Belvilla

We picked a lakeside lodge in the Lake District for a long weekend after looking at a few other sites. The lodge had a hot tub on the decko and a proper kitchen, which was exactly what we wanted for four adults. The booking was quick, the confirmation came straight away and the host left a welcome note. The pictures were accurate and the beds were comfortable. We would happily stay there again next time we visit the lakes.

We compared a few holiday rental sites before settling on a cottage in Devon through them. The listing was accurate and the booking was simple enough to do on my phone. Getting hold of the owner about the key collection took two days, which was a bit frustrating when we arrived. Once we had it sorted the week was lovely.

We wanted a quiet break somewhere with a garden and a view, and this cottage in the Cotswolds was just right. The booking was clear and the owner was most helpful when we rang with a question. The stone cottage was spotless when we arrived. We will be booking again.

The site made it easy to find a holiday home in Scotland and the booking went through without fuss. Compared with a couple of other sites we looked at, the price was on the high side for what we got. The property itself was clean and the view was lovely.

Found a lovely farmhouse near Hay-on-Wye for our family reunion and the booking was simple enough, though I did have to chase the balance payment as the reminder went to my junk folder. Would use them again.

Compared with booking a cottage straight through the local agency, this was much clearer with the dates and the price shown up front. We stayed in a converted barn in the Peak District and the listing matched what we got. Checking in was simple and the key was where it should be.

We needed a holiday place that would take our dog, as kennels were costing a fortune. Filtering for pet friendly stays on the site made it easy to find a farmhouse in Wales. The dog was welcome and the owners even left a bowl out. Everything went smoothly from start to finish.

Booked a flat in Brighton for a weekend and it was cheap compared with the hotels. Checking in took two minutes with the code they sent and the place was clean. Nothing to complain about for the price we paid.

The first thing I always check is whether the photos match the place, and in my experience they usually do. Last spring the cottage in Pembrokeshire was smaller than the listing made it look, and the host took three days to answer my question about parking. I still book with them most years, just wish the replies were quicker.

I have stayed in a fair few holiday lets now and know the difference between a good listing and a vague one. This one was a bit vague on the parking, and it took the host most of a day to answer my message about it. The house itself was clean and the setting was great. The reply times let it down a bit, but we got there in the end.