Parkdean Resorts has recently updated its accommodation grading system, prompting mixed reactions from customers, with some expressing confusion and disappointment.
Parkdean operates 65 holiday parks throughout the UK, including 13 across the South West regions of Devon, Cornwall, and Dorset. Guests frequently share their booking experiences in the Parkdean Resorts Complaint Group on Facebook, where the changes have sparked extensive discussion.
Previously, caravan grades were understood to reflect quality and luxury, with Gold being the highest standard. However, the updated system now categorises accommodation primarily by size rather than quality or age. The new grades-Bronze, Silver, and Gold-represent increasing sizes, with “Premium” options available within each category. This is a significant shift from the traditional approach taken by many holiday park operators.
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Some customers have voiced concerns that this change could be misleading. One Facebook user remarked, “Gold caravans were always more luxurious than silver or bronze and this was reflected in the higher price. This new pricing system is not only confusing but very disappointing if you think you are paying for gold quality and end up with bronze instead.”
Responding to the feedback, a Parkdean Resorts spokesperson stated, “Guests consistently tell us how much they enjoy staying at our holiday parks, and we’re proud to maintain a strong TripAdvisor rating of 4.2 from more than 12,000 reviews. Our accommodation categorisation system was introduced over a year ago to help guests find the holiday experience that best suits their needs. As explained on our website, accommodation is categorised by size rather than quality or age, with premium options offering enhanced features and higher-specification fixtures and fittings across each size category. All of our accommodation is maintained to high standards, and we remain committed to providing every guest with a great holiday experience.”
Despite this explanation, some guests remain dissatisfied. One reported booking a “gold van” but felt their caravan was comparable only to a silver grade, stating that staff informed them of the grading change and that no alternatives were available. Another visitor, who stayed at Sandy Bay in Northumberland, said they booked a “gold premium caravan,” but experienced accommodation more fitting a bronze grade. They were told by staff that photographs are illustrative only and that the grade corresponds to caravan size rather than specification.
In comparison, other holiday park operators typically base their grading on facilities and features. Haven, for example, offers six caravan grades ranging from Saver to Signature Gold, where size similarities exist between some grades but additional features, such as outdoor decking, distinguish higher levels. Park Holidays operates a four-tier system-Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum-with Platinum caravans highlighting private decking, en-suite facilities, and premium finishes. Their grading focuses more on luxury and amenities rather than size, with no size details prominently provided.
The revisions at Parkdean Resorts highlight the varying approaches to accommodation classification within the holiday park industry and underline the importance of clear communication to customers regarding what each grade represents.