Name: Center Parcs De Vossemeren
Address: Elzen 145, Limburgse Kempen, Lommel, Lommel, Lommel, 3920, Belgium
Rating: 8

Shopping on site

Smoke-free property

Ticket assistance

Gift shop

Garden

Terrace

No elevators

Reception desk

General

Breakfast

Snack bar

Meals

Free Wi-Fi

Internet

Tour assistance

Tourist services

Barbecue grill(s)

Hiking

Barbeque

Recreation

Business center

Meeting and presentation facilities

Conference Hall

Business

Sauna

Beauty and wellness

Playroom

Children swimming pool

Kids

Pets allowed

Pets

Personal protection equipment for staff

Extra decontamination measures

Personal protection equipment for guests

Contactless check-in and/or check-out

Additional measures against COVID-19

Health and Safety Measures

Location

At the resort

Eindhoven Airport

Maastricht Aachen Airport

Center Parcs De Vossemeren

Lommel

We had a very nice family holiday here between Christmas  and New Year. We took a Premium 6-person chalet, which was spatious, clean, and modern. The setting around the lake was also very pleasant.  In the park, the main activity we participated in was the pool. It was a little crowded, and there is not really provision for actual swimming, but the kids loved the several water slides.  They also enjoyed the large ondoor playground.  We joined  a few of the free ranger activities  (local tours, cooking in the wild, bushcraft).  These were excellent with friendly, well-informed guides.  On the downside, most of the other activities were for an additional fee and rather expensive. The restaurants were overpriced and mediocre quality, and the on-site shop was also rather pricy.  There are several restaurants in the local town which were cheaper and better so I would suggest you try these instead. Overall I would recommend this place for a short stay.

Nice family stay

We have just returned from a week at the parc. We have done uk CP before but never in Europe. We are total converts. We were lucky with very quiet parc as most schools not yet on holiday. The pool area has great rapids and four fun slides. Clean and plentiful showers and lockers. Only upgrade would be heated floors in changing rooms! 

We loved the free nature activities - cooking and bush skills. We did badminton, mini golf and climbing. The farm activities were great - our girls loved donkey care, meet the alpacas and the small creatures. Animals looked well cared for and lovely staff. It was very muddy though! So take wellies! 

It's not a big parc but in very wet weather we were grateful for having booked a golf cart for getting back quickly after evening swim.

The free discovery cove was amazing - an incredible area for kids and free to use! 

We only ate out on the last night - frites affair. It was ok but pricey for essentially MacDonald's. 

We stayed in a VIP villa. The daily bread delivery was exciting and we took a slow cooker with us which we used for soup at lunchtime and meals on evening. We loved the sauna for drying swimming stuff!  

Shop on site well stocked but expensive. Go to PLUS supermarket just over the border in Netherlands. Well priced and great products. Their soup and meal kits were perfect! 

Brilliant CP

Lovely flat site, perfect for cycling. It is very like most other centre parcs in lay out and cabins. We stayed in a dog friendly cabin but was pleased I had left my dog at home. He is a food orientated fiend and we would have struggled to store food out of his reach with the kitchen having very little places to store food out of his reach.  As there was only shelves and no cupboards, as all plates etc were stored in cupboard. We had a golf buggy whilst there and it was great fun. Kids tried water skiing there and loved it. They enjoyed the water park as well as the pool. Excellent for active families. But it can be a bit pricy to do lots of activities. . The weather was around 20-23 degrees and not sticky.  We had a little bit of rain (not lots) one bad lightening storm which knocked the WiFi out for a few hours. The location is excellent and venturing to nearby towns and restaurants we had some of the best meals we have had in a long time. Also went into Germany to see a football match as it was not far. The staff were friendly and helpful, nearly all of them speak English extremely well. 


Excellent for active families

Although it is nice to have the park car free, i found it striking that the employee at the Park entry, either lacked empathy or doesnt understand that walking from the entry of the park to most of the cottages with two sleeping little children is really far.  If customer friendliness is not a selection criteria for this job, why have a human there in the first place. It would be cheaper to have entrance to the park fully automated....other option is to add extra parkings at far end of the park, or give electric cars for free...

The park is nice, but accessibility with little children needs to be improved badly

As always I’ll balance my reviews, but sorry to spoil the ending, this one ends with a bitter taste. 

For over 30 years, I’ve travelled with extended family and friends the various Center Parcs primarily through Europe. 

This was a bumper year and extended a week stay in Holland to enjoy an additional week in de Vossermerren, Belgium.  

The allure of Center Parcs in Europe has akways been the competitive costs, even when factoring in travel compared to UK Parcs, and even all these years later it’s still the same, but it has come at a cost. 

