HouseTrip review thread. Non-testers: Share your top tips on how to make the most of holidaying in an entire house, apartment or villa and you could win a £200 Boots voucher NOW CLOSED

[AngelieMumsnet]

This thread is for the five lucky MN families who are going on a HouseTrip holiday this month.

HouseTrip say "HouseTrip is an online platform that allows visitors to choose from over 300,000 full homes from around the world to holiday in. From ivy-dappled country cottages to beach retreats and city-centre lofts, the service offers simplicity, value, flexibility and security for families looking for a hassle free and enjoyable holiday experience from start to finish."

Testers are visiting London, Edinburgh and Brussels – check back to this thread to find out how they are getting on.

We have asked testers to add feedback at least three times - before they go, when they are there and when they get back home.

Non testers: HouseTrip would love to know your top tips on how to make the most of holidaying in an entire house, apartment or villa. Everyone who adds a tip will be entered into a prize draw where one Mumsnetter will win a £200 Boots voucher, so that they can get stocked up for the holiday season.

Please note tips and comments may well be used by HouseTrip on their pages on Mumsnet, social media and elsewhere. Your MN name will not be used.

Testers – please share on this thread your overall opinion and experience plus your responses to the following questions.

Before you go

• Have you or anyone you know ever been on a HouseTrip holiday before, and if so where did they go?
• What are you looking forward to most? What are your DC looking forward to?
• How was the booking process?

On holiday

• How is it so far? What's the weather like?
• Describe your accommodation e.g. the amount of space, outdoor area, particular parts of the house etc.
• What else are you doing outside of the HouseTrip stay, in the local area?
• How does this compare to previous hotel holidays or previous home rental holidays you've experienced?
• What have you got up to at your HouseTrip property?
• Have you used the kitchen to cook at home? Where did you get cooking ingredients? If you haven’t been cooking much, how often did you choose to eat out?
• What have your DC enjoyed most about the HouseTrip experience? And what have you/your DH/DP enjoyed most?

When you are back

Overall opinions from you and others in the family:

How would you rate/ describe...

• Accommodation as a whole
• Kitchen facilities
• Bedrooms/Sleeping arrangements
• Local area
• How were the checking in and out experiences?
• Would you return/ try out another HouseTrip holiday?
• Would you recommend HouseTripping to a friend?
• What did you think about the value for money – especially compared to other family holidays? What did you think about the amount of space you get for the cost?
• Any other comments?

Please also do add a review on Mumsnet to the Self Catering pages.

Thanks
MNHQ

PS We've 'highlighted' the testers posts on this thread so we can see them!

NK5BM3 have a super time!!

Take children's interests into account when booking as well as your own (amd DH's/DP's) and involved teenagers in helping to narrow down the options so everyone knows what to expect (and what to think about when helping to book next time!)

As well as a first aid kit, pack a few extras such as plasters, sun cream and after sun, piriton, age appropriate pain relief and of course any medicines anyone needs. It's useful to have a zip up wash bag ready with space left for family meds, with a travel padlock. Don't pack it until the meds are in there, then you know you have them.

Encourage children to pack their own bag from an early age so that by thebtime they are teens they are doing it themselves.

Have any essential documents, phone numbers, directions and maps and plenty of spare change (can be needed for car parks or electricity meters) in the front of the car, not in the boot!

Find somewhere half way home that looks like a fun place stop for a couple of hours on the way home. It makes the holiday seem to last a bit longer.

Take some essentials. Toilet roll, towel, soap, shampoo, etc. It's a nightmare arriving somewhere after a long journey and finding these aren't supplied. Better to be safe than sorry.

Possibly boringly too practical but I'd assess for fire escape routes and make sure DC (if old enough) know
Same with rules regarding use of pool/going outside/opening patio doors etc without asking or a grown up present

Take a house that sleeps more people than are staying there. In our experience holiday rentals always wedge in as many beds as possible, without really providing enough living or bathroom space.

