Marsdens Devon Cottages Reviews 297

To say we were dissatisfied is an understatement. On arrival, we noticed an overpowering stench of dog, then I found the most disgusting sludge and hair collection down the bathroom sink plughole. I rang the contact number, only to be told the housekeeper had gone home and nothing could be done till next day. When I asked how we were supposed to feel comfortable cleaning our teeth and washing, the gentleman I spoke to began ermming and ahhhing which I felt implied that I should clean the mess myself. I asked him how far away he was, and was told 30 minutes so I said we would give him an hour away from the house, and that we expected the mess to be cleared up when we got back. It was but I should also say that, in terms of the dog stink, he told me it is impossible to get an old cottage smelling fresh. This is a peculiar thing to tell a paying guest, especially one who lives in a 200 year old cottage which does not smell. Early next morning, we went to Tesco and bought Febreze and polish. In addition to the above, the cottage is in poor condition. To reach the heater switches, it is necessary to clamber over the corner armchair. The bathroom needs a complete overhaul. The people next door have some kind of ancient air source heat pump close up against Waterside Cottage, and this thing must have broken on our first evening as the owner was to and fro bashing the machine in order to keep it going. The week long noise and vibration through the cottage utterly ruined any chance we had of sleeping, and only managed fitful dozes. We measured the decibels which exceeded legal levels; you ought to have dealt with this via Environmental Health Dept at the Local Authority. We will never book another holiday through Marsdens.

We have photos but I note there is nowhere to leave them on this page.

We’ve been staying at 1 Devon Beach Court in Woolacombe for over 10 years, previously booking through Marsdens. This year, our booking was transferred to Holiday Cottages. While we had our usual lovely time, there were some property issues — including a broken key safe, loose shower fitting, and a broken toilet seat.

As always, we followed check-out instructions carefully: left on time, property clean and tidy, beds stripped, bins emptied. A few days after our stay, our £250 deposit was returned — but the very next day, we received an unexpected email stating we were banned from booking again due to the “very poor state” the property was left in.

Despite contacting the company and writing twice to their complaints department, we’ve had no response. No evidence of any wrongdoing has been provided. The lack of communication and customer service has been deeply disappointing, especially after many years of being a respectful repeat guest.

We would advise future customers to be cautious when booking through Holiday Cottages or Marsdens, particularly in how issues are handled. This experience has left us feeling unfairly treated and unheard.

This Company does not value it's customers, it doesn't react to complaints or return phone calls or indeed answer the helpline within it's stated hours.
Day 4 of our holiday and no calls returned despite issues raised.
Usually book with Sykes cottages who are excellent...never again with Marsdens.

Had a wonderful stay at Seaview Cottage, Mortehoe. Beautiful location, cosy and comfortable cottage with a stunning seaview as the name suggests. Will definitely be returning.

We were sold a holiday let via the web that did not meet the advertisement. Sea View Cottage, Mortehoe has to be the worst ever property. Disgusting state. Would never, ever use this company again. They obviously don't keep tabs on the properties they sell onwards.

Poor customer service and tatty property.
Prior to a recent stay we had our original booking cancelled at relatively short notice - the property had been sold. Marsdens knew this but failed to prewarn us there was risk it be would unavailable. We were then rushed into finding a property at short notice. The alternative property looked good on the Marsdens website. However the photos in no way reflected the current state. The property was tatty, dirty, with non working outside lights and lacking in some essentials. Marsdens whilst initially apologising have had plenty of time to follow this up and have so far failed to communicate further with us or offer any sort of redress for what was a disappointing experience.

We stayed at the Smithy in Lynton, it is delightful, however there were some issues. Sadly despite sending pics and corresponding with Marsdens, after asking us for pics they have not responded in anyway. Very poor service and very frustrated.

The cottage is quaint, comfortable and well appointed in a great location for the shops, pubs and restaurants.

Really easy to book. Cottage was as advertised and ideally suited to our needs

I found the site easy to navigate and use the filters to show properties that met our needs that were available on the dates we wanted.

Great apartment as described. Good value for money

Beautiful clean house with everything we needed. Beautiful location friendly and welcoming. Some really great things to see and explore. Fantastic place to holiday

Easy to deal with company, who gave plenty of information about the holiday

I've booked through Marsden's on numerous occasions - the go-to holiday cottage booking site for north Devon.

Amazing cottage called "THYME"
everything was first class, you could not want for anything.
Amazing hot tub and a very comfortable 6ft bed .
We had a fantastic relaxing break.
Hosts Rod and Sheena were very helpful and friendly, telling us about places to visit and eat
Will definitely be back again.

Rented a house called Purley from Marsdens Cottages (Holiday Cottages) in Beer, Devon 7/9 Sept 2023. The cottage was totally unfit for purpose and unclean with absolutely no 'extras' such as dishwasher tabs. It was also a safety hazard with no shower/bath mats, and overgrown steps to the top part of the garden and unsafe electrical equipment. On top of this the company has been very reluctant to address our compensation claim delaying replying to our emails. Would never use them again!

Wonderful hosts and the rental was perfect.

Marsdens response is hopeless after we complained about building work being undertaken next to sunny deck which we were NOT advised about despite sending two messages we received zero response. So won’t use again

We always book with Original Cottages, as they provide a very good service. Braunton is a fantastic holiday destination as it is easy to walk to local beauty spots and many North Devon locations via the local buses. Local eating places and shops are also excellent.

Great range of properties, easy to use online booking.