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

“If I could give this totally abhorrent company a minus I would, refusing to give refunds to vulnerable customers despite having insurance and being advised not to travel, we have three holidays booked between now and August, never again, Sykes Cottages you are an absolute disgrace😡😡😡”

Helpful Report

Posted 4 years ago

“Terrible, terrible treatment of people during this difficult time. What more can I say I will never never use them again.”

Helpful Report

Posted 4 years ago

“I have phoned, been told was lucky hadn’t paid there insurance covid 19 not covered, and tried internet, no use which said don’t phone unless holiday this week, we as pensioners have lost the full holiday cost. I will never ever use this company again, and would suggest no one else does ever, money grabbing co. Should be shut down, by government.”

Helpful Report

Posted 4 years ago

“Profeterring off a pandemic- no refunds only 'rearranging the dates' except the same dates next year are £200+ more money. Sykes only care about making a profit and not helping people in a difficult time.”

Helpful Report

Posted 4 years ago

“Bunch of utter sharks. Despite the present circumstances they are "unable" to change a booking from a 7 day to a 4 day (same price) and are now holding a gun to my head because if I don't decide 48 hours beforehand my choices are I have to find another 7 day slot or lose my money. Despicable. Only choice is to rebook for 2 years time and hope for the best, will never use them again.”

Helpful Report

Posted 4 years ago

“After spending all morning trying to cancel my 2 weeks holiday, I saw all these other people trying to do the same, and all references to Sykes being insensitive, well I gave up and did it online because it seems they only want people’s money not happy customers. I had 3 holidays booked this year, 2 are now cancelled due to the current situation, the other we will have to see. I’m rather disappointed in this company in their lack of understanding in this situation and won’t be using them in future, we don’t want to cancel but I’m afraid we have no choice being elderly and vulnerable. Thousands must be in the same boat, these won’t be using them again either because of sheer greed by Sykes. Shame on you”

Helpful Report

Posted 4 years ago

“In these troubled times of Covid-19, everyone is losing out. I have lost my income and am having to cancel everything I was looking forward to.. I will be getting refunds from British Airways, several theatres and a hotel, but NOT Sykes Cottage. They are point-blank refusing a refund. These people have shown themselves to be nasty, money-grabbing and heartles and I am utterley disgusted. One thing is certain; I will NEVER use them again.”

Helpful Report

Posted 4 years ago

“After being kept on hold for 50 minutes this morning I was told that if I wanted to cancel my holiday, which is booked from 3-10 April, I needed to contact the insurance company tomorrow am and was given a contact number! I took out what I thought was Sykes own insurance at the time of booking so I'm dismaid I have to now wait and ask whoever their insurance company is for a claim form in the hope I get a refund . I have asthma so fall into the at risk category. However I just accessed my account and my booking has now completely dissappeared!!! WTF Sykes- what are you playing at? - peoples lives are obviously not important to you. I'm not cancelling UNLESS I get a refund, so you should not remove my booking (prop ref: 998388) I await your response but won't hold my breath. Mrs Davies, Cornwall”

Helpful Report

Posted 4 years ago

“Very poor stayed in there once but didn't leave a review. Poor hygiene had to clean before we settled in. Now their cleanliness makes sense the way they are treating the coronavirus. Stay away”

Helpful Report

Posted 4 years ago

“1 is to many stars, appalling company, with customer service to match.. Won't offer refunds for covid 19, say you can amend your dates then want hundreds of pounds extra... Profiteering at its finest! Mr Donoghue & Mr Graham (Directors) you should be ashamed, if you have any morals.”

Helpful Report

Posted 4 years ago

“This company does not deserve a 1. Charging three times the price to change dates and encouraging venerable people to still travel. This company is clearing profiteering from this crisis, so we have taken to writing to our local MP and trading standards. Would recommend others to do the same.”

Helpful Report

Posted 4 years ago

“I am an owner and have tried to contact Sykes all week by phone calls and multiple emails. I held on for two hours yesterday. I am having to close to ALL bookings this year owing to our own vulnerability as we are both over 70 with health issues and also the fact that the local area has got Covid 19 already rampaging through the area and our doctors (some already have it) and shops can’t cope in such a small area. I would like to state that in NO way, would I expect customers to pay due to cancellations as my own doctor says we MUST close for our own health. So no, it is not the owners taking any money.”

Helpful Report

Posted 4 years ago

“Sykes Cottages are putting money over health. Due to travel 27th March. 28 of us. But due to government advice for over 70s and for people with underlying conditions we are unable to travel. Company will not refund £2700. My parents are heartbroken this was for 60th wedding Anniversary. They are both in their 80’s hope you are proud of your sales”

Helpful Report

Posted 4 years ago

“I only wish I read the reviews first...…...Ive made a horrible mistake booking a cottage with this company...….the customer support is shocking.”

Helpful Report

Posted 4 years ago

“What an absolute joke Sykes Cottages are continuously monitoring the situation regarding Coronavirus and it is important to us that we offer support and reassurance to our customers during this time. If you are not wishing to fulfil your holiday and wish to cancel your booking, our cancellation policy outlines you would not be due a refund on your holiday. If you have travel insurance, please contact your provider to establish if you are covered for your cancellation. We recognise the need for some customers to alter their holiday arrangements due to the current situation and we are working closely with our owners to enable this for our guests. If there is perhaps another date that you wish to change your holiday to you can make a change of date via the customer portal . If the rental price for an alternative date is at a higher price, you will need to pay the difference in price due 6 weeks before arrival. Do get in touch if you require any further assistance. Thank you for your cooperation during this difficult time. Kind regards, Carol The Customer Relations Team Sykes Cottages 01244 345700 (Option 1 followed by Option 3) www.sykescottages.co.uk”

Helpful Report

Posted 4 years ago

“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

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