Booking luxury cottages - where? Is there really anything on Airbnb?

[AbsentmindedWoman]

I'm just wondering where people book luxury short term cottages? Or maybe 'luxury' isn't quite the right word, but just somewhere really comfortable and decently equipped?

We're in an Airbnb and it's grand, will definitely be cosy and cheerful once we get the fire lit after going out and buying in quite a few bits I'd thought were kitchen basics. It's just not quite what I expected, again.

It looks very clean - but there was a very stale loaf of bread in the cupboard, and loads of half empty jars/ butter, and then used baking dishes with dirty tin foil in the oven. No washing up liquid or hand soap downstairs. A nearly empty hand soap upstairs. There are two saucepans, and no frying pan.

I just want somewhere really clean and well-equipped and comfortable so when we arrive and are exhausted but need to dive straight into work zoom meetings etc, everything is simple. I wouldn't have thought I'd have to go to the level of luxury for that, but it seems that might be the case. This had five stars on Airbnb.

Where do you book great self-catering accommodation nowadays?

That does sound fab @Movinghouseatlast!

OP this is another good company in Norfolk. We've only ever booked two bedroom places with them but they have bigger ones too. Always gorgeous, with every little thing thought of. One place had been put together by an artist and both the house and garden were just stunning, another had fresh flowers everywhere, another was in a loft with a huge private terrace, literally on top of the world in the flattest place in the world, at the risk of sounding like a wanker it was a proper experience not just a holiday
www.kettcountrycottages.co.uk/

I avoid booking from Airbnb where possible as I don't like the way visitors get a rating as well, which I think impacts on the overall impartiality of the process.
It is possible though in your case that the cleaning and provisions refresh have been impacted by staff shortages.
I tend to book self catering these days through VRBO, and read the reviews very carefully. It's not really hugely different to Airbnb but better cancellation terms than the smaller exclusive local letting agencies and being able to cancel at shortish notice important to me for now.

@rookiemere

I avoid booking from Airbnb where possible as I don't like the way visitors get a rating as well, which I think impacts on the overall impartiality of the process. It is possible though in your case that the cleaning and provisions refresh have been impacted by staff shortages. I tend to book self catering these days through VRBO, and read the reviews very carefully. It's not really hugely different to Airbnb but better cancellation terms than the smaller exclusive local letting agencies and being able to cancel at shortish notice important to me for now.

A family member of mine has a holiday cottage and had had issues with cleaners having covid or isolating

She knos it's not ideal for the customers but she's uck like a lot of businesses

If it hasn't been mentioned ievews it probably is bad timing luck

VRBO is exactly the same as Air BnB. Many owners put their properties on both sites.

They are just marketing sites for individual owners to sell their properties.

I think vrbo has a higher amount of cons/false listings. Lots of tales of people turning up to eg Naples etc and finding out that the property doesn't exist.

English Country Cottages more expensive ones are good

For Wales luxury cottages try www.cottage-holiday-wales.co.uk/

Recently went back to a cottage we had been to about 8 years ago. Only wanted 5 nights but was only available for 7 nights so checked Airbnb to see if could do 5 nights - no still 7 nights but £490 instead of £350 going through the local agent!! Definitely worth checking other sites for same property. Despite how cheap this was it has a very well equipped kitchen, really clean and superb welcome hamper

Sykes cottages are pretty good. Pricey though. The last one I stayed in, for example, provided the number of a private chef you could hire if you wanted. (I didn't!)

I think their refund policy was criticised over Covid though so might want to check that out first.

We've had a good experience with Classic cottages. Back in the will-we-won't-we days of covid, they were very good about deposits and balances and stuff like that. We ended up going! Much better than I heard about Sykes.

If anyone is looking at Northumberland, Coquet Cottages coquetcottages.co.uk/ are fantastic. We first booked with them years ago, when they only had a few properties. Now they've got a large portfolio, but the quality is just as good as ever.

We rarely use Airbnb. There are better deals to be had by booking with smaller companies, or directly with owners

Thanks Giant, that's really beautiful, I'll look at that

Sykes cottages, we’ve done a few with them and they have everything! This has been decorated for Christmas for us too which was a lovely touch

@tellmewhentheLangshiplandscoz

Thanks Giant, that's really beautiful, I'll look at that

If it’s a bit pricey for you (it would be for me!) this is the smaller one we stayed in

www.sykescottages.co.uk/property/948452?rfx=14307

I'd never use AirBnb. Think I'm too old!

We use PremierCottages, Unique home stays, the luxury collection in Sykes cottages or Hoseasons, or Google 'luxury cottages + area we're going to'.

And then this one is in between the other 2.
They all have a parking space for at least one car, and they’re right next to the police station, which is reassuring but not intrusive

www.manorcottages.co.uk/cottage/Cotswolds-Northamptonshire-Stratford-upon-Avon/One-Masons-Court-988770.html

Rural Retreats - never had anything except excellent. Nope, not on commission

We use holidaycottages.com too

We stayed in Greenwood Grange recently & would recommend it - a small complex of 17 individual cottages which are all done up to a high standard. On site facilities including swimming pool, hot tubs, saunas, donkeys, chickens, kid’s playground etc plus you’re opposite Hardy’s Cottage and woodland for dog walking. They can arrange a private chef in your cottage or visiting massage therapists.

Internet speeds were excellent too, which is essential as DH works in IT and frequently gets called upon to rescue projects even whilst on leave.