Beach Lodges & Log Cabins In The United Kingdom

Reviews

What our customers say about their holidays

• Carol - Verified booking

  My husband and I enjoyed our holidays away with Sykes and when he died three years ago, my daughter and I started going away on holiday together to a Sykes property at least twice or three times a year.

  Cleanliness for us, is so important and we always book a property that has a rating of at least 4.8* Harbour Lodge had a good rating, so we were shocked when we walked into the lodge, opened the fridge freezer to find food still in the freezer compartment, the fridge itself very smelly. Then we opened the dishwasher which was full of crockery and cutlery. We needed to visit the bathroom after our journey and I was horrified when I lifted the toilet seat to see it had been used and not a nice sight at all! I went to flush the toilet, but the handle was falling off and wouldn’t work so I took off the cistern top and managed to screw the handle back on. Even though I flushed, the paper wouldn’t go down and there seemed to be some kind of blockage. We left the cistern to fill and carried on looking around, feeling very disillusioned. We couldn’t locate a hairdryer and there were no usual niceties that we usually find in the cottages, like information guides of the area or games. Just a small selection of books and old DVDs. We read the small information folder for the property and it advised to ring the owners who lived on site at their farm, if we had any concerns. I spoke to the very nice gentleman owner and explained our problems and he said he would come over to see us, which he did. He said that he used to look after the properties himself, but since developing Parkinson’s had handed the letting over to Sykes. He said he had rung Sykes and asked for cleaners to come out to the property and he also brought us a hairdryer. We waited on the bench outside and it wasn’t long before a friendly lady and gentleman arrived to sort the toilet problem and I also pointed out all the dirt and fluff in one of the bedrooms, which clearly hadn’t been cleaned. They lady emptied all the dishwasher and put away the crockery and the gentleman said he had cleared the toilet blockage and got us a new toilet brush and holder. They asked if there was anything else they could do, but we just wanted to unpack the car and put the kettle on for a well needed cuppa. We said our goodbyes and thanked them for coming out but maybe we should have said yes to their offer. My daughter opened the cutlery drawer to find a couple of spoons covered in mould and the more we inspected, the more dirt and dust we found. We actually considered getting back in the car and driving home! We were pleased that the water in the shower was nice and powerful even though the shower attachment was loose. We both had showers that night, but the following morning, the water was cold. I checked the water and heating control unit only to find the hot water, which should have been programmed to be on all day according to the blurb, had been switched off, but the central heating switch was on. I managed to change the settings and all was well with the hot water from then on, using the Boost facility if necessary. I really am not one to complain and have never had to in the past, but this experience spoiled our week’s holiday and my daughter and I don’t think we have the confidence to book with Sykes again. I feel sorry for the owners of the property, as I’m sure they would have maintained it to a much higher standard themselves. They run a lovely little farm with such well cared for goats, ducks, chickens and guinea fowl to name a few and keep the grass nicely trimmed back and the surroundings well kept in general. I hope Sykes will take note of our experience and ensure that ALL properties are cleansed and kept to a high standard.

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• Ruth - Verified booking

  The caravan is great in terms of facilities and little extras (including a lovely sign, bottle of bubbly, chocolate, flowers and crackers when we arrived).

  The bedrooms and bathrooms are good and the main area a good size with lots to do (board games, table tennis, big internet TV etc.). Anything we needed we could find. The main downside is that it could be cleaner. The caravan is quite modern but is let down by things like hair in the bath, mirrors splattered and the floor needing a good hoover. There is a hoover there but it doesn't work very well. This is the main reason I wouldn't totally recommend others to stay there. There are also some DIY fixings which are a bit wobbly (e.g. we had to take one bedroom TV off the wall and rest on a firm surface instead). The other issue was that some of the key facilities we were excited about weren't available. The clubhouse and pool were closed for refurbishment which we weren't informed about. The host was very apologetic about this and gave us some cash as a refund. But this meant entertaining 4 teens without this variety that we'd expected. And I'd asked for the pool table to be set up in the main living area which it wasn't. One of the teens and I put this together which took about 2 hours (gave us something to do). We could then convert it into a full size table tennis table after 2 days. The hosts were friendly and accommodating (they live next door). So in terms of practicalities, facilities and comfort I'd say this is a great place to stay and base yourself. Once the main park facilities are open this would be even better of course. Just a bit more time on the cleaning so it didn't feel ever so slightly grimy would make this a really excellent place to stay.

