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"Lovely, spacious cottage in a very convenient location."
Huge garden which the dog loved running around and sniffing. Would love to return
Reviewed by Linda5.0★Sep 2024
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"Great location."
Great shows. But incredibly noisy stairs, difficult access for anyone with bad knees! Not very comfortable beds, no washing machine, no separate toilet. Minimum equipment. Don’t like being told to strip the beds and clean up before I leave. And worse a gardener arrived at 9 on the last day at 9am and started weeding outisde our living room! And then strimming. We couldn’t go out in the garden. And it was an invasion of our privacy. Also absolutely impossible to get hold of Sykes by phone.
Thank you for your feedback from Brynawelon. We’re sorry you found the lack of a washing machine and a separate toilet inconvenient; the description on the website gives a good indication of what to expect at the property. We do also ask that guests leave the property clean & as found, as stated in your booking terms & conditions.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Cherry2.8★Jul 2024
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"We had previously stayed at Brynawelon before the pandemic and had loved it, albeit having no washing machine (a big minus) and no second bathroom (a bigger minus)."
The facilities are lovely and modern, and the garden ideal for us, with dogs. However, this time, we were very cross indeed to find that the back doors were not locking, and this was something that had been noted in the Visitors Book over the last year, quite regularly. I contacted the 'local rep' who was quite helpful and suggested how to manipulate the handle to lock the door, and, although I tried this, it was in vain. The door was beyond repair. On the same day, a local maintenance man came to put a temporary repair in place and asked if we didn't mind if the local door and window company came and fitted a new door on the Monday. We had no choice but to agree as we didn't want to leave the property unlocked (no matter how 'safe' the area is regarded). We also have a senior dog who finds getting around very difficult at this stage, so we couldn't take her out with us on the day the repairs were due to be made. Monday came and the fitters arrived at 8.10 am (supposed to be 9), and were there until just after 12. Although personable enough, this was hugely disruptive. As an additional note, we had lost our other senior dog days before this trip and were filled with sorrow and just needed peace and quiet to grieve.
I found that contacting Sykes was incredibly difficult. There is no function of being able to simply call the office on the website, not unless you look in the very small print, and eventually resorted to CoPilot to find the number for me. Again, the phone call was highly frustrating having to make option 1, 2, or 3, and then again, the same procedure. Quite ridiculous, quite frankly.
We eventually managed to get through and spoke to a lovely lady who was very sympathetic and helped us. Due to the disruption and inconvenience caused, which essentially cost us an entire day, I e-mailed to ask for either an additional day at no charge, or a refund to the value of one day's worth. I was then sent an e-mail from Sykes saying that the owner was prepared to refund £50 as a "goodwill gesture" (as though not appreciating our predicament, and just to 'shut us up'), which was her "first and final offer". There was no apology whatsoever. I noted this in my reply and the response from Sykes said that this would be sent on to the owner.
The guy who first came to temporarily fix the door said that there had been no end of trouble with the door, and with visitors essentially not looking after the property. I can understand the owner's frustration if this is the case, but I felt we were given no compassion whatsoever, as a couple who have always looked after every property that we have stayed in.
This all left a very bad taste; added more unpleasantness to the trip that we desperately needed to be quiet and stress free; and left me feeling quite cross with the owner herself.
Having looked at several properties before deciding again on Brynawelon for this stay, based on our previous experience, I shall NOT choose Brynawelon again, in the future. I'm doubtful that I would choose Sykes, too, to be honest, because of how difficult it was to get through to ANYONE to help us.
Reviewed by Amanda4.7★May 2024
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"Cottage was great, very well equipped and situation brilliant between shops and river walk."
Beautiful garden but a little too cold to sit out but at least was dry all week. We managed as a couple but guess having only one loo in the one bathroom may well be a bit of a problem with more guests staying there.
VERY comfortable bed upstairs.
One problem we encountered as an older, fear of gadgets couple was that we had to get help to use the tv - a step, by step instruction would have helped and avoided us having to call out the very helpful cleaner and her husband who kindly put us right.
Thank you for your feedback. TV instructions seem to be online these days so I'll try to print some out for the cottage.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Susan5.0★Apr 2024
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"We had a fabulous stay, the owner had thought of everything."
It really felt like a home from home, with games, DVDs and hot water bottles. The sofas and beds were very comfortable. The location was great, just a short walk to the sea and their several dog friendly pubs very close by. Would definitely recommend.
Thank you, Pauline! Lovely feedback :)
Property Owner
Reviewed by Pauline5.0★Oct 2023
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"We enjoyed our stay and found the property to have everything we needed."
It's especially well positioned for walks, pubs and restaurants. Carpets are a bit tied but then we balanced that against the footfall. Damp smell in the twin bedroom needs sorting!
Thank you for your feedback, I do have the carpets shampooed regularly to keep on top of footfall issues. Point noted about the twin room, although I think it just needs ventilating.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Ian4.1★Oct 2023
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"The kitchen was tired and needed updating for this price bracket."
