The Old Reading Room

27 Customer Reviews

• "Beautiful location for nearby and further excursions."

  The house itself and its garden are also charming and extremely quiet. All the rooms are superficially clean, but it could be better in the details, in corners or behind the heater, etc. The carpets are completely unacceptable and should be replaced. The vacuum cleaner is useless, we would have liked to have had a more effective device. The function of the heating and hot water could be explained better. There was no hot water for washing up in the kitchen. The heater itself works well but the question of safety is unclear. In Germany, the exhaust gas solution would not be permitted, it can easily be manipulated by any passer-by. All in all, a great holiday property!

  Reviewed by Viola4.7★Sep 2024

• "A very well equipped kitchen and both showers are great."

  If anything to complain about, is that the corner sofa is a little too low for older people, but other than that, no problems and would return again.

  Reviewed by Malcolm5.0★Sep 2024

• "We booked this cottage as a last minute get away, we was nearly put off due to the negative comments about cleanliness."

  Although ended up booking and we was definitely pleased we did. The cottage was clean and comfortable. The cottage is in a lovely little village and set off main roads which is nice. The near by beaches are beautiful and the area is full of lovely walks. Would 100% recommend and can’t wait to return to such a beautiful cottage! Only negative I could say is in the main bedroom the duvet ended up being abit of a pain as it is two singles in a king cover so we kept bunching it up and was hard to straighten out, but this wouldn’t stop us returning! Definitely will be saving the details for next year!

  Reviewed by Jessica4.7★Jun 2024

• "Lovely cottage few minor issues no bulb in bedside lamp in bedroom One of the plug points in upstairs bedroom didn’t work No sockets up stairs on arrive we’re working but was soon put right by a very pleasant maintenance man so don’t know how cleaner got through her work with no electricity."

  The oven shelves need a good clean. A good garage so why don’t you let guests use it A few moans but we did have a great time .

  Reviewed by Neil4.4★Sep 2023

• "Lovely cottage in beautiful location."

  Really well stocked eg with pots and pans which was a nice surprise. No issues with hot water as previous reviewers, but cold water tap was turned off in kitchen. Dreams cottages took 3 days to do anything and only acted when prompted by Sykes Cottages, through whom we had booked, which was disappointing. Some issues with flies and bugs by end of week but not enough to put us off staying again. Would definitely recommend for a great holiday

  Reviewed by Graham4.7★Aug 2023

• "We really enjoyed our stay at The Old Reading Room."

  We absolutely loved the garden & the cottage. It was perfect and comfy for my parents who were visiting with us & also for my dog who loved exploring the place. Will definitely recommend this place. Xx

  Reviewed by Deepthi4.4★Jul 2023

• "Lovely location liked the layout and garden was a bonus could do with some decent chairs to relax in outside."

  Cottage could benefit from a deep clean to remove mould in corners. Welcome pack would be a nice touch. Hot water system was very hit or miss mostly miss. Visitor guide with leaflets and information is always welcome. Earlier check in would be useful as we wasted a lot of time waiting for the key.

  Reviewed by Mark3.8★Jun 2023

• "Firstly, the negative points."

  The house obviously hadn't been cleaned on the day we arrived which was disappointing when check in time was 5pm. We had issues with hot water; none available on the evening of day three and morning of day four, which someone had to come & sort out. It was disappointing also that there wasn't a hair-dryer; it's the first cottage we've ever stayed in without one. But, the cottage itself is lovely, with a very comfy bed (please ask your cleaner to check the bedside drawers!) and lovely bright lounge. The kitchen is well equipped and the garden is great with sun for most of the day. I'm not too sure about the positioning of the washing line over a shrub though. The village is lovely too with some great walks from the door and within easy an easy commute of lots of Dorset's wonderful visitor attractions

  Reviewed by Dawn3.4★Jun 2023

• "Feedback already shared with the Pets Pyjamas whom we booked the property through - I wanted to provide some feedback on our stay at The Old Reading Room and raise a complaint."

  The cottage is well-appointed and comfortable and we appreciated the new sofa in the lounge. The property was very well equipped and all utensils etc were available.  However, as reported to Dream Cottages there was an issue with the hot water. This was advised via the phone on Sunday morning to Dream Cottages and we were advised to use the immersion as a short-term fix whilst they attempted to contact the owner. Several phone calls had to be made back and forth whilst Dream cottages attempted to contact the owner.  A Dream cottages representative finally visited the house on Tuesday to see if the issue could be resolved, which it could not. We were advised to use the immersion continuously. Whilst this did provide hot water there was not enough for all members of the family to have a shower in the same window, and for anyone to have a bath. The DC representative suggested that this would be the case even if the boiler was working correctly. I would suggest that the marketing material should be updated if that is the case and a bath is not possible, then the bath should not be advertised. Part of the reason why I booked the cottage was that there was a bath tub, as myself and my daughter like to have a bath to relax. Is there any compensation that can be offered for the inconvenience of this situation?

