“One of the poorest, most disappointing holiday cottages I’ve stayed in - certainly with Sykes - which is a shame because almost all of the problems could be fixed at no or very little cost.”
The property was dirty - the smell hit you immediately on walking inside and was pervasive. The floors were covered in bits, even the crockery had bits of food stuck to all the dishes and plates. The place was teeming with wildlife - cobwebs everywhere and daddy long legs crawling out when you moved anything. Basically needed a thorough clean - and clearly hadn’t had one for some time.
A few things seemed very basic - not even a bar of soap in the bathroom and only one poor quality loo roll to last the week (potentially between 3 people) - not up to Sykes’ usual standards and I would have much preferred a few basics to fancy wine and coffee.
Garden was overgrown and grass wasn’t cut all week, despite leaving the gate unlocked all week for the gardener (and apparently hadn’t been cut the previous week as the people staying there had locked the gate so the gardener couldn’t get in).
A pretty major downside was that it was blighted by road noise from the A1 which was about 50 yards from the rear of the property. You should state this in the property details as there is nothing to indicate this and the photos make it look as if it’s in the middle of the countryside.
Finally, my only request while I was away was where to find the key to the patio door in the lounge. I raised this as soon as I arrived and nobody got back to me by the time I left (even to say you’d been unable to find out where it was). Again, a pretty poor show.
So all in all very disappointing.
"After careful consideration & advice I have decided to respond to your feedback".
Following on from your stay, East Havers received positive reviews, one of which was from the departing guests the day you arrived, of the property being 'spotlessly clean', which made me return to your feedback and investigate your comments, to which I found no evidence to support all of what you stated. Your 'only' request on calling my agent was to locate the patio door key, regrettably this could not be found, to which my neighbour informed you of a new one being ordered as the lock is unusual, there was no mention of any further issues on your call. As I'm not able to attend the property personally, I consider my kind neighbour as being my representative along with them informing me of any problems. During a conversation you mentioned only 1 toilet roll in bathroom, this is the normal supply for self-catering properties, he very kindly supplied you with an additional 2, there was no mention of soap, my agent has since confirmed this is not supplied as a personal item and consideration needs to be taken for guests with allergies. Unfortunately, my gardener had recently been unwell and was unable to attend the property to cut the grass. East Havers is clearly map listed on the property description as being close to A1 some noise would be expected, should you have had any concerns a quick call to the local office would've answered any questions.
Property Owner