Holiday cottage company recommendations

[StiffyByng]

We're looking for a cottage to rent at Christmas and there are quite a few available. We've got insurance in case of Covid cancellation, but I'd really love recommendations for any of the websites or companies that you've had personal experience with, in terms of cleanliness, decent behaviour (staying well clear of AirB&B) and reasonable T&Cs. Thanks.

We've booked with Sykes in a few different locations. They have a good range of properties in nice locations (some busy and popular holiday spots, some quiet out of the way places), their pre-stay preparation and instruction emails are excellent and we've always had good experiences of the property owners/caretakers.

Oh, that's good to know, as Sykes has what I think is our favourite option.

Rural Retreats, and any of their other brands eg Cotswolds Hideaways. Used them for years. Always clean, welcome hamper provided, will have all mod cons like washing machine and dishwasher.

Used Rural Retreats once but ended up with a 50% refund as the property was so poor.

Coastal Retreats have always been great.

We've used cottages.com several times and have been quite happy, however we always read the independent reviews from reevoo, these are all printed good and bad, we've only ever gone for properties with great reviews.

I’ve used Hoseasons a number of times and never had any problems, however over the last 18 months they and a number of cottages companies owned by them have had a very bad press about poor customer service and holidays being cancelled 1-2 days before they start.

I also never book anything below a 9 rating.