Lakelovers Reviews 

We recently stayed at a cottage at Newby Bridge. Email from Sykes (LakeLovers) to leave a review which I did. The review highlighted some problems we had & what could have improved the cottage but ended positively and saying we would infact stay there again!
The review published was only half of what I wrote!!! Getting in touch with LakeLovers is a joke. Firstly with What’s App. I respond immediately but they don’t, then the following day they ask if the problem is resolved because it is longer than 24 hours… this goes on & on!!!
I have telephoned the number but do not speak to anyone.., they sent a link to which I have written a complaint about the review that wasn’t published… Aggghh!!! Well we wait and see as to what happpens but I am not hopefull.
Lakelovers are happy to take your money, it wasn’t cheap for the 4 nights we had, but when it comes to customer care they just don’t care!!!
Another What’s App will come tomorrow & the same thing will happen again… terrible!!!

Lakelovers are an absolute joke! There were 5 of us staying in a 3 bed property, and on the first night, one member of our party had a shallow bath. There was no hot water for the reminder of the evening, or the following morning. The booklet said to press 'hot water advance' on the thermostat, but this didn't do anything at all. We checked the boiler and it wasn't responding to the thermostat at all, it's like it was dead. The booklet said as an emergency to put the immersion heater on, so we did this. After 2 hours, it still wasn't hot, so some of us ended up taking a freezing cold shower. When we came back that evening, again, one member had an EXTREMELY shallow bath (due to us expecting the hot water to run out) and as expected, there was none left. We called Lakelovers and advised of the issue, and they said that they couldn't get hold of the owner but they'd call us back when they could. We had no phone call throughout the rest of our stay, and the hot water didn't return for the remainder of the trip. My wife had extremely bad menstrual pains and we ended up boiling tens of pans of water on the hob to give her at least a luke warm bath to ease the pain, but it wasn't enough. We contacted Lakelovers and raised a complaint, which they closed immediately with no resolution or contact from them. We tried to call them, but if your complaint was raised within 14 days, the automated phone service hangs up on you. After 2 weeks passed, and we were able to speak to a human, they essentially said that we were lying. They claimed that the people before and after us had hot water and therefore we were making it up. Why on earth would we demand that someone come out and look at it- whilst we were still in the property- if there wasn't an issue? More than one person should be able to get a bath or shower if the house accommodates up to 6 people. It was horrible being on a hiking trip and not being able to get properly clean as the water was so cold that it was unbearable to stay in the shower. We won't be using Lakelovers again as their customer service is appalling.

If I could give no stars then they would get it. Try to contact them and you will be sent round in circles. I dread the holiday to come regarding the reviews I have read, properties not cleaned, smells. Customer service what Customer service, they are not interested in helping what so ever. The only saving grace is there is an office in Ambleside so look out if I get there and there is a problem. They used to care but obviously got too big and now only want your money.

The property is a large detached home with lots of windows and large rooms. When we arrived and entered through the front door, which is straight into the living area with light coloured carpet all we could smell was fried food and wet dog, We then went into the kitchen/dining room which was dirty and stronger smells of cooking. There was a small box containing some dish wash tablets a sponge and a bin bag, no cleaning products ! No welcome pack, after a 7 hour drive we were not impressed. We unpacked and went to shop to buy some floor cleaner and washing up liquid and cloths. The cloth was brown from cleaning the work tops and the floor was filthy dirty. The Dyson vacuum that was left was completely full and even after emptying exaggerated the dog smell. We have two dogs and booked the property as it was listed as dog friendly. however after staying there, i would say it is not. The front door opens direct into the lounge with no lobby or hall so wet dirty dogs go straight into lounge. There is a back door into a lobby but this is accessed from a raised deck which was dangerous due to the slip/ greasy surface. There was some old chicken wire on some treads but had rusted and sharp so not safe. The kitchen had lots of pots and pans, all the frying pans had lost there none stick property and there was one broken wine opener and no cling film. There is only one supply of drinking water The lounge is spacious with two large sofas and two arm chairs. The TV is mounted high on the wall which was uncomfortable to view as the sofas had low backs. Neck pillows recommended. We used two of the bedrooms and both mattresses were uncomfortable and noisy springs when moving. What the property description does nit tell you is that there is a very large detached home that looks directly into the rooms. Overall the property is very tired and needs updating. I would add an outside tap so you can clean dogs and boots outside. the furniture needs updating and cleaning. The outside space is not three acres, approx .25 acre. We will not book this property again.

Dreadful company. Best avoided on all counts. As a property owner, I would never work with them again. The thing is that they have become too big to provide any kind of decent service. It takes weeks for them to respond to anything. Even when they do say that they will do something they don't. They are interested in fleecing you for every penny and the service is dreadful. Do not use.

They remove regative reviews, without any notification. Cannot trust them. Avoid staying anywhere with a good housekeeping bond, as you're unlikely to get all of it back.

