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

“If I could review by leaving 0 stars I would We are in an unprecedented situation, which is particularly difficult for all of us. The Government have advised everyone not to travel unless it’s essential to help stop the spread of Covid-19. You would think as a multi-million pound company like Sykes (making £6.2 million pounds last year alone!) would have the best interests of their customers at heart, especially those who are elderly, vulnerable and in the high risk bracket, and that they would have the decency and compassion to offer a refund to those who wish to receive one, rather than encouraging them to either go ahead with their holiday. If their parents, grandparents, children, grandchildren and indeed any family member fall into this category, I’m certain they would be apalled if they were treated the same way in which they are treating their customers. How can you actively encourage customers to go on holiday and to ignore the Government's advice not to travel in order to try and reduce the number of Covid-19 infections which in turn will allieviate pressure on our NHS and save lives. When telling them that we do fall under the vulnerable group their stock response is "it’s not our policy to offer refunds". They aren’t accepting travel insurance stating that there hasn’t been a travel restriction imposed in the UK. They have said we’re welcome to cancel but will lose our entire payment, a payment by the way, that they weren’t authorised to take from our card in the first instance!. We have explained we don’t even know when it will be safe for us to travel again, and that at this point in time people need all their money to be able to survive, to buy food and pay bills - their answer "we understand, but its not our policy to give refunds". We and many others have tried to point out that legally they must return our money, as the terms under which the contract was agreed, made and paid for, have changed significantly through no-ones fault which means its become "Frustrated". We have pointed out their terms and conditions do not cover this point and as such we are able to rely on this legal provision. A rude customer service representative retorted "we are a multi million pound company and we have had top lawyers look over our terms and conditions, but you are welcome to pursue us legally if you wish". It’s really good to see your true colours at this difficult time and that your only concern is financial gain instead of the health and wellbeing of your customers!! Do the decent thing Sykes and refund at least your elderley and vulnerable clients, instead of spending your time blocking each and everyone of us who dares to tell the truth through social media. Giving refunds may not have been your policy prior to this current situation but things have changed, perhaps your policy also needs to do the same. You’ve been warned folks - STAY WELL CLEAR PEOPLE”

Helpful Report

Posted 4 years ago

“We booked 4 days in Barmouth through Sykes Cottages on 22nd February to go away on 20th March to the 24th March specifically to meet friends who live nearby and were really looking forward to it. Having paid £409 including Skyes own holiday insurance. On Tuesday 17th my husband was sent home from work with a cough and sore throat so we were thrown into self isolating with the added complication of my own serious underlying health conditions. We left messages with Sykes to contact us as their phone line was not being answered. Finally we managed to have a text message conversation with them to be encouraged to still go despite our situation and the governments advice for elderly and vulnerable not to travel unnecessarily. But gave no assurances with regards to deep cleaning of the property or what would happen if we became seriously ill whilst staying there. They point blank refused to refund us in part or in full and their solution was to offer a date next year ..... With a further cost to us???? Despite the fact that the contract is now frustrated and monies should be refunded they continue to ignore our correspondence. We find that they have refunded some people and not others which makes a complete mockery of their policy not to refund and is a very unfair action. I would avoid this company at all costs, rude rip off merchants with no morals or empathy and cashing in on the situation. SYKES COTTAGES YOU ARE A DISGRACE!!!!!”

Helpful Report

Posted 4 years ago

“We booked 4 days in Barmouth through Sykes Cottages on 22nd February to go away on 20th March to the 24th March specifically to meet friends who live nearby and were really looking forward to it. Having paid £409 including Skyes own holiday insurance. On Tuesday 17th my husband was sent home from work with a cough and sore throat so we were thrown into self isolating with the added complication of my own serious underlying health conditions. We left messages with Sykes to contact us as their phone line was not being answered. Finally we managed to have a text message conversation with them to be encouraged to still go despite our situation and the governments advice for elderly and vulnerable not to travel unnecessarily. But gave no assurances with regards to deep cleaning of the property or what would happen if we became seriously ill whilst staying there. They point blank refused to refund us in part or in full and their solution was to offer a date next year ..... With a further cost to us???? Despite the fact that the contract is now frustrated and monies should be refunded they continue to ignore our correspondence. We find that they have refunded some people and not others which makes a complete mockery of their policy not to refund and is a very unfair action. I would avoid this company at all costs, rude rip off merchants with no morals or empathy and cashing in on the situation. SYKES COTTAGES YOU ARE A DISGRACE!!!!!”

