Covid restrictions are finally easing, and that includes those initially put in place around the Center Parcs villages.
However, in order to help keep everyone safe whilst holidaying in the forest, Center Parcs have made the decision to maintain some measures they introduced when reopening after lockdown.
Having visited 4 times since the start of the pandemic, most recently during Christmas 2021, I've highlighted restrictions currently in place, along with some of the changes made to those implemented over the past couple of years.
I'll also share our experiences and tips in the hope it helps you prepare for your upcoming trip, or perhaps will alleviate any reservations you may have about going ahead with one.
Booking your break:
- Booking your Center Parcs break is as easy as ever, through their online booking system. For peace of mind, they are also offering a Book with Confidence guarantee. This means if your holiday is cancelled due to Covid-19 you will receive a full refund, or you can move your break to another date (subject to availability) with no amendment fee.
- If you simply decide you no longer wish to go ahead with your Center Parcs break, you can cancel or amend the date up to 2 weeks before your arrival day.
- The Book with Confidence guarantee is no longer offered. In its place, Center Parcs have introduced 'Flex Your Stay'. This is a paid extra which must be purchased at the time of booking, and will then allow you to cancel or amend your break without charge much nearer your arrival date. For more information, visit the Center Parcs Flex Your Stay pages.
Activities:
- Once your break is booked, and you’ve decided you do want to go ahead, I recommend you plan which activities you wish to enjoy whilst onsite, then secure your time slots prior to your arrival date.
- Guests can now book activities 12 weeks prior to arrival (previously 59 days) from 8.30am (changed from 7am). As some now have reduced capacity, it’s worth booking those you wish to partake in as far in advance as possible.
The Subtropical Swimming Paradise:
A major highlight of a pre-Covid Center Parcs break was the option to use the Subtropical Swimming Paradise as many times as you wished. This is now the case once again with the removal of the pre-bookable timeslots which were introduced during the height of the pandemic.
Pool Rules:
Many of the pool rules have also been relaxed, with just a few reminders to maximise safety precautions where possible:
- Towels are once again permitted in the pool area
- Hand Sanitiser stations are available, and you are encouraged to use them.
- A limited number of chairs are available around the poolside, but these must not be moved to any other areas.
- Showers and hairdryers are now available
Arrival, Check- In, and Departure:
Some restrictions have remained in place for arrival times and check-in processes at each village:
- Arriving guests are once again welcome from 10am on arrival day, with access to villas from 4pm.
- Welcome packs are no longer sent through the post. You are required to check-in online before arrival stating; all guest details, vehicle registrations numbers and bike information (if bringing your own).
- Villas must be vacated by 10am on the day of departure. All guests are then welcome to use the village facilities until midnight.
All Lodges:
- Complimentary tea, coffee, shampoo, and chalk for the chalkboard is no longer provided.
- You will still find a cleaning kit, toilet rolls, and bar soap in your lodge when you arrive.
- All paperwork has been removed.
Executive/ Exclusive Accommodation:
- If you’ve booked a lodge category which usually includes daily housekeeping, this will no longer be offered.
- In lieu of housekeeping, clean towels will be delivered to your lodge at least once during your stay.
- You will also receive a Lodge Replenishment Pack containing extra toilet rolls, dishwasher tablets, bin liners and cleaning cloths. Plus a sweet surprise.
- Games and gaming devices have been removed from all lodge games rooms.
- Saunas and hot tubs are still in use.
Restaurants:
- To maintain social distancing measures in restaurants, table numbers are limited. Therefore, I recommend booking a table at those restaurants you wish to dine at as early as possible.
- Walk-ins are now accepted at the Sports Cafe for both dining and drinking, and in the Leisure Bowl bar area.
- Menu choices at most locations are also reduced.
- Make sure you take a fully charged phone with you to all restaurants as some now require you to order online after scanning the QR code on the menu. Of the restaurants we ate at, The Pancake House and Sports Cafe were the two which used this system.
- If you don’t manage to secure your desired time and/or restaurant, many are now offering a takeaway option. Delivery times and food choices can be booked up to 4 days in advance.
- Some Children's Play Areas within the restaurants are now open.
Shops:
- Hand sanitiser stations are located at the entrance to all shops for your use.
- If you wish to shop for clothes, changing rooms are now open.
General Areas:
- All payment throughout the village is now contactless - no is cash accepted.
- Outdoor play areas and the beach are open.
- Hand sanitiser is available at various locations, especially near play areas.
The level of safety we felt during each of our breaks is a credit to the measures Center Parcs introduced. Most of the restrictions have now been lifted, meaning guests can enjoy the complete Center Parcs experience once again.
Well done Center Parcs, I'm sure we'll be back again soon.
For the latest Center Parcs updates, including an changes relating to Covid restrictions, check out their General News pages.
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