We always choose a place that is different to home (we like to have an open fire) but still has enough mod cons (I don't want to spend my holiday handwashing dishes) without going overboard (no Xbox, for example).

None tester.

I always triple check what's included in the place as we stay at as we have limited car space, so don't like to duplicate what I'm taking.

If we stay in a caravan and we can't get a shop delivered, we meal plan before we go and one stays and unpacks and one heads to the supermarket. This way twice is much as done in the same time. We always have either takeaway on the night we arrive or eat out it just makes life easier.

We try and prebook fun activities especially ones where they might be sold out, so last year prebooked coasterring with an excellent firm, when we went we were told they were booked all summer.

If we're going away in autumn and with a friends, due to the young ages of the children and the lack of BBQ opportunities we take a wasjig with us, a nice new one and we have lots of wine whilst having a laugh trying to do it on a spare table.

(Non- tester)
We always take a supply of 'essentials' to keep down costs as they easily creep up if you forget any of them!
Such as cooking supplies - herbs, bag of pasta, teabags etc. Essentials that you can easily whip up a quick and healthy meal and save on eating out at extortionate prices every night.
Washing up stuff (washing up liquid, tea towel, etc.) just in case they don't have them when you get there.
Silly little things you'd never think to take and really wish you'd taken some when you get there as they don't have any. (Bog toilet roll being another prime example... )

Non tester:
My tip would be to use the internet beforehand -

• trip advisor for reviews of the area, local attractions, rainy day activities etc
• walk jog run to plan some runs (if you're a runner!)
• mumsnet (or t'other site) to check out local child friendly things to do
• google earth to get your bearings

Unpack as soon as you arrive - much nicer to have clothes in drawers than having to rummage in bags.

Meal plan - flexibly - so you don't have to come up with all The meals whilst wandering around the local spar and so you don't end up having pasta with veggy tomato sauce for three nights.

Non-tester. I'd visit websites for the location you are going to stay in to find out what events are taking place in the area during your stay because this will give you access to a greater variety of experiences which aren't available at home.

Overall opinions from you and others in the family:

How would you rate/ describe...

Accommodation as a whole

Comfortable beds. Kitchen was well equipped. Didn't need to bring anything as was all there for us. Was a little hard to find as was tucked away but instructions were given to us.

Kitchen facilities

Very well equipped. Huge fridge/freezer. Washing machine, dishwasher and microwave plus the usual kettle and toaster. Enough crockery for 6 people and lots of mugs and glasses.

Bedrooms/Sleeping arrangements

We had one twin and one double room. The twin was great with lots of room, a wardrobe, drawers and even a fan (great given the hot weekend). The double was rather cramped and the hanging space very limited.

Local area

We were in Clerkenwell off the main road. It was quiet. Takeaways, bars and local shops all within walking distance.

How were the checking in and out experiences?

Checking out was very straight forward; we left the keys on the dining table! Checking in was a little more complicated. We had to get to the Housetrip offices, which we couldn't find. After walking up and down Holborn for half an hour and asking several people I managed to find a number and call them. The building had been locked up so we had no chance of getting in. After 5 minutes an agent met us outside Accessorize and handed over the keys in the street. We then had to get another taxi back to the accommodation. Would have been much better if they'd met us at the accommodation and saved me a frazzled husband and grumpy children.

Would you return/ try out another HouseTrip holiday?

Quite possibly. It depends on where. Doubt it would be in London as it was quite ££££

Would you recommend HouseTripping to a friend?

Yes I would without hesitation.

What did you think about the value for money – especially compared to other family holidays? What did you think about the amount of space you get for the cost?

It was pricey for 3 days (£650) but I guess it depends on what you want to do during your stay. If you are happy in a Premier Inn that you use as just a base then it would work out much cheaper. However, if you intend to eat in and cook then I'd reccomend a Housetrip. DH said he wouldn't pay that much for 3 days but then we've paid much more for 5 days at Centre Parcs during school holidays.