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• Kenneth - Verified booking

  Excellent location and tastefully presented lodge, close to the adjoining Warren site where all the amenities are.

  Well equipped kitchen. Outside deck a lovely space. Didn’t use the barbecue but one was provided. Hot tub was also very good. Negatives: TV was a big issue for us as there was no terrestrial TV in the lounge and that was when we could connect with the site Wi-Fi, which was off more than it was on. We spent far too much time trying to sort this and on calls to Sykes who didn’t have the answers to resolve the issues, although they were helpful and kept us informed, to no avail though. Radio provided but that depended on Wi-Fi too it seemed as that kept cutting out. No instructions for any equipment, particularly the TV/Wi-Fi, hot tub, washer/dryer. This would have helped greatly. We noticed the shed behind the lodge was unlocked and we were unable to lock it and worried about the safety of the contents. No one at the site office to ask during our stay. Cleanliness was poor in the lounge and bedrooms, specifically the sofas which we found to have crushed biscuits under the cushions. None of the furniture had been moved to clean behind or under, In the bedrooms there were biscuits behind the bedside cabinets and thick dust on furniture and skirtings. Post covid particularly I expected a clean lodge would be essential. Bathrooms, towels, bed linen all very clean. En-suite toilet was cracked with a loose lid. The style and location of this lodge are its selling points and I would recommend it. We would book again provided the negatives noted were rectified.

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• Glenn - Verified booking

  What a fantastic lodge!

  Perfect location for visiting the lakes and only a few minutes from the M6. The lodge has everything you would need for a family to enjoy a holiday in the Lake District. The accommodation was very clean and tidy with all the facilities you need from a home from home. The site it is on is lovely with a great restaurant, bar and leisure centre. The staff are very helpful and really nice and the area is dog friendly including the restaurant and accommodation which is fantastic. The accommodation was really great and every bed room had its own tv which is always very useful when holidaying as a family. The kitchen had everything you need and there is a great dining and loving area to enjoy meals and times together when not out in the local area. The lodge is near to shops and local amenities so very easy to get around as the motorway and A6 are literally on your door step. The hosts had arranged a surprise for us on our arrival which was really nice and made us feel very welcome. Even though the weather was very bad when we stayed (nothing you would not expect in December in the lakes! The accommodation was extremely warm and inviting (perfect if you have older guests as we did!) The showers and bedrooms were great and the beds were very comfortable. All on al a fantastic lodge with everything a family needs. A+++. We would definitely stay here again and highly recommend.

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• Pauline - Verified booking

  Had a lovely stay at this lodge from 21st to 28th July.

  It truly was a "games" lodge. My youngest grandson was in seventh heaven! Lol Very spacious and comfortable lodge with every amenity. Twin beds throughout were very comfortable. Utility area where you enter the lodge was useful and there was a small ensuite in the main bedroom which was a god send for us grandparents...lol TVs in two of the bedrooms and an extra one in the lounge for the XBox. Just a slight concern that none of these three TVs were actually fixed to the wall/desk, but just propped up. Also the majority of the lodge was clean, but there were a few areas where it could have been a bit cleaner (dust on some of the shelves/back of the bed, and on the base of the shower). On the whole though a very nice, spacious lodge where we had a great holiday. Owner lives next door and was very friendly and helpful, but not intrusive. Be aware that this lodge is not part of the Park Holidays site that it is on and we had to pay extra for use of the facilities (which was £100 for the 6 of us and that was only because the lady at reception did us a deal!).

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