“Harbour View is a lovely cottage, very well situated in Mevagissey.”
No doubt about that. And it was beautifully clean. Now the buts...
1. The Welcome Book in the cottage states very clearly that the second bedroom is up a very, very steep set of steps (almost a ladder) and should not be used by the very young or old without supervision. This statement is NOT in the Sykes advertisement. I could get up (am I 74) but my friend is not so agile. But no way was I risking getting my luggage up or trying to come down in the dark. Luckily we were just two, so I jack-knifed myself for the lower bunk in the third room. Peeving as top room is an absolute delight whereas bunk room is basic.
2. This inaccessibility was pertinent because the bulb to the stairs/landing light was blown when we arrived, The light is over the stairs, rather than the landing, and probably hard to change. When did it go, I wonder? Certainly it was not checked before our arrival. We had to use torches to go to bed. (See final point to learn why we didn't bother to contact owner)
3. Night two the Fire Alarm started in the middle of the night. The battery was flat. Clearly, not regularly checked. Illegal?
4. A previous guest had written in the Guest Book how surprised and disappointed she was that there was no hairdryer. We were grateful to her else we, too, would have been stuck with wet hair and a table booked. A hairdryer is, surely, as basic as a kettle? But what stunned us was the owner's stinging reply that she had stopped supplying them as guests stole them. No excuse! If it is that common, bulk buy and add cost to Overheads... Goodness they are cheap enough. Or emphasise in Sykes Overview.
5. On journey down we got a chirpy text saying the Master Bedroom had been prepared for us. Minor panic as we are friends, not partners. I replied saying I hoped second room was also set up. No reply. We now suspect text was automatic and any reply unread. This and hairdryer affair decided us contact was probably best avoided. Afterall, We had our torches... which was double useful as wires to bedside reading lamps aren't long enough!
I am very sorry to hear your review. Regarding the Buts... If you look at the description on the Sykes website under the heading of 'The Property' it clearly states the 2nd floor is accessed via STEEP stairs. 2. the light is on the landing at the top of the stairs and lights the landing beautifully. To use the light there are several switches. One above your head as you climb the stairs and the other at the top of the stairs. The light bulb had not blown so I am unsure why you were unable to get it to work. No one else seems to have had an issue. 3. I change my smoke alarms every 6 months, not the batteries but the whole unit, also the carbon monoxide detector is changed every 12 months. (Family connected to the fire service so this is well managed). It can take as little as a small bug to get into the appliance to set it off. Apologises this happened to you. I dont supply a hair dryer and suggest perhaps you should have clearly read what I DO supply in the property details. This may save you any disappointment going forward. With the issues with the environment I am not prepared to bulk buy items that people have at home. We need to be more environmentally friendly. This brings me to your next point regarding the making up of beds. Again I try to save money, the enviroment and time so send out a chirpy message letting guests know what rooms have been made up depending on the number of guests staying. I have in the past made the cottage up for 6 persons with only 2 staying. Those 2 guests have been known to use all the bath sheets and hand towels for 6 people in their weeks stay. I of course endeavour to make up what beds are needed and as you pointed out, the twin room was made up for you. I am not sure what you regard as basic with regard the twin room. There are 2 chest of drawers, lamps, mirror, rug and handing space. The same as the other rooms. The one bedside lamp is plugged into an extention lead, the other has 2 double sockets next to the bed. I am glad you found Harbour Retreat well situated and beautifully clean.
Property Owner
