Sykes Cottages Reviews

Name: Sykes Cottages
Address: Sykes Holiday Cottages Lime Tree House Hoole Lane, Chester
Rating: 1.20

1.2 Rating 1,528 Reviews

5 %

of reviewers recommend Sykes Cottages

Company Reviews

Metrics

1.2

Based on 1,528 reviews

Shipping & Delivery
Delivery Methods	Own Driver
Customer Service
Communication Channels	Telephone, Email, Live Chat
Queries Resolved In	Over A Week
Customer Service	1.1 out of 5
Returns & Refunds
Refunds Process	Difficult
Returns Process	Could Be Better

Location:

Sykes Holiday Cottages Lime Tree House Hoole Lane
Chester
CH2 3EG

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Sykes Cottages 1 star review on 27th January 2025

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Sykes Cottages 1 star review on 17th November 2024

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Anonymous // 01/01/2019

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“Just returned less than half way through my booked holiday. I selected Lymington Lodge in Lymington, Hampshire. It was advertised as a cosy barn conversion, inside the large garden of the owners and the impression given was of an idyllic, country retreat. Guess what? It was all that. EXCEPT: there was a working gym, open to the public, actually one, small segment of the barn conversion itself. Cue loud voices, clanging of gym machines and very loud , amplified music. When I called the owner she was immediately dismissive and a bit arrogant and said no one else had complained. I responded that I could only speak for myself and this racket wasn't my idea if a peaceful retreat, as advertised. When I contacted Sykes, they sounded sympathetic and admitted they knew nothing of this gym. But -long story short - they did absolutely nothing about it. Not even insisting that the owners mention the gym in the listings. I left because I was so stressed and tense, my holiday ruined. I wish I had known that Sykes have a bit of a reputation for being useless in responding to issues. I will never use them again and, unless you like loud noise thumping through the wall of your holiday let, I would avoid LYMINGTON LODGE like the plague. Lymington itself is lovely, as are many of the locals. But not the owners of the Lodge.”

Helpful Report

Posted 2 years ago

“Rubbish pala”

Helpful Report

Posted 2 years ago

“I had problems when bookings could not go ahead due to Covid. I joined the Sykes Cottages Unhappy Customers Page on Facebook. Now with over 6,700 members this group has helped thousands of people who have had problems with Sykes Cottages and the 20 plus other companies in the Sykes family.”

Helpful Report

Posted 2 years ago

“SYKES COTTAGES : ROWAN BANK JACOBS WOOD = upset, disappointment, loss of funds and a lot stress! We have been accused and charged for a damage we did not do. We purchased an additional insurance cover before our trip. If we were guilty we would have claimed on that policy! Strangely Sykes Cottages kept advising us to use the damage cover that we took out, however we have refused it, as we DID NOT cause any damage! How it all started... Upon arrival, after quick verbal introduction by the owner Claire, we were kept outside the property (it was raining and it was very cold). I was freezing, so I suggested going inside to carry on the chat. She declined and told us that she has sanitised the property (despite the fact that the pandemic is over). We didn't think much of it. After 15 minutes of standing outside in cold we finally managed to get inside the property. A few hours later (around 11pm) later my partner realised there was a crack on the fireplace side glass. The fireplace seemed to be thoroughly cleaned, therefore we did not think that the owner is not aware of the crack on the glass! So we have left it. Our bad. We should have rang and emailed the evidence straight away. We stupidly presumed Claire knew about it as she is the one who cleans the property! If Claire brought us inside the property and showed us around maybe she would have realised that the damage was already there? Or maybe she already knew about the damage and simply blamed on us (customers) so we can sponsor the repair? I don't know. To top this up, Claire did not inform us about the damage, she requested Sykes Cottages to charge us. Disgrace and lack of professionalism. We are left extremely upset and shocked that Claire accused and charged us for something we have not done. It is unfair to cause someone so much stress and make them pay for something they have not done! Therefore, PLEASE be aware - make sure you conduct a FULL PHOTOGRAPHIC INVENTORY to cover your back as soon as you step your foot inside Rowan Bank Cottage in Jacobs Wood. Also, Sykes Cottages will not help you, they will happily charge you for stuff you haven't damaged!”

