Honeybee Cottage♡

A lovely stay ruined by unpleasant host messages

3.0

− We thought the cottage itself was lovely. A great deal of care has clearly been taken to ensure it is well-equipped, and there were many thoughtful touches throughout the property that made for an enjoyable stay. Unfortunately, after our departure we received a highly accusatory and officious message from the host stating that their housekeeper had reported children's drawings on a bedroom wall, stains on bedding, and marks on the carpeted stairs. The message went on to suggest that a claim might be made against us for cleaning and remedial costs. We responded immediately and explained that nobody in our party had drawn on the walls, that the stain on one pillowcase had been present when we arrived, and that marks on the stairs seemed unlikely to have come from us as shoes were removed at the door throughout our stay. It later transpired that the marks on the wall were chalky in nature (we had no chalk with us), and we heard nothing further regarding the carpet. Once the host had personally attended the property, the matter appears to have been dropped entirely. What disappointed us most was not the fact that questions were raised, but the tone in which they were raised. We had left the cottage in good condition and felt we were treated as though wrongdoing had already been established. A more appropriate approach would have been to ask whether we had any knowledge of the issues rather than immediately implying responsibility and threatening a financial claim. Even if some of the matters raised had been attributable to us, the handling of the situation was, in our view, unacceptable. Guests are customers, not schoolchildren to be reprimanded. Properties that accommodate families will inevitably require some routine cleaning and turnaround between stays.

Guest review

10.0

Everything

− Stairs are pretty steep

A wonderful stay in a beautiful part of the country

10.0

The perfect location on a wonderful island. So much to explore and do.

− Nothing - everything was perfect

Exceptional

10.0

The cottage was very well located in Cowes, close to the main street which was very convenient. It was clean and had everything we needed during our stay.

Great, will come back!

10.0

Located in the center of Cowes, beautiful and spacious place, well-equipped kitchen, beautiful bathrooms. Wonderful awakening in the morning with harbor view.

− stairs might be uncomfortable for guests with children or elderly (but anyway, steep stairs are common in the UK)

Memorable fondness of a summer holiday with family during Cowes week.

10.0

Exceptional design details. Lovely kitchen garden and sit down area at the back. Furnish to a high standard Clean and everything fresh and new And many many more

− Nothing in particular