Kist Accommodates - Duck Hill Cottage

The location was right in the heart of Ripon, only a very short walk away from the town square and all shops and amenities were close by. The property was very spacious; we were a group of 5 and at no point did we feel like there wasn't enough space for all of us; the property accommodates up to 6 people if 3 share a bedroom with a double and single bed. There's a space to park a car as well, which is fantastic as we didn't have to worry about finding somewhere in the town to park our car (and potentially pay extra fees). When driving, the property is easily accessible from major roads and motorways. The instructions for check-in received ahead of our stay were very clear and informative, which was also appreciated.

Cleanliness is what let the property down the most, which I found very surprising as the booking cost included a hefty cleaning fee. Upon arrival, we found hair all over the floors of the downstairs toilet, the upstairs bathroom and in the bath / shower. For our first night's meal, we decided to cook some food in the oven. I switched the oven on so it could preheat; when I opened it to start cooking, I was met by plumes of smoke so thick I instantly started coughing and the smoke alarm (several feet away from the kitchen) was set off. This would only really be possible if the oven hadn't been cleaned for quite some time. Something else we struggled with, were the mattresses on the beds. They were very soft and bouncy, and the mattress in the single bedroom downstairs was so old and worn, the metal springs inside of the mattress could be felt against your body when lying down, which didn't exactly result in a good night's sleep. With regards to entertainment, there was one book, one jigsaw puzzle, and four games (if you needed to postpone your outing due to rain etc. there wasn't a lot of choice). There was a bare corner in the downstairs living room, which could easily have been fitted with some shelves to add extra books, games, and jigsaw puzzles. The property had advertised TV with Netflix to be available, but we discovered we could only use Netflix if we had our own account to sign in with. This was somewhat misleading, "Smart TV" would've been more accurate. The amenities provided could have been better. We ended up having to use our own kitchen towels as none were available and only one toilet roll (instead of two as advertised) had been provided for the downstairs toilet. The welcome basket contained some tea, coffee, and biscuits (which was great), but it also contained cloths and dishwashing liquid, which says to us "Have a great stay - enjoy cleaning up!"

The beds were very comfy and luxurious. Everything was modern and practical Great for a family

There was literally nothing about this property that we liked, so much so, that we didn’t stay due to cleanliness issues. Crawling bugs in the bed, dirt around the shower, no tea or coffee provided which contradicts what they say they leave. Dirty towels, stains on the sofa, stains on the quilt (photographed evidence). When I called the owner, he said “you ain’t getting a refund”. He told us ‘5 minutes in the property and your taking the quilt cover off” totally disregarding our issue of bugs. The cleaners came, looking as though they were fit to fight us!! I warn anyone who considers this stay, DONT GO!!! Utter filth, arrogance of the property owner was appalling. We drove 90 miles to the property, gave the place a quick inspection and decided not to stay. We had no gain to ourselves taking this action had there been no justification.

We are seeking a full refund and intend to go through the correct channels to do so. I advised the owner of my intention to write this review. I have read other reviews and no doubt, the owner will come back with implications of us being troublesome. I write this review honestly and unbiased. We are £600 extra out of pocket because of this experience. Those are the facts. This property should be removed from Booking.com as it does not meet the standards it advertises on the site.

Kitchen well equipped and great location for Ripon centre. Property was clean

It was freezing. Heating was on but couldn’t get warm. The house is a warren of rooms with 2nd bedroom quite a way from bathrooms. Both the toilet and bathroom need updated. I understand it’s an old house but there should be somewhere in the description for the sloped floors and steps everywhere. Not great for anyone with mobility issues. Beds really uncomfortable if you like a firmer bed. We only stayed ONE of the THREE booked nights as we had such a bad nights sleep. I know this isn’t every reviewers experience but both couples in our party were cold and uncomfortable. We booked along the road for the remaining nights at a cheaper hotel and slept much better! Wouldn’t go back!

Location great, comfy master bedroom, large bath towels spacious, decorated nice, well equipped kitchen. Nice large bathroom. Good communication with staff.

Heating was temperamental, freezing on arrival, welcome basket was a bit lack lustre compared to photos.. long life milk instead of fresh milk in the fridge. Beds downstairs were springy. No shelf for towels in bathroom. Not able to use front access.

Great location, large property

There was a couple of issues but sorted straight away.

The house was spacious and warm. Everything was in good working order and easy to figure out. Good quality linen and towels. It was very clean and the bathrooms were good. The little video clips and pass-codes provided beforehand were helpful.The location was what we wanted - very central.

I didn't like the decor. It is quite a dark house and the choice of grey and beige was a bit depressing. It could have had more homely touches. The single bed is uncomfortable. The bedrooms need a table or chest of drawers to put things on. I didn't like having to put everything on the floor.

Location