Frequently Asked Questions

Before booking questions.

How can I book a cottage with My Favourite Cottages

You can book one of My Favourite Cottages either online, via email or by calling 01271 377 432.

How do I secure a booking?

To secure a booking we require a 30% deposit* plus a small booking fee with the outstanding balance due eight weeks prior to arrival.

*some properties require a different deposit - this will be stated on your online booking form.

Do you offer travel insurance?

At My Favourite Cottages we recommend that all guests take out travel insurance. While we do not offer our own insurance, we are affilliated with the third party provider "Booking Protect".

What happens if I want to cancel my booking?

If you would like to cancel your booking please let us know via email or on 01271 377 432 as soon as possible. If you are cancelling before you have paid your balance only your deposit (plus the booking fee) is non-refundable. If you are cancelling less than eight weeks prior to arrival and the balance has been paid then the full amount is then non-refundable. In certain circumstances we may be able to offer a refund if your dates are re-let.

We have a dog, are they welcome?

Some of our cottages are dog friendly, please see our dog friendly page to discover which properties welcome dogs. If you are bringing a dog please let us know at the time of booking. By bringing a dog you are agreeing to adhere to the terms and conditions for the property, which includes keeping dogs under control, cleaning up after your dog, not allowing your dog on the furniture and not leaving the dog unattended at the property.

Can the changeover day of your cottages be altered?

Please contact us via email or on 01271 377 432 if you wish to discuss a change to the standard arrival day. We cannot guarantee this is possible but we will do what we can to accommodate your requirements.

Are short breaks available?

Short breaks are available at many cottages outside of the peak summer weeks and school holidays. Short breaks are normally three night weekend breaks (Friday to Monday) or four night midweek breaks (Monday to Friday). For more information please do get in touch or check the cottages availability calendar.

We have an additional guest, are they welcome?

Often the maximum occupancy of a property cannot be exceeded for insurance reasons, but please get in touch and we can check with the owner to see if it is possible to make an exception.

What is the booking fee?

My Favourite Cottages charge a small booking fee, which is non-refundable. The booking fee is to cover the administration and processing of each booking.

The dates I require have no price - can I still book?

Sometimes if you are making a booking a long time in advance prices will not be available. If this is the case please contact My Favourite Cottages via email or on 01271 377 432 and where possible they will manually set up the booking.

Are single sex bookings welcome?

If you are a single sex booking please let us know prior to booking so we can discuss your booking with the owners of the property. Many of our owners are happy to take single sex booking but like to have a little more information before saying yes.

Questions about the property

Does the property have parking?

Each property will state their parking availability in their listing.

Does the cottage have a garden and is it enclosed?

If the property has a garden it will be detailed in their listing. Please note that an enclosed garden means it is surrounded by walls, hedges or fences, however, this does not mean it is fully dog proof or child friendly. If you require further information on the garden please let us know.

Is WiFi available at the property?

Unless stated otherwise please assume WiFi is available, please note that countryside internet speeds are likely to be much slower than you may be used to.

Will my property have phone signal?

We are unable to verify every phone providers reception at each property, each provider will have a coverage map on their website.

Is bed linen supplied?

Unless stated in the listing or in information provided prior to arrival, bed linen (not cot linen) is supplied.

Are towels provided?

Unless stated in the listing or in information provided prior to arrival, towels (not beach) are provided.

We are staying in an older property, is there anything we need to be aware of?

If you are staying in an older property you will find it has lots of charm and character, however, many were built before damp proofing and cavity insulation, and on occasion despite the best efforts of the owners and cleaners some damp patches may appear especially if the cottage has not been ventilated or it has been raining a lot. Please also note that older properties tend to have steep stairs, uneven floors and low beams/ceilings.

If staying in the country please be aware that cobwebs can be spun as quickly as they are removed - this doesn't mean the cottage has not been cleaned.

Customer Feedback

After your stay you will receive an email from upfront reviews requesting you provide feedback on your holiday. All reviews are valued and passed onto owners.

After Booking Questions

How do I pay the balance?

Balances for holidays are due eight weeks prior to arrival and can be paid by debit/credit card, PayPal, bank transfer or cheque. We will send a reminder email closer to the time.

When do I receive directions and access information?

Directions and access information is sent to guests at the time of booking or when the balance is paid. Please check your spam folder, and let us know if you require a new copy.

Do we need to contact anyone prior to arrival?

If an owner requires you to get in touch prior to arrival it will be specified in your directions and access email.

What time can we arrive at the property and when can we depart?

Arrival and departure times vary depending on the property. Details specific to the property you have booked will be listed in your directions and access email.

What happens if we are not happy whilst at the property?

If you have any issues whilst staying at the property please contact the owner/housekeeper, whose details are on your directions and access information or within the property as they are often able to solve problems very quickly. My Favourite Cottages are also available seven days a week from 9am to 8pm to help get in touch with owners and housekeepers and to help resolve any issues.

What happens if something gets damaged whilst we are at the cottage?

If something does get broken at the property please do let the owners know as soon as possible so they can get it fixed or replaced before the next set of guests arrive. On some occasions a deduction may be made from the refundable security deposit if applicable.

Are we required to clean the property before we leave?

We ask that guests leave the cottage in good general order and in a reasonable state of cleanliness. Where possible please do strip beds, empty/remove rubbish and recycling and ensure all items are returned to their original home.