Starfish Retreat

10 Customer Reviews

• "Lovely clean lodge on a very relaxing site."

  Dog friendly with a separate dog walking area. Lodge had a nice sea view in the distance. Short drive to Little Haven where a few nice pubs and restaurants. Thoroughly enjoyed our holiday.

  Many thanks for your review and that you enjoyed your stay in Starfish Lodge. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Belinda5.0★Jul 2024

• "Lovely looking property inside and out, and very clean!"

  However, we really noticed where money had been saved, such as the paper thin hangers in the wardrobes, which couldn’t even support the weight of a pair of trousers. Additionally, the mattresses were very, very soft and in the double room my husband and I just rolled into the middle where there was no support under the bed at all. The 3 seater sofa was also very soft and we were nearly at the floor if we sat in the middle! I think it must be a sofa bed but this meant again there was nothing other than the cushion under us if we sat there. By the end of the week, all 4 of our backs were aching! Additionally, the listing says that things like toilet roll and dishwasher tablets are provided so we didn’t bring any but we were left with 2 dishwasher tablets and a small roll of toilet roll in each toilet, which wasn’t enough given that we cooked a full meal for 4 each evening and were there for a full week. Unfortunately, as we checked in at 5.30ish on the Friday, reception was closed and there was only an emergency number to call. I did text it to say we didn’t have enough (as this didn’t feel like an emergency) but I didn’t hear anything back and, as we had to go shopping and the bits we had wouldn’t last until Monday when staff were next in, we just bought more dishwasher tablets and toilet roll (annoying as have plenty at home and would have bought this had I known we would receive so little rather than buying new packs). It does seem strange that for a holiday site that takes bookings for arrivals on Fridays only that they then have no staff in for the whole weekend and staff work normal Friday hours! Maybe this should be re-thought? Either way, we just sorted ourselves and didn’t mention to staff (other than the text) come Monday as it would have been to no effect for us. Lastly, Wales has very strict recycling rules (fair enough!) but, given the site really wants you to recycle properly and makes it clear in the welcome pack, they didn’t make it easy at all. For example, food waste should be separated but we couldn’t even find a food waste bin outside… although it did appear later in the week. Additionally, there was no extra facility within the lodge to separate out recycling, food waste etc which meant that we needed to manually separate out everything in the lodge using kitchen bowls (food waste) and bags we had brought with us unless we were to walk to the bins all the time! Then, to top it off, the bins outside were overflowing (other than general waste) which meant that other types of recycling started being loaded up outside of the bins. Just seems that this should have been better thought out too. I (honestly!) wouldn’t normally mention all these things but the images and, genuinely, the look of the property itself are lovely but the money saving tactics used that you can’t see until arrival did make us feel we had an inaccurate listing that was slightly overpriced. We did receive a small discount prior to arrival as the lodge we actually booked was sold a few weeks before we were due to arrive but this move was labelled an ‘upgrade’ but we really don’t believe it was (other than the addition of the hot tub, which only one of us was interested in using anyway) but we accepted it as it was too late to cancel/change our other holiday plans which we had booked months in advance (inc our tickets to Skomer Island, which for 4 totalled around £200 a day and we were going twice).

  Many thanks for taking the time to write such a lengthy, detailed review. We take all customer feedback very seriously and always aim to improve our guest services. All the hangers in the wardrobes are plastic hangers, and standard across all our Holiday Homes in the Ocean Collection. There have never been any other complaints, but we will investigate if they are strong enough to hold a pair of trousers! We are sorry to hear that you found the mattress and sofa too soft; the mattress was brand new at the start of the season and unfortunately we are unable to cater for everyone’s individual taste. All guests receive a pre-arrival letter which includes information about what we provide as a 'Starter pack!' And it is exactly that….. just a few basic complimentary items to help at the beginning of your holiday. ‘Your starter Welcome Pack will be found in your accommodation main living area. This will include: Tea, coffee, sugar, tea towels, dish cloth and sponge, kitchen roll, toilet rolls, dish washer tablets, washing up liquid and bin bags.’ We are more than happy to assist with the provision of additional items , as and when requested. Guests are encouraged to contact a member of staff if there are any issues with their Holiday Home. Apologies if you were unable to get refills of toilet rolls and dishwasher tablets, and that affected your stay with us. Over the weekend we have two members of staff in Reception on Saturday and one staff on Sunday, as we offer a complimentary minibus transport service to the nearest village between 10 – 4pm. for all our guests Our reception is open between 9am and 5 .30pm – it is not feasible for staff to be expected to work late into the evening waiting for guest arrivals. Therefore, all the pre-arrival information, including a map to locate the accommodation and a key safe codes are e mailed, a few days before arrival, to facilitate guest self check in. There is also an emergency number in the Holiday Homes to contact a member of staff for support with any issues that cannot be delayed until the following morning. Unfortunately, we are still awaiting delivery of the food caddies and recycling bags ordered back in March; as soon as these are received, each Holiday Home will have this provision to help follow the recycling regulations, and more detailed guidance to facilitate the process. There are a wide selection of recycling bins in the refuse area, and for our first very busy week in the season, we have had a slight issue with the capacity of some of the recycling bins . We have carried out a review of the recycling provision, and due to the increase in demand, we have ordered additional bins. For any complaints regarding accuracy of listing, pricing and upgrades, we would advise that you contact Sykes direct as they set the pricing for all our Holiday Homes; but their pricing structure is based on being comparable to similar properties in the area. Holiday accommodation with Hot tubs are considered generally an upgrade. We are sorry to hear that you were not happy with your Lodge, we hope that you enjoyed you complimentary bottle of prosecco, and a few snacks as a small gesture for the inconvenience caused . Property Owner

  Reviewed by Sarah3.1★Jun 2024

• "Well where do I start."

