All properties are equipped as follows:
Kitchens have appliances as stated, plus ample good quality tableware and cooking utensils. They all have: toaster, electric kettle, coffee maker, iron/ironing board, vacuum cleaner.
Living rooms have easy seating, dining table and chairs for the stated number as well as a good standard of general furnishing.
Bedrooms have standard sized beds, unless otherwise stated, plus storage and hanging space, as well as a good standard of general furnishing.
Extra Persons
Some properties have extra beds or sofa beds, the extra number of persons will be shown as + 1 or + 2. Under no circumstances may more than the maximum number of persons indicated occupy a property (see Booking Conditions 10).
Cleaning
All our cottages are cleaned thoroughly between holidays. We ask that you leave the property and its contents clean and tidy, this helps everyone and above all shows respect (see Booking Conditions 11).
Christmas/New Year
Unless a las minute booking ALL Christmas and New Years Day bookings are for one full week. The normal start day is the 21st or 22nd December and for New Year 28th or 29th December. Please note that short breaks are not normally available during Christmas and New Year, and that bookings should either be for 7 or 14 nights, unless agreed with Cotswold Retreats or the owner.
Alterations to Bookings
Generally speaking we cannot accept a change of holiday property once we have received your booking form and payment or you have paid by debit/credit card over the telephone.
We will of course do what we can! In every instance the decision is with the owner of the property (who you contract is with) who may be willing to change your holiday week providing you advise us not less than 6 weeks prior to your original holiday start date. This is not always possible, although if it is possible to rearrange this for you, a charge of £35 will be made to cover administration costs. No change of dates is operative until we receive written confirmation and the alteration fee.
Customer Service
1. If you are unhappy with your booking or the way it has been handled, please inform us immediately. 01993 824 252
2. The contract is between you the Hirer, and the Home Owner, so if any problems arise during your stay, you should contact the Home Owner or Keyholder immediately, who should put the matter right as soon as possible.
3. If the matter is not resolved, let us know as soon as possible. Complaints not reported at the time cannot be entertained subsequently and it is regretted that no correspondence can be entered into in the case of complaints made after you return home when it will be appreciated that it is quite impossible for them to be effectively investigated.
4. If you have an urgent problem, please contact the homeowner or keyholder. If you cannot contact the Home Owner or the Keyholder, telephone our office on 01993 824 252.
5. Please leave a telephone number or location where you can be contacted.
6. We will do all we can to rectify the matter - if we are unable to do this and in our opinion, your complaint is justified, we will try to find alternative accommodation for you.
i. This may involve an increase or decrease in the price paid, depending on the price category of the alternative property.
ii. It may not be possible to re-locate you in high season. In such cases, where you do not stay in your booked property, we will arrange a full reimbursement of the price paid.
7. Our liability and that of the Home Owner is limited to the price you paid, except in the case of legal liability for personal damage or injury, for which purpose public liability insurance is carried by the Home Owner.
Period Properties
Many of the properties on this website are old cottages dating back to the last century or earlier. It is important to remember before booking your holiday in one of these properties that part of the charm of such properties are the characteristically low ceilings, doorways and beams. They often have steep and narrow stairs and because of low or sloping ceilings, may have limited clothes hanging facilities. Many were also built before the introduction of damp proof courses and cavity insulation. These points are particularly important to note if your party has any elderly or very young members. Thatched roofs and beams can attract spiders, and cobwebs reappear very quickly after being removed.
We feel that having made these points, however, that these are all aspects of these properties that add character and charm and would not hesitate to recommend them if these features are understood.