Holiday Award Reviews

“I rarely take part in promotional competitions but this time I was pleasantly surprised. I enjoyed it, and have played several times since. Not sure what I expected [from Turkey award] but it was definitely good, interesting and informative. The trip to Pamukkale and the springs and subsequent trip were absolutely fantastic, I would go again. The level of service was fine and the guide extremely well informed and interesting. The games are good and prizes mostly favourable. The holiday was also something special and I look forward to the next one.”

“I’d never played [a Purely Creative scratchcard] before. Different. Would recommend the holidays, excellent!! Turkey was extremely good. Good hotels and superb visit to Pamukkale and salt deposits on hillside. An absolutely splendid holiday and our bus driver was fantastic. My friend really enjoyed herself, kept talking about it afterwards. The Italian tour was really superb, great guide and good driver. I took my eldest daughter who has hardly travelled and she really enjoyed the holiday. Would go again. It was a really great holiday, really enjoyed it.”

“The holiday awards in Austria, Switzerland, Italy and Turkey were excellent. Better than expected. May I have more please?  Best aspects were the hot therms and amazing scenery at Pamukkale in Turkey and the food and accommodation. Excellent service from European Vacations.”

“Was a little bit sceptical and wary [before playing the scratchcard]. It was satisfying and relatively easy. Am perfectly happy and would I would certainly recommend to friends. The holiday in Turkey was much as we had expected but some aspects were much higher than expected. Hotels were all good and guide was excellent. The excursions were excellent. No complaints at all, European Vacations just as good as any other tour company I know of. This was our second European Vacations holiday award. In 2008 we went to Italy, which was wonderful, so we were happy to take the trip to Turkey. Much enjoyed.”

“Always taking part [in the scratchcards].  Italian Highlights [holiday award] superb – to see so many places. Turkey – fantastic country and holiday. [Memorable experiences include] meeting lots of people, coach and destinations. Italy – one day brilliant sunshine, 24 hrs later 2/3 ins of snow. Good value, helpful staff most of the time and the hotel standards were excellent. [Would play again] without a doubt.  Thank you for ‘Cash Card’.”

“Very good [scratchcards] I have recommended them to friends on a few occasions. [Holiday in Turkey] much better [than expected. [Memorable experience] was going to Pamukkale to see the hot springs and what they have done to the island. Service was very very good and the rep in the resort and on the tour was excellent.  My holiday rewards have all been great, we have always had a good time with you.”

“Wasn’t too sure that the prizes on offer [on the scratchcard] were not a “scam”. Being a competition addict I took a chance, and was pleasantly surprised at the outcome. They were really super holidays, well organised.  Playing the promotion was fun and costless. So what if you didn’t win? But inevitably you did!! I have great faith now in the promotions, and when completed it is so easy to claim an award. I’ve given several friends unwanted scratchcards, but don’t know whether or not they’ve made use of them. The accompanying friends I’ve taken with me when I’ve accepted a holiday have all said what a marvellous time they had. Most holidays far exceed expectations. Been to Spain, Tunisia, Turkey (and soon to be Italy in July 2010). The most memorable moment of my trip to Turkey was the fact that ‘Turkish Night’ fell on my friend’s birthday last year and she thought it had been organised especially for her!! We had a front row table and she was presented with a special cocktail by the courier. Her face was a picture of delight!  The level of service is top class! The drivers give good smooth trips, and go out of their way to show special sights on the journeys and the couriers go beyond the call of duty to be helpful – ending up by almost being friends even on the first day. Nothing is too much trouble.  A friend and I went on the cruise and stay to Spain in February and it was marvellous, especially the sailing there and back. The sea was rough through the Bay of Biscay – 35ft waves – but it was marvellous. We saw striped dolphins on the way back.”

“I was sceptical at first but decided that I would give it a try.  I found the experience very enjoyable – I have recommended the promotions to friends and family who I believe have also taken part. [The holidays in Italy and in Turkey were] great, much better that I first thought.  There were no bad bits at all and no problems the whole time.  [Memorable experience was] in Italy, to stand in Vatican City and gaze at the magnificent building. Also in Turkey the beautiful scenery was breathtaking. Extremely good service, always on time and a truly knowledgeable guide.  I would definitely go again.  I have been a few times and always had a great time. We always had good company and saw many interesting places with good history lessons from our guides. No improvements are necessary.”