I'm giving a 3 star because our lodge was really lovely aside from a shower that didn't drain properly or reach a decent water pressure.
Overall however, the lodge was beautiful and we enjoyed the holiday.
I just want to make people aware of a few things. If you buy the insurance,it doesn't cover accidental damage to items inside the property,only damage to the actual property.
There is a good housekeeping bond that can charge up to £300.
We were charged £140 for a stain found on a coffee table. I argued against this as we definitely didn't spill anything. It was just my partner and I and we didn't use the coffee table.
Make sure you take photos of everything inside your property as unfortunately, we couldn't prove that it wasn't us that caused the damage. The rubbish insurance was clearly a waste of time as well. Just be careful.

Let’s start with the positives, and there are many. Penny Cottage is beautifully located with a stunning view looking out over a fells from the balcony window. You arrive to a pack of rather tasty shortbread and coffee pods for the machine. A nice touch. The cottage is clean and well cared for. Nothing is old, or tired about any of its fixtures or fittings. The kitchen is modern and well appointed, the lounge comfortable and the bedrooms well appointed. The provided internet good enough to stream TV on. One bed is firm and the other soft, so all back types are well catered for. The bathroom modern and there is a dedicated parking space a minutes’ walk away. Bedding is clean, towels fluffy and plentiful. The washing machine is new and full of electronic bleeps and chirpy sounds. But vocal traits aside, it’s a great machine. The reported mould problems in previous reviews has been resolved. It is a lovely cottage. However...... The cottage is marketed as offering accommodation for four persons. You would need to be four tolerant, slim and close friends. The table offers seating for four, but they would need to be friends of Snow White. Within 5 minutes of our arrival my Spaniel had escaped over a storage box stored near the wall, through some wonky wire strands and was out from this ‘dogs welcome’ property. Fortunately we got him back, but he was no longer allowed unattended in the garden. The glass shelf around the base of the cooker extraction fan is at eye level height and three times in the first day I bashed my head into it. A strategically placed tin on the offending corner resolved that issue. There is a 2-inch step up into the kitchen which is a trip hazard as it’s not delineated. Flies .... every room comes with at least one residential fly. You chase them out and a fresh one washes ashore. The bathroom, (which is an internal room with no exterior walls or windows) has two of the irritating pests, who boast residential permits. You chase the little bu@@ers out and five minutes later, voilà, a fresh pair. We found small black specks on the floor, which once cleaned up, reappeared. In hindsight we now believe they were probably “Fly droppings, often called "fly spots" or "fly specks," are tiny, dark (black or brown) spots left behind by flies. They are a common sign of fly activity and can be found on surfaces where flies frequently land, such as walls, ceilings, windows, and light fixtures. These spots are essentially fly faeces, and the presence of them can indicate a potential fly problem”. Finally, check all plates and crockery as your reliant on previous renters being good at washing up or using the dishwasher. At the change over the cleaners don’t run the items through the machine. Luckily, I always lick my cutlery clean, (he jokes). All that said, would we stay at the cottage again? Definitely yes, but next time we’d bring a can of fly spray.”

Arrived at property at 4pm, check in time. Place hadn't been cleaned. Called the number, answerphone. Called me back in 20mins, but said it was managed by a 'local office'. Chap called me an hour later, said he was just a maintenance guy, but could bring round linen and towels for us to change it ourselves and no cleaners available that night. Seems we had no choice but to accept this and we spent 3 hours cleaning the place. I tried to call Lakelovers again, but they didn't return my call the second time. Owner phoned up and was apologetic, but that didn't get the flat cleaned, we did it. No apology from Lakelovers. They just take your money and abandon you. Only offered 'one night' compensation, but they kept their so called booking fee, so it didn't equate to even a single night fee. Worst service I've ever had from renting holiday accommodation.

They are part of Sykes. Had to complain about the state of the furnishings. They obviously don’t check that the owners are keeping things up to standard. Unless you call into an Lakelovers office in person you get through to Sykes on the phone. The website pictures were misleading. So many things were different and although they said replacements would be to the same or higher standard they weren’t. I paid a lot of money for a week as a thank you to friends. I was embarrassed and shocked at the state of the house, even just from the kerbside. My friend also left a new, expensive raincoat when we left and, despite reporting it, she didn’t get it back. I won’t be using them again.
I wouldn’t post a bad review without complaining to the company first and giving them the opportunity to put things right.

LAKE LOVERS. I have been trying to contact them with very little help, I wanted to add to my holiday and have been put through lots and lots of hurdles with no success.

The story so far. I have been ringing up and have been put through to a service with no help and they transfer me on several occasions lasting approximately 2 hours, I them tried chat line puts you in a complete circle with no help, sms with no help decided to ring again put on hold again for 35 mins.

there phone lines dead end, there sms dead end. there chat line dead end

I have emailed them to see what happens, My simple question can I add 3 days to my holiday.

I think they need to put there customers first not in queues

And none of the above work just pass you on, this is so poor especially for a basic question. They sent a reply and said we have closed your complaint, that's not how it works, complete the compliant and then close it.
I have been a customer for years and booked each year.