  Reviewed by Rohini3.4★Feb 2023

• "Overall we had a lovely stay and would be very tempted to come again."

  The cottage is in a lovely setting and is well equipped. We enjoyed seeing the stars again at night, not something we get living in a town, the garden was not overlooked and although you can see the cars in the pub carpark it is still not like looking at a NCP and we were never bothered by that or visitors to the pub itself. There were a few niggles with the heating and there were also dirty utensils but that is not the fault of the owner as this is down to previous visitors. We would suggest the owners provide a new kettle as the whistle does not work and also we could not find the lead to recharge the radio. We have already recommended the cottage to friends along with the pub as we had a few lovely meals in there and the staff are lovely.

  Reviewed by Jean4.7★Sep 2022

• "Property was beautiful, all set in a lovely little village."

  Very well equipped by the owner, we had everything we could possibly need. A lovely garden and decking too. Perfect. Of course the surrounding areas make the village the perfect place to be as well. Had a couple of niggles with cleanliness, one being a damp stained bathmat, and used tissues in my bedside drawer, both overlooked by the cleaners and a bit of a turnoff but not a deal breaker as everything else was brilliant. maybe the cleaners need a little more time . i would go back tomorrow though as this house is obviously loved by its owner and thoughtfully furnished and equipped.

  Reviewed by William4.7★Sep 2022

• "The village is very pretty and well placed to explore Dorset (Weymouth 15 mins away) as well as walks on the door step for the dog."

  The cottage itself is aesthetically very pretty and that includes the decor and garden. Lots of other reviews referenced cleanliness and it was clear it had been cleaned well for arrival - bed, towels, kitchens, bathrooms etc and some of the other issue are in fact prior house guests - though I would expect vigilance from a cleaning company too (PPE and dirty hankies in bedside drawer?). The bigger issue really is that it need a good deep clean - carpets, windows, cobwebs on the ceiling. The cost is surely enough they can keep a week free for this to be done annually. The cottage does smell damp downstairs and musty/strange smell upstairs and whilst I accept its an old building/ cottage, something really needs to be attempted to tackle this. On going out, its really noticeable coming back in, and on my clothes on my return home. I have stayed in cottages before and its not been a problem so cant be blamed on the building. Other issues like hardness of beds or pillows may be specific to me so accept its a preference as the other half didn't bother. I wasn't cold but the heating set by owners is not able to be changed if cold or hot - despite saying it good- an issue for those in coming winter months. This is not a cheap property per night so not really on. If these issues hadnt been there it would be scoring at 9 but unfortunately it really does lower it and I suspect until its sorted , as it is recurring, it will continue to. Its a lovely place, and could be perfect but if returning to Langton Herring (and I would) I may consider looking to see other accommodations in the areas first

  Reviewed by Elizabeth3.1★Aug 2022

• "We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at The Old Reading Room."

  It was a lovely cottage and the property was perfect for our family of 5. Lovely living space and lounge (and kids appreciated Netflix on the TV). We did have some minor issues with hot water and the last to have a shower had to suffer a luke warm shower. Our car was hit by an oil tanker whilst parked outside the cottage (in the designated space). The lovely lady over the road witnessed it and helped us to identify the oil company and vouched for us being well tucked in. However, it would be worth mentioning to guests that large vehicles have to get through so they park really close to the wall.

  Reviewed by Gillian4.1★May 2022

• "I’m afraid it has got to be reiterated that David from Dream Cottages made our holiday a little more tolerable by sorting out the cleaners to hoover and dust and get rid of all the dead flies lying around."

  Also he employed a much needed carpet cleaner which made the property clean and acceptable and restored it to a ‘Dream cottage’. The inconvenience caused was really not acceptable but at least you have a clean house now acceptable for your next guests.

  Reviewed by Graham2.8★Feb 2022

• "The cottage was lovely and very well equipped."

  I agree with one of the feedback notes on your website which identified an issue with the seating in the living room and although it wasn't a problem for us as we were only a party of 3, anymore guests and this could be an issue. the only other observation was that there was not any information in regard to the local area/ villages for walks and this was only gained by speaking with locals. The information provided is only identifying Weymouth which is lovely, however the whole surrounding area is very picturesque and in my view needs to be explored also. As said this was only an observation and did not in anyway affect our holiday or stay at the cottage

  Reviewed by Mark4.7★Oct 2021

• "A very nice cottage in a lovely quiet village with a great pub, however there were some issues."