“[Playing the scratchcard was] very exciting. [Holiday award was] much better [than expected] – Turkey is such a beautiful country. Everything was perfect. The daily coach trips were a memorable experience. The highest [level of service] I have ever had. No [improvements needed] – it was wonderful. We were delayed by the volcanic eruption but were so well taken care of. Our guide was wonderful – he arranged a 5-star hotel and kept us informed every day.”

“[The hotel was] excellent you can get anything you need. Everything we needed was there. Very good, excellent back up from the bar people. Always ready to oblige reception and management excellent.  The happiness of the hotel people and always ready to help out any ways they could. The greeting and departure was quite something.”

“Great! I felt so happy when I won something. My favourite award was winning the trip for two in Turkey. I loved winning this because me and my boyfriend were going through a lot and we really needed a break, this came in handy. Thank you for giving me this wonderful experience.”

“I have just won a fantastic trip for two for Turkey on [Purely Creative’s] behalf, amazing! [Purely Creative promotions are] simply the best, better than all the rest. This is the first award I have been granted with, a 5 star trip for two to Turkey. I am very much looking forward to the trip and am absolutely happy that I have won a trip to this beautiful country. Thank you, I’ll definitely be playing again.”

“I think the promotions are great; there is such a wide range you could win. [Favourite award is] the holiday to Turkey, it’s a great deal as most of the expenses are included including flights.  It saves me a great hassle. All the holidays appeal – again a great selection. Keep [Purely Creative] fun and exciting.”

“[Purely Creative promotions are] excellent. One of the best I’ve ever come across.’ [Favourite award was] the holiday to Turkey.”

“[Purely Creative promotions are] very fun, enlightening and kind! [Favourite awards were] the cash prize and holiday to Turkey. It’s nice take my boyfriend on holiday all inclusive for the two of us! Thank you. [The promotion] is great fun and has given me a good treat for someone special.”

“Best thing [about holiday award] was all the lovely hotels we stayed in, especially Switzerland overlooking Lake Garda, and Austria where we woke up to snow falling, it was picturesque. Liked visiting Venice, the leaning tower of Pisa and the Coliseum in Rome — all amazing sights and lovely hotels. We saw eight different destinations — very enjoyable.”

“[Expected] nothing [from the promotion] because most of these type of scratch cards are a scam. [Best aspects were] the hotel. [Worst aspect was] it was not close enough to the beach and not enough to do. [Service was] very good.”

“I was quite wary right up until I checked in at the hotel. [Participating in the promotion was] very good overall. Helpful when I contacted them with any enquiries and fantastic while at the resort. I still don’t know why we received [the holiday award] but glad we did. The hotel was very nice, we had a very nice apartment with stunning views. The whole holiday was unforgettable, the complete relaxation of a week enjoying my family, which was made possible by you. [Worst aspect was] on arrival at the resort, the room was only equipped with a double bed and a sofa bed, which was not suitable for our party. [Service was] very good. [Improvement would be] more consideration of allocating rooms to make sure bed wise they are appropriate.”

“Very excited. Very good promotions. The holiday was amazing. [Memorable moment was] the snake show. No [worst aspects]. [Service was] excellent. I think [the holiday award] was very lovely and we had a very good time.”

“When I sent the claim in I expected something fairly useless or trivial – but I like a surprise, so sent it in. It turned out a good prize. [My views of the promotion have changed] I think now ‘it could be another holiday’ so I do it. The accommodation was good, comfortable, clean, convenient. The staff were pleasant and helpful. The weather was good and Tenerife was interesting. All of it was good, most memorable were walks along the beach to a really good local fish restaurant. No [worst aspects]. [Service was] good. Can’t think of any [ways in which the holiday could have been improved].”

“[Expected] the promotion was for accommodation only. Food and drink we had to pay for. The staff were very helpful and friendly, meals were very good and the accommodation was excellent. The evening entertainment was also very good. My wife and I had a very good time. We had access to all the Petchey hotels in the area and the use of all the amenities. [Memorable moment was] Christmas Day! [Worst aspect was the] bad weather (very wet). Overall excellent [service].”

