You may remember we took a little trip to Butlins back in March for Lambs 4th birthday. It was our second holiday to Butlins in Bognor Regis, however this time we went for a term time weekend break, rather than a just for tots break.
My previous review gives an overview of the whole of Butlins, including our suite in the Wave hotel. If you haven’t read it yet feel free to take a look here.
I’ve decided to write this review as a comparison of the two hotels we’ve stayed in. The good, the bad and the improvements.
The first time we went we were given a room in the Wave hotel. I absolutely loved our room. It was perfect for us and would of been perfect the second time too. This time we stayed in the Shoreline Hotel. Although our room was one of the best in the hotel, it wasn’t ideal for a family with a baby.
Shoreline Hotel
As you can see from the photos the travel cot was placed in the living area of the hotel room. The main bedroom and living room were open plan and all in the main part of the suite. There was a separate bedroom with bunkbeds for Lamb to sleep in.
As Bear was placed in the main part of the suite we were unable to enjoy any child free time in the evening. There was no way we could watch TV or have a conversation. Bear is such a light sleeper we have to stay as quiet as possible with all the lights out. To be honest, this was a bit of a treat as we were able to have an early night with nothing keeping us up. However it would of been nice to have the option.
If you really wanted to you could probably squeeze the travel cot into the kids bedroom, rather than having it in the main living area. This wouldn’t work for us as Lamb is a nightmare to get to bed and would of woke Bear up.
For our family at the time, it would have been so much better for us to stay in the Wave Hotel which had 2 separate bedrooms. If you have a family with older children that can sleep in bunkbeds, then the Shoreline would be perfect for you.
The rooms in both of the hotels we have stayed in have been well equipped, clean and modern. I particulate love the mood lighting around the bed!
There’s a small amount of closet space (enough for mummy anyway 😉 ) and a little dressing area. I was really impressed to find an iron and ironing board tucked away in the wardrobe.
On our first holiday we expected to have bunkbeds as that’s what is advertised online, however our suite had twin beds. This was pretty devastating for Lamb, so when we arrived at the Shoreline to find his own little room with bunkbeds he was super excited. Especially as we were going to be there for his birthday.
The room was long and narrow so you wouldn’t be able to do much playing in there, but then again why would you? There’s so much to do in Butlins you only need to be in your room to sleep!
As our food was included in our holiday we didn’t really need a kitchen, however when you have a baby who drinks formula you at least need a kettle and a fridge, and the Shoreline room provided this. It would of been good to have a little kitchen area like we did in the Wave Hotel, but not a vital need.
Overall we were impressed with the Shoreline Hotel. Obviously I have shared my criticisms, but those are based on the needs of our family at the time. In a couple of years when Bear in sleeping in a bed, we would absolutely book the same room again and let the boys sleep in the bunk beds.
Until then we would opt for the Wave Hotel room which would suit us better.
As always, there’s a million things to do for the whole family at Butlins. Lamb fell in love with the mini golf the first time we went and insisted on playing again. Can you believe he actually got a hole in one?!!
He’s obsessed with all the £1 rides, even though there’s a handful of free rides, so we spent a fortune letting him ride a the fire truck and pirate ship. He also had several goes on the Jurassic Park shooting game, he’s pretty good!
We are so, so happy we chose to spend Lambs 4th birthday in Butlins. We decorated the room with balloons and managed to get ALL of his presents into the car and then into the room without him seeing. I think we deserve a medal for that!!
On his actual birthday we booked to have breakfast with Billy Bear. Even though he was pretty shy, he still enjoyed a birthday cuddle with Billy.
For most of the day he rode around on his new scooter wearing his Spiderman helmet. He couldn’t believe it when he saw the wheels light up!
His birthday dinner was amazing. The staff in the Shoreline Hotel restaurant were so helpful and even decorated the table with balloons and streamers! I took a cake in before dinner and when I gave them the nod the whole waiting staff brought it over and sang happy birthday to him. He couldn’t believe it.
Hats off to the staff. They really did seem to care, and made a huge effort. We were really impressed. Especially as they remembered his name after his birthday. Unfortunately I’ve lost my photos so can’t show you his birthday table!
Overall we had such an amazing holiday. For a family with young children, you can’t really fault what they have on offer. There’s plenty of places to grab some food and a drink. The daytime shows are lots of fun and the evening entertainment makes the whole family smile.
Before going to Butlins, I had this misconceived idea it would be, well, a bit tacky. But I was totally mistaken. The food in the restaurants is delicious and varied. They cater for babies with Ellas Kitchen pouches, and mock up a decent Cosmopolitan!
Will we go to Butlins again?
HELL YEAH.
~A~
*We were sent on this break free of charge as part of our Butlins Ambassadorship. Words and opinions are my own.
Hi – we have recently returned from our first trip staying at the Shoreline Hotel. We were extremely happy with all aspects of our stay and it exceeded our expectations. We will definitely be returning, perhaps staying at the Wave just for a change.
I’m not sure if you will be able to help at all but we have been trying to find out where the Wardrobe/storage units can be purchased – ours looks slightly different and larger from your pictures but from the same supplier.
Would be grateful for any help.