John

Having spent many years renting holiday properties around the UK our experience with Lakelovers has been far the worst. After paying for a 3 night weekend break in Take Five near Ambleside we were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the accomodation and facilities. After we left leaving the property in clean and tidy condition we were shocked to receive a threatening email 2 weeks later. The email (without right of reply), informed us we had damaged a worktop and the owener would chase us for the cost of repairs. We replied immediately explaining it wasn't anything to do with us. Sadly, after many days we recieved no further reply. We tried to contact company and after two 30 minute waits on their "customer service" number, we finally got through. The operator stated that the email was badly worded and would investigate and get back to us. This never happened and somewhat later we received an email stating the case was closed. We've no idea what this even means ! This company - owned by Sykes - have very low standards of service and I hope other people aren't treated in this way. We will now be avoiding both Lakelovers and Sykes for any further holidays and suggest people do the same.

Lakelovers, part of the Sykes holiday company, is not an independent company as many think because of its name. If you find yourself with any issues you will spend an infuriatingly stupid amount of time trying to actually talk to someone while being either hung up on by an automated voice or sent a text to a link to sort out online yourself…and the best of luck with that!
I booked with Wheelwright's at the same time and got straight through to Julie who sorted my query out instantly.
I eventually gave up on Lakelovers and sent an email to cancel my booking.
Supporting small independent and local companies has its huge benefits. Customer service is paramount and for us Wheelwright’s wins hands down. Will not be returning customer to either Sykes or Lakelovers.

Very dishonest business. They set out that I could pay a minimal deposit to book a property. Then when 4 days later I tried to cancel they said I hadn’t looked at the T&Cs and was actually liable for the full booking.

After explaining my misunderstanding they still won’t come to a sensible solution.

Avoid

Just had a great customer experience. I could not reset my password (having forgotten it) to pay my balance, I called the number (which I googled and found easily), directed myself through the options on the call and got through to a lovely lady who was super helpful. I paid my deposit balance, received email receipt immediately and it was all done securely and professionally. Thank you Lakelovers.

'Lakelovers' and 'Heart of the Lakes' are now part of Sykes Cottages. You can tell this by looking at the identical websites and prices. Lakelovers used to be a local firm run by local people with knowledge of the areas. Now, they are part of a central company lacking that knowledge. Like all cottage rental companies, the cottages themselves are mainly run by owners, so it's down to them how good/bad the rental actually is (as you'll see - any good reviews are for the cottage, not the rental company).
The problem of course is customer support. Obviously Sykes have pared down support (people cost money!) so now it's either a chatbot, or an automated service you get to - a dead end pointing you constantly to their website. There's no direct phone number for customer support, and 'online chat' is "new bookings only" (obviously - focus your efforts on getting new money; who cares about those people who've already parted with their cash).
Basically there is no simple route to speak to someone about your upcoming, or current, holiday. "Click here to message us" - clicking takes you to the same dead-end.
I'd say "avoid this company" but you might be lucky and not need to speak to them, so then things will probably be okay. Or they might be the only company now offering cottages in the area.
Cottage rental is largely unregulated. There's no ABTA or ATOL, and little consumer protection. This ought to be looked at.

Need to contact Lakelovers to give bed request. Nobody answered the phone yesterday and I was told by recorded message to use the website. I had already done this and there was no facility to send my request. I rung again and chose a different option, this person transferred me and nobody answered.
I hope I don’t have any issues with the holiday let, if this is the customer service provided.

My family and I stayed a week at the stables and had a fantastic time. The property is maintained to a high standard and meets all your family needs whilst away from home. Beds and sofas are comfortable and clean. It’s hard to find any fault to the Stables and we’d love to come back again one day to enjoy the lakes and tranquil location.
The family climbed Scalfell Pike and on the way back the sat nav took us home via Hardknott Pass. It’s not fun in the pitch black and was quite challenging at times especially when driving a Range Rover sport and you can’t see over the bonnet. We then got a puncture in the mountains and waited 60 mins for the AA to come up to replace the spare. Mountain conditions can change in minutes so please make sure your prepared if up them at night.
Other than that we had a lovely stay with plenty of sightseeing. The Stables is so convenient to all the attractions and well worth a stay.
We can’t recommend the Stables enough.
Thank you

Absolutely terrible customer service, no one answers emails, no one wants to help on the phone, they say they will ring you back and don’t. I’m now going to lose £400 as as the stress has affected my mental health. How holiday owners use this company I will never know

Appalling customer service from Lakelovers. We stayed with our family in a holiday cottage in Grasmere. The cottage was tired looking, had mould growing in the corners of bedrooms and in wardrobes, dirty rugs and carpets and overall hadn’t been thoroughly cleaned for a long time. I contacted Lakelovers numerous times throughout our stay trying to rectify this but they never resolved our situation. Since coming home I have tried phoning and messaging but all they have said is that they will tell the owner for future guests. This is not recognising our dissatisfaction with our holiday and not offering any compensation for us having to stay in a holiday cottage that was not up to standard. Lakelovers obviously have no idea what good customer service is. I definitely will not be booking with the company again.