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Original poster

Holiday dilemma

17 replies

Mammawilson · 18/03/2021 17:57

Ages ago I booked a cottage in the UK starting the 9th of April, we are not able to go until the 12th due to lockdown rulesnon self catered accommodation, we didn't get a refund on the 3 days we missed out but thats the way it is, I only have that week off so couldn't really book anything else.

We have been thinking about driving up on the Sunday afternoon and spending time in the town and going back to the cottage a few hours before midnight, technically breaking the rules by a few hours, would this be bad? Is it ridiculous i feel so worried about it? I haven't broken a single rule during lockdown and have not had much time off either. I just seems so odd that I put myself at risk every day at work and would be at less risk to myself or others at the cottage I'm going to be staying at.

OP posts:
Fifthtimelucky · 18/03/2021 18:00

I know someone who is doing this. Day trips are allowed on the 11th, so they will have a day trip on the 11th and just not go to bed until after midnight!

Bluntness100 · 18/03/2021 18:02

Yup, I would totally do this, I really can’t see what difference a few hours would make.

But then quit frankly if I was able I’d go the three days early and just not mix with anyone.. 🤷‍♀️

Original poster
Mammawilson · 18/03/2021 18:02

Is she going into the actual property or not until after midnight?

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Holidays
Original poster
Mammawilson · 18/03/2021 18:06

We never mix with anyone anyway on holiday, the cottage is on a hill with a house on each side

OP posts:
Scarby9 · 18/03/2021 18:10

We had a cottage booked for Christmas in a Tier 4 area. Up to the point when staying away for Christmas was cancelled in England, we were in pretty much the same position as you ie. missing a couple of days but paying for the whole week etc.

We had a food delivery ordered for 10am two days after our original check in day (only one we could get that week), which turned out to be the day the five day Christmas window was due to open.

We contacted the cottage owners to check we could get it from midnight but they said they would need to clean the place to Covid standards on the first day they were allowed to take visitors. They would not budge on that, but of course it all turned out to be a pointless debate when they weren't allowed to open at all.

So don't assume you will be allowed in from midnight even though you have paid for days before that.

DancesWithDaffodils · 18/03/2021 18:10

Will you be able to get the keys late on a Sunday? Will the owner hand over the keys before the 12th?

Original poster
Mammawilson · 18/03/2021 18:11

Thats true. Thanks, I'm going to contact the owners tomorrow so cans see where we stand

OP posts:
Original poster
Mammawilson · 18/03/2021 18:11

The keys are in a key safe by the door

OP posts:
Youneverknowwhatyourgonnaget · 18/03/2021 18:12

If they would let you go early I would 100% go the whole time! The rules actually don’t make any sense any more and if you drive in your own car and was alone in a cottage I just don’t see what harm that could cause for the sake of a couple of days? We all need a break!!

DingoWings · 18/03/2021 18:13

Will you be able to collect the keys to the cottage?
If they're not expecting you til the following day, it might not be ready in time (cleaner might go in on the morning to put heating on etc).

stayathomegardener · 18/03/2021 18:26

Cottage owner here, I'm amazed you are not being refunded those first days. Could you claim on your insurance?
And yes if you approached me as long as I broke no rules I would allow access at midnight. Normal check in is 3-8pm.
If you didn't warn me I might think you were burglars.

Original poster
Mammawilson · 18/03/2021 18:27

There shouldn't be a cleaner in the property on the 12th considering I've paid for it from the 9th, on the basis of lockdown rules I should be able to enter the property from the Monday the 12th even though its paid from the 9th. So I could enter at midnight

OP posts:
Original poster
Mammawilson · 18/03/2021 18:29

Unfortunately we booked with Sykes who said we could cancel and get a full refund or have the 5 days but no refund, I was so desperate for a holiday I just said ok, the insurance you buy with them is useless. They cover their back pretty well

OP posts:
CuthbertDibbleandGrubb · 18/03/2021 18:30

I think that a car arriving late at night would attract attention. Just get up early on the 12th and travel then. The cottage owner might be happy but the neighbours might not be. Holiday lets are sometimes resented by local people as they can price out locals from buying houses.

Original poster
Mammawilson · 18/03/2021 18:36

I think both cottages next to the cottage are holiday lets so hopefully thats not too much of an issue, as long as its OK with the owners and it doesn't annoy anyone it shouldn't be an issue

OP posts:
PanamaPattie · 18/03/2021 18:47

You would break the rules for a holiday?

Original poster
Mammawilson · 18/03/2021 18:54

By going into a cottage at 10pm on the 11th instead if 12am on the 12th, I probably would, legally I can stay in accommodation from the 12th, I'm less risk to others on holiday then catching multiple buses to work in a job where I'm around people all the time

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