ACSI - had it's day? (1 Viewer)

[Bucket]

After renewing my subs and receiving the 2021 campsites books I settled down to transfer my own notes last night (well, have to do something during lockdown!).
I started with Southern Europe book (2) and was little surprised to see they were over 400 fewer French campsites listed compared with 2020. Alerted I compared the rest; Other countries didn't fare so badly but overall there's 550 fewer sites listed this year.
Ok, so overall there's still near on 2900 listings, still plenty but that's a big percentage decline.
I'm not complaining yet, even with lockdown restrictions I was able to more than cover my subs with campsite discounts in 2020. However in recent years I have found some of the supposed savings are in reality an offer the site makes to any camper, plus the quality of the sites varies enormously and begs the question whether the ACSI system is starting to lose it's luster?

 

[Richard n Ann]

After renewing my subs and receiving the 2021 campsites books I settled down to transfer my own notes last night (well, have to do something during lockdown!).
I started with Southern Europe book (2) and was little surprised to see they were over 400 fewer French campsites listed compared with 2020. Alerted I compared the rest; Other countries didn't fare so badly but overall there's 550 fewer sites listed this year.
Ok, so overall there's still near on 2900 listings, still plenty but that's a big percentage decline.
I'm not complaining yet, even with lockdown restrictions I was able to more than cover my subs with campsite discounts in 2020. However in recent years I have found some of the supposed savings are in reality an offer the site makes to any camper, plus the quality of the sites varies enormously and begs the question whether the ACSI system is starting to lose it's luster?

I think so. The price of sites going up by 1€ every year will soon kill it too. We're members but I think will cancel the renewal later in the year.

Don't leave it until December to cancel if you have DD or card payments set up, last year people were complaining ACSI said it was too late to cancel and took the payment anyway.

 

[LesW]

When we first started motorhoming in early 2017, I tended to use campsites simply because that's what I was used to after touring Europe with a motorbike and tent, ACSI seemed like a good Idea for moho touring.

As time went on we 'discovered' aires and suchlike to the extent that during our last European tour of nine weeks in 2019, we used only four sites, and that was because they were where we wanted to be (Annecy, Innsbruk, for instance).

I probably won't bother with ACSI, (whenever we can get out) as there are so many great aire type places to be found.

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[busby]

It can pay for itself in three or four nights,,price doesn't break the bank so I will carry on..BUSBY.

 

[mapman]

It can pay for itself in three or four nights,,price doesn't break the bank so I will carry on..BUSBY.

Agreed. If you regularly use sites rather than aires and especially if you tour in the “shoulder” periods either side of summer school holidays (which we do) then ACSI easily pays for itself.

 

[Lenny HB]

I've bought it on & off only once or twice has it ever paid for its self & then only just covered the cost.

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[Polar bear]

I buy it every year but cannot see the point in buying 2021 as we may not be able to cross channel anyway .

 

[Jaws]

Cancelled it this year.. first time since about 2006
Prices gong up I can understand, but when the ACSI price is higher than we are offered at sites enough is enough

 

[Richard n Ann]

Is britstops still going? That's another one that got greedy. IMO

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[Bucket]

Another reason for my scepticism is the discovery that entries are written by the sites themselves rather than ACSI's own inspectors.
It's a shame really because the concept is basically sound.

 

[Spriddler]

When we first started motorhoming in early 2017, I tended to use campsites simply because that's what I was used to after touring Europe with a motorbike and tent, ACSI seemed like a good Idea for moho touring.

As time went on we 'discovered' aires and suchlike to the extent that during our last European tour of nine weeks in 2019, we used only four sites, and that was because they were where we wanted to be (Annecy, Innsbruk, for instance).

I probably won't bother with ACSI, (whenever we can get out) as there are so many great aire type places to be found.

An identical situation to me. I also bought the book after many years of m/biking camping tours when I never failed to get a pitch as even if they looked to be 'full' sites could always find room for a m/bike and pup tent. After I bought the m/h I have pulled into sites on spec and without prior reference to the ACSI book, just as as I did with the m/bike before joining ACSI and just asked at Reception upon arrival if they 'did' ACSI discounts.
I won't be renewing as when I can go 'over there' again I won't be using the book and the last thing on my mind will be saving a few quid on pitch fees.

 

[Ivory55]

We have used acsi many times in the past but in the current situation I cannot see us going over the channel anytime soon.

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[wiljoy]

In the early days Camping Cheque were the ideal way to tour. As time went on they to fell out of favour with high prices and lack of sites accepting them. Its far to easy now to find and book through mobile devices and offers from the sites are generally better than our ACSI card.o

 

[Landy Andy]

It’s way past it’s best. Haven’t bothered with it for the last 2 years, and don’t miss it.

 

[The Coops]

It boils down to where you want to stop/are forced to stop¬! Three days in Delft discount pays for the membership over the non membership fees saving you £40 per year plus all the sites in Spain and France at least you get an honest feedback unlike the C and CC club!

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[Purple2]

A week at Cofton in Dawlish paid for mine. I would have gone there anyway

 

[Charlie57]

Don't leave it until December to cancel if you have DD or card payments set up, last year people were complaining ACSI said it was too late to cancel and took the payment anyway.

Cancel the Direct Debit at your bank or if they take the payment after you have requested cancellation call the bank and get the payment refunded immediately.

 

[chaser]

Yeah our experience as well, we had it 2010 and 11 when we were useing sites, and for what it cost the book was almost worth the cost, for finding sites, but with a bit more experience into Aires and stuff as well as the thing that put the final nail into it was drawing up at a site in st Maxime and there was a sign outside the gate with lower prices than was in the book.
Not had it since but still have the books for finding occasional sites if we need to do some washing or something.
For anyone who hasn't been yet , I would say yes, get it but once is enough.

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[Viennese]

ACSI's not expensive, (around £14) so not worth cancelling. I told the Britstop man several years ago that his WAS too expensive (£31.60) and why didn't he reduce the very high production quality. Cheaper paper etc could lower the cost to members, but he wasn't interested. I have never bought it as a result, but my nephew's pub is in it. However, he will take anyone, not limited to Britstoppers.

 

[chaser]

ACSI's not expensive, (around £14) so not worth cancelling. I told the Britstop man several years ago that his WAS too expensive (£31.60) and why didn't he reduce the very high production quality. Cheaper paper etc could lower the cost to members, but he wasn't interested. I have never bought it as a result, but my nephew's pub is in it. However, he will take anyone, not limited to Britstoppers.

Yeah, britstops was modelled on France passion, but without anywhere near the variety or number of places to stop, and most of the pubs you can stay at anyway without being a member.
But saying that anyone new to France would benefit from France passion, just to stay at real french places.

 

[John Barrett]

Has anyone tried to buy an ACSI Card lately? I've been going around in circles on their site, it won't recognise Visa or Mastercard so I can't pay. I am signed in to my account.

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[Bucket]

Has anyone tried to buy an ACSI Card lately? I've been going around in circles on their site, it won't recognise Visa or Mastercard so I can't pay. I am signed in to my account.

That is strange.
We renew using a CC that doesn't charge for Euro's, in this case Halifax Clarity which is mastercard.