
This Rare Breed is ‘At Risk’, as is the future of Farmer Giles, unless Tony and Mary ‘clean up their act’ and give visitors what they are actually advertising as opposed the reality of the ‘Farmstead’.
Recently our family from the USA stayed at one of Tony and Mary’s chalets on the Farm. It was not the first occasion, but somehow this time everything seemed so run-down, shabby and grimy. The Chalet however was clean and up-together but the stay was marred by the following:
1. The initial booking-in and greeting was terrible from the guy behind the desk, who miserably managed to make our family feel uncomfortable and very unwelcome.
2. After booking the chalet months previously, we were told, a little before ‘the stay’, that it had been over-booked, and Mary was trying to find alternative accommodation for us, but after expressing my wrath, she was made aware that this was not an option, although on reflection, it might not have been such a bad idea. This ‘over-booking’ episode, put us all ‘on edge’ right away and created anxiety when it was not needed.
3. The bouncy castle could have done with a wash-over, the rides should have all been working, and the cafe could have been more inviting and the in-door play area needed a thoroughly good clean. The excuse of – “Well it is a farm”, cuts no ice when health is an issue. It is just the lazy uncaring attitude which is prevalent.
4. When our family were due to leave, after cleaning and leaving the chalet in excellent shape, they had the cutlery and contents of the chalet checked and counted in front of them, in case they had stolen something. The point is, we had not counted everything before initially using the accommodation so what was the point? Tony and Mary had credit card details, so if there were discrepancies, they could be paid for. Why make people feel like criminals, when there is no need.
Although the kids enjoyed the freedom of the Farm and the animals, there was no ‘magic’ to the place and it seemed dreary as well as lack-lustre. Tony and Mary need to ‘step up to the mark’ and be less complacent, because, as far as being ‘value for money’, Farmer Giles is starting to look a Joke!
Neither we, or any of our family or friends will be visiting or staying at Farmer Giles ever again.
Uncle Charlie Giles would be ‘turning in his grave’!
This account will be posted on ‘Reviews’ of Farmer Giles. Google – Trip advisor UK Farmer Giles for more comments.