“NOT DOG FRIENDLY Owner does not accept "large" dogs.”
We checked with Sykes as we have a Springer spaniel who weighs 25 kilos. They checked with the owner, who said that was ok. So we booked and paid. On our second day there, we had to contact the owner as the security gate had broken. When she saw us, she made it quite clear we were lucky she hadn't refused us entry as she was entitled to do as we had a "large hairy dog". When we disputed this because Sykes had checked beforehand, she denied this. I subsequently checked with Sykes, and they have records on their system about having the conversation with the owner about our dog being 25 kilos. Furthermore, she made it clear that her cleaners weren't paid to clean up after dogs, and we were responsible for making sure that the property was left as clean as we found it. Only later did we see the CCTV camera outside, which is how she saw what dog we had, despite being advised by Sykes. There are no signs advising of CCTV, which is illegal. We ended our "holiday" two days early, having cleaned everywhere and taken photos as evidence. And, the property is only 15 feet from the road where the morning traffic starts quite early
WE ARE DEFINITELY DOG FRIENDLY and have welcomed over 60 dogs! Unfortunately the guests and their dog spent 6 of their 7 day holiday inside the lodge rarely leaving due to the heavy rain. Our priority is keeping the lodge comfortable and clean for all guests. Sykes Cottages should relay Sykes company policy to guests, especially owners of larger hairy dogs, that the guests should ensure the lodge is left as they found it. If Sykes had conveyed this, I do not think the guests would have shouted at me that they did not come on holiday to clean up after their dog, when I tried to slip this into our conversation in a very polite and friendly manner regarding the wet and muddy conditions.
Property Owner