Dog Friendly Villas In Durham

Reviews

What our customers say about their holidays

• Susan - Verified booking

  Burns Cottage is good place for a break with friends but could easily be a great place.

  Our party consisted of 9 people and there was lots of space, a large living area, dining room and kitchen with a second kitchen that was very useful. There are two separate smaller lounges that was really good when people wanted their own space for a while. The property has obviously evolved over the years with parts added on and finding your way around at first was interesting. Everywhere was clean (though some cobwebs in the corners), the beds were comfortable and having the two hot tubs was great. Some areas that could be improved: An instruction folder with wifi code, cooker etc.instructions would been really good instead of having to guess. Had to go the hotel for the code. Knowing where the heating thermostat was would have been useful. Bath plugs. 1 bath plug for three bath tubs! We reported this to hotel, we were told it had been ‘noted’ but no further plugs appeared. Wifi. Poor signal, only really usable in the central areas, not the bedrooms. TVs. There are lots of TVs but only the one in main lounge actually worked. We didn’t go to watch TV but it would have been useful for the housebound couple that were with us, who stayed in while the rest went for a walk or a trip into Barnard Castle. There were different problems, one needed a PIN number that was not available. Others needed batteries for the remotes and others that could be used did not connect to the wifi to use the built-in Netflix etc. as the signal was too weak. Although they had an arial attached no channels could be found with a search. Kitchen implements. No corkscrew or scissors to open packets etc. Although there were ample pint and wine glasses very few smaller glasses for gin and tonics etc. We used egg cups for shots! Better instructions for the sauna. Although instructions were provided they were misleading. We didn’t figure it out for the first 24 hours despite having two engineers in the party. Bathrooms. Despite having a lot of bathrooms, shower rooms and toilets most were on one side of the building. Our bedroom was one of two in an area where each had a double bed and a spiral staircase to an upstairs loft area that each contained two single beds. Great for families but only one one shower room nearby that would potentially be used by 8 people. We could have gone to the hotel repeatedly to try get these issues sorted but having failed to get bath plugs didn’t think it worthwhile. However it didn’t spoil the trip. Most of the issues would have been sorted if the staff had gone in and checked everything from time to time!

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• Sally - Verified booking

  I have to say firstly that Burns Cottage is a very nice property but it is clear that is owned by a hotel rather than a family business who care for their accommodation.

  We arrived at 3:15pm (check in time was from 3pm) when we presented ourselves at the reception of the Morritt hotel for the keys collection we were told in no uncertain terms that we were early and the house was not ready. I pointed out that we were in fact late,! With no apology forthcoming we then had to wait a further hour & a half before asking again if the property was ready as we had frozen products in our cars & needed to get it into the freezer. Reluctantly they said we could enter the property it was now quarter to 5. When we entered the house it was clear that it hadn't been cleaned, with piles of towels in the lounge which we distributed to the various bathrooms etc. We had requested a highchair & cot neither of these were in the property so another trip back to the hotel to request these were bought to us. Neither of the two hot tubs were ready, one full but stone cold with the other with about 6 inches of water in it. On the hot tubs, on our return home the whole party of 15 came down with Hot tub folkiculitus skin infection which a number of the group had to have a course of antibiotics. This skin infection is caused by poorly maintained hot tubs. We have used Sykes many times in the past with no issues but I am surprised this property is on your list as it is no where near your usual standard. I could go on about the short comings of this property and its owners but won't bore you any longer. I certainly would not recommend this property to anyone. Thanks

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• Natalie - Verified booking

  Burns cottage upon arrival looked stunning with our stay being over Christmas the house had a lovely Christmas tree up with all the lights a very nice touch.

  Day 2 our main issues were noticed as a party of 15 we was spread out, but we noticed one side of the house the one via the main entrance through the games room/ 2nd dinning area had freezing cold water the entire stay, bath, shower sink tap water , we did inform the hotel (the Morritt hotel whom also own burns cottage) but no maintenance person came to check or see what was going on with it not even a phone call back ? So that was a huge Issue as all guest were then having to use 2 bathrooms between us, one being a 92 year old having to go back and fourth all the time. Second issue the utility room (second small kitchen) Freezing water never heated up the dryer was cold never dried any towels we washed? Third issue the sauna steam room didn’t work it never heated up the instructions/ manual were misleading we tried it every day and left it to heat for the time it required and nothing! Very disappointing Fourth issue was with the views from the windows facing the rear of the morritt hotel it was very scruffy boxes and rubbish all over not what you would expect to see . Over all disappointed with the price of burns cottage you would expect the property to be more maintained and the staff to be more acknowledgeable to issues been reported. With other property’s similar with more facilities and better reviews it requires some maintenance . Natalie

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• Nina - Verified booking

  We had an absolutely wonderful stay.

  The information pack we received prior to arriving was brilliant. The cottage itself was gorgeous, had everything you needed and more, plus some surprise goodies on arrival. The owners have thought of everything and the little details and extras made the stay so pleasurable. There is only 1 tiny thing I would suggest: bigger towels. I couldn’t wrap the towel around me, and with a father-in-law in the house it was a bit restrictive and felt I had to dress and undress in the bathroom. However the towels you did have were so soft a fluffy, they felt so luxurious. All 3 bedrooms are spacious and have very comfy beds. The living space downstairs was cosy and comfortable and the garden was lovely. The kitchen was so well equipped and had everything and even more than I have at home! There is a little park just at the end of the road which was a highlight for our daughter as we could easily pop to it in the morning and evening. Overall it was a wonderful stay in a fabulous cottage, the owners have thought of everything and should be really proud. We would highly recommend Falcus cottage.

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• Rachel - Verified booking

  Falcus cottage was clean and cosy with everything you could possibly want and need (it even had a teapot!

  ). Our party ages ranged from 0 -70 + dog and all were well catered for. Central heating was very efficient, though it was warm weather for October, and the cottage kept the heat in well. I am told, all the beds were comfortable with very good pillows. The property is very well situated for exploring the area, we had great days out at Raby Castle, Low and high force waterfalls, Barnard itself, and good walks from Middleton and Staindrop. I would recommend taking an Ordinance survey map of the area if you are intending to walk as there are so many paths to choose from. Also, for autumn and winter evenings perhaps take some board games and books with you. There are plenty of cafes and eating establishments in the area and can recommend the cafe at the theatre in 'Barney' and the Old Well Inn for Sunday lunch. All in all a good time was had by everyone and who knows, we may yet be back. Thank you.

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