Things to look for in a holiday cottage

OliviaStephens · 2 Oct 2019

My college friends and I are planning to go on a 3-day trip, and we’re checking out the holiday cottages Yorkshire Coast from this online provider. This will be the first time we’re renting a holiday cottage. What things should we consider when picking one? Any tips?

RailUK Forums

pdeaves · 2 Oct 2019

OliviaStephens said:
What things should we consider when picking one? Any tips?

Does the kitchen have everything you are likely to need? Microwave, saucepans, bread knife, apple peeler... whatever is important to you.

eastdyke · 2 Oct 2019

OliviaStephens said:
What things should we consider when picking one? Any tips?

If planning a stay in the cooler months make sure that there is heating, what it is and who pays for it.
We once stayed in a cottage, having failed to make that check, and it was radiant electric fires(!) which we paid for via a meter. Used up the credits about as fast as we could feed in the coins.

adamskiodp · 2 Oct 2019

For only three days you might not need much but when we have our family holiday we always look for:

Included towels and bed linen (some do not always supply them)
Included heating and fire if weather likely to be cold
Wi-fi
Sky/Netflix for wet evenings in
Washing machine/Tumble dryer (probably not for three days, but after a week or two away it’s nice to not have loads of washing to do when you get back)
A nice welcome pack (tea, milk, cake etc if you’ve had a long journey to get there
Easy parking especially if going in more than one car

Depends whether you will be staying in for the evenings or just using it as a bed and a shower.

sluf · 2 Oct 2019

I always look for wifi - keep my son happy and pub within walking distance! - parking is always next on the list though!

adamskiodp · 2 Oct 2019

sluf said:
I always look for wifi - keep my son happy and pub within walking distance! - parking is always next on the list though!

How on earth did I forget the pub close by!

westcoaster · 2 Oct 2019

Quiet farm location, WiFi (obviously ). Fire and towels included.

30907 · 2 Oct 2019

If you want to cook seriously (or need to), take a decent cook's knife. And spare loo roll!
Before booking, check the sleeping arrangements - are people bedding down in a living room? Twins or doubles? Enough loos?

gazthomas · 2 Oct 2019

adamskiodp said:
For only three days you might not need much but when we have our family holiday we always look for:

Included towels and bed linen (some do not always supply them)
Included heating and fire if weather likely to be cold
Wi-fi
Sky/Netflix for wet evenings in
Washing machine/Tumble dryer (probably not for three days, but after a week or two away it’s nice to not have loads of washing to do when you get back)
A nice welcome pack (tea, milk, cake etc if you’ve had a long journey to get there
Easy parking especially if going in more than one car

Depends whether you will be staying in for the evenings or just using it as a bed and a shower.

All very good advice

cactustwirly · 2 Oct 2019

pdeaves said:
Does the kitchen have everything you are likely to need? Microwave, saucepans, bread knife, apple peeler... whatever is important to you.

They should be already equipped with a full invent.
Look at reviews, also consider the location and size of the property.

EssexGonzo · 3 Oct 2019

If from a small provider, or if they're privately owned but rented out using an owners' platform service look for strange House Rules.

Some owners can have some rather "niche" rules that you'd maybe not want to tolerate or fall foul of.

One place I nearly booked (on a relatively well-known owners' site) in Wales stated that no alcohol could be consumed after 9pm and that fish could not be fried on the hob as it might leave a lingering smell in the house.

Things to look for in a holiday cottage

OliviaStephens

New Member

RailUK Forums

pdeaves

Established Member

eastdyke

Established Member

adamskiodp

Member

sluf

Member

adamskiodp

Member

westcoaster

Established Member

30907

Veteran Member

gazthomas

Established Member

cactustwirly

Established Member

EssexGonzo

Member