“[Participating was] very good. I now take all promotions different, due to the holiday. It was my 40th birthday when we arrived in Tenerife. [Memorable moment was] all of it, the staff, resort, weather, apartment. No [worst aspects]. The service was second to none, helpful, friendly, 100%. No [improvements needed]. Just 100% out of this world.”

“Very enjoyable [participation experience]. [Best aspects were] sunshine, relaxation, hotel facilities, i.e. restaurant in Oura Praia, pool in Oura View Beach Club, playground in Clube Praia Oura. [Memorable moment was] our meal on the steak night/kids disco. [Worst aspect was] the weather during the first week. [Service was] excellent.”

“We did expect to receive the holiday as the others were £25,000, car. [Participating was] very very good. The promotion was as expected. [Best aspects were] the room and the view. [Memorable moment was] seeing the view. [Service was] good! No [improvements to be made] it was great.”

“[Expected] 1 week in apartment as promised. [Participating was] very enjoyable and informative. The apartment was very nice in a lovely resort. [Best aspects were] the weather, the excellent attentive staff, the restaurant, the pool. [Memorable moment was] winning another week. [Worst aspect was] leaving. [Service was] very good.”

“[Expected to receive] a basic holiday apartment with few amenities. The hotel was excellent, all the extra amenities were good. The food was excellent and if we had wanted to self cater there were all the modern appliances. It was very good. We have not changed our minds and we would go again to the same hotel if we had the chance. There was plenty of entertainment and lots for children to do. The prices of the meals in the restaurant were so low we ate there every evening. [Best aspects were the] friendly people, good weather, evening entertainment and low cost food. Everyone was very friendly. No [worst aspects]. [Service was] very good.”

“We did expect to receive the holiday as the others were £25,000, car. [Participating was] very very good. The promotion was as expected. [Best aspects were] the room and the view. [Memorable moment was] seeing the view. [Service was] good! No [improvements to be made] it was great.”

“[Participating] was good. I would do it again. I have recommended it to friends and family. We all enjoyed the holiday. The apartment was spot on, just in the right place. We had no worst aspects. [Service was] great. Our holiday could not have been improved, everything about it was excellent.”

“[Participating was] very good. We enjoyed a lovely break, the apartment was very clean, excellent maid service, lovely terrace with sun beds with a sea view. [Best aspects were the] super pool area to relax during the day, close to the main area for bars and restaurants, trying the local food (piri piri), 2 mins walk to the great beach. [Memorable moments were] the super weather, nice accommodation, lovely restaurant, excellent food and good service. We have not a thing to complain about. [Service was] very good, your reps were very friendly and nothing was too much trouble.”

“I thought the whole scratchcard thing was going to be a scam. I didn’t expect to receive anything of higher value than the premium rate call. I was pleasantly surprised when I realised the award was genuine. [Best aspect was the] complimentary excursion including wine and cheese tasting. [Memorable moment was an] early morning walk along a deserted beach. [Worst aspect was] cats were permitted into the restaurant. [Service was] truly excellent, we were very well looked after.”

“Staff were friendly. Accommodation was high standard. Lack of evening entertainment (it was February though). [Best aspects were] the comfort of our room and the chance to meet a relative who lives near Malaga. [Memorable moment was a] walk and bus around Malaga. [Worst aspects were the] weather and no seafront available. [Service was] very efficient.”

“We were pleasantly surprised when we got a free weeks holiday (delighted). Your apartments in Tenerife were really good. It was so nice to enjoy your promotion. [Participating] was fun and different. We thought there must be a catch, but no it was a great experience. We felt very happy to take part in the promotion. It was something different and fresh. [Best aspects were] the pool, restaurants and sun, we loved it. [Memorable moment was] when the waiters brought out the birthday cake for my sister-in-law, it was great fun and a good surprise. [Worst aspects were] our apartment was covered over by trees, we like to sit out and have a glass of wine. Also, the towels could have been changed more. The service was good, all the staff were very friendly. As I said, we loved it.”

“I enjoy participating in promotions. [Participating was] very good. The accommodation was excellent. [Memorable moment was] just travelling around to various locations: Marbella, Fuengirola, Malaga. [Worst aspect was that] the resort was located quite a distance from the coast, a car was essential. [Service was] very good.”

