Reviews from our guests

There are several places where our guests leave us comments.

Not everyone writes in our books – but some people do write by hand in the visitor books in each cottage ( sometimes even signed by the pets! ) Sometimes people forget to write in the book and e mail us later. We faithfully copy these comments as they come in and we upload them here. The only thing we ever hide or alter is the full guest name and address for obvious reasons of privacy.

Secondly we encourage our guests to write about us on the site through which they booked (Trip Advisor, Air B and B, Cottages.com, Freetobook  etc)

As you will see we do have brilliant reviews. They are genuine, not a “fix” and  and its not that nothing ever goes wrong!  Although our standards are very high just occasionally, in the real world,  things are bound to happen. Machines fail, something breaks. The successive good reviews are  because if something does go awry, and if our guests tell us about it  during their stay,  we do move heaven and earth to fix it while those guests are still with us. People greatly appreciate this effort  on our part  and we guarantee  we always make it. If once in a while a review is less than wonderful it is  almost always the case that it was outside our control ( internet down or slow in the whole area for example)  or  sometimes we were  inexplicably only advised about a problem after those guests had departed when there was sadly nothing we could do to make it better.

“The weather Gods were reasonably friendly though it was bitterly cold throughout the week. Highlights were seeing Peregrines at Symonds Yat , walking above Llanthony Priory and going beyond over Chapel Pass . Two cars still abandoned in the snow. Above all , apart from being a lovely area in itself Vanilla Cottage makes a perfect base to go either to Wye Valley or Brecon Beacons. Only regret that not staying for longer. Many thanks also for the comfortable and well equipped cottage and additional touches.
Simon, Liz, Edward and the tired but grateful Spaniel
Hambledon Hampshire
Easter Week 2013

Simon, Liz, Edward and the tired but grateful Spaniel - March 2014

“A lovely car ride to Tintern Abbey , over the smallest of roads to Redbrook, the Boat Inn, a beautiful spot along on the old railway footbridge over the river Wye, where we had lunch in the sun and saw three kingfishers !
Yesterday four Kingfishers just around the corner from the cottage at the Chainbridge. A wonderful small walk at Goytre Wharf. Canal boats, woodland, meadows and a pub with it. We had our lunch on a bench near the water with lovely views, pleasant for a stroll and we enjoed that sun after we had a lot of rain during our week in Vanilla Cottage. Luckily we are fond of reading and visited Hay -on-Wye, had a perfect walk to Hay Bluff ( Black Mountains) and have been to Tintern Abbey in beautiful sunshine. The Black Bear , very near Vanilla is a lovely pub for a drink and a good meal, but they are slow, but worthwhile waiting for (ask for a waiting snack like garlic bread to kill the time; lovely people.
And despite the weather we enjoyed our stay and from the house and garden lots of birds to spot and beautiful colours and smells.
Usk Castle: a perfect place to visit, flowers and birds everywhere, no fee but friendly donation asked.
For the next visitors -enjoy staying in Vanilla Cottage.
Wim and Marianne Huijser
Valburg
The Netherlands

Win and Marianne Huijser -

“We had a wonderful six days in this beautiful and restful cottage. Equipped with all things you need!
We have done and seen too much to make a list, but it was beautiful and great to be back in this area!
Thanks from us
Buscher party
Netherlands

The Buscher Party -

“Cottage is in a very good location and is very homely. Enjoyed the Easter egg and wine as well as the hot tub. Had a nice meal at The Fountain Inn and also at the Mexican restaurant in Monmouth. Thank you for a lovely stay.
Alison, Mark, Laura, Mark, Matt, Emma and Archie the dog
Easter week 2013”

Alison,Mark,Laura Mark,Matt and Emma -

“Well what can we say. This week was desperately needed for peace and quiet and it didnt disappoint.The last year has been a whirlwind because… and we were able to make some life changing decisions. Thank you so much.So glad we saw your cottage on the internet. Its helped us to move forward and we have been able to enjoy the scenery, walks, birds in the garden, the locals and their friendliness and the amazing vews.( go up to Llanthony Priory and on to Gospel Pass!
We can really comment on eating places as we have preferred to enjoy the fire some wine and our own company except we did go to Dil the Indian restaurant in Usk on a very busy Saturday night with the Rugby crowd( we support Wales and they lost). We also loved Tal y bont resevoir with its lakes, forests and waterfalls and we went to Blaenavon and found it interesting. We loved the fab buildings and bridge in Monmouth. peretty Chepstow and Edwards the butcher in Abergavenny ( also at Chepstow garden Centre). We had lots of meat from him and are taking half a lamb home ( LOL)! We loved Usk and have a lot of affection for some of the Valleys towns and their friendly people.
Hope we will be back very soon
The Gogarty Party
February 2013.

The Gogarty party -

“The family Walker and Nanny Jones have had a very special few days in Foxes Reach We’ve explored Tintern and Monmouth and caught up with family The Welcome was amazing and the cottage beautifully clean and warm .
We loved the wood burner. We will be back
Andrew, Hannah, Bettany and Oliver Walker and Glynis Jones Nottingham ”

Andrew, Hannah, Bettany and Oliver Walker and Glynnis Jones -
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