Helpful Report

Posted 4 years ago

“DO NOT BOOK WITH THIS COMPANY! As everyone knows the current climate is particularly difficult for all. The Government have advised everyone not to travel unless its essential to help stop the spread of this awful virus. You would think as a company with its customer's interests at heart Sykes would be offering refunds to all who wish to receive one - WRONG! They are in actual fact refusing all refunds, even those over 70 or in the vulnerable group and furthermore they are even encouraging customers to go on holiday and to ignore the Government's advice not to travel. Having been on hold twice for over an hour each time and having tried to explain that we cannot travel any other time in the year (they offering to amend dates but if the holiday is more at another time they arent even honouring the price youve paid and are asking for more money!) that we do fall under the vulnerable group their stock response "its not our policy to offer refunds". They arent accepting travel insurance either. They have said we are welcome to cancel but will lose our entire payment. I tried to explain that at this point in time people need all their money to be able to survive, to buy food and pay bills - their answer "we understand but its not our policy to give refunds". I then tried to point out that legally they must return our money as the terms under which the contract was agreed, made and paid for have changed significantly through no ones fault which means its become "Frustrated". I pointed out their terms and conditions do not cover this point and as such i am able to rely on this legal provision. This was greeted by a very rude response of "we are multi million pound company and we have had top lawyers look over our terms and conditions but you are welcome to pursue us legally if you wish". What a caring customer focus business you are!!! And to top it off I have now been blocked from commenting on their Facebook page and also messaging them through facebook as I had questioned their moral conscience. Disgusting behaviour from a company more concerned about lining their pockets than the health and happiness of their customers!! They currently have 1000s of very unhappy customers and to my knowledge are blocking each and everyone of them who dare tell the truth through social media. Giving refunds may not have been your policy prior to this current situation but things have changed, perhaps your policy also needs to do the same. STAY CLEAR PEOPLE!!!”

Helpful Report

Posted 4 years ago

“DO NOT BOOK WITH THIS COMPANY! As everyone knows the current climate is particularly difficult for all. The Government have advised everyone not to travel unless its essential to help stop the spread of this awful virus. You would think as a company with its customer's interests at heart Sykes would be offering refunds to all who wish to receive one - WRONG! They are in actual fact refusing all refunds, even those over 70 or in the vulnerable group and furthermore they are even encouraging customers to go on holiday and to ignore the Government's advice not to travel. Having been on hold twice for over an hour each time and having tried to explain that we cannot travel any other time in the year (they offering to amend dates but if the holiday is more at another time they arent even honouring the price youve paid and are asking for more money!) that we do fall under the vulnerable group their stock response "its not our policy to offer refunds". They arent accepting travel insurance either. They have said we are welcome to cancel but will lose our entire payment. I tried to explain that at this point in time people need all their money to be able to survive, to buy food and pay bills - their answer "we understand but its not our policy to give refunds". I then tried to point out that legally they must return our money as the terms under which the contract was agreed, made and paid for have changed significantly through no ones fault which means its become "Frustrated". I pointed out their terms and conditions do not cover this point and as such i am able to rely on this legal provision. This was greeted by a very rude response of "we are multi million pound company and we have had top lawyers look over our terms and conditions but you are welcome to pursue us legally if you wish". What a caring customer focus business you are!!! And to top it off I have now been blocked from commenting on their Facebook page and also messaging them through facebook as I had questioned their moral conscience. Disgusting behaviour from a company more concerned about lining their pockets than the health and happiness of their customers!! They currently have 1000s of very unhappy customers and to my knowledge are blocking each and everyone of them who dare tell the truth through social media. Giving refunds may not have been your policy prior to this current situation but things have changed, perhaps your policy also needs to do the same. STAY CLEAR PEOPLE!!!”

