cost effective option but, generally, I don’t think either can be considered cheap. Having said that, a commercial site in the Lakes was quoting over £40 a night last year.

We don’t have any problems with the rules and have yet to encounter unfriendly or unhelpful wardens (although everybody is entitled to an off day, right ). I have seen wardens doing their jobs and being subjected to, what I consider, unacceptable abuse. The closing of toilets for cleaning around the late morning departure time is an irritation but I guess it’s to ensure those arriving are met with clean facilities. The rules are well publicised, and mostly for the comfort of the majority, if you have a problem with them then don’t join either organisation. They suit us so we will renew our membership of both this year.

Meant to add, we’ve never been allocated a pitch in advance by either club and have been offered a choice of those available. Conversely, almost all commercial sites have allocated a pitch when we’ve booked in advance although some have offered a swop if we were unhappy and other pitches were free.

That's me told off then..

Rich..
Apologies if it sounded like that or you thought that was my intention, because it wasn’t. I was only relating our experience of staying on club and commercial sites over the last three years as others have done

.,....no problem..
Rich..

by Rolyan Fri Mar 02, 2018 4:42 pm

Paulmold wrote:Just to correct Frank's post- the C&CC only has a minimum 3 night stay at certain sites (the most popular ones in popular areas) and only in high season.

Having joined the C&CC in my excitement at my van coming, I’ve been surprised at the number of sites that have a minimum of 3 nights stay. Which is a real pain as we will initially be staying 2 nights; most of our initial trips this year will be Frid to Sun.

It’s difficult to tell, as I can’t find a way to search for those sights which allow less than 3 nights. We have to go though the rigmarole of trying to book a site, only to find out that we can’t because it only does 3 or more nights.

Ideally we need sites that allow 1-2 nights, and preferably have CDP. Other than that we’re not bothered. The trouble is, having not done this before, we don’t really know what we’re looking for online.

by daisy mae Fri Mar 02, 2018 4:59 pm

I am a member of both, I prefer CMC do not have to book, I object to paying a booking fee and always not knowing how much, what did me was at Sandringham last year, £28 for me and my dog. for one night, think that is excessive,I did just turned up, I don`t book.

I prefer the CL`s or CC`s one place where I go it is open all year and with electric it is £13 per night all year. cannot get better than that. no matter if there is one or two people. or how many dogs. toilet, water, elsan emptying, etc. ok no showers but as I use my own no problem.
I am in C&CC mainly for the RAC Arrival

by Peter Brown Fri Mar 02, 2018 5:26 pm

Rolyan wrote:

Ideally we need sites that allow 1-2 nights, and preferably have CDP. Other than that we’re not bothered. The trouble is, having not done this before, we don’t really know what we’re looking for online.

CDP?

by boxerman Fri Mar 02, 2018 5:29 pm

Peter Brown wrote:
CDP?

Chemical Disposal Point

Frank

by Peter Brown Fri Mar 02, 2018 5:51 pm

Rolyan wrote:
Paulmold wrote:Just to correct Frank's post- the C&CC only has a minimum 3 night stay at certain sites (the most popular ones in popular areas) and only in high season.
Having joined the C&CC in my excitement at my van coming, I’ve been surprised at the number of sites that have a minimum of 3 nights stay. Which is a real pain as we will initially be staying 2 nights; most of our initial trips this year will be Frid to Sun.

It’s difficult to tell, as I can’t find a way to search for those sights which allow less than 3 nights. We have to go though the rigmarole of trying to book a site, only to find out that we can’t because it only does 3 or more nights.

Ideally we need sites that allow 1-2 nights, and preferably have CDP. Other than that we’re not bothered. The trouble is, having not done this before, we don’t really know what we’re looking for online.

The information you want is here:

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

I'm guessing that you are looking at main sites in the high season and if that is the case, the CS 5 van sites should be a useable option. They should not have a minimum stay put popular ones will possibly be booked up.

The C&CC Holiday Sites allow you to come and go as you please so its worth looking for those in the magazine. There are plenty of commercial sites but watch the price.

by Rolyan Fri Mar 02, 2018 6:09 pm

Peter Brown wrote:
Rolyan wrote:
Paulmold wrote:Just to correct Frank's post- the C&CC only has a minimum 3 night stay at certain sites (the most popular ones in popular areas) and only in high season.
Having joined the C&CC in my excitement at my van coming, I’ve been surprised at the number of sites that have a minimum of 3 nights stay. Which is a real pain as we will initially be staying 2 nights; most of our initial trips this year will be Frid to Sun.

It’s difficult to tell, as I can’t find a way to search for those sights which allow less than 3 nights. We have to go though the rigmarole of trying to book a site, only to find out that we can’t because it only does 3 or more nights.

Ideally we need sites that allow 1-2 nights, and preferably have CDP. Other than that we’re not bothered. The trouble is, having not done this before, we don’t really know what we’re looking for online.

The information you want is here:

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

I'm guessing that you are looking at main sites in the high season and if that is the case, the CS 5 van sites should be a useable option. They should not have a minimum stay put popular ones will possibly be booked up.

The C&CC Holiday Sites allow you to come and go as you please so its worth looking for those in the magazine. There are plenty of commercial sites but watch the price.

This be honest, I put a random date in of the last Friday of March for 2 nights. Which I assumed would be low to mid season, but certainly not high season.

That’s good I for thank you, I’ll have a look now.

by Paulmold Fri Mar 02, 2018 6:13 pm

That's Easter weekend, of course it's high season.

by Rolyan Fri Mar 02, 2018 6:27 pm

Paulmold wrote:That's Easter weekend, of course it's high season.

