Frequently Asked Questions

You will find all properties on the Dorset Cottage Holidays website are bookable online. Once you have placed the booking and made payment you will receive a booking confirmation. You can also book via the telephone, by calling 01929 481547, and one of our holiday planners will help you find your perfect place to stay in Dorset.

Details are confirmed in your arrival instructions. Keys are either accessible in a key code box, mailed to you or if booking last minute can be collected.

Every guest is sent a request for feedback, it is encouraged and we read every review.

Yes, you should expect to bring fuel for the BBQ.  Please note that much of Dorset, is a fire high risk area and you must ensure that BBQ are fully extinguished and must supervise use at all times by an adult over 18 years.

Owners expect that a certain amount of wear and tear is inevitable and this applies to the odd smashed glass or broken plate.  However, if something does get damaged while at the property please inform your contact at the earliest opportunity so that it can be fixed or replaced in time for the next holidaymakers. This includes staining to linen and towels.  It is sometimes reasonable to expect to pay the owners for more serious damages and breakages but most damages are covered by the accidental damage waiver fee you paid.

A twenty four hour contact is made available to you during your stay.

Your cottage is cleaned prior to your arrival.  You are not expected to thoroughly clean after your stay, however the house should be left in a tidy manner, all furniture should be in original position, all washing up should be packed away and we do ask guests to strip beds they have used to avoid unnecessary washing.

Where indicated travel cots and high chairs supplied, suitable for children up to 18 months. Some owners also supply a stairgate, please ask our staff.  Please note that linen is not provided for the travel cot.

Our holiday cottages are equipped with all cooking utensils and cutlery that you would require.

Heating and hot water charges are included in the price of your holiday. However, there is a fair use clause in your booking contract and charges would be made if heating was left on unnecessarily, for example if heating was left on 24 hours a day in the summer.

Linen and or towels are included free of charge where indicated.  Linen, where provided will be a duvet cover, sheet and pillow cases.  Towels where provided will be one large towel per person and hand towels.  Otherwise guests can bring their own linen or use the hire service provided.  Towels will not include beach towels.

You can reserve your cottage for the following season, pricing is normally confirmed around September time and we will contact you to confirm the booking and take a deposit to secure.

In peak and mid season, changeover days are either Friday or Saturday (see property description).  Out of season this is much more flexible and you can arrive on any day, as long as your stay wont impact upon a school holiday or peak week.  Christmas and New Year changeover are flexible also.

Yes, if you have to cancel your holiday, you are liable for the full holiday cost, please see list of exceptions in terms.

These are emailed to our guests, ten days before your holiday begins. If you do not have email they will be posted.  You can also access directions and cottage address in your guest login area (arrival instructions are not available in the login area).

You can arrive at any time after 3 pm if your cottage has two bedrooms or less, all other cottages are a 4pm check in.  You can contact our office staff to request an earlier check in but this will be entirely dependent on our housekeeping team.

As a minimum you will find loo rolls, sugar, tea, coffee and milk.  Many owners supply starter washing up liquid, dishwasher tabs etc.  Please note that these provisions are starter supplies only and you should expect to bring supplies for a self catering holiday.