Luxury Holiday Cottages

Reviews

What our customers say about their holidays

• Lee - Verified booking

  We had a late arrival on the Friday evening meaning that it was dark, unfortunately the property was not lit up nor was the path.

  It would have been easier to access the property if the lights had been left on. When we arrived the house was cold, however we were able to put on the log burner to heat up the house quickly. Unfortunately the dish washer did not work and we alerted the owner the next day. We were without a dishwasher until the Tuesday afternoon therefore the first four and half days we had no dishwasher. This was a pain given that it was our holiday and there weren’t a lot of plates/cups to use meaning we had to wash a lot of dishes for a family of 4. There is also not sufficient workspace available to put the dishes on the worktop to dry. The first night we slept in the beds upstairs to be closer to the kids - beds which were most uncomfortable you can feel the springs. The description of super kingsize is completely inaccurate as it is two wooden framed single beds pushed together with two single duvets . Nice size room but definitely challenging getting in and out of given the low slopes ceiling. The next evening we went to sleep in the second room downstairs which had soiled bedding on - I alerted the owner of this who got back to me the next day by this time I had found additional bedding and changed the sheets myself. The bedding I used still had dirty marks on it - a cleaner did come to change the sheets the day after I reported it which was literally just the duvet cover that was changed. The bed on the ground floor again is not a zip and link - it is two wooden single beds pushed together with a dual layer of memory foam (which doesn’t fit the bed nor stay in position ) and a padded mattress protector . Although more comfortable than the upstairs beds this was not what was described on the website. The duvet is not a super kingsize it doesn’t fit the bed properly. The water pressure was not great in the shower, so much so that when the kitchen tap was being used ( obviously more so when we were washing dishes frequently) the pressure was very poor in the shower. We were also struggling for hot water as we had to use extra for filling the sink. The shower mat on the shower had a lot of pink grime and dirt on the suction part - in my opinion this needed binned. In the kitchen, the under counter lights were a cheap addition to the kitchen and did not work ( obviously out of battery ) The space in the open plan area was a lot smaller than what it looked on the website - the large table was too long and most of us bumped into the sharp corners of it when moving around the kitchen. The living area is also too small I wouldn’t have thought it would be very comfortable for more than 4 people - can’t see how this would be suitable for 6. Just to let you know - your frying pan is also ready for the bin … the handle was hanging off and it’s clearly had too much heat on it causing the coating to come off the inside making it non usable in my opinion. The fridge was also far too small for a family of 4- could definitely do with a Large fridge with an actual freezer … A coffee table in front of the sofa may have been nice to be able to rest a cuppa on. The garden was very untidy with lots of logs scattered around , there was a pile of pallets/fencing in the garden - looked a bit like a building site , hoses lying around the garden. Lodge is closer to the main road that what it looks on the photos - it’s made out to look like it’s nestled in the depths of a forest … it was rather loud when the HGVs were passing! To conclude , I think for £2300 for a week in this property was rather over priced in comparison to what we have stayed in previously in the same area.

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• Charlotte - Verified booking

  On arrival we were blown away with the beauty of the cabin, it is ideally located and not too far to anywhere but at the same time lovely and quiet.

  We had a lovely week exploring the area as we hadn't stayed in this part of the Cairngorms before. We had lots to discover and the cabin was well placed to do this. The kitchen was well stocked and had everything we needed except it only had one frying pan (issue for us as one guest was vegetarian). Everything was lovely and clean and the hot tub was fabulous and was checked daily by a chap who worked his magic and kept it nice and clean. Unfortunately there were a few niggles and I can imagine if there were only 4 people staying these wouldn't even be an issue but they were for us (family of 5). The sofa only seated 3 people and although there was also a comfy chair the view of the tv was blocked by the stair railings so absolutely useless for watching tv. After a long day walking and biking we really wanted to sit and enjoy a film together but this was impossible to do in comfort. There was a foot stool and obviously kitchen chairs but that wasn't really the idea. Also, the beds were wooden framed singles pushed together so had a no go zone right down the middle and also made the bedding not fit properly and every morning the fitted sheets had popped off. Lots of other niggly things which I attempted to raise to Sykes but complete lack of interest, apparently everything is visible in the pictures - so make sure you look before you book! I did point out that the particulars say zip and link beds but received no response. I shall not be booking with Sykes again but wish the owners of the cabin lots of luck with it, it is a beautiful place and some simple changes would make it even better for a large group like ours.

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• Gillian - Verified booking

  As we opened the door Wow!

  This felt like a much loved home not a holiday let. A state of the art kitchen, it all looked brand new. Fully equipped, Eirian has thought of everything. Three lovely comfy sofas in the sitting room and books describing the surrounding area on the coffee table. From every room there are stunning views of the mountains surrounding Maes Meillion. The three bedrooms are lovely, comfortable beds, we slept well, excellent showers too. Outside, comfortable garden furniture and a covered eating area with a BBQ. So peaceful with just the sound of birdsong, the perfect place to relax after a day of sightseeing. We loved the raised flower beds, Eirian is a very talented gardener with an eye for colour. The front borders particularly, an array of beautiful plants set against the backdrop of the mountains behind is stunning. Last but not least, Eirian herself, warm and welcoming and so helpful, there was a loaf of Bara Brith and Welsh butter waiting for us, a lovely touch. Maes Meillion deserves more than five stars, we certainly plan to visit this beautiful immaculate house again.

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• Marina - Verified booking

  Wow!! What an absolutely beautiful place to have a holiday

  . The owner has thought of everything to ensure a first class stay. First night we were there we couldn’t decide on whether or not to have a barbecue, lounge in the hot tub or watch Netflix by the roaring fire, so we did all three!! Pine Marten lodge is beautifully presented and immaculately clean. An ideal place to explore the surrounding area. We went clay pigeon shooting, spent a day at the wildlife park and took afternoon tea in Ballater before heading to Balmoral castle. This was made all the more special by returning to the lodge each evening to spend the remainder of the evening in peace and serenity. Ideal place to take your four legged friends too, our spaniel enjoyed playing hide and seek with the squirrels in the garden, however they were safe enough as she lacks the ability to climb trees! Cannot recommend this place highly enough and hope to be able to come back soon

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• Paul - Verified booking

  We had a fantastic relaxing time staying at Pine Marten Lodge.

  Owner was very helpful and only a phone call away if you had any questions etc. Loved every minute and didn’t want to leave. So cosy and I absolutely loved all the fairy lights and Christmas decorations which made it that extra special. We found the property to be pretty spotless and it had everything we needed for our week’s stay. Great hot tub to relax in after beautiful quiet walks in the forest with our two dogs who also had a great time as we were lucky enough for the snow to arrive for our last 4 days. The living area is smaller than it looks in the pictures although we had expected that as someone else had already mentioned it but was fine for myself, my husband and our two large Ridgebacks. Shops are only a 5 minute drive away and also around a 20 mins drive into Aviemore if you want more of a selection. Thank you for a lovely stay and we can’t wait to return one day.

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