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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To expect high-end, family-friendly self-catering accommodation to have a wahing machine?!

41 replies

Maffy · 14/03/2016 09:37

We have booked a week's holiday in Cornwall at a high-end family-friendly self-catering cottage, run by a large heritage organisation. It cost well over £1k for the week.

We have just found out it does not have a washing machine...

Its website say their kitchens and bathrooms are 'equipped to a high and modern standard', so surely that should include a washing machine?

The property is advertised as child- and dog-friendly, provides a cot for a baby, and is on the coast for days at the beach.

The nearest laundrette would be c. 15 miles away too. It is not an option to bring enough clothes, towels and bedding for five people due to space in the car.

AIBU, please?

OP posts:
Only1scoop · 14/03/2016 09:40

Yanbu

Have you emailed to double check?

Is it a property within an estate or stand alone?

RobotLover68 · 14/03/2016 09:40

No you're not - I have 4 children and always made sure a cottage had a washing machine and a dishwasher before booking

one year we went to a cottage and the options were 2 kids in a double bed with dishwasher or kids in their own bed without dishwasher - they chose the dishwasher!

I also do washing while I'm on holiday and bring it home clean even if not ironed. We do caravanning now and I always check a site has a washing machine before I book

AnyFucker · 14/03/2016 09:41

If this was a deal breaker for you then you should have properly checked before booking

Yabu

throckenholt · 14/03/2016 09:42

Check - usually there is a washing machine available on site if not actually in the cottage.

Much as I hate washing when on holiday, I always do ! I would be very miffed if there wasn't one.

whois · 14/03/2016 09:44

Totally not U to expect a washing machine in family friends self catered accommodation!

SirChenjin · 14/03/2016 09:45

YANBU to expect it - a washing machine is hardly a new fangled item, it's a pretty standard appliance in a modern kitchen.

Otoh, yes, you probably should have checked (although it's one of these things that is so bog standard it's like having to check to see if a kitchen has a sink)

mummymeister · 14/03/2016 09:46

there might be a reason why there is no washing machine or dishwasher. this is usually due to the fact that the property is either on a septic tank (ie not mains drainage) or on a well for water or both. The perils of living in the countryside - no mains drainage, no mains water and no gas either!!

if a property is 4 or 5 star independently rated then it should have either a washing machine or access to one. agree that YABU if having a washing machine is key then really you should have looked for this in the advert.

Oysterbabe · 14/03/2016 09:51

Yanbu but you're only going for a week. Is it really necessary?

ctjoy103 · 14/03/2016 09:54

I think you should have checked tbh. Also it's just a week, surely you can manage without washing for one week?

Original poster
Maffy · 14/03/2016 09:57

Yes, have emailed to check, but housekeeper said no washing machine when I spoke to her just now.

It is not a deal-breaker, but DH booked the cottage and wouldn't have thought, as clothes-washing doesn't bother him...

I had only glanced at the bit about a high and modern standard kitchen...

We live in the country too, and used to live near the cottage, so very much doubt its location is a reason.

Just rather hoped for a bit of a holiday...!

OP posts:
RakeMeHomeCountryToads · 14/03/2016 09:57

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Muskateersmummy · 14/03/2016 09:58

It would be listed in the property specifications if it had one, you needed to check.

I never do a wash when I'm away but then I don't take my own sheets?! Never known a self catering cottage where this is required? I take towels to be on the safe side but to be fair never needed those either unless it's been specified on the details. Usually that's more for beach and dog towels

HermioneJeanGranger · 14/03/2016 09:58

Are you sure there isn't one in a utility room somewhere? I'd be very surprised if I stayed in a holiday cottage without a washing machine.

feellikeahugefailure · 14/03/2016 10:02

Water is very expensive in cornwall. Im not surprised they dont have one.

Gizlotsmum · 14/03/2016 10:02

I would never assume a property had a washing machine, however it is important for us so we tend to check before booking.

ctjoy103 · 14/03/2016 10:02

Just rather hoped for a bit of a holiday...!

This doesn't include doing the washing Grin

Only1scoop · 14/03/2016 10:04

If I'm honest if we go for a week we tend not to use it anyway.

SirChenjin · 14/03/2016 10:05

Water is very expensive in cornwall

Maybe you'd better check they do have that sink after all OP...and a shower or bath, and a toilet...Grin

Artandco · 14/03/2016 10:05

I have never heard or taking sheets and towels to a self catering accomadation unless camping. It's self catered in terms of food, you should be provided with all towels and bedding which they then wash at the end of the week. Clothes for one week in a car should be plenty of space

PennyHasNoSurname · 14/03/2016 10:07

If you have to take bedding and towels then it usnt high end really is it.

Pinkheart5915 · 14/03/2016 10:10

It is surprising they don't have a washing machine.
When me and my husband have gone to cottages they've always come with a washing machine.
How strange

MovingOnUpMovingOnOut · 14/03/2016 10:10

Yabu to expect one. Self catering is about cooking and washing up facilities, not clothes washing.

I like a washing machine too and a dishwasher when I'm on holiday so I do check before I book.

As it's now booked could the accommodation provide towels and bedding? Ime you can usually pay extra for that if it's not provided as standard.

Pinkheart5915 · 14/03/2016 10:11

You have to take bedding, towels to a high end place? Shock
I've never needed to

PennyHasNoSurname · 14/03/2016 10:12

I love when SC have a washer and a tumble dryer. I dont have space for a dryer at home so nerd wash and dry all my clothes on the last day so I can just put them all away when I get home

MarvellousCake · 14/03/2016 10:13

I'd be surprised if you have to take towels and bedding. I've never rented a holiday cottage on those terms ('high' or 'low' end). You might want to double-check. Then you will have more room for extra clothes.