  ... we got to the little haven resort after a 5 hour drive from Nottingham on Sat 21st Oct and someone was in our lodge! I called the emergency number on the 3rd time a guy answered and said he would come over from Tenby be about 40 mins, he never met us there. In the meantime I saw a maintenance manager who said he may have a solution!! We was put in a beautiful lodge but this was only available as they had a cancellation due to floods on the Friday otherwise we would of been up the creek without a paddle!! The chap who I spoke to on the phone I have since learned he's the director. I am disspointed he never even called to see if we was OK being as he never came down. The lodge we was transfered to was owned by Jacque and Rodger it's called Oyster and lovely. Just to say Amanda at Little Haven Retreat who I saw on the Monday (as no one was in reception over the weekend as it was closed) has given us a discount on our next booking. I do however think if you have check ins over the weekend there should be someone there to check in as things happen obviously. If it wasn't for the maintenca guy and oyster being available we would of been stranded and had to look elsewhere for alternate accommodation we was away for our brother in laws birthday and also our wedding anniversary so this was added stress we did not need after a long journey. 1st and last time bokking through sykes sorry to say.

  Many thanks for your review, we do take all guest comments very seriously, and the team do our best to rectify any issues, that are highlighted. The confusion was caused by another guest who had checked themselves in to your Lodge, very late on Friday night, after reception had closed! We are still not sure how this could have happened as all our Lodges are clearly named and guests are provided with a map of the location of their accommodation, pre-arrival. The guest had reserved a static caravan, but checked themselves into a luxury Lodge with a Hot Tub. The Receptionist had telephoned the guest in advance, explained the exact location of the Lodge, and enquired about arrival time, due to the very stormy weather and flooding. This is the first time that this has mix up has ever happened, but just to re-assure you....there is no way that you would have been stranded, as the Lodge that should have been occupied was available! In response to this incident, we have introduced key safes and send guests the codes in their pre-arrival information pack. The Director had contacted the Site manager to explain the situation, and to check that you and your guests were all ok. The Site manager was instructed to transfer your reservation to Oyster Lodge, a brand new 3 bed luxury Lodge with Hot Tub. It clearly states on the Sykes website that for accommodation in Little Haven Retreat, check in's are Mondays and Fridays, as reception is closed on the weekend, in the off peak season. Occasionally, we accept reservations that do commence outside of these changeover days, to cater for guests who are unable to alter the start date of their holiday. Sykes are in now way accountable for this mix up, it was a very unfortunate guest error. We are very sorry if this caused any inconvenience or upset, at the start of your holiday, but we are delighted that you have utilised the discount offered, to rebook a future stay in Oyster Lodge with us, in 2024. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Kelly1.3★Oct 2023

• "Absolutely stunning location, really easy to find, Loved the layout of the ..."

  Absolutely stunning location, really easy to find, Loved the layout of the lodge, very comfy bed, well stocked kitchen Great hot tub,

  Many thanks for your review; it is a brand new mattress on the bed, so we are glad that you found it comfortable. All our Holiday Homes are equipped with the standard inventory, as we hope to provide everything that you might need for your stay with us. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Mark5.0★Sep 2023

• "Little haven retreat is a quiet and relaxing place to stay."

  The owners are friendly and helpful and the site is well maintained and tidy. If we ever want a quiet break we would return to Starfish.

  A quiet and relaxing break is exactly what we offer here at the Retreat. There are so many great places to visit and activities on offer in Pembrokeshire, but there also options to visit Tenby and Saundersfoot, which are very busy during the peak season, and only 45 minutes away. Many thanks for your review. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Diane4.7★Sep 2023

• "We really enjoyed our stay here, the lodge was of a high standard, well equipped and very clean."

  The bed was comfortable and we enjoyed the hot tub. Staff on site were really helpful and friendly : )

  Many thanks for your lovely review. The bed has a brand new mattress, so we are glad that you found it comfortable! Property Owner

  Reviewed by Tom5.0★Aug 2023

• "Lovely chalet equipped with everything we were told, easy to get to and easy access to beaches."

  As soon as we walked in we felt a sense of calm - exactly what you want for a getaway. Highly Recommend!

  Many thanks for our review,. That sense of calm, is exactly what we hope all our guests will experience during their stay with us. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Barry5.0★Aug 2023

• "Beautiful and comfortable lodge in a quiet and peaceful location."

  Staff were very friendly and helpful. Recommended!

  Many thanks for your review, we are glad that you enjoyed your stay with us. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Paul5.0★Aug 2023

• "The property was the best one we’ve been in and well equipped,I would recommend it to anyone I know."

  Well done to the owner. From Jeanette.x

  Hi, many thanks for your kind review. We are delighted that you enjoyed your stay with us. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Jeanette5.0★Jun 2023

• "We could not fault it in anyway and the staff were lovely and very helpful"

  Hi, many thanks for your lovely comments, and so glad that you enjoyed your stay with us. Property Owner

  Reviewed by June5.0★Jun 2023

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