Helpful Report

Posted 2 years ago

“I booked a property for specific dates offered, only to find in the confirmation that the dates were two days earlier than I specified. Before payment was taken no review of the booking was provided to check accuracy There is no email contact offered to complain. The HELP site gave the option to alter dates - for a fee of £30! A nice little earner! The dates offered are useless to us. A miserable experience which I expect to continue tomorrow when their phone line is open. No doubt the error will be entirely mine! If this is a regular "fault" in their system, a lot of annoyance must ensue and more expense? A sleepless night now in store thanks to Sykes.....”

Helpful Report

Posted 2 years ago

“Went to a cottage last week Drimnatorran lodge farm Scotland there was no heating on arrival , there was a padlock on door to boiler so you couldn’t check .In the holiday book we read it it said heating comes on 3 times a day this did not happen contacted emergency no not much satisfaction the owners were away until Monday night eventually on Sunday we were told out of good will jester they would give us some coal and wood even when we left the heating came on by Thursday only in morning.Rang up Skye’s cottages to report issues not much help never heard anything back from them also it stated wi fi that didn’t work either fridge was frosting up . What was meant to be a stress free holiday turned out an nightmare”

Helpful Report

Posted 2 years ago

“Property owner closed down a year ago. Covid 19 pandemic ended the business. I paid thousands of pounds back to Sykes Cottages. They emailed me yesterday threatening legal action if I did not pay further monies to them. They made out they had contacted me by phone and sent emails numerous times on the matter. The emails sent yesterday were the first ones I have received from them for a year. I have paid them, the warning I give to any property owner or guests is avoid Sykes Cottages at all costs. They take your money and nothing else”

Helpful Report

Posted 2 years ago

“Sykes- Very Bad Experience We have stayed with Sykes for decades. However an owner on a recent holiday has claimed incorrectly for damage to towels and sheets. At the most, all that was required was to wash them, which I would assume was normal in between hires. Sykes will not accept any explanation on my part but simply believed the owner and charged a ridiculous £89 to my card. Basically the owners have replenished their stocks at our expense. Never have I seen this behaviour before and as a result Sykes have lost a loyal customer. As we will in future , I suggest that you think very carefully before using this company.”

Helpful Report

Posted 2 years ago

“paid large deposit on cottage ,but due to old age and injury had to cancel. requested refund thinking it would be soon as the booking was for next aug/sep six week later still no refund, they claim not there problem use the insurance we paid for. no chance.bobstill no refund.”

Helpful Report

Posted 2 years ago

“We have used sykes for years never had a problem, there is only one cottage we would not use again that was down to the size of the garden for our dog not big enough. I would definitely recommend them”

Helpful Report

Posted 2 years ago

“Extremely disappointed that Sykes chose to ignore my genuine feedback. I addressed some issues regarding my recent holiday. On arrival we found the washing machine full of someone elses laundry. Cobwebs in lounge & bathroom. There were a few other concerns which I pointed out. I thought it only fair to give Sykes the opportunity to address my concerns before writing a review. They chose not to bother replying.”

