“We had a really enjoyable holiday in Newport.”
However, I do want to give you some feedback because, at the price point of over two thousand pounds for a week, and based on our experience of many other holiday houses in the UK, we had certain expectations of cleanliness and presentation that unfortunately were not met.
Overall, the house gave the impression of being a part-time second home that guests are allowed to use, rather than a professionally managed holiday property prepared with care for paying guests. A few examples to illustrate:
The house was generally not very clean (hairs in the bathroom, sand in drawers, cobwebs and dead flies in skylights).
Outdoor furniture was covered in bird droppings and cobwebs; we had to clean it before use.
The towels smelled musty once damp, and pillows were stained, yellowing and lumpy.
The beds hadn’t been checked – we found Duplo, pegs and other items under them, as well as plum pits left on a window sill.
Kitchen equipment felt old and tired, with some utensils damaged; no cloths were provided for washing up.
Cleaning materials were left randomly in cupboards, giving a neglected and cluttered feel.
A floor light in the garden decking collapsed, leaving a hole that was a safety hazard.
Individually, some of these issues might have been minor, but together they added up to a sense that the property was not prepared to the standard one would expect.
We’re sharing this not to be negative for its own sake, but because we think these are things you would want to know if you want to maintain a reputation for quality and justify the rental price. The house itself and the location are lovely, and with better attention to cleanliness, upkeep, and guest-readiness, future guests could have a much better experience.