Unique Cottages Reviews 

220
•
TrustScore 3.5 out of 5

3.4

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Rated 3 out of 5 stars

Stayed at Appletree cottage Newton Stewart. It was clean and warm so no issues with the cottage itself, however the entrance to the property through the metal gates is extremely narrow and judging by... See more

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

We have booked with this company a few times and everything has been pretty good, however, this time we left a couple of items in the rental property. I have tried to contact them using their own con... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

A really enjoyable week in luxury accommodation. Hugh was extremely pleasant and helpful as our host. Kestrel, partridges, woodpeckers, blue tits just outside the window ( though sadly no owl!) lots o... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

We enjoyed a great week in the Dunedin Cottage at Lower Largo. It was an ideal location right down by the harbour for walking the Fife Coastal Path, loads of golf courses and other attractions near by... See more

Company replied

Company details

  1. Vacation Home Rental Agency
  2. Holiday Accommodation Service
  3. Holiday Home

Information provided by various external sources

Unique Cottages offer holiday cottages and self-catering holiday homes in Scotland. Covering the South, Central Scotland, the Highlands and West Coast.


Contact info

3.4

Average

TrustScore 3.5 out of 5

220 reviews

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No recent history of asking for reviews

This company hasn't invited customers recently, so reviews may not be representative

Replied to 25% of negative reviews

Typically replies within 2 weeks

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3.4

All reviews

(220)

8 reviews in the last 12 months

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Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Still years later and not received…

Still years later and not received refund from this company and they refuse to correspond please take note of reviews if you cancel very unlikely to get any refund at all
As I said when incident happened and still now no longer have that payment method so my complaint still stands please refund lost money to one of my active accounts please direct message me on my email you refunded in-active account hence money would of been returned to you still waiting even if partial refund , company very very hard to get in touch with , how can I access refund to non active card , I can’t be the only person who changes credit card company and needs a refund must of happened to millions of people over the years since plastic cards existed please pleas see sense and give me money back for holiday that never happened
Despite the company claiming to give me refund I’ve not had single penny so don’t trust there reply they still owe me £750 of if I remember correctly a refund to closed account doesn’t count and refuse to refund active bank is joke. They say I’m fraudulent

5/6 years later and still never had refund

12 August 2024
Unprompted review
Unique Cottages logo

Reply from Unique Cottages

Thank you for your feedback. We’re sorry to hear about your continued dissatisfaction. Our records show that your refund was processed successfully in 2020 and returned to the card used for payment, as required by money laundering regulations. Proof of the successful refund was provided at the time.
If you believe there are any outstanding issues, we encourage you to check with your card provider.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY!!

Booked through unique cottages for a 7 night stay in Scotland, then had to cancel in distressing circumstances, a few days before. The company will not refund anything despite taking the cancellation policy out. Note their cancellation policy is not worth anything! It is very misleading!
They relet the cottage so got twice the money in, but will not give anything back! We have lost £1,087!! Currently fighting just to get the housekeeping deposit returned. DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY!

additional note - they have replied to the review 7 months later. Very unprofessional company, conning people out of their money, deposits and full booking money. Our experience was terrible, do not trust their cancellation policy, it means absolutely nothing.

7 July 2024
Unprompted review
Unique Cottages logo

Reply from Unique Cottages

Thank you for your feedback. We are very sorry to hear about your circumstances. Our cancellation policy is designed to provide support in such situations, and we aim to ensure the process is as straightforward as possible.
To make a claim under the cancellation cover, we require signed documentation as outlined in the policy terms. Unfortunately, in this case, we were unable to process your claim as the necessary documentation was not provided.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Misleading information & disappointing service. No thank you!

I wanted to book Inverarish Cottage on the Isle of Raasay for a 3-night break (Wed-Sat), for May in 15-months time. Understandably, the website doesn’t go that far into the future, so I checked the same mid-week dates for this year to get an idea of costs and it showed the price as £450. Upon requesting prices for next year, I was very surprised to receive a reply stating the cost would be £767. This represents an increase of almost 60%! Thinking there must be a mistake, I telephoned Unique Cottages and spoke to a surly “assistant” who confirmed the price. She informed me that there are no confirmed prices for a 3-night break for May this year. I pointed out that prices for a 3-night break in May are clearly listed on their website, but she insisted they are merely suggested prices and customers can’t actually book 3-nights for those dates and prices. I have several concerns about this. Firstly, it’s entirely misleading to list prices at the side of dates for which customers can not make a booking. Secondly, it strikes me as very odd that customers are prohibited from booking available accommodation for dates in 10-weeks’ time. Furthermore, I find it hard to believe that the owner of this holiday accommodation is happy with this policy, given that it must inevitably cause them to lose customers and therefore cost them lost rental income. Finally, the difference in service from Unique Cottages’ advisor, compared to the subsequent AirBnB booking I made, was staggering. Helpful and friendly communication in which my future 3-day booking for 2025 was welcomed; deposit paid and holiday secured smoothly and swiftly. I may only be one (no longer) potential customer, but I shall not give Unique Cottages my custom and I will advise my friends and family similarly. A brief interaction with this company allowed me to understand why their Trust Pilot rating is barely above 3; average. Like their rating, my experience was wholly disappointing.

