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Independent Cottages - Customer Testimonials

Advertising your holiday cottage with Independent Cottages

As cottage owners ourselves, we appreciate the importance of effective advertising. There are so many holiday rental websites out there that it can be a minefield deciding which one to advertise on; our advice is to advertise on more than one! If you are keen to gain a good level of bookings throughout the peak summer months which are easier to let, and also when it is quieter in the winter, we strongly recommend advertising on three to four good websites.

Our Latest Reviews

We pride ourselves on providing excellent customer service. But don't take our word for it, read what our customers say...

Local Guide 41 reviews 13 photos
2 hours ago New
Independent Cottages offers a flexible and supportive way to manage bookings and enquiries. You are in control of the content, fees and lettings for your property without having to worry about getting the website, reporting and exposure right. The mechanics are all taken care of and represents great value return.
Independent Cottages
Owner
Thank you Karen - if you ever need us please just call or email and we will be happy to help!



Susie
3 reviews 0 photos
2 weeks ago New
I have been with Independent Cottages for a year now, and after having an awful experience with the most popular big holiday letting agent that have taken over the market, I was going to give up.

Then I discovered Independent Cottages and got more than I had even hoped for .
Yes to be honest maybe not so many bookings to start, but having been burnt I thought I am happy with the build up, and have had about 40% returning guests which is lovely to build relationships with them.
So the expense of a regular agent taking their cut, and the hassle dealing with their antics out weighs by far choosing IC the yearly charge has you taking all the money so you know where you stand.
Gives more flexibility to give discounts if you want to offer them because you have more margins to play with.

I have had lovely guests, and only having been open under two years, I have the same guests returning one guest this will be there 7th visit in May, others on their 5 some 4th

Such a blessing, and not being very IT savvy the Independent Cottages team, were so good at helping me set up, I was a bit high maintenance, and nothing has been to much trouble for them.
So I would highly recommend them, be brave and let go of agents that often are only interested in the money.
Not the experience of the holiday maker or the host. Of course business is business but for me I see holidays as a time of making memories and with ever increasing cost of living, I want them to be very happy with their choice, so with
Independent Cottages you can lay everything out as you want it, not locked into an agent’s format, and no more bossy people to deal with.
I have great confidence with Independent Cottages and now really am enjoying my experience as a holiday host.
Independent Cottages
Owner
2 weeks ago
Thankyou Susie - we're so glad you are happy with Independent Cottages!
Please, continue to contact us if you ever need any help.



Lindsey

Thank you for all your help over the years we have advertised through your fabulous site!


Julia

Thank you very much for all your helpful advice when I called on Monday. I've implemented quite a bit of it already with plans to continue!


Marian


I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to you all, you have made the running of The Piggery Bellevue as seamless as possible. Your timely advice has been invaluable and approachability second to none. I would have no hesitation in recommending the services of Independent Cottages unreservedly to any potential owner.


Amandine de Lhoneux
11 reviews 1 photo
1 week ago New
Great website and caring and efficient team. Keeps regular contacts to make sure we are on top of advertising.
Independent Cottages
Owner
1 week ago
Thank you Amandine... that is very well received feedback - Please always let us know if you have a query, we're glad to help.

3 reviews 8 photos
2 weeks ago New
Cannot praise them enough. Independent Cottages have provided the best guidance …… and more besides. Thank you
Independent Cottages
Owner
2 weeks ago
We're glad to help and always here if you need to ask anything at all ????

2 reviews 0 photos
2 weeks ago New
Independent cottages are excellent value for money and have always generated bookings for us.
Independent Cottages
Owner
2 weeks ago
Thank you Mark - cost-effective is so important for owners these days with rising costs. Do let us know if we can help further ????

Local Guide 21 reviews 7 photos
4 weeks ago New
A fabulous company who work really hard to ensure their clients are well looked after. Friendly, approachable team.
Independent Cottages
Owner
4 weeks ago
Thanks so much for your feedback Ross - always let us know if you need any support with any of your properties, we're happy to help ????