Helpful Report

Posted 4 years ago

“Given this company a 1 star review and that’s 1 more than Id like too . Absolutely disgusting that they intend to cash in on this current COVID - 19 crisis . I have a booking for April 17 2020 . I just rang them after seeing on their webpage that they are offering to rearrange dates with no admin fee. I asked to transfer my weeks booking to the same week next year ( a week currently being at advertised at £469 ) , they said yes it’s available but it will be an additional £660 !! When I queried this and said ‘ you want over £1450 for one week in small 3 bed cottage ? , their reply was yes , that’s the new price . Well , it clearly isn’t , that’s a total lie and they trying to rip off customers . I asked if they would be refunding people if we aren’t allowed by law to travel and their reply was no and neither will any insurance cover you . They don’t intend to cancel any holidays even if we aren’t allowed by law to travel. Times are hard for most of us right now , I can’t afford to lose my payment of over £800 and then there’s Sykes - who are raking in extra cash at the misfortune of others. Shame on them ! People won’t forget how they are treated. I Will never use this company again and recommend that no one else does too . Landlords beware - they’ll cost you bookings !”

Helpful Report

Posted 4 years ago

“Will never book with this company ever again! Ignorant staff and promised call backs ! Be very very careful when your booking with this company . They will never ever refund your money”

Helpful Report

Posted 4 years ago

“Appalling customer service. When cancelling my trip the deposit is paid on booking went up by £139, which was taken from my account against my wishes. I shall never book with Sykes again. This isn’t the first problem I’ve had with them. My advice is book directly with the owner or through another company.”

Helpful Report

Posted 4 years ago

“Appalling customer service. When you cancel a booking the £20 deposit becomes £159 which against my wishes they charged my credit card. I’ll never book with them again. Book directly with the owner or use a different company is my advice.”

Helpful Report

Posted 4 years ago

“The company is con the wording on its web site is misleading at best payed 20 pound deposit then they ask you if you want travel insurance , not insurance if you need cancel, then when you cancel they try charge you 190 pounds, the wording they use is very crafty,i wont be paying the 190 no way”

Helpful Report

Posted 4 years ago

“Update on previous review. This is how the company deal with you when you have a complaint. We received this email by accident... presumably it was meant to go to the cottage owner, rather than us, the disgruntled client: 3QK7G-20-EN We hope this email finds you well. We have been contacted by the above guest (Mr .....) who stayed at the property from the 13/02/2020 (Thursday) for 7 nights. He asked us to ask you for compensation for issues he had during his stay. We never promised him anything and your not obliged to give out any as the issues were rectified. If you are wanting to give a Small gesture of goodwill or not all please contact us back as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you. Kind regards, Alistair The Customer Relations Team Sykes Cottages 01244 345700 (Option 1 followed by Option 3)”

Helpful Report

Posted 4 years ago

“Check out the difference regarding ratings on site called reviews co uk for Sykes; large discrepancy. We had a diabolical experience at a cottage named Manor View in North Luffenham and were charged premium for Feb 14th even though we were there for work and Sykes will take no responsibility for the issues we faced which include, but not limited to: no electricity for part of one day and no heating for most of the next, a whole day negotiating plumbers for the managers. It was in the middle of storm Dennis! The condition of the property was terrible, dirty, no heater in kitchen, 3 pieces of wood for fire, no condiments for cooking, 3 tablets in a cup by sink that were apparently for dishwasher though this not stated, washing machine outside with no directions to find it or for use, large gaps in most of the damaged window letting in the wind - I had a cold by the end of the week. Felt we needed a holiday by the end of the experience! The visitors book showed ever more disgruntled comments as you read through it so we are not the only unhappy customers.”

Helpful Report

Posted 4 years ago

“We started renting two of our cottages out with sykes this year, after using other companies for over ten years (we left ‘owners’ direct after they were taken over and increased their fees) So far the experience has been exceptionally poor, the property description of one is wrong and try as I might they won’t change it (the property has two parking spaces and a garage on site, yet they refer to ‘a reserved space in a car park !) No reviews are shown at all for this property. The other property only has a bad review (traffic noise due to a local event) and none of its good reviews shown at all. How can customers make an informed choice with missing and incorrect information.”

Helpful Report

Posted 4 years ago

“had to cancel a holiday which was seven months away and was charged £186 for cancellation. I am a pensioner and have had three holidays a year for the last twenty years and never ever had to such an extortionate fee to cancel. I have tried three times to have my account deleted from their data base and they refuse to remove it. Worst holiday company I have ever dealt with and if i could have given zero stars i would have. Dont bother talking to their staff as they dont want to know and pass you from pillar to post. Customer service is a joke.”

