Mrs Aitkenhead
January 2019
Having booked and stayed at Lakeside often over the last ten years this stay will be our last.. We are three ladies who have been friends for a long time and enjoy paper crafting together. Lakeside has been our crafting holiday get away for the last ten years. Sadly, since being taken over, Helpful Holidays prices have risen, in fact the cost of our long weekend in winter months (always November or January) has actually more than doubled.
In addition to this a Christmas tree had been left out in the dining room; the bathroom & en suite were cold and without heating as the heated towel rails had not been switched on; the lock had come off the side gate and we were unable to secure; the vertical blind in the kitchen had broken and been mended with sellotape so came down when the blinds were moved; in previous years we had been left with sufficient kindling and logs for at least one fire but on this occasion there was kindling but no logs. Similarly, before there has always been pump hand cleanser/soap on the basins in the downstairs WC, en suite and bathroom but there was none in the WC or en suite; there was no toilet roll in the family bathroom or WC.
It appears as though profits are the main focus of Sykes as they have both increased prices and cut costs.
Very disappointed so have booked elsewhere and with a different company for January 2020. ***Owner Response*** Thank you for taking the time to complete feedback for Lakeside. As a valued customer of many years, we are sorry to hear you were disappointed with your stay this year. It’s a shame you did not let us know about the issues whilst you were at the property, if we had of known we would have done our utmost to help. We have spoken to the owners and they wish to apologise that the Christmas tree being left at the property and for the lack of kindling/logs and soap. Both incidents are being investigated by the owner with their housekeeper. Thank you for bringing the maintenance issues to our attention, these will be corrected and ready for the upcoming season. The heating at Lakeside is controlled by a thermostat and the rails have temperature gauges which allow for them to be adjusted to suit personal preferences. These will usually be on for your arrival, however, should they have been overlooked, they are very easy to turn on. Thank you for enjoying so many previous holidays at Lakeside. We are sorry that it was not perfect on this occasion, but we do hope that overall you enjoyed your stay and that we will see you again in the future.