I booked this through the Sun Holidays promotion and after I read the reports on here I was tempted not to travel, however I decided to go anyway and I wish I hadn't bothered. On arrival the place was very run down looking, the reception was manned by two people who were run off their feet, so there was a queue. We arrived at our chalet, took one look and went back to reception. The carpets were filthy, your feet were sticking to the floor, the paint was peeling, the place was dirty - I wouldn't have put a dog in there to live never mind people. We went back to reception and straightaway they offered us another chalet, this one was freshly painted and had a new carpet, but still wasn't very clean. Budget means absolutely no frills at all. It was freezing and electricity was paid by card meter but you don't know how long it lasts. The shower cut out after a minute and there was no hot water. The beds were very uncomfortable, we had paid extra for bed linen and it was clean.

It rained when we were there and the place was totally underwater, we had to wade through the car park and got soaked.

The bar served food which was average to say the least, although the price was ok. It wasn't very clean either and the food wasn't very warm. We didn't stay for the entertainment because it was already nearly 9 o'clock and it hadn't started yet!

We left after one night because I couldn't bear the thought of staying here any longer so we cut our losses. I will be writing to the Sun and to Pontins to complain about the state of the place. I'm sure budget accommodation could at least be clean even if it is basic. They have let the place go to ruin and its a shame because if it was run properly it might be ok for families to visit.

I will never be back and I would urge anyone that is thinking of going to think very carefully and read these reviews and take them seriously.

Myself and wife attended a Jive Weekend at Pontins which was non-stop dancing.

The venue and teachers were excellent for this type of weekend but I would agree with other comments as regards the state of the chalets -- absolutely atrocious.

Carpets,curtains,wallpaper all needed replacing. Bed linen was clean but god forbid anyone who books a chalet for a week there with a family -- you'd be better off taking the garden shed.

When we arrived Pontins did look shabby with peeling paint, we had a short wait when booking in, the staff are very helpful and curteous.

We recieved

Having read other reports about Pontins in Southport I nearly cancelled my weekend. I was awarded this location via a Sun Newspaper offer.

I telephoned to upgrade the chalet to their club class which added various luxuries such as free electricity, microwave etc.

As I drove up to the site, my first impressions were not good, paint was peeling off the buildings. The sucurity guard did not inspire either. He asked if I had been before, which I had some 30 years ago, and he said nothing had changed since then!

We were a little early for our so we had a mooch around. Everything seemed clan and organsied, a large amusement arcade, a nice bar area and restaurant, well stocked Londis shop and a large entertainment area.

We checked in by a pleasant lady and we directed to our room very near to the main complex. It was on the first floor.
We opened the sliding patio door and in we went. First impressions OK, no smells or smoke or worse, everything clean, the bathroom smelled of cleaning materials. The bath was a half size but we used the shower which was a push button affair but worked fine.

No complaints whatsover about the room, this was of course the top of the range but we peeped into the other rooms which had less equipment but looked ok to us.

We did not use the pool but again it looked no different to pools elsewhere, but it was a simple swimming pool no waterpark slides etc.

In the evening there was an excellent illusionist and show by the bluecoats. It was very quiet but they did their best to create a good atmosphere. Plenty of plastic chairs but some people are too picky.

The arcade had a variety of machines including 2p machines for the kids. The restaurant served good food.
Some parts of the site were in need of refurbishment such as benches needing paintint and there was plenty of workmen installing new doors, and windows.

It was freezing so we did not go on ther beach but I imagine in summer it is one the best locations in England for a beach holiday.
Im summary give it a try, not perfect but good value for money and everyone we came into contact with tried very hard to please us.
Don't be put off by other reviews, we had a super weekend and will return.

Booked a three night break at Pontins in early April for Bank Holiday Weekend. Arrived at around 6pm and queued for a short while to collect key.

Room booked was budget and on opening the door found it to be surprisingly clean and new looking with a fresh smell of paint. However we were not able to stay in room due to lack of curtains! and having a teenage daughter. On returning to reception was allocated another room, half way around the site and began to move our belongings.

The second room (645) sadly had not been refurbished and lacked enough plates etc for 6 people. The second room had curtains but sadly no bedding. All crockery and cutlery was dirty needed washing and the only high point was that the location was a block from the pool and playground.

After my third trip to reception I was promised bedding straight away and it did arrive in just under an hour. Unfortunately this meant that the children missed the entertainment with Uncle Jeff and the nightly cartoons.

Swimming pool was very clean and had been improved since our last visit some years ago (it now has swing seat for people unable to use the steps) and has a children