“We stayed at Shorehills in Carradale which we paid £190 a night for. The property is classed as a luxury property and photos look lovely. However we didn’t have a decent night sleep due to creaky beds, broken beds and cot mattress used on a single bed so didnt even fit the bed. Even though owner has now decided to replace the beds after our complaint Cottages.com thinks we should have given them the opportunity to replace them whilst we were there! Even though they were fully aware that a bed was broken and a mattress didn’t fit. We had already contacted them about another issue and was advised that they didn’t live in the area and took 3 days to address this issue. Holiday cottages, whilst quite happy to take our money and commission but suddenly are now saying they are only the booking agents and really washing their hands of our situation
We book a couple of holidays a year with them but know where we stand now so won’t be using them again”
“We booked a Holiday in a Flat called The Castle in Ramsgate, From the 11th February 2024 for one week. This was for my Wife's 70th Birthday, we booked it through Booking.com, who booked it through Cottages.com . The asking price was £485 for the week, plus we paid £32 cancellation insurance through Booking.com . In total we paid the full amount of £517 . We were then informed by Booking.com that our holiday booking was Confirmed , so we were all set to go on our Ramsgate Holiday . About a week later Emma from Cottages.com contacted us, and told us that our holiday had been cancelled by the owner of the castle flat, as they said we'd not paid enough money and they wanted more like £600. My Wife and Myself were gutted and terribly dissapointed as this was for her 70th Birthday. Emma said it was the owner that cancelled our holiday, and she would sort it with Booking.com to return our money. We got a message from Booking.com and they returned the £485, but not the £32 insurance which was not used,as we had it cancelled by the owner, not us . ON my Wife's Birthday, 10th February 2024, i was contacted by Val at Ramsgate, who was originally going to give us access to The Castle Flat. I explained that we couldn't come, as the owner had CANCELLED our Holiday. She replied saying she know's the owner well, and has done for Years. And she said the owner would never do that, she would never cancel a customers holiday, even if she lost money over it. She contacted the owner , and the owner said she hadn't cancelled our holiday, and didn't know anything about this. So please be cautious when Booking The Castle Flat in Ramsgate, through Cottages.com, or Booking.com. Because like us you may be very upset, it cost us £32 insurance for nothing, and Completely RUINED MY WIFE'S 70th BIRTHDAY. Yours Truly Stuart Brooks of Nuneaton.”
“Avoid this company at all costs. Stayed in a cottage which I would classify as potentially dangerous, exposed mains electrics, mould in the property, damp. Complained to cottages.com and they responded by re-letting the property to another family, who had similar complaints. Asked for full refund which was ignored. Further emails sent - ignored. Requested information required to commence legal action - ignored. Now feel duty bound to raise this issue publicly.”
“Rented an apartment in Saunton-no mention of 33 steps from car park down to apartment and back up even though asked on booking! Not in the “need to know “ information- Can’t speak to a human just “chat””
“Extremely poor experience. I feel cheated and lied to. They agreed to rearrange dates due to weather warnings and dangerous driving conditions. When it comes to the dates being rearranged, they outright refused and used the excuse that I did not contact them, even though I contacted the specific person I was directed to contact. AVOID USING THIS COMPANY. It is immoral, misleading and passing the blame to anyone but themselves, even though I was made aware they were aware of the situation. I'm now out of pocket £400 and we will have no break/holiday this year.”
“Upon our arrival, the holiday accommodation was disgustingly unclean. After requesting cleaning supplies, we spent the next 90 minutes scrubbing away. The first night was a nightmare, as my bed was infested with both human and animal hairs. I suffered from constant itching and spent most of the night awake. I couldn't help but wonder if I was sharing my bed with unwanted visitors. As a result, I felt terrible the next day, and the second night was no better as I endured the same incessant itching. Eventually, we decided to cut our holiday short and departed the following day. I filed a complaint with cottages.com, but they have yet to respond even after 32 days. It is shameful that they cannot even take the time to acknowledge my concerns.”
“Arrived after 10hrs travel, no heating, no hot water. Cupboards hanging off, damp on walls, bathroom mouldy, carpets not hoovered, beds full of hairs,both human and animal. Pluggins in every room to cover the awful smell. Fridge disgusting, no freezer door so all iced up and dirty, oven greasy and dirty, dishwasher stank so bad, filter obviously never been cleaned, crockery all dirty, had to wash a glass before use, even washing up bowl was dirty. Called, could not be helped that night. Went to office next morning.Maintenance guys came to look at heating, saw the state of the place, suggested we ask to be moved which we did. Was stiffly helped as if it was my fault and was just being difficult. Had to wait until after 3, call and pay for own taxi to move all luggage. Moved to nu holme which was over £100 cheaper per week but when asked them to refund the difference was told was my own choice to move. Had to still stay in cottage for the 3 weeks so lost over £300. Several calls to speak to a manager, until now not available. Have had no call back. Thoroughly disgusted and actually hurt that this can still happen. I was too nice and it got me walked over by a big company. Would recommend anyone to first look at Cumbria Cottages and see the sister companies before booking. Would hate for this to happen to someone else.”
“Stayed in Bards Barns - Troilus. What a wonderful barn conversion in an idyllic location, with secure private parking for 2 cars. Accommodation was ideal for family of 2 adults, 2 children, 1 baby and set of grandparents! Design and layout couldn't be faulted. However - there were some negatives; firstly the sliding window on the mezzanine bedroom felt very unsafe. Then the barn wasn't the cleanest I've stayed in. It appears the only cleaning done is by the guests before checking out. We hoovered right through as when we pushed the single beds together to prevent a child falling out of bed - the dust affected one of the children's asthma. Also hoovering under a bed and we came across a stray pair of underpants (not from our party I may add). The whole accommodation could do with a full deep clean and paint freshening up. The grout in the shower room was ready for refurbishing. The boiler in the lower bedroom did give off an odour Unfortunately there was cobwebs everywhere and also spiders so if you're not keen on spiders - this isn't the place for you. Finally - the towels are old so I would recommend you take your own and also you might want to take some spare toilet roll. This place could be really amazing with a little TLC and regular cleaning,”
“We had a fantastic week staying at Portland cottage.Mousehole Cornwall. The cottage is very homely and fully equipped . Helen the owner has thought of everything for her guests comfort. The cottage is a short walk from the harbour/beach , has parking , pub within a few minutes walk . We used it as a base to travel as far as Newquay, Falmouth & St Ives all are a short drive away. Plenty of shops can be found in Penzance including a large Sainsburys for stocking up with food and petrol. Would highly recommend Portland Cottage!!”
“We have just recently arrived home from a Fabulous Week at Two Peas In A Pod - A gorgeous Chalet in Aberaeron, Wales.
It was everything and more that we could wish for for our Wedding Anniversary Break.
Quaint, lovely interior with personal finishes and decor of the highest quality. A real Home From Home Feel. A fabulous Welcome Pack to greet you from the wonderful Owners Kaz & Rob. It truly was a magical hidden gem in a gorgeous coastal village. Only a ten minute walk to the Sea and right outside on the doorstep a River Walk that takes your breath away. We can highly recommend and we will most definitely be returning later on in the year. Thank You.”
“Booked Colbridge Cottage in Docking. Beautiful characterful cottage. Spotless and just as described. Previous reviews had complained about the stairs and the church bells. Well if you read the description it says the stairs are very steep as it is a 19th century cottage and as for the bells they were lovely. So typical of an English country village. Slept well . In fact it was an owl that woke us up. Brilliant. Looking to book next Feb loved it that much.”