14 February 2024
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

First time booking, will again

First time booking with Unique Cottages and can say it was straightforward. We had an issue ok arrival at the house but couldn’t get a hold of the owner in the first instance; called customer services at unique and spoke to a lady called Ruth. Ruth was very helpful and advised she would try the owners on another number and would let us know within 10 minutes, true to her word she called back within 10 minutes to advise the owner would be round to fix the problem. Owner came problem solved, and we continued to have a great stay. I would definitely book with them again and will be recommending to others.

27 December 2023
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Disgusting

After finding out that the cottage I was going to in January not only had building work going on next door, and now I found out that the hot tub that I thought I’d already booked and was all inclusive with the cottage was now optional and I would have to pay an extra £200! This also on top of extra electric if I used over £20 for my time there. I would have to get down and try and take a reading before and after getting there. I suffer from osteoarthritis, hence the want for the hot tub! I was disgusted how I was treated by 2 individuals there who basically said well you want get your deposit back due to their t&c. So I’ve lost £196!

14 November 2023
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Two weeks in the delightful Gorteneon…

Two weeks in the delightful Gorteneon Bothy is not long enough, we were woken most nights to the haunting sound of Stags right outside, it was magical and on drawing the curtains back in the morning we were met with the most beautiful view, fabulous walks from the house the most famous being singing sands that never disappoints, we saw a fish eagle and the most magnificent golden eagle. The west coast of Scotland is stunning but this most westerly part has an extra wildness to it that brings us back again and again and to the same cottage, so have already booked for next year

15 October 2023
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Unprofessional

Learn to know what you are talking about. Knowledge of the cottages, area and access. Read the local press releases telling you not to travel. Advising clients to travel into a life threatening situation by giving false information. The road was actually closed from the Saturday until late Wednesday yet they told us they were clear on Monday morning. Only interested in re booking the cottage if you can't get there yet won't refund or re book anything. No help what do ever.

7 October 2023
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Feel very let down by quality and care....and non return of deposit!

Our family rented Springbank house on Islay and the dealings we have had with agent and owner(indirectly) are diabolical.We`ve been blamed for causing damage and not being available enough to allow access to plumber and cleaners.The situation was reported promptly in good faith but now we are blamed for the outcome.
Also the cleaning (Mould) maintenance and presentation tried hard to spoil our family get together.A bitter taste indeed.

19 August 2023
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

mediocre

Unique Cottages are an example of a company which puts profit above all other factors and considerations. They seem to view the customer with a certain disdain, are impersonal in any communication and are not at all flexible in their approach. This year I asked for a change of date, which was initially refused, but then granted. The charge for this was hugely disproportionate to the administrative task involved (£50); which makes it more of a levy designed to discourage changing ones mind. Their cancellation policy is beyond strict and does not take into account the genuine need for flexibility in some instances.
The cottage that we booked is a place that my wife have enjoyed in the past but is now seeming to be rather run down. The owner whilst pleasant seemed to have little interest in the property and an air of neglect pervaded. My wife and myself actually had to clean when we arrived before it was habitable (spider webs, mouse droppings etc) The bed had an old mattress which has not been replaced over many years. The result? Pain
The point is that Unique cottages have no involvement in the overseeing the quality of the cottages they are agents for. This is a mistake and an oversight. All in all my experience has been one of poor value for money and an impersonal feeling that leaves you feeling like you don't ever want to go back.

