The best and worst holiday home providers in the UK for 2024 have been named in a new ranking, and it is The Landmark Trust that takes the top spot.
The list comes courtesy of research by consumer champion Which?, with Rural Retreats securing second place and Toad Hall Cottages in third place.
At the other end of the table, Vrbo is in second-to-last place, just above Norfolk Cottages.
The list has been prepared based on a survey of more than 4,000 people. They were asked about their experiences with vacation home companies over the past two years.
Tourists were invited to rate their cabin stay five stars in nine categories, including customer service, booking process, quality of accommodation, cleanliness and value for money. An overall customer score was calculated based on overall satisfaction and likelihood to recommend.
The best and worst holiday home providers in the UK for 2024 have been named in a new Which? report. ranking, and it is The Landmark Trust that takes first place. The photo above shows one of the organization’s rentals: Coed and Bleiddiau, a small 19th century cottage in Snowdonia National Park, located next to the restored Ffestiniog Railway. The Landmark Trust says: ‘It was built in 1863 for the railway superintendent, T. Henry Hovenden. If you do it right, you might even be able to get here on a steam train.
Above two images: The Landmark Trust’s prospective tower in Kent, with capacity for two people. The circular tower is situated on the edge of a cricket pitch.
The Landmark Trust tops the table with a “stellar” customer score of 90 per cent, and the organization received the Which? Recommended Supplier Status for the second consecutive time.
Which? says: ‘With a carefully curated collection of around 200 properties, The Landmark Trust has a unique proposition: giving tourists the opportunity to experience stays in heritage buildings that have been lovingly restored, from castles and follies to lighthouses and towers.
“Respondents liked the properties as ‘fascinating’ and ‘quirky’, with one saying their stay was ‘more like being in a cozy museum.’ [in] through which we could walk and admire again and again the restoration and the original elements.
Which? adds: “The company earns an impressive five stars in almost every category, including quality of accommodation, communication and customer service – one customer even praised the ease with which he was able to change his booking in a short time.”
Which? The list has been prepared through a survey of more than 4,000 people. They were asked about their experiences with cottage companies over the past two years.
“It gets four stars for the variety of properties and value for money.”
Rural Retreats wins silver thanks to a customer service score of 88 per cent and also claims Which? Recommended supplier status.
Which? says: “It receives an impressive number of four and five star ratings, with one reviewer describing their stay as “an absolute delight.” From “lovely” welcome baskets to “premium furniture and accessories,” it was the small details that which left an impression on guests, who enjoyed stays in rural properties ranging from stately homes to barn conversions.
Toad Hall Cottages comes in third thanks to an “excellent” customer score of 85 per cent.
Which? tags this provider as “a solid option for those looking for a bargain in the southwest.”
The company offers the lowest average prices, respondents reported, “and an impressive five-star rating in six key categories including customer service, communication and cleanliness.”
Rural Retreats wins silver thanks to a customer service score of 88 percent. The signature is in the photo. Country Cabin and Garden Room on the outskirts of the village of Elmley Castle in Worcestershire
Above is Rural Retreats Olive House near Lewes in Sussex. Rural Retreats ensures Which? Recommended Provider Status
However, which one? notes that “the level of their accommodation is not up to par with other providers, earning only three stars in this category.”
What’s more, you lose which one? Recommended Provider Status due to “restrictive” cancellation terms.
Only two other firms receive the prestigious Which? award. Recommended Supplier Badge: National Trust Cottages (84 per cent) and Classic Cottages (82 per cent).
The first gets five stars for communication, customer service, reservation process, quality of accommodation and cleanliness; One returning customer says their experience is “always great,” while another said “I can’t wait to book again,” which one? reports.
Toad Hall Cottages comes in third thanks to an “excellent” customer score of 85 per cent. Shown above are three of the provider’s rentals in Hope Cove, Kingsbridge, Devon: Shippen Cottage, Camac Cottage and Harbor Cottage.
Meanwhile, Classic Cottages also receives a clutch of five- and four-star ratings, with Which? commenting: ‘It is testament to their excellent service that one respondent reported booking up to 40 times and said they have “always been totally reliable.”‘
Norfolk Cottages comes in last place with a customer score of 68 per cent. While it scores five stars for cleanliness and four stars in key categories including communication and customer service, it receives just two stars for its range of properties.
Booking site Vrbo scores 69 percent.
It also receives five stars for cleanliness, but only two stars for the variety of properties and three “mediocre” stars for customer service.
While some praised the service they received, noting the “great website and great communication from the host,” another said Vrbo was “unable to contact” when they had an issue. Which? comments.
Naomi Leach, deputy editor of Which? Travelsays: ‘Booking the right holiday home in the UK can sometimes feel overwhelming, and there’s no guarantee the glossy marketing images will be up to par when you pick up the keys.
‘With average prices exceeding £1,000 for a week’s stay, it’s more important than ever to ensure you get value for money on your break. The top-rated companies in our survey offer this and more. Whether you’re looking for a unique heritage address or a room with a view, our recommended vendors are a great place to start your search.’
MailOnline Travel has asked Vrbo and Norfolk Cottages for a response.
