“Sykes - Our experience with Sykes wasn't great.”
We tried to call them before our holiday to ask about the property and COVID arrangement and was unable to get through to them and no ability to leave a message. I did receive a voicemail, but on ringing back was again not to connect or leave a message. On arrival, the towels in the property had a bad smell. We were again unable to reach anyone at Sykes, or on the number for the caretaker (appeared to divert to the same number for Sykes). After trying multiple ways, we were only able to contact them via the app. The towels were replaced the next day.
The Property - First to good things, this property is in a great location. A short walk down a very steep hill and you are right in the centre of Ambleside. Great views over the hills, in a quiet part of the town. Can't fault the location. However, a number of areas with the property itself could make it much better. Firstly the parking. The car park is in a busy cul-de-sac and the car park spaces are very narrow. We don't have a large car and are used to tight parking, but on more than one occasion we could not park without blocking ourselves or other cars. Parking a large car would be problematic and challenging for those uncomfortable with parking. The other main problem was the kitchen equipment, it is very basic and limited. For example, only 2 bowls, one water glass, few pans, very blunt knives & equipment. Photos show a cafetière, which was not there. Given most options for food are still closed due to COVID restrictions, we ate in most nights - the facilities really did not help this. Additionally, we were accessing the property via the patio doors due to the main access closed due to COVID. It would have been nice to provide some additional mats for muddy boots, wet umbrellas etc. Also there is no washing machine, unusual for a self-catering property. This was not on the listing we discovered, but unusual not to have one.
Overall, we expected better. Great we were able to go, but more effort could have been made to accommodate for the COVID situation we are still in and better communication from Sykes.
Thank you for your feedback, we are thrilled that you were pleased with the location and surroundings. We are very sorry to hear your comments regarding the lack of cutlery and crockery at the property, these have been reduced due to Covid but we apologise that you did not find the amount left sufficient. With regards to the property not having a washing machine, this is stated on the website as you mention but we are taking this feedback on board and will look into adding this to the property. We really appreciate your comments and we hope that these issues do not deter you from staying with us again. Best wishes. Property Owner