19 August 2023
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I wish I had of read the reviews on…

I wish I had of read the reviews on this company before booking! We needed to be in Argyll for work purposes and as there wasn't any cottage availability for 14 nights we had to book 2 separate cottages with an overlap of 1 night. I did hold both cottages before booking to confirm both were available and then booked over the phone. 2 days before we were due to go in the first cottage I received a phone call telling me that the second cottage (loch cottage, near Inveraray) was no longer available as the owner was having a major issue with bins on the property - really? I was then told that actually the owner has now allowed the person staying before us to stay 3 nights extra which means we couldn't! With just over a week to find a replacement, I knew it was unrealistic given the popular area but said I would try. They offered us another property, miles away with no service/reception even for a TV - completely unsuitable for us and work so refused! I asked, if I couldn't find anything we would need a refund for both properties (Tighaneas, Crinan Canal and Loch Cottage) as the 2 were dependant on each other - I was told this would be fine and was apologised to as this is not my fault. I then rang back to say I could not find anything and would have to cancel both - they then told me I would only get the money back for the second cottage, meaning I would lose £800 for the first. I explained that we had to have somewhere to stay and we would be unable to get home after only 1 week due to being there for work, only to be basically told tough, they are 2 separate cottages even though I made it clear from the beginning that I could only book if both were available! DO NOT BOOK THROUGH THIS COMPANY AS THEY ARE NOT TRUSTWORTHY AND WILL LET YOU DOWN AT THE LAST MOMENT. Appalling customer service - I will be seeking legal advice!

24 August 2023
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I would give no stars I could

We booked Cnoc Gorm cottage, Sallachy. I would give no stars I could. We specifically booked a three bedroom cottage with Wi-Fi. When we arrived one bed was not made and there was no Wi-Fi due to a storm earlier in the week which the owner failed to inform us of prior to our arrival. The cottage was dirty with crumbs still on work surfaces, hairs in the drawers and melted cheese on the grill pan. Not exactly a covid clean. The television stopped working after an hour. We also had no phone signal. We stayed one night due to tiredness after a six hour journey and we left the following morning. We complained straight away but were offered no refund or apology. This company seem more concerned about the owners rather than their customers.

8 July 2023
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Not reliable and properties are unfit for purpose

Rented the Old Manse in Jemimaville, Cromarty through Unique Cottages. It was dirty, damp and had definitely seen better days. The lower floor of the house was pretty much out of bounds for the first two days until we got the dehumidifier running and removed 4 litres of water from the damp atmosphere. While Unique Cottages arranged for the house keeper to come back and clean it was 2 days later, so the first two days of our holiday were wasted. We asked for a partial refund but apparently the owner has to agree and wouldn't. Unique Cottages shouldn't be renting out properties that are unfit for purpose. We paid for a 4 bedroom house with 2 living areas and only got 3 beds and 1 living room. Don't recommend and won't be using again.

15 July 2023
Unprompted review
Rated 2 out of 5 stars

Awful cottage but Unique cottages wouldn't believe us

Spent a week in a cottage which we booked 15 months ahead as it had such a stunning position (Crinan House) Hated the cottage. It was dark and damp. Furnished with what Unique cottages called antiques but I did not appreciate sitting in a chair with holes in the arms. TV rarely worked. When I reviewed this on feefo, Unique cottages refuted all my criticisms. They stated that we had not aired the cottage (it was damp and musty when we arrived after 4 weeks of sunshine). They stated that we should have contacted the owner about the TV (the visitor book was full of people stating that it rarely worked). Unique cottages should be using feedback to improve the cottage, not trying blame the client for the cottage's faults. Won't use them again.

17 June 2023
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Cottage without water

We rented a cottage with this company. They have now contacted us to say it has no water supply and that we won't be able to wash, shower, or drink the water during our stay. No refund or alternative proposed, we are simply expected to go there with our family.
To quote directly from their email to us: "Please could you confirm that you have received this information and we do hope that this will not detract from your enjoyment of your holiday.".

5 July 2023
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Be wary of booking with this company

Be wary of booking with this company.
Not all is transparent.
We booked a cottage through them, paid their cancellation fee and when it turned out there was no internet at the property, we had to cancel.
We were told the cancellation fee did not cover us and we would have to forfeit all our deposit.
Bad experience, like many other people.

1 April 2023
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Unique cottages were excellent

Unique cottages were excellent. The website straight forward and easy to use. The cottage was fine. I thought the price was reasonable. Unlike some reviewers below, we got our £100 deposit back within 5 days.
We own a holiday cottage ourselves, currently we use a different agency for bookings, and see a mix of good and bad renters, just like there are good and bad owners. We have had damage and theft. A broken wine glass is not worth mentioning, but stolen items and damages amounting to hundreds of £s make the £100 deposit a great idea. If there are owners keeping that deposit then they are not good owners.

21 October 2022
Unprompted review

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