New Website experience. Is it just me ?

Buckland
Buckland Forum Participant Posts: 2
edited February 2023 in Introductions #1

For years I have been wanting C&MC to take deposits on bookings, to stop people just block booking sites whilst they look for somewhere better to stay. Yes that is great for those that are looking for a last minute cancellation at sites, but I like to book my main holidays in advance, especially as my wife was restricted to certain dates.

So the C&MC listened... eventually, and it seems easier to get a site now.so that's the praise where it is due.

Now, the bad bits. The new website seems obsessed with bookings, the app is the same, but that is okay on the app as you usually expect less more condensed information. So I tend to sit at the computer or laptop to search the country for our next caravan break. Unfortunately the website seems to have a "Bolted on front end" over the top of the original site, which as soon as you land on the home screen says "Where do you want to book?" Well I was hoping to browse and read reviews etc, not instantly book!

I put in Norfolk, and got a map with prices, no names, just prices, I clicked on one and it turned out to be, Thetford Forest, so I clicked on "More Details" and up comes the app view, with no way to get to the original site details in a readable fashion.

So, back to the home screen, (by clicking on the Caravan and motorhome club, logo) and ignored the page and put "Thetford Forest" into the search eyeglass, and clicked on the link, and low and behold, there is the original Club site entry designed for computers NOT apps! So much easier to read, so much more information, a choice bar for photos, rather than having to scroll to each one, No information about, nearby sites and a nicely paragraphed "Why stay here" rather than the condensed app version with a massive map open to the right!

I have messaged the C&MC direct but no response, I did message them a few years ago about deposits and no response, so perhaps they listen but don't bother replying, here's hoping?

Am I missing something? Is there a simpler way to get to the Desktop version rather than the convoluted way where the web designer obviously wants to do away eventually with the old site?

 

Comments

  • DavidKlyne
    DavidKlyne Club Member Posts: 13,856 ✭✭✭
    5,000 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper Photogenic
    edited February 2023 #2

    Hi Buckland

    We have a very long running thread on this subject here:- https://www.caravanclub.co.uk/club-together/discussions/sites-touring/uk-sites-touring/new-booking-system/

    I have locked your thread to avoid duplication but would invite you to have a look through the linked thread as you may find some answers to the points you have raised. Please also feel free to add any comments you wish. 

    The information on individual sites as per the old booking website is still there but you have to search each site for details, on those pages there are also links to site reviews. Maybe not perfect but still available.

    David

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