Butlins Bognor Regis Review

Last May Bank Holiday Weekend we enjoyed a fun and relaxed family break at Butlins Skegness, this year we decided to book Butlins at Bognor Regis. 

But we didn't get off to the best of starts!

We arrived nice and early at 330pm and after checking in made our way to our apartment. A quick unpack and we set out to explore the park and have dinner. Later that evening, as we relaxed in our apartment, imagine the surprise when our door was flung open and a family marched in!

A confusing but amicable conversation followed, it transpired that that we had entered the wrong apartment, ours was actually the one above. The door lock mechanism was faulty, so it felt like we were locking and unlocking with our key card, but it wasn't actually locking properly. So with an offer of help from understanding Butlins staff, we repacked and moved upstairs.

Anyway, on with the review.

Location

Butlins is on the seafront a short walk from Bognor Regis, and an hour's drive from Brighton and Portsmouth. During the bank holiday weekend the roads to the south coast are extremely busy, so arrive early.

Score: 8/10

Cleanliness 

Excellent. The Seaside Apartments are new and I could not fault their cleanliness. 

Score: 10/10

Comfort 

Well equipped modern kitchen, picnic style dining table, colourful corner sofa, patio doors leading on to decking (bottom apartment.) Comfortable double and twin beds. But that's where the good stuff ends. 

An important tip when choosing your accommodation Butlins tries to appeal to all demographics, so choose the best you can afford. Don't book the Silver Apartments when you can afford Gold or Seaside, and complain about tired furniture and small TVs. Those were built years ago. As Butlins renovate their accommodation, the previous (older) furniture gets moved down the line to the older apartments. So they all get an upgrade of sorts.

Because of Butlin's late night bars and night club, our neighbours returned to their apartment at 2am, full of alcohol and holiday joy. What followed was an hour of kicking doors and arguments before they eventually passed out at 3am. I know that not every guest behaves in this manner, but alcohol and families with young children do not mix. So we cut our break short by one day. 

Score: 5/10

Staff

Check-in was efficient and I couldn't fault any others we came across.

Score: 10/10

Overall

Comfortable Seaside Apartments, great location, efficient staff and lots to see and do across the site, including free funfair and live entertainment. However, I will not be playing Drunk Guest Roulette another time, so Butlins may have lost us forever. 

Score: 5/10

Have you stayed at Butlins? Or similar? Or do you have another family holiday you can recommend? Do let us know.