The fault with the back door had been reported earlier and not fixed. The garden was not enclosed as stated, you could walk out at the top into other peoples gardens. The property has very little storage space for clothes etc.
No welcome or information pack in sight on arrival.
Hello, thank you for your feedback, there were some useful points to consider. Yes the garden does not have a clear boundary at the end, but this is part of its charm to me, left over from many years ago. It is a long garden and it would be difficult to clamber over the end to leave the property. Kitchen and storage thoughts noted.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Brian2.8★Sep 2023
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"Great Holiday Home, would highly recommend."
Close to the centre, as well as central to the beach - would definitely return
Thank you for your positive feedback :)
Property Owner
Reviewed by Paul5.0★Aug 2023
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"Great location, and property."
Easy to access all amenities. Very comfortable and cozy with a great garden, will definitely try to get back next year. Five star location!
Thank you for your positive and enthusiastic feedback :)
Property Owner
Reviewed by Gavin5.0★Jun 2023
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"We had a lovely stay."
Well equipped cottage.
We have been coming to Newport for almost 30 years and still love it.
Comfortable cottage.
Lovely friendly neighbours.
Rented parking space for £20,well worth it.
Will definitely be back.
Thankyou
Nicky and Richard and family and Lula the dog.
Thank you for your positive feedback.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Nicola3.8★May 2023
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"We found the property to be very clean and comfortable."
Our dog loved the garden area. The cottage had all the facilities we needed to make a successful break. The location was excellent for the amenities of Newport and access to great walking. One suggestion we would make is that during the warmer months that the blinds are closed on the roof lights on changeover days to reduce the heat build-up on the first floor as the sun streams in through the roof lights very strongly in the afternoon.
Thank you for your positive feedback, and I will pass the message on to the cleaner about the Velux blinds, its a good idea.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Neil4.4★May 2023
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"The location of the cottage was good, however, upon arrival we were unable to unload the car from outside, as suggested in an earlier review, as builders opposite were parked all along the road, so we would have been blocking the road had we stopped there."
We therefore had to carry numerous bags from the car park. It would also have been helpful to have been informed of the parking that was advertised inside the cottage, before we had already paid out to pay in the main car park. Upon arrival at the cottage we were overwhelmed with the smell of dogs, which have obviously in the past been allowed to use the furnishings as these were dirty and stained quite badly, particularly one of the armchairs and the scatter cushions. In addition to this, the twin bedroom had a bad musty/damp smell, which had travelled throughout the ground floor upon arrival. The cleanliness of the kitchen and bathroom was poor, the cutlery and surfaces all needed cleaning by us and some of the knives had butter on them still from previous guests! As previous reviews mention, although the garden is a lovely space the furniture is very old and uncomfortable and so sitting out and enjoying the sunshine was not an option. Thankfully, as it was just two of us in the cottage we only used the upstairs bedroom which has a large comfortable bed. Overall the cottage, is pretty and in a very convenient location for the town and beach etc, but is tired and in need of updating, and is probably suited better to pet owners, as opposed to couples holidaying alone.
Hello Melanie, I'm sorry you found so much wrong with the house. I disagree with your judgements because I employ an excellent cleaner/caretaker and neither she nor I would tolerate the staines and smells you have described. The house is constantly being updated and I put considerable effort and resources into making it comfortable.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Melanie2.2★Apr 2023
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"Excellent village location, well equipped cottage, really enjoyed our stay."
Needs a couple of comfortable garden chairs to be perfect
Thank you for your nice feedback, I have wooden garden benches as they weather well. They have just been replaced so there are now brand new ones in place. Cushions can be taken from the house to make them more comfortable (if returned to the house after use).
Property Owner
Reviewed by Lynda4.7★Apr 2023
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"Great cottage."
Great location.
Thank you, this is much appreciated.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Rebecca5.0★Feb 2023
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"Warm, comfortable, clean and well-equipped."
The cottage is close to the shops and within a few hundred yards of the coast path, which is ideal for us walkers. Leaving my car in the public car park was not in itself a problem although going back and fore several times to unload/load all human and dog luggage was less than perfect. Constant vigilance was needed as the cottage had cream paint and cream carpets which don't work well with wet and muddy dog. Dog owners remember your old sheets, newspapers and carpet spot cleaner. Overall, a deceptively spacious and attractive property. I enjoyed my stay in Brynawelon.
Thank you for this useful feedback. You can park outside the front of the house to unload/load to make things easier. Generally, wet/muddy doggy marks aren’t too problematic to clean up but thanks for your care here.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Angela4.4★Oct 2022
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"We had a great week staying at Brynawelon."
2 Adults, 2 teens and a dog. Super comfy bed upstairs, well equipped kitchen ( best we've found in years!) Big garden but if you've a dog whose an escape artist then definitely not that secure at the back. Thankfully our older dog isn't!
Fantastic location for us within easy walking of Parrog beachfront/boat club and all local eateries. Definitely book ahead in high season. The Castle Inn was especially welcoming and lovely food.
