Mark Warner vs Club Med vs Others? Post Reply

[Abi_88]

Hi

I'm looking for a package holiday for October, for my 5 month old and 20 month old.

I've been looking at Mark Warner and Club Med. Has anyone knowledge of the difference between the two? I understand Mark Warner is British and Club Med french owner, and that Club Med is a bit more expensive, but a bit more chic - is this right?

Or are there other companies I should explore?

Also, does anyone have specific resorts they recommend? I'm looking for child friendly, not too far on the plane and still warm.

thanks you.

[darlingbabs1]

How weird, I literally just wrote something about this on a post looking for hol suggestions. Look at neilson, we love them, just back from halkidiki and have also been to fokai. From extensive research they seem to get a better rap than MW. I totally would not recommend club med after our trip to their new chi chi Egypt resort in April. As there were only 6 uk guests in a resort of over 500 we had a lady put in charge of us who was incredibly rude and unhelpful. When we complained the reaction was pretty much 'bof' and the GM made it clear they weren't catering for British guests. The ratio in the creche for under 14 months was 5 babies of varying ages, walking and non walking with one nanny! I was horrified as at neilson it's 1:2. They didn't supply a car seat for out son even though it had been promised in the uk (as had staff in the creche who spoke English and various other things that were not delivered). When I complained about this (our transfer was in an extremely fast minivan at about 90 miles an hour through the desert) the unhelpful lady who was in charge od us simply told me that the uk head office always promised things and then didn't deliver. Ever the professional! The whole experience was hideous, give me less posh accommodation and food any day. For mr it's the staff at neilson that make it so wonderful. Apologies for typos as I'm on an iPad. Feel free to pm me if you want more info.

[NurseryMum]

We really enjoyed Mark Warner in Greece a couple of years ago - San Agostino resort. A bit scruffy round the edges, but did what it said on the tin, great childcare my son loved, and good watersports for the husband, and time for me to relax by the pool in the afternoons - something for everyone! Don't think I could have lasted more than one week as there's not much opportunity to leave the resort, but we definitely came home feeling like we'd had a good sunny holiday and a break from everyday life. Good value too...

[Eclo]

Hi Abi,

I would definitely go for Club Med!

Since our 2nd child has been born, it's been our best solution for family holidays: children under 2 go to Baby Club and 2 to 4 to Petit Club. Both are creche with professionally trained and qualified staff. The rules they apply are the same as the one in use in French creches. Their opening hours must be from 9 to 5 approx, but you can take the kids out whenever you want, So...you can enjoy your holidays with you kids, and they can have good time at the Baby/ Petit Club while you relax by the pool.
When you register with young kids, you are entitled to a Baby Welcome package, so you'll get baby cots, nappy changing mats and small bath tubs in your bedroom. There's usually 1 or 2 biberonneries within the premises (rooms dedicated to baby food with microwave, sterilizer, fridge, baby food...)

Accomodations are usually very good and food is fantastic, both for parents and kids. It's an all inclusive package (including drinks).

Depending on the club, different sports are available and facilities are usually great.

I would personnally recommend Agadir in Morocco or Da Balaia in Portugal. You can fly there from Gatwick in approx 3 hours and there's no time change!
You'll probably find more British guests at Da Balaia as Agadir is a French favourite.

Feel free to post me if you want more info.

[bettina]

We have been on both Mark Warner and Nielson holidays over the past 6 years. I definitely prefer Nielson. The staff are more friendly and the holidaymakers are more 'down to earth'. The resorts themselves are slightly more upmarket than the Mark Warner resorts too.