“Yes, where do we start?”
First it should be noted that this relates only to the property and it’s Sykes description. The property and it’s furnishings are very ‘dated’, and we would question the criteria by which Sykes shows it’s rating of 3 ticks. On arrival we were met by the owner who handed us the key and took us into the building. (Previous properties had a key box, providing COVID protection). There was no NHS Covid QR code or hand sanitiser evident on entering the building. There was no clear information relating to items, e.g, heaters, a new combi microwave oven. This is a new item which can’t be used due to a lack of information. Sykes description lists nearby walking, fishing, cycling and golf. There is no information relating to these or any evidence of them. An information folder did exist but contained none of the aforementioned items. It did contain a schedule of smoke alarm tests, with dates etc, but this had no information in it whatsoever. End of stay information , e.g. instructions re laundry, keys, re-cycling. Fire instructions were only found during the week stuck to the top of the washing machine in the kitchen. The bathroom: one wall has a shaving light incorporating the electric shaver point on it above a mirror. This is fine for electric shaving, but for those of us who shave wet, the wash basin is on a different wall with no mirror about 2-3 feet away. The electric toothbrush can be charged from the shaver light, but only when the light is on! Overnight?? The shower soap caddy is not secured, keeps falling into the bath. The kitchen: reluctant to use cupboards due to ‘old’ smell in them. Sykes description makes no mention of the door between this and the adjoining semi-detached property which allows sound to pass between the two. In view of all of this, including a very uncomfortable bed, we were happy to cut our holiday short by 2 days and return home. This is the third Sykes property we’ve used this year, the others being Curlew Cottage and Little Westwards., both of which were excellent. Had Underlaines been the first booking, the others would have definitely been cancelled! Readers be aware. Sykes description of this property is undoubtedly open to interpretation. Words and photographs alone are not sufficient. We were very disappointed with this booking which spoilt our holiday and will welcome any discussion with Sykes! We will be very careful in our choices in future.
Thanks for completing your feedback. One of our Quality Assurance Inspectors has recently visited and discussed the points you raised with the owner. The photos online are true to the property and is line with a 3 tick rating. The QR code was available in the welcome folder which had been reduced in line with guidelines, therefore any additional information relating to appliances, places to eat and visit had all been removed. Had you contacted ourselves or the owner we would have been more than happy to assist with any issues you were having. Maintenance work will be carried out following our visit and after a very busy season.
Property Owner