Helpful Report

Posted 2 years ago

“One star as it won’t let me put a zero! So, after a stressful few months, we decided on a last minute getaway. Selected some properties on the site, and as requested, submitted the online query form. The properties we selected, although advertised as available, were not! Some didn’t have the facilities which we wanted , so we kept looking and enquiring. We then found our ideal property, glen view , it looked available for our dates, so again, sent of our enquiry form. Seconds later , Sykes phoned up and asked if we would like to go ahead with the booking. Yes please! It was explained to us that for the first week of it 2 weeks, it would not be available due to building works next door, but an alternative property for the first week was offered, then we could go to the original property for the second week. This seemed ok, and as we were booking an apartment in a large property, thought nothing of it, and just assumed they were different apartments within the building 2 separate booking/ confirmation/payments were made . Once the details were sent to us, we realised that neither of these apartments were anything to do with glen view. The properties were ones we had enquired about hours before, and for whatever reasons were unsuitable, and so were declined. The phone operator had booked us 2 properties, neither of which we wanted! They refuse to give a refund, as they “have listened back to the recorded calls” and we made a verbal agreement . They refuse to transfer the monies paid to the property we actually wanted, saying it was all our fault! NO, it wasn’t! It was Sykes! Who are refusing to admit it was their fault! Now we are in a 2 centre holiday, in accommodation we don’t want , in an area we don’t want to be in! Absolute joke of a company! This is not the first issue we have ad with Sykes, I should have listened to myself when I said …. I’ll never use them again!! Poor service!!! No refund ! Do not use! Keep your hard earned cash and book elsewhere Booking ref: 7J2MD-22-EN and 1116487 Date of experience: 08 October 2022”

Helpful Report

Posted 2 years ago

““Avoid avoid avoid the holiday homes are not as advertised paid for a holiday home costing 5k for a week including a private pool hot tub/jacuzzi and sauna the 3 things we wanted for our first family holiday for over 2 years, only to find out when we got there the hot tub had been removed with no notice given. The sauna trips out the swimming pool heater and filter system which they where aware of but still did not mention or perhaps fix before our arrival. The wall surrounding the patio area was dangerous and my 73 year dad would have fallen through it had I not been there to grab him. The Croft near Hereford is not worth 3k a week let alone 5. After bringing all of this to there attention they offered us £75 discount and admitted they new the hot tub had been removed but failed to inform us after numerous emails there final offer was £150. what a joke of a company they then blamed it all on the owner. Thank you to both sykes and the owner for spoiling what will probably be the last family holiday my dad and mother have with there great grandchildren. My family will never use your company again we will go back to cottages for you. Oh and they removed there offer of 150 compensation. Shambles, false advertising and not fit for purpose. just wanted to add they are the most unhelpful company you could ever deal with they have no clue what customer service is the company is a joke and needs training in dealing with genuine problems/complaints with empathy, people are spending a lot of there hard earned money on a family holiday its supposed to be a fun relaxing time and with this company it clearly is not. they just do not care once they have your money”

Helpful Report

Posted 2 years ago

“This had to be the worst holiday i have ever been on. The cottage was infested with flies, we had no running water for over 24 hours, no shower, no toilet as the flush did not work and needed a new flush, the launderette was a joke and would not release out clothes because of the problem with the water so our clothes were filthy and wet, faeces nearly overflowing, the dog ran 3 gardens as it is NOT secure, we are seeking legal advice as sykes do not care !!!! and ignore messages and calls. disgusting service as well as accommodation”

Helpful Report

Posted 2 years ago

“Summertime Lodge: Having inspected this holiday let it was found with the following faults. Boiler Kept Breaking down when we stayed (Owner already knew of this as this was an ongoing problem). Mould growth on Bathroom Ceiling and Main Bathroom Blind. Sagging and Smelling Lounge Sofas. Bedroom Furniture had seen better days. Single and Double Mattresses requiring replacement and beyond repair. Answer by Sykes--- Did you inform the Owner of problems as we could have done a reclean🤣🤣 What an absolute job of a so called travel company.. Avoid!!”