Ah. That’s a problem with picking random dates. I’ll check a few more. Although I assumed high season was a bit like normal holidays, 1 continuous set of dates in summer. Living and learning.

by Paulmold Fri Mar 02, 2018 6:28 pm

Bank holidays nearly always have a minimum of 3 nights.

by rgermain Sat Mar 03, 2018 12:08 pm

Might be a bit off subject, but here goes.

Has anybody had trouble with emails from CCC not getting through? I can get them in spam only on my android tablet, but never any where on win7 laptop. CMH no problem at all, I have contacted CCC IT dept, and they were as much use as you can guess, told me a BT problem! This appears to be the only contact that is affected. I have put their address in safe senders.

Any solutions will be gladly received and thanked.

---------------
Richard

by Paulmold Sat Mar 03, 2018 12:13 pm

rgermain wrote:Might be a bit off subject, but here goes.

Has anybody had trouble with emails from CCC not getting through? I can get them in spam only on my android tablet, but never any where on win7 laptop. CMH no problem at all, I have contacted CCC IT dept, and they were as much use as you can guess, told me a BT problem! This appears to be the only contact that is affected. I have put their address in safe senders.

Any solutions will be gladly received and thanked.

---------------
Richard

Is this in response to an email from you, otherwise how do you know ? I can't remember the last time I got an email from them.

by rgermain Sat Mar 03, 2018 12:35 pm

Well it started with me not getting notification of my Eurotunnel booking last year, so this year I booked with CMH and got an instant reply.

I am not sure what to call them, they are not personal emails, just their marketing stuff/offers which I usually ignore anyway.

Thanks for the reply,
----------
Richard

by Paulmold Sat Mar 03, 2018 12:42 pm

I don't get any marketing emails from them , they do appear frequently on my Facebook. If it was confirmation booking emails then I'd be worrying.

by rgermain Sat Mar 03, 2018 4:03 pm

Paulmold wrote:I don't get any marketing emails from them , they do appear frequently on my Facebook. If it was confirmation booking emails then I'd be worrying.

Maybe I should just unsubscribe from their emails and be done with it.

Thanks
----------
Richard

by Traficlady Sun Mar 04, 2018 6:59 am

daisy mae wrote:I am a member of both, I prefer CMC do not have to book, I object to paying a booking fee and always not knowing how much, what did me was at Sandringham last year, £28 for me and my dog. for one night, think that is excessive,I did just turned up, I don`t book.

It’s not a booking fee, it’s a deposit. You don’t HAVE to book with either club.

Nora

by daisy mae Sun Mar 04, 2018 12:56 pm

Traficlady wrote:
daisy mae wrote:I am a member of both, I prefer CMC do not have to book, I object to paying a booking fee and always not knowing how much, what did me was at Sandringham last year, £28 for me and my dog. for one night, think that is excessive,I did just turned up, I don`t book.
It’s not a booking fee, it’s a deposit. You don’t HAVE to book with either club.

Nora

Thanks for the correction, yes it is a deposit, what I meant to say was, the price isn`t obvious until you get to the end, plus it depends how many are going units will be there and price accordingly, it has changed a lot since I first joined early 80`s, then it was a friendly camping club, but as usual money has taken over and it is big business now. but having to cancel, even exceptional circumstances you don`t get a refund in C&CC , there was someone on a site when we were there, who had to go home early, no refund and couldn`t transfer later.

I thought you did have to book, with the C&CC unless you just turn up, when I have turned up it is ok to stay for 1 night, if booking it is a minimum of 2 sometimes 3. nights that is what I was told by the wardens. when I go to Scotland, I will do it in stages, vising other areas on the way, so will be 1 nighters.

When at a MH Show one of the ladies on the C&CC stand, told us, site if only want one night just turn up, as she does,

I don`t book now with MH did with caravan as used to stay longer on sites, 2.3 weeks, now I usually do 1/2 nights unless at my usual place, as long as I like, don`t book did the first time and no deposit required and pay when I leave, these are the CMC five van sites, although where I go the lady takes 3 MH`s , she told me last time, come whenever you like I will always find you a place.

by Gromit Sun Mar 04, 2018 1:11 pm

daisy mae wrote:. . . it has changed a lot since I first joined early 80`s, then it was a friendly camping club, but as usual money has taken over and it is big business now.

That's the biggest problem with both major clubs Daisy - they are no longer what we would think of as a club. shrugg

It's a shame because both, and specially the C&MC offer excellent site facilities, and it's pretty rare to encounter a stroppy warden - in spite of occasional whinges on various MH forums. Arguably the best feature is that (in broad terms) you know exactly what you are going to find, as almost all sites subscribe to the same basic format. They are no longer cheap, but CLs and CSs are very reasonable if you don't need or want all the bells and whistles, and some commercial sites are very competitive.

What I do find surprising (speaking for myself and the boss) is how tolerant we are when abroad, specially in France, where some sites we've stayed on were pretty dire to say the least. Yet when we are at home we are far more likely to be critical of even quite small irritations. I wonder if others are the same?

by Askit Sun Mar 04, 2018 2:03 pm

Dave, we don’t take our MH overseas so can’t comment on sites in other countries. We stay on some sites here (UK that is) that could be described as “quirky”, with facilities that are right up to date, as long as you like things as they were back in the 50/60s Whistle1

I suspect you may be right on the fluctuating tolerance levels of campers though, with some who may expect 5 star treatment for 1 star prices. The “clubs” are what they are and, to be honest, we have said on more than one occasion that we would have liked one or other to take on some of the commercial sites we have stayed on to raise the standard. No names, no packdrill though snigger