Last-Minute Cottages in Argyll & Bute

Reviews

What our customers say about their holidays

• Simon - Verified booking

  This property could be spectacular but there were far too many issues for us during our stay in September 2023.

  Positives - The view from the property is absolutely spectacular, all the rooms are very spacious, the kitchen is reasonably well equipped. Negatives - On arrival the windows were open the property was very cold, the boiler was in an error state and it took a while to work out how to solve this, we eventually worked out it was due to no pressure in the boiler. There is no information in the property and we had to text the host for the WiFi password, there is also no information on the recycling procedure, how the Nest system works or what should be done on check out in relation to bed sheets etc. The kitchen is extremely tired with paint wearing off the units, the tap is loose, and in addition the bid lid was very dirty and we found a dirty tray in the oven covered in grease and food detritus. All the windows in the property were filthy. There is a leak in the lounge ceiling during heavy rain. The radiator in the bathroom leaks which pools on the bathroom floor. The curtains in the lounge come off the runner if you shut them as there is a gap in the curtain rail. The lamp in the lounge had a two pin plug so was useless. The paint on the walls are very stained in places. The rug in the lounge is a trip hazard as it has a permanent ruck in it. The parking is very compromised - we struggled to turn cars (we came in two) around at the top of the drive as the person in the downstairs flat didn’t park considerately leaving extremely limited room - in addition the ground surrounding the parking area is unstable and one of our party nearly broke their ankle as the ground collapsed next to the log when they exited the car.

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• Linda - Verified booking

  The service from Sykes was excellent and East Firwood Lodge was a stunning house in a fabulous location.

  The beds and bedding were extremely comfortable and the shower room and bathroom were high spec. as was the kitchen. There were, however, a few minor improvements which would have enhanced our stay, some of which had been mentioned by previous visitors: * there was only one set of knives and forks for 8 people ( we bought spares at a local charity shop) * the double ovens were excellent but we missed having a microwave for general defrosting and quick reheating * only 4 toilet rolls were provided for 7 of us * we had a few glitches with the central heating going off and it wasn’t straightforward to work it * the views from this beautiful lodge are magnificent and the woodland garden was gorgeous and very well maintained with quick access from the rear to woodland walks into town are further along the island. Many of the original features in the Lodge made it a very special place to stay * the house is very dog friendly and “lived-in” enough for us not to worry about our dog being there * access for a disabled member of our party was good and the downstairs of the house was easy for to negotiate * we would be happy to book this place again and will recommend it to friends- great for a large group of people to get together but also have their own space. Thankyou for a lovely break.

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• Jane - Verified booking

  Location was lovely, walking distance to Loch Awe with access to large, beautiful gardens where the children could run around & play football.

  House has good amount of space with very useful porch to take off dirty shoes etc before entering main house. Unfortunately the house was not very clean. Both showers were completely blocked with hair so they filled with water after about 30 seconds. We did not feel inclined to remove excess hair left by other guests. Both bathrooms and the kitchen have white carpet. The carpets were badly stained, ESP round the toilets and near the fridge. This was very disconcerting and difficult to keep clean. One of the showers also leaked so the floor was permanently wet. The kitchen was not well equipped; no dishwasher, no basic coffee making facilities, no dryer (it was almost impossible to get clothes dry), no supplies at all, not even salt and pepper, no tea towels ( we have never come across this before although it was mentioned in the brochure.) Good TV but poor set top box so the picture was blurred. Just a small amount of attention would make this place really super. The living room was spacious and comfortable and the beds were satisfactory. There was room for all of us to eat at the table and the layout worked well. Updating the kitchen and bathrooms would make a huge difference.

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• Arjen - Verified booking

  We immediately fell in love with the beautiful Victorian house, which was even more beautiful than the photos had showed us.

  It had lots of space was so cozy and comfortable, with lovely sofas in the living room, where we could enjoy the fantastic view over the water and the mountains that disappeared in mystic grey or appeared in beautiful pastel shades depending on the weather. The wonderful beds with crisp bedding, the comfortable down duvets and the generous pile of towels gave us a luxurious hotel feeling. We made extensive use of the very well-equipped kitchen and on rainy days we lit the wood stove there, wood was for sale in the Coop. In the kitchen we were only missing extra dishcloths and tea towels and some matching glasses. The wine glasses did not fit well in the dishwasher, they were better washed by hand, we noticed when one glass came out broken. The garden must be lovely when the weather is nice, and through the gate at the back you walk via a beautiful forest path to the village. The island is so lovely, and there are beautiful walks to take. The house is a 15 minute walk from the ferry and shops in Rothesay. A car is not really necessary. We highly recommend this house for an unforgettable holiday.

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• Terry - Verified booking

  Fabbo views from the front of the house and garden, though the latter would benefit from some better furniture.

  Garden very shaded even on sunny days and the monkey puzzle tree will scrape your roof box as you come up the drive. The double bed in the master bedroom was broken, with at least half the slats on the left hand side dislocated at the centre. If I had a stronger back and were I not supposed to be on holiday, I would have fixed this (the mattress is heavy). As it was, only one could sleep on this bed on its right hand side. This is a major failing, since two previous lots of guests reported the same problem during previous months in the house log book, to no avail. Additionally, the blind pulleys constantly break and have to be reconnected - another issue for virtually all previous guests which has gone unattended to. The other major gripe is the get out by 10 with all the beds stripped condition - providing for a stressful start to a day with a 450 mile drive home ahead of us. Surely 11 wouldn't be asking too much?

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