De Vossermerren isn’t a long trip from the Hook of Holland ferry, with easy roads and beautiful scenery. The staff at reception were welcoming, charismatic and charming.  A friendly welcome to a tired traveller. 

Indeed, the park on the surface was in line with the brand I remember so dearly; cool forests, easy walks all Centered around a lake and the forever inviting dome and tropical pool complex known as aqua mundo.  

The pool complex, for those familiar, has just enough thrill to entertain the family with the standard wave pool, lazy river rides and kids areas. Most Parcs have a special pool show piece and this one has the Monkey slide - a rather tall tower leading to a flume ride that turns transparent as you cross high above the pool. This then ejects you to a bowl which after a few spins lands you in the outdoor pool. You then have a choice to take the rapids or stairs to safety. As far as pool complexes go, this was probably one of the better ones - not the most modern by far but all the thrills in all the right places. For UK visitors, you’ll become acutely aware that pool regulations here aren’t maybe quite so strict as back home; you certainly won’t notice the tuneful whistle of the British power hungry lifeguard.  How can I say; risk is maybe more self managed.  

It’s a moderate sized park with 900+ cottages.  If you pick a cottage far from the center you really need to think about how you get about. Walking might not be a viable option and it’s supposed to be a car free Park. That only really leaves two options, the first being to cycle.  You can of course bring your own bikes to save the cash or you can hire bikes there for a reasonable price. The bicycles aren’t fancy and nor do they need to be with flat roads and cycle lanes should you wish to venture out. Option b is  rather more modern - you can hire gold carts which have become very popular. 

If you enjoy the water and a beach it might be worth booking a cottage by the lake beach. It was very serene using the beach but I can imagine in peak times it might become congested. The  other unusual aspect was there signs to say not to swim which is at odds with other parks. The irony was that the lake was shared with the water ski cable…. Where you must swim.  Are you allowed to use your own kayak here? I don’t know, but I did without bother! A nice packable free activity if you have the kit. 

Also on the lake was an inflatable assault course; albeit I’m not sure it’s open out of peak season.  

There’s a few options to eat on-site with the standard branded restaurants, but of course local venues a short cycle away. 

Before I get to the downwards spiral of narrative, it’s worth mentioning Discovery Bay - whilst the park is traditionally in keeping with holidays of past, this new feature is fairly impressive.  A pirate ship themed indoor area; this would have been a significant investment.  Probably aimed at pre teens, this area offers sand, climbing ladders, tunnels and water features. 

It’s with regret now that the narrative changes but I feel the balance has been narrated fairly so far. Now, being completely transparent an email was received about 4 weeks before arrival stating that from mid week, parts of the park would be closed; primarily the children’s indoor adventure. It was definitely not offered in the email as later claimed, but even if it had of been, that close there would be no option to change parks or dates with transport and leave already booked. Disappointing for sure, and a number of closed items were listed in the email. Why were they closed? Due to a business partner event. I’ll go in to the horror of what this actually meant and how it impacted hundreds of families stay that week.  

On arrival the weekend was relatively unaffected. However, come the Monday, the Center Parcs brand I has endeared and been so close to for over thirty years faded away. What this statement of closure actually meant would be a transformation of the park into what can only be described as a mix between a building site and festival construction. 

A business partner event? What this actually meant was rebranding the entire park to DHL to host their annual staff event. Please, don’t take my word for it, just google image DHL Euro Cup 2023 - that my fellow travellers is what Center Parcs de Vossermerren became for the week.  Large sections of open space had been closed in preparation across the park, sound systems constantly tested and pre event parties. 

At the centre of all this was the action factory closure. From the Monday of the week the giant hall that hosted pirate ships, bumper cars indoor adventure golf etc all became closed and instead was equipped with half finished lighting and sound rigs. Of course, travelling with young children these activities were just why we had booked this park. 

The full list of activities closed to accommodate DHL:

• badminton courts 
• table tennis courts
• squash
• mini-cars
• bumper cars
• indoor trampolines
• indoor minigolf
• Outdoor tennis courts

*The park by the kids animal area
*The decking canopy area by the lake

Was this an unfortunate clash of bookings? Not at all. Center Parcs sold themselves out to  a corporate in the lure of a significant profit at the cost to faithful families.  

Beyond the publicly available images you can find through google I’ll add some of my own to paint the picture of this holiday from corporate hall.  

So distraught with the position we found ourselves in I followed the guidance as per the website. I submitted my catalogue of misery via the web form to help them address what has gone so horribly wrong. Of course, the complaint was immediately responded to with an auto response informing me how busy they are and to expect a response in a number of weeks. Of course they are busy dealing with complaints. 

