Devon Valley Holiday Village, Shaldon, Teignmouth

Devon Valley Holiday Village, 8 days, "Galleon" chalet. Cost: £617. Includes option of an extra day at £42 and electricity charge on a card at £10. This was just for the accomodation, a chalet, so we thought we would have a nice place. In fact it was in a terraced block of seven. It was certainly not a chalet.

We had to park the car out of sight and carry our luggage up a steep path. Inside it was a substandard 1950's style slum. The walls were painted breeze blocks. The uneven floor made the fridge and the cupboards look unlevel. No toaster, but there was a smelly microwave oven. The cooker was dirty. Mould was around the edge of the sink. The ceiling light was hanging by wires. The old furniture was uncomfortable. The 14" tv only had a few channels. The stair carpet was ingrained with dirt. The double bed was only 4ft wide. The bedding was too small. The toilet was close to the bath, we had to sit to one side to use it. The pull-cord for the light was black with dirt. The shaver socket was not working.

Next morning we found that the breakfast dishes were greasy and the cutlery had fingermarks on them. Smokers stood outside their doors and we had to close ours to stop the smell coming in.

The support team came to us three times. Twice to fix the bathroom shaver socket and the light above the mirror, and cleaners to clean the cooker top and the grill. Plus, a man came to fit a cover on the tv remote control and replaced the batteries, all after we reported the problems. You do not expect to have all this hassle on holiday.

The whole building should be demolished. It is amazing that it passes any tests for use as holiday accomodation. Compared with the rest of the holiday village site, this block of dwellings lets the business down. I would advise customers not to book the "Galleon" style accomodation. Perhaps the caravans and other chalets are better; take your pick wisely.

We have just come back from our short break in Devon. This is the first time we stayed at Devon Valley & would probably stay there again. Our holiday was from 20th - 24th Sept 2010. We stayed in the Elberry caravan which had 3 bedrooms. The caravan was very clean, however the matteresses looked very old & the springs were poking through. We were given clean linen on arrival but I do feel that just a cheap toilet roll in the caravan toilet would have been nice. On our first night we had 2 blown bulbs which were replaced soon after a phone call. We were able to park right outside our caravan. There was plenty on the park to keep all entertained especially our twin girls that are just over 2 years old. Providing that you have a car the park is central to all tourist attractions within a 20 mile radius. The shop was a bit on the expensive side as well as the launderette. We paid £115 for 5 days but if we had paid £400 for the same place in July/August we would have been disappointed. We had 4 really good days of weather. This park is well worth a stay.

Loved our stay!!

Massive caravan, lovely views, loads to do on site for kids.

Only one negative is that it is miles away from anything. And if you do not have a car then you are stuck really. Would strongly recommend they provide a shuttle bus to entice more customers. But had a lovely holiday and would love to go back again.