The amount of space we had was adequate for a family of 4 but anymore people would have been a squash.

Any other comments?

DH would have liked a bigger tv (yes, I know) but overall we had a great time. The children got to see lots of the tourist spots in London and Greenwich was fab! Thank you Housetrip for allowing us to test out one of your properties. Thanks MN for picking us. xxxx

We've old done this once - we ordered groceries to be delivered the day we arrived and I brought the DCs cups and plates (they were both under 3 at the time) and a couple of favourite DVDs and cuddly toys. We spoke to the owner twice on the phone to get clued up on local transport links, tourist attractions and best places to eat nearby. It was a wonderful holiday that I would definitely repeat.

It's the same things that make a difference take the kids usual pillows and a blanket so they still feel like they have a piece of home when it comes to bedtime.

I always prefer this type of holiday now that I have children as you can make it a home from home and relax a little more, providing you bring your essentials. I always take extra utensils and some games and books, a docking station and ipod and some of dd's favourite toys. I find it a lot easier for the children to settle in this type of environment and you don't have the set times for breakfast etc s you can relax a lot more!

Write a checklist before you go of essentials that may not be included, e.g. salt and pepper, sugar, kitchen towels, toilet roll etc. Take some antibacterial wipes to give the place a quick spruce (someone elses clean may not be the same as your clean). Research things to do in the are, and take some entertainment with you for rainy days, so the kids don't get bored. Wine, always remember to bring wine!

Non tester: do an online shop and have your shopping delivered soon after arriving. For first night we like to take a pre prepared frozen meal eg bolognase - defrosts on the way, so you don't need to worry about keeping food cool, and dead easy to just heat up when you get thete

Non testers: HouseTrip would love to know your top tips on how to make the most of holidaying in an entire house, apartment or villa.

My top tip is enjoy having the space and it all to yourself, take time each day once you come in to set the kids up in their own space within the house so they can have quiet time as sometimes holidays can get a bit over-exciting and much. Its also really nice to be able to cook and do things more like you would at home so don't be frightened to give the kids and activity and leave them to it whilst you cook - or get on with some relaxing yourself. Sometime it can be hard as a parent to relax and let it all go so use the safety of your whole holiday house to take time out, sit back with a good book or take a bath!

We go on google street map before hand and get a good look at where the house is located and what's nearby. Really makes it easier when first arriving as we have an idea of where to park etc.

Non - Tester:

Holidaying as a big family meant we usually stayed in an apartment, converted barn, chalet etc at holiday parks like Haven, which were all self-catering, when we went away. We would load up the minibus with big boxes full of food that we'd gotten from the supermarket to cook whilst away as eating out every day was pretty expensive! We would buy treats and the odd take away and eat at cafe's when we went to certain attractions, but mostly we would cook our own meals and take picnics!

Taking board games and card games for those mornings when the little ones are up before the adults want to start the day! Also good for rainy days.

We took plenty of toilet roll and towels, cutlery and plates for us all. It was literally like living in a proper home for the 1 or 2 weeks we were away.

It was much easier back then! Now I have my own family and neither me or OH drive and it makes going away a bit harder because there's only so much we can carry between us with the little one, too!

I pack rubber gloves as well as washing up sponge, single washpowder tablets (to avoid spillage), dishwasher tablets and some immediate supplies - tea, coffee, milk, bread. And some pegs!
The rubber gloves are invaluable, whether washing up or other cleaning jobs....staying in a whole villa/house etc I don't want to leave any spill ages or mess that we make.
I also take an insulated bag so that it will do for sandwiches etc on the journey, and then for making and taking picnics out during our stay, rather than having to stop to buy lunches which can be expensive.

We took a (new) garden trug with the baby's toys and sleeping bag etc to out holiday chalet. There was only a shower so we used the trug as a bath for the little one. She squealed with excitement at the novelty.
We bought a couple of new toys to take her mind off the trip.
Quesadillas are an easy first night meal for all the family - we had grated apple and cheese. Simple.

