Holiday let annoyances

[wowfudge]

Recently stayed in a large holiday let with a group of friends - mix of women and men. There were four bathrooms but fewer than 4 whole rolls of loo paper and no spares in any cupboard. We were given two dishwasher tablets for a four day stay. There was a washing machine but only two detergent tablets provided. I get that it is expensive to run one of these places, but the rationing of these things was annoying. We had to ask for more loo roll, which was begrudgingly provided - the owners lived next door.

I would expect to provide my own loo roll and washing up liquid or tablets in self catering accommodation.

Depends whether it's high end or budget accommodation really, I don't expect these things as such but they are definitely in the category of little touches that would make me consider re-booking.

Beyond a basic stash of toilet roll I have always taken my own and washing up liquid, cleaning stuff etc
Even big places like Centre Parcs only give you a teeny “start up” kit and expect you to purchase extras

I wouldn't unless it was explicitly stated in the advert. This was a "luxury" holiday let. If it was the case that we were expected to provide things ourselves I would have expected that to be the response when we asked for the loo roll tbh.

^ in my experience that's only true in cheap lets.

People steal them if you leave them stocked in the let.

I doubt the owners bregudged you a toilet roll, they were probably just wondering how you managed to go through 4 in less than 4 days.

Most cottages don't provide laundry detergent you are expected to bring your own. Many don't provide dishwasher tablets either.

Center Parcs are explicit that you have to provide things yourselves. And they sell it all at extortionate prices in the park shop.

Self catering is self catering. It's nice when more is provided but you do have to self cater...

I'd only assume they were provided if explicitly stated.

And surely two detergent tablets for a washing machine is two more than most people would need for a four night stay.

@Scrowy they weren't four complete rolls for starters. I get that you probably wouldn't leave the whole packet of some things because some people would take them with them on the basis they feel they've paid for them. If you buy in bulk they're not very expensive so it comes across as penny pinching when you've been paid a very healthy amount of money for a short stay.

stayed in tons over the years only very basic stuff provided
Any “extras” would be a perk
And YY to not leaving loads of stuff for guests as no doubt people would take stuff that they didnt need etc

I would expect a 'luxury' holiday let to have luxury furnishings and lots of space. I wouldn't expect them to provide sundries - we always take our own toilet roll, dishwasher tablets, laundry tablets.

(In four days, did you really need to run the washing machine? What kind of 'mixed' holiday with 'friends' was it? )

People taking the piss and stealing stuff really eats into your profit margins. So it's either give enough to tide them over until they shop or up the prices.

I'm fussy about toilet roll and washing up liquid (or tabs) so I always take my own.

The main reason I go on holidays is to avoid my washing machine which with a biggish family I have far too close a relationship

I stayed somewhere recently that had an emergency kit of rice, soup, that kind of thing. Amazing. There were tonnes of cleaning products, posh shampoos etc too. It doesn't cost the owners much to provide but makes you want to turn! This was actually a bargain place too, £650 for a week!

Fine - we should have brought all our own stuff and not expected more. When you are paying top dollar for a luxury let I wouldn't have expected to provide my own loo roll, washing up liquid, etc.

We didn't use the washing machine, it was another example of the generous amounts of stuff provided.

Why would you need washing tablets for 4 days ? Did you jhave to rush out and buy toilet roll I don't understand your complaint the owners probably estimate for the days and don't want to leave extra lying about to be nicked as "freebies"

I've stayed in holiday lets and owned one. I would expect to bring/buy my own. You'll be using loo rolls, dishwasher tabs etc anyway when you get home.

I used to provide a few household bits as as courtesy. If you provide too much, it gets nicked; too little or the wrong brand and people complain.

Well we run a couple of luxury holiday cottages and would leave two (full) toilet rolls and two dishwasher tablets. We wouldn't leave any laundary detergent.

This is what we have been advised is the standard for luxury holiday cottages by both the two cottage companies we use.

We wouldn't have an issue if anyone asked us for extra, but it rarely happens.

The place we like to stay has lots of cleaning stock, enough laundry detergent and dishwasher tablets to get us through a midweek stay. And the majority are Eco friendly products too which is nice.

Also a lovely basket of bread, butter and Wensleydale cheese

I was of the same opinion as you OP but have since learnt that it's the norm to provide your own. I do think though that laundry tablets are a perk, you wouldn't expect to need them for a 4 day stay so to provide 2 covers any "emergencies".

I'm a bit shocked that you actually went and asked the owners for more toilet roll. Where you a long way from the shops or something?

We pay top dollar for our holidays but always provide our own loo paper, washing up liquid etc. Why would you not? You are renting the building.

That would be for a week btw. Whilst our cottages are luxury in terms of their fixtures and fittings and the welcome package we provide (wine, homemade cakes etc) it is still self catering accommodation and not a hotel and priced accordingly.