Helpful Report

Posted 2 years ago

“Avoid avoid avoid the holiday homes are not as advertised paid for a holiday home costing 5k for a week including a private pool hit tub/jacuzzi and sauna the 3 things we wanted for our first family holiday for over 2 years, only to find out when we got there the hot tub had been removed with notice given. The sauna trips out the swimming pool heater and filter system which they where aware of but still did not mention or perhaps fix before our arrival. The wall surrounding the patio area was dangerous and my 73 year dad would have fallen through it had I not been there to grab him. The Croft near Hereford is not worth 3k a week let alone 5. After bringing all of this to there attention they offered us £75 discount and admitted they new the hot tub had been removed but failed to inform us after numerous emails there final offer was £150. what a joke of a company they then blamed it all on the owner. Thank you to both sykes and the owner for spoiling what will probably be the last family holiday my dad and mother have with there great grandchildren. My family will never use your company again we go will back to cottages for you. Oh and they removed there offer of 150 compensation. Shambles, false advertising and not fit for purpose.”

Helpful Report

Posted 2 years ago

“The worse company ever, no empathy what so ever, a family member passed away, leaving the family in such a situation to continue the holiday home. This was due to the pandemic and covid, a second family also very sick , tried to cancel as it was not live to take bookings as you could understand. Still demanded a fee for setting up absolutely nothing. Kept issuing invoices until I gave up and paid a fee to stop my credit rating getting obliterated which was reduced but still didn’t cancel and demanded. I offered to speak to the marketing director which I will get to contact one day and discuss why why . Horrid company to work with please think twice”

Helpful Report

Posted 2 years ago

“After your holiday, you return home to find an email from Sykes asking you to give feedback, which they say "is SO important". When you try to do this you find you go through a series of steps that is supposed to lead you to a "Feedback form". It doesn't: you are returned to the "How can we help" page that you start with! So, you CAN'T give feed back and you CAN'T reply to the email requesting you give feedback because it is a "no-reply@sykescottages.co.uk". With Sykes you pays your money and you takes your chances. Good luck; we won't use them again.”

Helpful Report

Posted 2 years ago

“Arrived at pop's barn Wiltshire yesterday 24/9/22 for our weeks holiday, First holiday in 11 years, unfortunately it was not as expected, we knew it was a barn conversion and that it was small, but just how small it was disappointed us. we took our dog with us (rottweiler) and there was no space what so ever to even put his bed down, the garden is only suitable for small dogs, maybe this should be stated when asking if you are taking a dog, (ask for the breed). there is also no mention of steps leading into the property, they would be a problem for an elderly person with knee problems, the garden was also overgrown and outside table and chairs where in need of a paint or replacing, so needless to say, we arrived at pop's barn around 3 O'clock, and was on our way back home by 4 O'clock, after giving our dog a quick walk and to stretch our legs. after the drive, what a total waste of our hard earned money, (any chance of a refund)”

Helpful Report

Posted 2 years ago

“Appalling customer service, booked a property and paid in full, received eight emails in confirmation. Two weeks later, received an email from Sykes cancelling the booking, no explanation or reason was given. I thought the email could be some sort of scam or mistake so telephoned Sykes Customer Service, who confirmed the cancellation, they could/would not give me any reason why the cancellation had occurred. I then had to find alternative accommodation which took some considerable time. I went onto Sykes web site to leave a review, to my utter disbelief the property was being re advertised as available for the same dates I had previously reserved ! I contacted Sykes to try and get an explanation. I was informed they did not have one ! I would have thought that Sykes would want to know why a property owner had treated a customer so badly, alas, how wrong could I be, Sykes had no interest. On Sykes web site the proclaim, "we're passionate about providing great customer service". This is clearly not the case, my experience is a prime example of dreadful service. It would appear Sykes have not changed their ways from the way they treated customers during the Covid pandemic. Furthermore, Sykes are the second worst UK holiday booking company, based on a 2022 survey by Which Magazine, (they were the worst in 2021 ).Now I know why, my experience supports this, I will never use them again, there are numerous other booking platforms. You have been warned !”

Helpful Report

Posted 2 years ago

Sykes Cottages is rated 1.2 based on 1,528 reviews