Property was tidy and clean but definitely lived in, in places which to be honest I quite liked. No washing machine but a launderette in the village.
Kids commented that the single beds weren't super comfy but they are older teens so fine for younger kids and the creaky stairs add character but woke them up most nights.
On a side note would've been useful to see the note about parking in the property before we paid for the car park as a bit cheaper but only a £5 difference. Parking in the car park was never a problem though.
Overall we really enjoyed our holiday here and would recommend the cottage.
Thank you for your feedback, it's helpful to hear your thoughts.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Gabby4.4★Aug 2022
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"Thank you for sharing your home; it is a pleasant cottage in a perfect location."
Parking is not an issue….neither the short walk to the shops and pubs, and the beautiful coast.
All I would mention is that the cottage was not as clean as I would have hoped, specifically the kitchen and bathroom. Also, I was a little surprised the lawn, or part of it, had not been mowed. Perhaps also mention that there is ongoing building work next door, which was a little intrusive, and reduced privacy during the day.
Otherwise, a lovely cottage in a perfect location.
Hello, thank you for your useful feedback.
I have taken on-board that you felt the kitchen and bathroom could be cleaner and this will be improved, going forward.
As for the mowing: some of the the grass had been left as there were areas where bulbs grow in the spring. This has now been mown.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Maxime4.1★Jun 2022
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"Comfortable, well equipped cottage, convenient for village amenities and the beach, yet also peaceful."
Long, unfussy garden, which is safe for dogs. We liked the small library room at the top of the house.
Thank you for your great feedback. I'm pleased you like the space for reading upstairs :-)
Property Owner
Reviewed by Karen4.7★Jun 2022
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"Great cottage with good facilities."
Spacious with room on table for card games etc and perfect for our family of four now our children are older and need their own rooms. Amazing garden and perfect location. We paid £25 for the week to use the carpark which was actually easier than in other places we've stayed as we always new there'd be a space near the cottage! Newport is lovely and we had a great time.This is a general comment about cottages we've stayed in but it would be great to have access to airers on which to dry towels. Washing machine a bit of a shame but we used the local launderette.
Thank you for your positive and useful feedback and I'm sorry there is no washing machine. We don't have a utility room and the kitchen is part of the main living space, so it's difficult to know where to put one! As you discovered, the launderette in the town is great and they do a service wash to collect within a day. There is a good robust and large airer in the cupboard in the downstairs twin room for towels etc.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Nicola3.8★Apr 2022
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"Very nice cottage, massive bed, great TV, everything you needed kitchen."
We have stayed at a lot of cottages and this was by far the best equipped. All the instructions were easy to follow. Highly recommended.
Thank you for your fantastic feedback! it means a lot to hear this :-)
Property Owner
Reviewed by Lisa5.0★Dec 2021
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"A lovely cottage in a lovely spot."
Quality accommodation in all respects. A couple of hundred yards to the water or to the village shops and pubs in the other direction. On the coast path so lots of walking available. Can’t think of anything negative apart from the November weather....
Thank you for this really great feedback!
Property Owner
Reviewed by Michael5.0★Nov 2021
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"Absolutely lovely property."
Perfect layout. Had everything we needed. Great information book provided, just needed more details on where to put rubbish/recycling.
Thank you for the great feedback!
I have taken on board your thoughts about rubbish details. My cleaner removes it all so it doesn't need to go out on bin day, but I can make this more clear in the house file.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Sue5.0★Oct 2021
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"Our 2nd time in the cottage will be back again perfect for us and the dog."
Great location for walks and very friendly.
Reviewed by Susan5.0★Jun 2021
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"Had a really good week at Brynawelon ,cottage was very clean and comfortable , for 2of us a bit more of a squeeze if there were 5people and only 1 bathroom ,large garden and seating but no comfortable garden chairs or seat cushions ,Newport is a lovely place with lots of walks and wonderful very dog friendly beach ."
Reviewed by Pauline4.4★May 2021
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"We had a lovely stay in this cottage."
It was spotlessly clean and very well equipped with a beautiful garden. Everything in the place works really well and is comfortable and good quality so it really feels like a home - plenty of hot water, all the kitchen equipment you need, a really good tv, and by far the best (enormous!) bed we have ever had in a holiday cottage! Thank you so much, it was a great week.
Reviewed by Steve5.0★Apr 2021
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"The cottage was clean well equipped comfortable and well located."
The front door lock is very difficult to unlock/lock (I didn't think that we would be able to get in when we arrived). The lock needs to be replaced/repaired.
We had to clean up several dog poos from the garden on arrival.
There were several food items in the freezer.
We did leave a note about these issues in the property for the owner's representative to see.
It might be useful to advise people to bring up to £20 in coins for the pay and display car park (property description states parking in paid car par opposite, but the owners do not provide a permit and a ticket for a week costed £15.
WOULD STAY THERE AGAIN.
Reviewed by Robert4.7★Sep 2020
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