How do I make a reservation?
Once you've selected the property you wish to book, click on the "Check availability & prices" button to view the property's availability calendar, if the property is available for the dates you wish to stay you then need to click on the applicable changeover/start day, which will then produce a price. After clicking OK to the price info you will then be asked to complete a booking form in which you provide your contact details and party information also you will need to read and accept the booking terms and conditions. Some properties require full payment at the time of booking, while others may only require a deposit to hold the property in your name.
Im struggling to make a reservation, who do I talk to?
The Stilwell's Cottages Direct booking system handles reservations online, if you encounter any difficulties using the online booking system, please contact the Stilwell's Cottages Direct customer service team by clicking here.
Self–Catering explained
"Self-catering" applies to a wide range of property; from flats, houses and studio apartments, to cottages, barn conversions and log cabins. These holiday homes provide cooking and sleeping facilities. Self-catering holidays are very popular as you can enjoy a lot more freedom and independence than you would if you stayed at a hotel for example. The majority of self-catering holiday homes are rented on a per week basis, however many do offer short duration rentals, at varying times of the year.
Arriving & Departing the property
Most weekly duration reservations run from Saturday to Saturday, unless otherwise stated in the property description. Where accepted, Short Breaks can start midweek or weekend; more details will be given in the propertys description.
Once you have paid for your holiday in full, or if you have arranged full payment with the property owner, you will be given directions to the property, and details on where to collect the keys.
It is important that you contact the property owner a few days before you travel to advise them of your estimated time of arrival, which should usually be after 15:00pm (please confirm this with the property owner). On your day of departure, we ask you to leave the property by 10:00am (please confirm this with the property owner).
Cleaning the property
Properties are cleaned between rentals; meaning that all you need to do when you arrive is unpack, put the kettle on and start to enjoy your holiday. There is usually no extra charge for cleaning, unless extra cleaning is required after you leave, or you do not leave the property and it's contents as you found them.
Pet's welcome (check individual property descriptions for pet acceptance)
Many properties accept pets, some may ask for a pet fee and/or deposit. If you are taking a guide/service dog this needs to be brought to the property owners attention at the time of booking.
When taking a pet to a property please follow these simple common sense rules:
- Please keep your pets off the furniture and bedding.
- Please exercise your pets outside the garden.
- Please remove pet hairs from carpets before you leave.
- Please don't leave your pets unattended in the property.
- Please follow any rules/guidelines issued to you by the property owner.
The property owner may charge you for any extra cleaning required after your stay if the property, its contents and grounds are not left as you found them.
Gas Appliance Safety
Gas appliances, by law, have to be maintained by CORGI registered engineers. If you have any doubts about the operation of any gas appliance, please alert the property owner immediately.
Also please ensure that gas cookers are turned off after use, and in particular, check this before you go to bed.
Swimming Pools, Jacuzzis, Hot Tubs, Saunas and Steam Rooms
When using Pools, Jacuzzis, Hot Tubs, Saunas and Steam Rooms at a property please follow these simple common sense rules:
- Do not dive into the Pool.
- Check which end of the Pool is shallow and which end is deep.
- When using the Pool, Jacuzzi or Hot Tub, please check the location of life belts and other buoyancy equipment and read the instructions on how to use them.
- Do not swim, or go into the Pool, or use the Jacuzzi, or Hot Tub, or Sauna, or Steam Room under the influence of alcohol or immediately after eating a meal.
- Do not take breakable glass or other utensils into the Pool, Jacuzzi, Hot Tub, Sauna, Steam Room area.
- Do not swim at night or when the Pool is closed.
- Always supervise children.
- Please follow any rules/guidelines issued to you by the property owner.
Security ⁄ Breakage Deposit
Where applicable, when booking certain properties you may be informed that payment of a Security ⁄ Breakage deposit, usually in cash and in local currency, is required on arrival at the accommodation. The amount due will be shown in the property's description and you are advised to confirm arrangements with the property owner before travel.
Please note that not all properties require a Security ⁄ Breakage Deposit, individual property descriptions will state whether payment of this kind is needed.
This Page
Please be aware that the information on this page is NOT applicable to every property and is superseded by any instructions given to you by Stilwells Cottages Direct and/or the property owner, this page is here to serve as a guide. We strongly advise you to read a propertys description thoroughly and raise any questions you may have about a holiday property with either Stilwell's Cottages Direct or the property owner.
If your question is not answered here you may need to contact Stilwell's Cottages Direct