Helpful Report

Posted 4 years ago

“I am experiencing a dreadful time with Sykes. I am due to rent a cottage for 3 nights from Friday. Two weeks ago I received a marketing email offering £40 voucher to rebook and a link to the calendar. For a start I haven't had the holiday so the mailing was inappropriate and, I noticed there's over £300 discount on the price I paid throughout the month. I contacted Sykes to request the discount and they were just not interested. No apology and stated there's no way that the owners would give me a discount. I suggested it wasn't the owners fault and that Sykes should perhaps fund from their margins given they made the error. They advised that as I'd made the booking over a year ago there's nothing they can do and perhaps i should have booked later. I've now been diagnosed with parrot influenza and may not be able to go. No empathy. Tough. They won't even let me move to another date when I'm recovered and pay any difference if relevant. This company won't last. The market is awash with good accommodation and companies who are more social media savvy. Apparently property owners who use Sykes also experience bthus greed and inflexibility.”

Helpful Report

Posted 4 years ago

“I am a homeowner with Sykes and have just discovered they are lying to customers and homeowners. The advertised prices are artificially inflated and the discounts completely made up. I have a feeling this company will implode when their fraud is discovered as there are many other things that just don’t add up. Furthermore some of the other rating sites are clearly being manipulated by Skykes. Shame on you!”

Helpful Report

Posted 4 years ago

“Do not use this disgusting company they are savages who endanger the lives of children, encouraging minor children to book cottages. When I notified them that a booking was fraudulent and the child had an intellectual disability they said the minor child would still have to pay £250 cancellation charges or go. They actually thought it was acceptable to go. They also didn’t notify the homeowners that the booking would be cancelled which meant the property wasn’t being marketing on those dates and possibly losing them business. They are a disgusting low moral and unprofessional company, do not get sucked in my the low deposit, that’s how they think they have you. The customer service team are rude, ignorant and bad mannered and have left a 17 year old disabled child suicidal at the thought of how she will come up with £250 to cancel a 2 night trip several months in advance.”

Helpful Report

Posted 4 years ago

“DO NOT BOOK WITH SYKES COTTAGES I am surprised by sykes cottages Policy. I have booked a property in 7 months from now in August in a very touristic place. Due to another cancellation, I need to cancel this booking after 8 days. You charge 674£, for a total of 2148£. Other very well known companies are much more concillient and not trying to make benefits at all cost at the depends of their customers.”

Helpful Report

Posted 4 years ago

“Poor customer service........ and policies......... A greedy company charging admin fees on top of additional nights stay fee for extending our existing booking. Wished I read there reviews first and I hadn’t booked through them! Definitely wouldn’t recommend!!!!!!!”

Helpful Report

Posted 4 years ago

“In compassionate company! Don’t use them! We booked with Sykes for my mums 60th 1 year in advance. Unfortunately my dad received a terminal diagnosis 6 months later. We were still determined to go right up until 1 week prior when my dad deteriorated massively. I emailed the owners explaining the situation 3 days before we were suppose to go asking if we could have some kind of refund. I never got a reply from the owners but within the hour of my email Sykes rang me explaining that it was not their policy to give any refund. My mind wasn’t in a place to argue. My husband complained via email after this explaining under such exceptional circumstances we would appreciate some sympathy & would accept a partial refund or changing the dates to suit. The response was have you got insurance, we always recommend customers getting insurance. My response, as I now was very angry, was at the time of booking we were all fit & healthy & didn’t think it was necessary to get insurance out for a weekend away in England. Their response in addition to being very patronising was offering £70 of their vouchers as a gesture of goodwill!!!!!! Joke! I replied stating this was an insult. Life is cruel & this year my family’s lives have been turned upside down. Sykes is a big enough company to show compassion under these extreme circumstances & I believe the owners at Kiplings Lodge are partly responsible too as they could have waived some of the costs for us. Therefore be wary when booking with Sykes, they don’t care! No one knows what’s round the corner! Use an alternative company!”

Helpful Report

Posted 4 years ago

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

Sykes Cottages Reviews