Beach Villas In Dorset

Reviews

What our customers say about their holidays

• Lynda - Verified booking

  Met by Terry who secured parking.

  Went up several flights of stairs to the apartment with Terry apologising for the smell of rotten fish which was stronger in the flat. He had used air freshen to help. Terry had put an air fan on as the storage heaters were off so the place was chilly. Terry took us through how the flat worked and agreed it was very dated in decor. Once in the kitchen I asked how the oven worked as it was very old and we had an Xmas dinner to cook. After playing with the buttons he called the owner who took him through instructions and it worked. I kept the oven on and decided to cook our Xmas Dinner early as wasn't sure it would work the next day. Terry said the TV worked but didn't know how. Terry set up the storage heater to come on overnight. We left windows open to air the flat as the fish smell remained. There was an opened carton of milk which was half used in the fridge? Good points.....bathroom did have a fresher decor than the rest of the flat. Bed was large and very firm mattress and had electric underblanket which we did use the 1st night to take the chill off the bed. We had one pillow each so had to hunt for second clean ish pillows and wrapped them in spare bedding. Had to be careful to not hit the head on the jutting out cupboard on the wall. View from bedroom was very good. Lounge has dated sofa and chairs. TV was old and the programmes kept dropping out, no signal often. Liked the chair by the window, a lamp behind would have made it a good reading spot. Electric fire came in handy. Kitchen dated and tired but well enough equipped with cooker (once it worked) microwave and kettle (very badly chalked inside though). Plenty of crockery and cutlery available and complimentary detergent/dishcloth/teatowels. Fridge was ok (apart from the half used milk in situ). Bathroom was good, good shower, loo roll and soap dispenser. No WiFi. Use your own data. TV reception intermittent. Did enjoy the sea views, distance to the beach, swimming, walks around, quirky shops and general feel of Swanage. Would return to Swanage but sadly not to this flat. For well over £400 for 3 nights I would have expected it more updated decor and furnishings, better facilities like the cooker, cleaner, not smelly and warm on arrival. I do understand its owned by someone who may not visit often and its their loved holiday home over many years Have used sykes several times in the past and usually very high standard. I feel this flat does need a total upgrade for it to stay on the holiday rental market and achieve a fair rent. If it was updated it would definitely be worth revisiting and would be fabulous. Wish I could have written a glowing review like I usually do. Sorry

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• Lynda - Verified booking

  Met by Terry who secured parking.

  Went up several flights of stairs to the apartment with Terry apologising for the smell of rotten fish which was stronger in the flat. He had used air freshen to help. Terry had put an air fan on as the storage heaters were off so the place was chilly. Terry took us through how the flat worked and agreed it was very dated in decor. Once in the kitchen I asked how the oven worked as it was very old and we had an Xmas dinner to cook. After playing with the buttons he called the owner who took him through instructions and it worked. I kept the oven on and decided to cook our Xmas Dinner early as wasn't sure it would work the next day. Terry said the TV worked but didn't know how. Terry set up the storage heater to come on overnight. We left windows open to air the flat as the fish smell remained. There was an opened carton of milk which was half used in the fridge? Good points.....bathroom did have a fresher decor than the rest of the flat. Bed was large and very firm mattress and had electric underblanket which we did use the 1st night to take the chill off the bed. We had one pillow each so had to hunt for second clean ish pillows and wrapped them in spare bedding. Had to be careful to not hit the head on the jutting out cupboard on the wall. View from bedroom was very good. Lounge has dated sofa and chairs. TV was old and the programmes kept dropping out, no signal often. Liked the chair by the window, a lamp behind would have made it a good reading spot. Electric fire came in handy. Kitchen dated and tired but well enough equipped with cooker (once it worked) microwave and kettle (very badly chalked inside though). Plenty of crockery and cutlery available and complimentary detergent/dishcloth/teatowels. Fridge was ok (apart from the half used milk in situ). Bathroom was good, good shower, loo roll and soap dispenser. No WiFi. Use your own data. TV reception intermittent. Did enjoy the sea views, distance to the beach, swimming, walks around, quirky shops and general feel of Swanage. Would return to Swanage but sadly not to this flat. For well over £400 for 3 nights I would have expected it more updated decor and furnishings, better facilities like the cooker, cleaner, not smelly and warm on arrival. I do understand its owned by someone who may not visit often and its their loved holiday home over many years Have used sykes several times in the past and usually very high standard. I feel this flat does need a total upgrade for it to stay on the holiday rental market and achieve a fair rent. If it was updated it would definitely be worth revisiting and would be fabulous. Wish I could have written a glowing review like I usually do. Sorry

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• Lesley - Verified booking

  We booked this apartment at short notice and got a good reduction from the initial cost.

  We were due to arrive in West Bay in the early afternoon, so very grateful to the owner for arranging for us to use the parking space for a couple of hours before 'checking in time' at 4pm. The flat was adequately furnished and clean, though the paintwork a little 'tired.' But the first thing that took our attention was the uninterrupted, absolutely superb view across the beach to the ocean. Well equipped kitchen with everything we needed. Very grateful for the pint of milk left for us in the fridge. Good quality shower with plenty of hot water. Great little TV with Netflix which was a surprise bonus. There was also a DVD player and a few DVDs provided. The only negative was the bed. The mattress was extremely poor quality, very soft and uncomfortable. No matter how carefully we tried, it was impossible to get out of bed, or even turn over, without the frame squeaking and groaning loudly (we're not heavy people by any means!) Perhaps a spray of WD40 would help? Also the duvet has seen far better days and was very lumpy. Bedding was clean though, and the pillows were fine.... Despite the problems with the bed we had a wonderful holiday in beautiful West Bay and would definitely book this apartment again if the price is right.

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• Christopher - Verified booking

  The apartment was clean and welcoming.

  Sadly, on the Sunday, during the stormy weather, water was pouring through the windows and causing minor flooding to floor and surrounds. In effect, we spent most of the day mopping up. Add to this the lack of heating which made for a most uncomfortable day which only improved following the lengthy intervention (on mobile phone) of John under whose guidance we were able to restore the heating. On a separate note, it was noticeable that someone else in the building had kept a tv/radio on 24/7 and, often, in the small hours, appeared to be arguing or shouting, slamming doors and making for an uncomfortable stay. As a result of this, we decided to vacate the premises a full day before expiry. It is unlikely that we will be returning to what could have been a most welcome break. I regard Portland as my spiritual home having spent a number of years on the island in naval service.# If, or when, we return to Portland in the future, it will almost certainly be to different accommodation. PS Tried to contact the owner on the Sunday and was informed that she was abroad and what could she do?

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• Emma - Verified booking

  Amazing views, great walks.

  I'm a huge lifelong fan of Portland Bill and knew the area well. Maritime House is just back from 'The Bill' (tip of the island), up a small hill. You can walk to the Bill or Church Ope Cove, or the coastal path easily from here. The view is just incredible, full stretch of the water with lighthouses visible when it's not foggy! The accommodation was perfect for me and my 6 year old. Sofa bed is the most comfy I've ever seen (a real mattress) and the main bed is also comfortable. Shower room is nice, smart TV, WiFi works well. It's clean and tidy. The only thing I'd say is to be aware that it's pretty tricky to cook. I did use the microwave (might have tried using it as a combi oven if we'd been there longer) but it's not geared up for cooking. And also: the fantastic view does mean huge windows which let in the glorious sun so it was hot hot hot. I anticipated this and brought a fan. I suggest you do in July or August etc, although you may not need it. Owner was contactable and really helpful. Hairdryer provided, by the way! Overall, really recommended, we had a great time.

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