School Holidays 2017 Cottages In Merseyside

Reviews

What our customers say about their holidays

• Jonathan - Verified booking

  This was booked as a last minute replacement when our booking (through different company, not Sykes) for another property in Southport was cancelled just over a week before we arrived.

  We had looked at this property when planning our trip but originally rejected it due to the spiral staircase which we though might cause us problems, in the event we managed it OK, but it was a bit difficult for my partner to climb and descend. When we arrived we were met by the owner who showed us around and came out with some rather unexpected requests. We were asked to save electricity by (if possible) only using the dishwasher, washing machine and cooker (!) between 09:00 and 15:00 when the solar panels would be providing power. The freezer was turned off and we had to ask for it to be turned on. There were also notices left all over the property telling us to do (or not do) this and that, not very welcoming. We were asked not to lift the blinds of the rooms as they caught on the window catches (due to being fitted badly), but the whole place felt dusty and airless so we needed to lift them just to get some air into it, it would also have been nice to be able to look outside during daylight hours! We were told (and there was a notice!) not to try and adjust the heating as it was controlled from the owners property. I felt it humiliating to return to the property after an evening visiting friends in town to have to call him and ask if we could possibly have some heating as it was cold inside. The parking was exceedingly tight to enter and exit, fortunately my (average sized Honda) is equipped with parking sensors and a rear camera, otherwise we would probably have had to leave it on the street outside and carry our luggage a considerable distance to the property, which is located at the bottom of the owners garden. The main bedroom (downstairs) has a large window, but the glass is frosted so you couldn't actually see into the garden from it! There were also no opening windows to it, just some tiny vents. The upstairs bedroom was small and cramped. The place certainly has character, but it was a bit weird to be cooking and eating in what had been carefully preserved as the original stables. Fortunately, most days we were eating out with our friends, either on trips out during the day, or in the evening at their house. Overall, not a great second week to our holiday, particularly compared to the lovely house in North Wales that we had stayed in for the first week.

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• Nigel - Verified booking

  Firstly we have never left a bad review and always been happy with the many cottage holidays we have booked through Sykes previously.

  We had recently been through a very stressful time moving out of our house and arranging temporary accommodation. We booked two weeks here in late February early March for a relaxing break while we looked for our new home.A few hours before arrival the owner contacted us to explain that due to bad weather he had been unable to begin building work on the exterior of the cottage we would be staying in. We were told that a brickayer would be there the following day. This did not concern us unduly as we had planned to be out all day Sunday and we agreed on the proviso that no more building work would take place while we were there as we didn't want any noise to disturb our peace. We were out for 10 hours of the following day also. The next day we were out between 11 & 2pm as we had friends visiting for afternoon tea, to be met by builders and the owners looking surprised to see us. The power had been switched off and when we asked why the builders were there when we had been so emphatic that we didn't want any noise were told "We thought you'd be out all day". There was no apology or reassurance it would cease. The sound of a hammer drill drowned out all conversation with our friends and was most embarrassing.They agreed to cancel our 2nd week but when more materials arrived the next morning, after a sleepless night we contacted Sykes to inform them we couldn't stay under these circumstances. We tried to contact the owner but there was no reply from his house or mobile. We tried again after we had left but the phone was answered and put down. In retrospect it would have been better if he had cancelled our holiday beforehand, as that would have been preferable to the inconvenience and upset this situation caused. We have now been refunded for the 2nd week and recommend checking no work will be carried out if you book here. On a positive note Barbara was very pleasant and the cottage was spotlessly clean and well equipped although upstairs was not suitable for anyone over 5'2" due to the height restriction.

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• Peter - Verified booking

  We really enjoyed our stay in Southport at the Coach House!

  The pool table, and access to Disney, Netflix & a wii games console kept our kids entertained throughout our stay. As a family we didnt have any issues with the spiral staircase to get upstairs, with the kids staying in the upper level bedroom while we stayed in the bedroom on the groond floor. The kitchen was well equipped, including a slow cooker which we used quite a few times while we were out and about. Parking was secure behind electric gates, albeit with a fairly tight reverse in. The location was handy for buses and a nearby Lidl. Its a pleasant 25 minute walk to Southport Centre, which we also did a few times when eating out. The gift of a bottle of wine and some easter eggs on arrival was also a nice treat. Overall its a really fantastic space, and if we ever visit Southport again we will be staying here!

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• John - Verified booking

  Great location with the centre of Chester within 2-minute walking distance.

  The rear patio area is fabulous in the sunshine as it looks out on the walls of Chester but you don't feel over looked. The property is very well equipped, clean and idea for a 2/3 visitors and a bottle of Prosecco was waiting for us on arrival which was a nice touch. The owner has gone to all the trouble of putting little notes around the property about how things work so you don’t have to trawl through a long how to guide. To the front you are close to the Bus station which was a bit noisy but I’d trade this for the rear view any day. If anything, it encouraged us to use the bus to go Chester Zoo which was only 20mins away! Highly, recommend this property for anyone able bodied (the steps out front are a bit tricky).

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• Tomas - Verified booking

  Booked through Hotels.

  Com. Accommodation was advertised as up to 4, booked for 3 adults. Upon arrival we were met by Chris, his confirmation was a booking for 2 adults however he explained his reasonings (low head height in 2x single bedroom) and was more than willing to accommodate us and even let us use his garage to store our 3 bikes, something that is not often offered out of generosity so that was appreciated greatly! Chris and his wife were both very welcoming, explained the local towns and what they had to offer. The accommodation was spacious for 3 adults, very comfortable and extremely clean! We spent the weekend at Oulton Park Race Circuit and it was only a 10 minute ride away. We would definitely stay again!

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