Location: Bradford
Wanted: Retired couple want a week in the Channel Islands in a nice hotel, with flights, to do some sightseeing, walking, fine dining and relaxing.
Budget: £1,500
Thomas Cook
24 Charles Street Mall
83%
Agents were smartly dressed in uniform, and the store was bright, with plenty of brochures on display. It was busy but I was told immediately that I would be seen shortly. I was talking to an agent within five minutes. She was friendly and attentive, asking what we wanted to see and do. She admitted that she did not have great knowledge of the Channel Islands, but was enthusiastic. Both quotes were with Premier Holidays, for seven nights in June, flying from Leeds/Bradford with Jet2. The first was staying at Revere Hotel, in the centre of Jersey’s St Helier, for £1,193, on a half-board basis. The second was bed and breakfast at Grange Lodge Hotel in Guernsey’s St Peters Port, for £1,013.
Hays Travel
Kirkgate Centre
81%
Staff were all in uniform, and I was greeted immediately. The agent was friendly and enthusiastic as we looked at hotel options in the brochure. I was given a quote for a seven-night holiday with Premier Holidays, flying from Leeds/Bradford with Jet2 in September. It was at Somerville Hotel, St Aubin, Jersey, on a bed-and-breakfast basis for £1,682. The four-star hotel had an indoor pool, bar and restaurant. I was made to feel important throughout my visit as the agent listened and treated me extremely well.
Wallace Arnold Travel
20 Ivegate
57%
The shop looked rather dowdy and staff uniforms were dull. I was greeted as I entered, and the agent studied a brochure to give me options. I was given a compliment slip with the agent’s name and quotation, as I could only receive a printed confirmation once a holiday had been booked. The agent demonstrated little knowledge of the destination and only read from the brochure. Both quotations were with Shearings for seven nights in June, flying from Leeds/Bradford with Jet2. The first was Jersey’s Norfolk Hotel (£1,606) and the second was Guernsey’s Pandora Hotel (£1,648).
Winning agent
Lyndsey Bannister, assistant manager
“We do get asked about the Channel Islands quite regularly but not every week. I have not been there but I had some knowledge, as I like to learn with our online quizzes and training. Going to Jersey or Guernsey feels like you’re having a holiday overseas.”
Verdict
It was close between Thomas Cook and Hays, as both agents offered great service and attentiveness. Thomas Cook offered two quotes within budget, while Hays just had one which was slightly over. The experience in Wallace Arnold was adequate.