In the original advice email, what they did offer was 10% of a couple of remain activities! 

The bitter ending to the holiday was we were actually asked to leave the park earlier than usual exit time.  Why? Because the DHL event needed to start. It’s ok though, they generously offered an afternoon at another near by park (but only from 3pm (documented in the email)). 

If only that were the end to the insult.  Eventually the complaints team did respond to the complaint, but rather than an apology, a promise to behave more responsibly and considerably in future, instead they proceeded to argue quoting terms and conditions which of course were untrue - when I learned things were going wrong I preserved copies from their website and booking details.  In short, they closed the complaint and refused to engage any further. The most frustrating thing is they outrightly refused to supply further correspondence for me to start legal proceedings. I was absolutely convinced at this point that the complaints team is independent from the Center Parcs brand and rewarded for closing down complaints. Eventually when I postured that the complaint would now be focussed on their handling of the complaint they bitterly sent a gift voucher of just over 100 euros. At this point I care little about nominal gift vouchers and just wanted justice and acknowledgment of how off course their process has become.  The dialogue from the complaints team wasn’t just difficult, it was actually rude.  

So sure now that the complaints team are independent, I wrote the old fashioned way to Center Parcs eu to their three different correspondence offices asking them to review and respond to the entire experience. I know the letters were received as I sent them recorded delivery. 

The response? Nothing. I’d held out so long to writing this review with regret but having heard nothing over 4 weeks later I can only come to terms with the fact that the brand that i knew for over 30 years no longer exists. This is probably the most regretful trip advisor review I have ever written. 

What about legal recourse? I did contact my solicitor but engaging with foreign entities under eu and local law isn’t a feat that most solicitors are equipped for.  

Just keep in mind, when booking a Center Parcs holiday in mainland Europe, you’re not booking a package holiday, there is no atol or Abta. There is no complaint escalation process and no regulator. My only advice is to book on credit card for the protections offered… pay with their money, not yours. 

I’ve given up hope thinking that Center Parcs would have done the right thing and responded personally. My only hope someone in their leadership teams will read this and understand the damage they have done to the brand.

Obituary to a brand I loved

Overall: disappointing. We also started off well with the beautifully designed facility and the many plants and even some animals in the Market Dome, but we didn't really have to do anything. In the end, we didn't have to feel any more willing and were happy to drive home. In fact, both the children and we adults felt comfortable and happy. But then there were still problems in the service (forgetfulness, incapacity, and kindness, but telling the wrong stories, and then still making excuses because we were wrongly showered) and also at the site, but then we didn't really have to do anything at all. In the end, we didn't have to feel any more willing and were happy to drive home.

Disappointing, especially false promises, what you get offered

Back yesterday from a stay of 5 days, we are very satisfied. The children have spent a magical holiday thanks to Aquamundo and Discovery Bay which is undoubtedly the main attraction of the park! Bravo for this wonderful activity! Aquamundo is clean and there is no impression of everyone. On the other hand, the nb of our family cabins is too fair and the water just a little bit on the days or the sun does not warm through the dome. The (premium) housing is renovated, pleasant and well equipped. Some doubts about housekeeping (we found ourselves under the pizza and under a bed of previous business including a pair of glasses...) but also in a private canals.

Perfect (or nearly) vacation

Stay during the French holidays of the children, many French people in the area which is very well adapted to it. No anti-French as seen elsewhere. Many outdoor and indoor activities offered. Clean park, extensive but not too much, everything is feasible on foot in a nice setting. Pleasant staff. The cottages are renovated, clean. A very nice family time.

Family Green

We had a good family stay with a 16-month-old baby. Many activities are offered in price or paid but the park page explains very well before booking. The park should be much better in summer with aquatic activities. LAqua mundo is top, very clean, friendly staff, various slides and swimming pools are offered with children's vests, a space dedicated to them etc. The farm is open to everyone, children can touch the animals, everything is clean and it's a good time to spend with the children. On the other hand, we were disappointed by several things: we had booked a quick VIP cottage for maximum comfort, but on arrival, the payment was not so bad, we had to spend our own breakfast, and the room was not so bad... We had to spend the night in the kitchen, and we had a little more than 3 nights in the kitchen.

Have a nice stay with some reservations.

We enjoyed a lovely family break just before Christmas. The staff, facilities and venue were incredible. I particularly enjoyed the swimming pool and lake views. The cottage we stayed in was very comfortable and equipped with everything you could need (less washing machine). We were lucky to have a sauna in ours, which was great to relax in after long fin filled days. CentreParcs Europe is suitable for all ages and much cheaper than CentreParcs UK.

Definitely recommend a visit ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Center Parcs De Vossemeren

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