Sykes Cottages reverses coronavirus refund policy after watchdog investigation - MSE News

Former_MSE_Naomi

UK holiday accommodation provider Sykes Cottages has reversed its policy on coronavirus cancellations and will now offer customers full cash refunds, after a wave of complaints from customers and intervention from the competition watchdog...

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'Sykes Cottages reverses coronavirus refund policy after watchdog investigation'

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JCS1

wouldn't this be more suited to the travel part of the Covid-19 section?

DJBNN15

I have cancelled my weeks holiday with Sykes Cottages today as we were due to holiday as a family of 4 adults, but represent 3 households, at the end of August and our balance was due this coming Saturday (not something I was prepared to risk given the comments here and our experience with them so far). To cancel the holiday I had to phone, cancelling online not available, which meant being held in a queue for

46 minutes. On being asked why we were cancelling I explained we were from 3 households to be told that was only guidelines so I needn't worry, there was other pressure to not cancel, such as the guidelines might change (I know that), I couldn't get my deposit back (I already knew that too) as it was down to the property owners holding on to the deposit - not born out by property owner comments on Money Saving Expert website.Unfortunately we were forced to re-book another holiday with Sykes which should have taken place in April - at the time that was are only option or lose the full cost of the holiday!

Cottage owners should be aware that taking guests against the guideline would invalidate their property insurance should they need to make a claim.

 

saed

Sykes cottages are a bit of a nightmare all round. My daughter and son in law booked a 3 day break in Aberdovey For this coming weekend with Sykes (from sat to tues ) . The booking was made earlier this week so last night they told their 4&5 year olds they were going on holiday for a few days then this morning received an e mail from Sykes Cancelling the booking. 2 very upset children and one very annoyed daughter as she then had to spend an hour and a half on the phone trying to get a refund. 

Thrugelmir

Sykes aren't the property owners. It is they who have declined the booking. The refund would have been made automatically. Let's keep matters in perspective. 

jmcleod1960

Anyone else received a refund from the property owner (via Sykes) minus the booking fee? Has anyone successfully had the booking fee refunded?
Any experiences with Sykes since lockdown would be of interest please?

mtbbuxton

For those experiencing difficulties with Sykes, there is a Facebook Group where you will receive excellent advice. You will also be able to find accounts from cottage owners and the way Sykes have treated them.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1827406157508686/