Non-tester

Always take basics for cleaning - rubber gloves, anti-bac wipes, tea towels, kitchen roll and toilet roll. Also a box with various medicine/plasters and antiseptic cream. Oh and definitely a big box of our favourite tea bags! A starter bag for meal prep - olive oil, herbs, tomato puree, stock cubes, S&P, dried pasta/rice - so that I only need to buy fresh stuff once there.

I always research the area on the internet before we go away and make a list of possible places to visit, some inside and some outside so we're prepared whatever the weather.

If travelling by car then I normally pack sandwiches, snacks and water bottles for DCs plus a huge bowl of fruit which they can pick at during the journey so they're not scoffing chocolate/sweets all the time.

On holiday

How is it so far? What's the weather like?
Having a great time! We are in London and although it was raining yesterday at the start and during the afternoon we weren't really affected because we'd decided to do to the natural history museum. The kids were super excited about being on holiday that the addition of the brollies wasn't an issue (I guess at 6 and 3 they are used to the English weather?!)

Describe your accommodation eg the amount of space, outdoor area, particular parts of the house
We are in a 2bed apt. Spacious enough for 4 of us. One twin, and one double. One ensuite and one other. All mod cons, so there was no need to bring anything other than breakfast stuff. Kitchen well equipped, ton of dish washing tablets, balconies where we've enjoyed breakfast to morning with the morning sun.

There is also an underground parking for cars (which we had) and a concierge at the reception. Feels all very safe.

What else are you doing outside of the housetrip stay, in the local area?
We've done a trip to the natural history museum yesterday, local tube was 10min walk away along a very picturesque walk by the Thames. Also went to the lady Diana play park which was a fantastic park right in the middle of London. The kids might have liked it as much as the dinosaurs?!! Intend to go to the aquarium today, and Greenwich tomorrow.

How does this compare to previous hotel holidays or previous home rental holidays you've experienced?
We've gone on farm cottage holidays before and it's similar in that you have the run of the place for however long you've booked it. Difference obviously in that on the farm, you do farm/countryside stuff and being in London you feel that you've got to make the best of it, and go out and see the sights, museums, etc. and of course, of the farm you drive around the area, London you go on the tube (which is very expensive!!).

What have you got up to at your housetrip property?

The first night, we brought a takeaway from sainsburys for us, and kids had a pizza. Which was a sound choice. Showers and sleep. Second day we had breakfast, then went out. Had dinner out so came back again to just showers and sleep. Today, we've just had breakfast and the kids are playing in the sun on the balcony. Will go out in a bit.

Have you used the kitchen to cook at home? Where did you get cooking ingredients? If you haven't been cooking much, how often did you choose to eat out?

We haven't really used the kitchen for anything beyond heating up the takeaways, and breakfast stuff. Reason being we made the decision when we got this trip to London that we wanted to take advantage of all the amazing food here in London. So last night we had a fab dinner at a Chinese restaurant that we knew about. I imagine tonight we will do something similar.

What have your dc enjoyed most about the housetrip experience? And have you/your dh enjoyed most?

The children have enjoyed everything... From TV, showers (we have a shower over the bath at home so a stand alone shower is a novelty!). Dh enjoys the nearness to the Thames and river things, we are in zone 2 and it's just really nice to be in London and at the natural history museum (eg) for before it opens up at 10! We live an hour-ish away from London and even with the best of wills, with the trains coming once an hour, the earliest we get into London for anything (with kids) is nearer lunch time.

Testers- what did you do for video diary? I'm not sure what they are looking for.

Was about to ask the same about the video diaries - a bit clueless about what's needed.

We leave tomorrow for Edinburgh at stupid o'clock. Kids very excited and we're busy packing.

Erm, I just videoed as we went along, I'm still on holiday, so haven't sent anything. But I was just going to send a few of the videos and then let them decide what to do with them. I've done it with the iPad.