“I'd struggle to find a better located cottage of this size in Whitby.”
There aren't many that can sleep 4 adults in king-size beds with three decent single beds.
I've thought hard before leaving this review. We've had a good holiday. But given the cost of renting the property I'm not happy with our stay. Full admission that I didn't try to work out minor niggles with YCC or the owner. I only dealt with one issue that was dealt with by YCC, I didn't want to spend any time on a holiday trying to sort out small things. Like many people, time is a precious commodity.
First impressions weren't great. Outdoor access to property slippy and strewn with litter from neighbouring cottage. When we arrived, we could not turn any lights on, as the power to all off them was off, so the first thing we had to do was find the fuse box to get the power for them back on. The property smelt strongly of wet dog.
Photos in listing need updating as some areas looking very tired.
Because there must have been a power cut, the electric oven would not work, so we could not cook anything. The guidebook helpfully explained that if this happened you had to reset the oven by pressing the plus and minus buttons together. However, there was no plus button - presumably broken off by a previous guest and not replaced. One of the blankets on the beds should not have been placed back on - it stank and was covered in fur. At least one chipped knife and several cracked or chipped glasses. Windows need a clean, shower seals hanging off, missing tooth brush holders, chipped plaster. Outside area on roof has changed from photos and is looking really tired, awning didn't or doesn't work (and is filthy). The coffee maker listed was a cafetiere. So far, so minor, and all things I was happy to overlook. It is a good property. Some issues have been caused by previous visitors, but unusual for them not to be addressed.
The reason for the low rating is that we found evidence of mouse activity our first evening. In several locations. It was confirmed on the second evening when we caught one. We actually saw several in and out of the large laurel in the neighbouring property. It's an old property. It's not an easy one to resolve given where they're coming from. Mice will get in, and heavy rain will drive them in, I'm not unsympathetic to that. YCC/sykes dealt with this very quickly (especially grateful for this at the start of a two week stay with three under 4s) but the general maintainence and cleanliness would help with this (air brick in patio area maybe needs a mesh cover which we didn't spot until our last few days).
This is my first disappointing experience with sykes, so while I would consider using them again, I'll be a lot more cautious in the future. I wouldn't stay in this property again, sadly.
