When we decided to spend four nights at the Shoreline Hotel in Butlins, Bognor Regis, we weren’t really very sure what to expect.
We knew all about the clichés but we didn’t actually know anyone who had been. So we decided to try and keep an open mind. And we were pleasantly surprised.
Yes, there were Redcoats running around the place trying to make everyone happy but as they were largely entertaining the kids this was a definite bonus. Of course, that is the main point about Butlins in Bognor. You wouldn’t go for a relaxing treat with your loved one, hoping to get away from the world, for the world is very much there in Butlins, and they’ve brought their kids. But that’s the point, because for kids it is great.
There are several free shows on throughout the day in the huge Skyline Pavilion, most catering for a relatively young age group. On one day alone we had talking robots, Bob the Builder, Fireman Sam and an Easter Egg hunt. Every part of the entertainment comes with a hefty slice of interaction and so the pace is electric. There are also huge soft-play areas and Splash Waterworld all under the same roof. Luckily we had some good weather and the outdoor sections of the park are fantastic. There’s always plenty to see and do.
So far so good, but how good would the actual hotel be? Again we were surprised by the quality on show. Having been brought up on Hi-De-Hi we were not expecting too much but the rooms really are terrific. Ours had a fantastic sea view and if you look at the hotel from outside it’s plain to see that this applies to most if not all of the rooms in the hotel. Probably the only real flaw was the service in the dining room. The food was nice and the staff was never less than helpful but there did seem to be a shortage of staff when we were there. Of course it was very busy and we didn’t have to wait too long but the overall look and feel to the Shoreline is so good that I think you start to expect 5 star treatment.
The whole trip was enlightening and thoroughly enjoyable. Any couple with kids and a scarcity of ideas about how exactly to spend one of the six weeks in the summer should definitely look into this. If you want a romantic weekend break on your own, then go to Bruges or Paris, but if kids make this impossible then you could do a lot worse than the Shoreline Hotel. Pack the kids off to a show, put your feet up and stare at the sea. You might even convince yourself you’re footloose and fancy free all over again.
Sarah Wenn
April 2008
Fact File
Butlins has some fabulous two night specials on specific dates in June with prices from £42pp per break based on a family of four (2 adults and 2 children aged 2 - 14 years) sharing a Columbus Quarters on room only basis but including access to all the live entertainment and 50 free activities on the Resort. To book a Shoreline Break call 0845 070 4730 or visit www.theshorelinehotel.com
See what Dave the Dad had to say about his visit to The Shoreline Hotel
And click HERE to see what our Members think of The Shoreline Hotel | 
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