  The sitting room furniture was uncomfortable, the downstairs bedrooms were noticeably colder and damp, the towel rail in the bathroom did not work and needed a good clean. The back garden overlooks the pub car park. On the plus side the upstairs was very light and airy and the kitchen was extremely well equipped.

  Reviewed by Louise3.8★Aug 2021

• "Lovely cottage."

  Great location.

  Reviewed by Jessica5.0★Jun 2021

• "Really lovely cottage in a great location, very pretty village and we would highly recommend the Elm Tree Pub (virtually next door!"

  ). Our only negative comments are that the lounge furniture is uncomfortable and does not really cater for 5 people, also there is a lack of garden furniture other than wooden benches and as we were lucky enough to have good weather these were not comfortable for long periods of time. Sykes also confirmed that the property does not have a barbecue when asked and it does! Overall a great holiday that could be made even better with different lounge furniture.

  Reviewed by Jackie4.7★May 2021

• "The sofa in the lounge was not very comfortable or practical."

  Reviewed by Brian4.1★May 2021

• "Beautiful house in a great, quiet location."

  Comfortable accommodation, styled very well. My daughter loved going to different beaches every day hunting for fossils, driftwood and sea glass. Great walks too. Local pub The Elm Tree was excellent too.

  Reviewed by Richard4.7★Oct 2020

• "The village is beautifully quiet and the surrounding area is stunning."

  Many walks, beaches and surrounding villages to explore. The Cottage is well laid out and has everything you need for your holiday. Sadly, the downstairs has a musty smell in the master bedroom and bathroom which was disappointing. However the upstairs Living spaces and garden are great. Thank you.

  Reviewed by Rebecca3.4★Oct 2020

• "The house was dirty."

  Although we notified Sykes within minutes of arrival, it was 3 days until it was properly cleaned, and I had to issue detailed instructions on what to clean. All the handles and switches were grubby, there were mouse droppings in a kitchen drawer, the pillows were stained, kitchen utensils unwashed, cobwebs everywhere, dirty bathroom floor, thick dust on pictures and curtain rails. And of course this is in the midst of the pandemic when allegedly additional cleaning had been done. It’s a real shame because the house and location were stunning. The garden has a lovely open aspect so it has sun pretty much all day, and I put a mat out on the patio to do Pilates in the sunshine most mornings. We loved the open plan layout so everyone is together all the time. We didn’t find the seating in the lounge at all comfortable. There is one normal armchair, one of those big armchairs that two people can squeeze into but isn’t really comfortable, and a single bed. Watching television or chatting whilst lying horizontal isn’t really feasible.

  Reviewed by Gill3.4★Sep 2020

• "The cottage was quiet and comfortable and the garden was lovely."

  The pub next door serving good food was a bonus. The shower in the downstairs bathroom was brilliant. The onlý things we would change would be the draining area in the corner which was awkward and the day bed which was good for teenagers to lounge on but not great for their parents!

  Reviewed by Anne4.4★Jul 2019

• "Lovely property as described, although parking is a little tricky."

  Beware the multi levelled layout if you or your pet have mobility issues. The village was very quiet and attractive. The local pub ( the elm tree) provided good food. Easy access by car to Weymouth and surrounding areas. We enjoyed our time there.

  Reviewed by Graham4.4★Jul 2019

• "Very disturbed to find a Nest security camera watching the kitchen/diner despite owners assertions that it would be turned off for our stay - unplugged it and turned it to face the wall - reconnected it as we left."

  Also astonished to find a note asking us to mow the lawn - 'it will only take you 15 minutes'. The heated towel rail did not work - the owners ask that visitors open the window when showering to minimise condensation - perhaps if the towel rail worked it would not be necessary. The cottage documentation on site stated that there was a tumble dryer in the garage - the key to the garage was available but the machine was behind an internal door locked with a combination padlock which Sykes were unable to provide us with the combination. This documentation should be kept up to date. We also had a problem with the induction hob not working one night - turning off the hob at the mains switch (no where near the hob) cured the issue. In general, we were disappointed by all these things especially given the significant price we paid

  Reviewed by John3.1★Jul 2019

• "The heating wasn't working."

  Your staff tried to resolve the issue with the owner. An engineer did come out to fix it but it still wasn't working properly. Also the cleanliness of the cottage was not great. I will be emailing you with a proper complaint.

  Reviewed by Catherine3.8★May 2019

• "The property is superb - a traditional cottage with a real modern feel."

  Lovely little village in a perfect location. Would thoroughly recommend to others - stayed August 2017

  Mrs MorganSep 2017

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