Holiday cottage etiquette

[unlikelychump]

We are staying in a holiday cottage, never done this before. Staying 3 nights and this is our last one. We brought things with us like tea towels and washing up liquid but it was nice to find them here when we arrived. Also laid out was posh coffee, biscuits, milk, OJ and bucks fizz. We've had the OJ and milk but not the rest. There were two loo rolls. We've finished one in the downstairs loo and so there is between 2 bathrooms. 5 of us. We asked the hosts for another, they said no "it was a starter pack". It feels like we have breached the etiquette by asking.

I'm now questioning whether we are not supposed to use the other stuff... Or replace it.

Feels strange as I'd much have preferred 3 loo rolls than a pack of biscuits... I feel like going back and trying to trade :)

It is quite an upmarket cottage, lovely decos and beautifully done.

(Obviously I should have bought more loo rolls, I didn't remember it, before you all pile on my for my cheap habits)

What do you think?

I think it is normal to bring your own, sorry

Take the coffee, biscuits and Buck’s Fizz

There's no particular etiquette. Normal to have various things provided including both biscuits and loo roll but also to provide more yourself if you run out.

How much are you using the loo that you've gone through two loo rolls in 3 days?

The biscuits and things are part of the ‘experience’. People remember that more than the loo roll (usually). I would expect to buy my own loo roll after I used up what was there.

You are free to use everything. You don’t have to replace it. But if you want more, you have to buy it.

I’d take all the food stuff home. I’d buy more loo roll for my own personal use, but not re-stock them. Just take it back home with you.

Take home or leave the rest of the welcome pack if you dont want it. Its normal to have a small amount of loo roll to get you started and buy more if you need it. Hopefully a shop nearby if you do! Easy mistake, and reasonable to ask. Ive stayed places that have loads available, but the cottage I housekeep for only leaves out 2 per bathroom.

There are 5 people!

It’s self catering. In a hotel, things are replaced. In a self catering holiday cottage, you bring your own shopping.

Well you can either take the extras that you didn’t use home with you if you will use them but anytime we’ve rented an air BnB or any kind of holiday cottage we’ve done a shop and brought our own loo roll, we are a family of 5 too, 2 loo rolls don’t last long! they do usually include one to keep you going but they aren’t providing you with everything you need for your whole stay.
Not sure what thoughts you’re looking for, you already acknowledged that you forgot to bring toilet paper so that’s your own error. I guess my thoughts are it’s nice when they include a little welcome treat (we don’t often use everything they leave us depending on what it is) and next time remember to buy loo roll.

We’ve just come back from one ourselves and it was possibly the best stocked place, washing up liquids, multiple tea towels, more than enough dishwasher tablets for the length of stay, olive oil and a multitude of seasonings and spices etc, all kitchen equipment and sharp knives, was very good. But we still stopped at the shop before we arrived and bought loo roll!

And? That's still massively heavy usage unless they've all got diarrhoea.

2 loo rolls in 3 days for 5 people is really not a lot!!

OP yes just eat/drink or take home with you what the host provided in the welcome gift. It’s normal to need to top up your loo rolls etc though as most hosts only leave a few.

The welcome pack is yours to keep. So take the biscuits and wine if you want them. You don't need to replace a welcome pack.

Toilet rolls are a funny one, I leave loads but I know some owners are funny about it being 'self catering' and you need to take your own. So it's very inconsistent for people and no wonder they don't know. Refusing to give you another one is really mean.

I could tell some stories from owners Facebook groups- people who take the large bottles of toiletries, the whole box of dishwasher tablets, loads of packets of biscuits from the owners storage cupboard.

You’re supposed to use the stuff that’s there but not ask for any more/supply your own extras.

Self catering you are expected to bring your own.

they’ll often leave a welcome pack of stuff and you can use any or all of that but you don’t ask for more of anything.

not everywhere leaves a welcome pack.

It's usual to provide one per toilet, 2 between a downstairs loo and 2 bathrooms does seem a bit tight. I'd rather have more toilet roll and not bother with the Bucks Fizz

We go through at least one a day in our house (family of 5)

Bring back the laughing emoji please mumsnet. Or an eye roll one will do! It’s really not a lot!!

I find it rather hit and miss with loo roll, but accept that whatever is there is finite.

The quantity of loo roll provided was stingy for 5 people. I too would much prefer adequate loo roll to biscuits.

But it was a faux pas to ask for more loo roll.

I expect to take stuff you like from the welcome pack that I don't use.

I expect to buy some loo roll.

I always take tea towels - there are never enough.

Definitely unspoken etiquette with the loo roll though.

Ime you only get a couple of loo rolls and then buy your own. Same with the other stuff - you get milk, juice, whatever but if you use it all and need more you have to buy it.

We stayed in one last week- there were extra loo rolls in a cupboard. There was Prosecco and crisps left for us but no coffee or tea!! Honestly I do wonder what goes through hosts minds sometimes.
Take the gifts and buy some loo roll. You’re up in the deal and they are daft.

I disagree- it’s ok to ask as sometimes they have some stored.

Holiday cottage owner here…we leave 2 rolls in each toilet/bathroom plus a welcome pack of posh biscuits, coffee, tea, etc for people to use (or take home if they wish) as an act of goodwill. We also leave a good supply of hand soap, washing up liquid, dishwasher tablets, etc. However, as it’s self catering the expectation is that when this runs out guests are responsible for providing themselves with more. As a previous poster has said, hotels will provide more but not in self catering accommodation.

Sorry, just to be clear there are 2 loos overall (a downstairs shower/ loo and an upstairs bath/loo). We will not have finished the second by the time we leave, if that helps those concerned).

Funny old thing this self catering business then. I've remembered we've stayed self catering abroad, skiing etc. and would expect to buy more loo rolls. I've added sharp knives to my future stay list.

It does feel like a faux pas for sure.

There's 4 of us and I don't think we go through more than 1-2 a week. Not unless someone has a cold so is using loads if it extra for nose blowing.

I don't think I want to think too much more about anyone else's toilet habits and why you are getting through so much!