“I was impressed by: 1. A phone call from your service rep before departure. 2. The fact that no attempt was made to sell us membership. 3. The quality of the apartment. [Best aspect was] the quality of the resort. [Memorable moment was] being taken ill. [Worst aspect was] having to pay cash for an ambulance when my wife was taken ill. It’s difficult to raise €300 in cash – it would have been helpful if you could have accepted credit cards. [Service was] excellent. [Improvements would be] better instructions on how to find the Oasis Club from the airport, accept credit cards for emergency treatment, instructions on how to use the coffee maker, washing machine and air conditioning in the apartment.”

“The expectation when entering such a promotion is usually to receive a lesser award such as an MP3 I would imagine because it is less expensive. However, the holiday promotion was an award which I hoped rather than expected to receive because my wife and I just love Tenerife. As an experience [participating] was a very simple straightforward procedure. Apart from booking flights we had nothing else to do. All other arrangements were expertly done for us. We will always remember our holiday in a wonderful complex (Parque Albatros) where the service, food, apartment and all facilities were excellent. [Best aspects were] the friendliness of the resort staff, the excellent apartment, the quality of the food in the resort restaurant and of course the weather. [Memorable moment was] a bus trip to Los Gigantes. [Worst aspect was] coming home. Superb [service]. Sorry, can’t think of any [improvements].”

“Really really great, lovely hotel. Lovely place. Very enjoyed it. Pool was great. Clean. People were friendly. The whole experience was fantastic. I went with my 15 year old daughter and she would love to go again. Couldn’t believe (the holiday award). Being one parent, it was amazing. Very professional. Very easy to organise. Helpful people on the phone. [Best aspects] were not having to pay, just having holiday abroad. Everything, the hotel, the facilities, the boat trips, shopping… God everything. [Memorable moments were] being away with my daughter. A holiday I couldn’t afford in a lifetime. Sea, sand and sun, being treated really well. No [worst aspects]. Very highly rated [service]. No [improvements needed].”

“[Expected the] holiday – most awards available. [Participating was] extremely easy and pleasant. Very simple to obtain the award and to then arrange the holiday details. [My views changed as] I realised over the expectation. Facilities were first class – expected a studio apartment and were provided with a one-bedroom apartment. Staff were friendly and helpful. [Best aspects were] good clean facilities, furnished in a high standard, nice pool and facilities. Nice views from room. Lovely setting on the bay with excellent facilities on the gorgeous beach. The weather!!! [Memorable moment was] the barbecue evening was an unexpected surprise. [Worst aspect was] having to come home. [Service was] excellent. The representative was extremely friendly and helpful. No [improvements needed]. Everything went smoothly and the holiday was extremely enjoyable.”

“I was given the award which was won by a friend who could not use it because of ill health. [Participating was] enjoyable. [Best aspects were] a free, very comfortable apartment and very helpful reception staff. [Memorable moment was] climbing to the summit of El Teide. [Worst aspect was the] noise from the planes landing at the airport. [Service was] good.”

“[Expected] the ‘smallest value’ award as there are most of them! A really worthwhile experience! Most/many promotions are for 2 people and this was for 4! [Best aspects were] 1. Lovely apartment with pleasant view. 2. Beautiful weather. 3. Indoor pool as outdoor one was very cold. 4. Very attractive surroundings: gardens, flowers, tasteful buildings. 5. Reasonable (in price) restaurant, eating early. [Memorable moment was] the views/scenery from some of the ‘mountain villages’ we visited. Very nice beach fairly near. [Worst aspects were] rather poor road, direction signs! Going wrong way in the dark on the outward journey. Rather long way, a drive, to supermarket. Plane was delayed, otherwise this would not have happened. We weren’t so keen being in a ‘built up area’. [Service was] excellent, no problems at all! [Improvements would be] a warmer outdoor pool! More/some areas to walk near Oasis Club – it’s all road, couldn’t even walk on very near golf club!”

“Holiday voucher was gratefully accepted. Very pleased [with participation experience] – especially with the service. I have every confidence in taking part in promotions in the future. Excellent accommodation in a good position. [Memorable moment was] the service received by your staff. Yvette Parker was very helpful and accommodating. [Worst aspect was] 7 days wasn’t long enough. [Service was] excellent. Adviser called 23rd December saying there were cheap flights from Bristol, called back Christmas Eve to confirm flights and holiday booking. Make me more offers.”