2 reviews 0 photos
4 weeks ago
We have been delighted with the service provided by Independent Cottages over the years and find the bookings from our advertisement are excellent value for money.
Independent Cottages
Owner
4 weeks ago
Fantastic news - please always let us know if you need any support with your listing, we're always happy to help ????

Local Guide 8 reviews 3 photos
5 weeks ago
Having been with Independant Cottages for very many years now, they are all very helpful, friendly and wonderful to work with
Independent Cottages
Owner
5 weeks ago
Thanks so much Andrew - always let us know if you need anything, we're glad to help ????

1 review 0 photos
6 weeks ago
Great service from Independent Cottages. It provides the majority of our booking leads. Thank you
Independent Cottages
Owner
6 weeks ago
Thanks Jo - that's great to hear ????

7 reviews 1 photo
7 weeks ago
Independent Cottages
Owner
6 weeks ago
Thank you for such fabulous feedback, we’re so pleased that Independent Cottages is working well for you and your recommendation means a lot!!

1 review 0 photos
7 weeks ago
this is a very good reliable cottage site
Independent Cottages
Owner
6 weeks ago
This is music to our ears Jen!!

4 reviews 2 photos
7 weeks ago
Always available if needed, very professional service providers.
Independent Cottages
Owner
6 weeks ago
Exactly what we are aiming for... thanks Debbie for feeding back!

6 reviews 0 photos
7 weeks ago
A fantastic company to advertise with. I highly recommend.
Independent Cottages
Owner
7 weeks ago

6 reviews 8 photos
8 weeks ago
Independent cottages is a perfect website for advertising my property and increasing booking potential.
Independent Cottages
Owner
8 weeks ago
Thanks very much for your perfect feedback Tania ????

3 reviews 0 photos
9 weeks ago
Independent Cottages
Owner
10 weeks ago
Hannah and I are always glad to help Gillian - you've made us smile from ear to ear with your feedback ????

2 reviews 4 photos
9 weeks ago
Independent Cottages have always been very helpful and offer a good website to advertise our cottage. We are very pleased with the results. James. Owner of Waterside.
Independent Cottages
Owner
9 weeks ago
Thanks for your feedback James - we appreciate it!
Don't forget where we are if you ever have any queries, we're always happy to help ????

1 review 0 photos
10 weeks ago
Independent Cottages
Owner
10 weeks ago
Thank you so much Vivienne - we're so glad our customer service is appreciated. We're working hard to set ourselves apart from other companies on the service we give to our owners ????

1 review 0 photos
10 weeks ago
Independent Cottages
Owner
10 weeks ago

5 reviews 2 photos
How do you determine which websites will best promote your holiday property?

There are many things to consider when choosing where to advertise, with value for money being a key factor. Our advice is to spend a little time doing some research online. There’s no better recommendation than one directly from an owner who has first-hand experience of dealing with an advertiser, so ask around and seek recommendations from friends and others in the industry. Follow the process a holiday maker would take and search online to see who ranks well for popular search terms. If you have found the website, holiday makers are also likely to as well!

Once you’ve found a website you like the look of, spend some time searching on it to see if it is user-friendly, providing the information that is likely to convert lookers to bookers. Check advertising rates carefully to establish if there are any hidden charges you will face throughout the year for updates to the advert, additional photos or the use of facilities such as adding last minute offers (all included in the price with Independent Cottages). Many large websites have also started to charge additional booking fees to holiday makers. You may be fine with this model but many holiday makers aren’t, and it can put pressure on owners to reduce rates to compensate and retain competitive edge.

Another useful piece of advice is to make contact with the website before you take out a subscription. This will help you establish who you are dealing with, and judge the level of personal service and professionalism you are likely to receive should you need assistance in the future.

As a husband and wife team, we may be small in terms of size but we can assure you that our enthusiasm and passion for the self-catering industry is huge. We pride ourselves on personal, friendly and professional customer service, but don’t just take our word for it, read some comments our customers have made about us in recent reviews.

Want to join us or have a question?

If you would like to list a property with us, or have a question not covered in our frequently asked questions, you can contact us directly using the enquiry form below: