Finest Stays | Luxury Holiday Lettings Kingsbridge

Reviews

1. Julie Wells ★☆☆☆☆

   Easy efficient booking process initially however on arrival the property Avon Rock, Thurlestone, did not reflect the glossy photos and description. Missing gate slats, over flowing recycling and rubbish bins, garden knee high dandelions, green mold to front elevation, loose coping stones on patio wall, grubby leaning rotary wash line. Inside a cheap bottle of Buck’s Fizz a so called welcome. No complimentary milk, coffee, tea etc. left over foods from previous guests. Travel size kettle, 2 slice toaster, cover missing from fire alarm, grubby marks to shower, broken hooks in shower along with infilled holes in tiles. Down stairs is spacious but upstairs is cramped. Have changed twin beds in one room to divans with no head boards. Hairdryer has such short flex, it does not reach any mirror any where in the house. Bunk bed room had Roman blind with dangerous metal chain as no break away or secured to wall to prevent risk of ligature. All Roman blinds in the home have identical chains. Minimal toilet rolls - 1 per toilet. No cleaning products. Previously used kitchen rolls. General cleaning poor. Nappy found beneath bunk beds. Gardener visits 2 weekly and on 2 occasions we returned to find he had access to the house. Did complain to Finest Stays re overflowing bins as unable to contact maintenance crew. Someone came and bagged up recycling bins and placed at side of wheelie bin which hadn’t been emptied by refuse collectors due to incorrect waste been placed in wheelie bin by previous guests. On complaining to Finest Stays they thanked us for raising issues, deflected to owner who thanked us for raising safety issue of blind to bunk room but would not be changing anything else. When requested compensation as not as advertised Finest Stays stated it was and no refund forthcoming. Having used high end luxury letting agencies this is not one of them despite the name. Do not recommend this company.

   almost 8 months ago
2. Aaron Naisbitt ★☆☆☆☆

   Title: Be warned — Finest Stays are not offering the finest experience We stayed at Sandhills, Salcombe through Finest Stays and Coastal Concierge, and I feel compelled to share an honest account of our experience to warn anyone expecting a premium property or service. On paper, Sandhills looks spectacular — the photos show a bright, immaculate, high-end home with incredible views. In reality, it fell far short. The upkeep, cleanliness, and service were all below the standard you’d expect for a property of this price point. Here’s what we experienced: Filthy windows that completely ruined the otherwise beautiful view — so streaked and dirty it was hard to enjoy what should have been the house’s biggest feature. Children’s toys and furniture scattered throughout the living areas, along with a storage room filled with patio cushions and clutter, all hidden from the property photos. It totally undermined the luxury feel you expect when booking a supposedly “top-end” home. No welcome experience whatsoever — no milk, no biscuits, no card. Just some random food left behind in the freezer. Ironically, on our final day, flowers and a card were delivered for the next guests. When I asked why we hadn’t received anything similar, the message was ignored. The patio area was a mess, covered in weeks, if not months, of dead leaves, acorns, and debris. The entrance and pizza oven area in particular were filthy and completely uninviting. The pizza oven itself was old, rusty, and dirty, so we couldn’t use it at all. The driveway has failed at the bottom — it’s sunken enough that cars scrape the front when entering or leaving. Despite taking care, my car was scratched underneath. Unfortunately, there’s no alternative parking. The house was far too hot, with unclear heating controls and no instructions on how to adjust it. Several toilets smelled damp and musty from the start. We had to air them out and buy air fresheners ourselves. No vacuum was provided initially, so we had to request one just to tidy up. When we raised all this in our feedback, the response from Finest Stays was polite but dismissive. They thanked us for the “valuable feedback” and said they’d improve things for future guests — but offered nothing in the way of a gesture, refund, or goodwill for us. In other words: “Sorry your holiday was disappointing, but tough luck — we’ll do better for the next people.” We’ve been renting high-end properties across Cornwall and Devon for over a decade, and I’ve never encountered a firm that hides behind glossy photos while delivering such poor presentation and aftercare. Be warned: Finest Stays do not offer the “finest” experience. The photos hide the truth, the upkeep is poor, and the service is shocking. Once they have your money, they simply don’t care. Avoid this company — there are far better, genuinely premium agents in the South West who understand what a luxury stay should feel like.

   almost 9 months ago
3. Mary Bishop ★★★★★

   Booked for next year so can only comment on the booking process which was excellent. Lovely clear website, easy to follow and to make the booking. Excellent follow up from the team at Finest Stays by email and phone call to ask if I had any questions. Happy to recommend on this basis.

   almost 9 months ago

1. Luce ★★★★★

   Stayed in Sea Cove, Hope Cove in October for a week with my dog. Apartment lovely, clean and very well equipped. Terrace with amazing views out to sea/hope cove was fab. Didn't have any issues but concierge was only a text away if I did. Few signs of wear and tear on walls/skirtings etc but thats to be expected to when it's a dog friendly and family friendly apartment. Booking process super easy and communication with Finest Stays was great. Would 100% book with them again.

   1 year ago
2. Tim Russell ★★★★★

   Terrific accommodation in and around Salcombe. Communication very good.

   almost 3 years ago
3. Lucie Burns ★★★★★

   Great selection of houses and great care

   almost 4 years ago

1. Mark Williams ★★★★☆

   Couldn't quite see what the USP of another holiday home provider in Salcombe could be except to drive the cost of holidaying in the area higher. Web site is smart and shows the availability of each property well ahead of most competitors.

   almost 5 years ago
2. Mark Gibibns ★★★★★

   4 Island Street has a great location in the centre of Salcombe and a short flat walk to the town. Kate and Lucy are exceptional; responsive throughout the whole booking process and on hand at all times during the stay. It makes so much difference renting from a small, personable company that specialise in one area rather than a large rental agency that cover the whole of the South Coast. Support local and small businesses

   almost 5 years ago
3. Will Woodward ★★★★★

   The house we rented through Kate was the best I've had after many years going to Salcombe, and the concierge service when there was exceptional. Highly recommend, whether you're new to Salcombe or returning!

   more 10 years ago

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