“[Expected] a week’s resort stay in Tenerife, as a promotional offer. We were offered the holiday and we took up the offer because Tenerife has such sunshine! We were not disappointed. We were pleased and happy to tale part in the promotion. Our views remain the same [since receiving the holiday award]. The holiday went without a hitch. Good flight from Bournemouth and excellent accommodation, marvellous sunshine! We do have many memories and we enjoyed them all. [Worst aspect was] the resort was full of steps! My wife found this very difficult as she has had a knee replacement. We were allocated a top-of-the-resort chalet! [Service was] good.”

“[Participating was] fun and rewarding! [Best aspects were] peace and quiet, weather, excellent bus services. [Memorable moment was] on arrival, apartment and site exceeded expectations. [Worst aspect was] hanging around in airport, especially as flight was delayed from Luton. [Service was] excellent. Not really [any improvements to be made].”

“We assumed it would be a holiday because of the numbers available of this prize. We had no pre-conceived ideas about the return we might obtain through making 1 phone call and then following up the award by looking on the Internet and being completely surprised by what was actually available to us! The experience surpassed our thinking. We felt the cost of the phone call for the prizes on offer made the premium call worthwhile. Our views have not changed, however we do look closely at promotions we have received since. [Best aspects were] excellent complex, super apartment, staff most helpful, grounds and public areas well maintained and spotlessly clean. Well situated for variety of eating places. Good local public transport. Good weather, not far from airport and transfers were excellent. Eating in complex very reasonable prices, good quality food. No [worst aspects] to report. [Service was] excellent via telephone and email. They answered any questions and double-checked our flight arrangements. We also received our initial deposit on arrival at complex. Thank you for the service we received. The holiday was just perfect – we cannot think of any improvements needed.”

“Wasn’t expecting anything so was pleasantly surprised. [Participating was] very good. We went out of season, so it was nice and quiet but still nice and warm. Good clean accommodation and friendly people. [Memorable moment was] the beautiful beach and the fact that our room looked onto it. No [worst aspects]. [Service was] very good. No [improvements needed].”

“I fully expected a week for a family of 4 self-catering. The promotion gave options and I chose the above option. [Participating was] quite exciting really, who wouldn’t want a free week in the sun? The staff were outstanding and I cannot praise them enough. They were all friendly, helpful and very professional too. [Memorable moment was] the help and support we received due to being stranded due to the dust cloud, no fly zone. The manager and reps were brilliant. [Worst aspects were] the weather wasn’t great and with the dust cloud cancellations to our flights it could have become a nightmare. The resort is too removed from local facilities. [Service was] excellent, great staff, great facilities, great food and entertainment. [Improvements would be] more excursions as the resort is remote and it was expensive to get to the beach/shops etc.”

“The holiday resort was lovely. My father entered the promotion and passed it on to me, but I would consider entering. [Best aspects were the] monkey park, local restaurants, Siam park, resort hotels and hot tubs. [Memorable moment was the] monkey park – holding monkeys. [Service was] very good and very friendly. [Improvements would be] better views from our room as we were ground level facing road/rear of hotel.”

“I hoped I would receive a free holiday. It was very good. It does pay to take a chance on these promotions. [Best aspects were] the apartment, everything you needed was in there, the weather wasn’t as good as I would’ve liked it. [Memorable moment was] missing our flight home – we had to stay another night in the hotel up from the airport. [Worst aspect was] a long walk from our apartment to main area of hotel. [Service] was very good. No [improvements] I can think of.”

“Cruise ship was the Costa Fortuna – excellent room, wonderful staff, sea was calm for 7 days, destinations excellent. Ship – wonderful, lots of facilities, staff very friendly and helpful, waiter in restaurant full of fun. Room was excellent with balcony, overall an excellent holiday. [Best thing was] visiting Venice, Rhodes and Dubrovnik – I’d go again, beautiful places. Wonderful!”

“Cruise ship Costa Fortuna was excellent. [The best thing about the holiday was] the islands visited. [Overall it was] excellent, would take another Whoopydoo holiday any time offered.”

“The cruise from was Venice to Rhodes and back on the Costa Ventura. Although this was an Italian ship and aimed primarily at the Italian market we enjoyed it very much. The food – very good. Entertainment – a real effort was made. A holiday to remember – now need to lose the extra weight!”