Ilminster Vacations from $1,348

My husband and I arrived at Brooklyn house on Friday 24the July. We had approx 2.5hrs drive. There was no one on reception to check us in at approx 6pm. After ringing bell twice I finally tracked Maxine down who came to check us in. No eye contact was made between Maxine and my husband just me and she seemed quite 'cold'. She showed us to our room after going through everything and also asked what time we would like breakfast the following morning. We got to breakfast at 9am and again Maxine went through the process, told us to choose a table which was already set up and she would be over to take our breakfast order. We were left to our own devices and 40 mins later after hearing her greet other residents and asking them how their last evenings had been and serving other residents who had come in after us, I decided to get up and give her our breakfast order. No apology received by her. Although the breakfast was delicious, apart from the fact that my husband's scrambled eggs and salmon should have come with toast, we didn't even bother to mention. We both said we would never stay here again because of the unfriendly nature we had received on our check-in and breakfast. However, all was redeemed on our 2nd day this morning. Maxine was not there but we had the fortune of meeting Ana, a wonderful person who took our breakfast order which we received within 10mins of ordering, whilst helping ourselves to tea/coffee etc. Thank you Ana for your friendly warmth

Upon arrival the room was relatively clean and straightened out nicely. Decorated to an OK standard. However, the room itself was absolutely sweltering and could've done with a fan or a portable air conditioning unit. I had to open both the windows wide to let some cool air in.....which unfortunately let the screaming and shouting from outside in too. But hey, I've booked something in the heart of student land so that's sort of on me as well! As far as cleanliness goes....look a little closer you'll see things aren't so great and definitely lacks attention to detail in that are. Not the worst but certainly not the best. It looks like shower gel, handwash and shampoo were provided once upon a time but now all that remain are empty containers. This is such a basic thing so either do it or don't. Kitchenette area was reasonably clean with utensils, plates bowls and a dishwasher provided. Overall, it was OK but could do better. It seems like somebody has lost interest in it!

Simple check in, loved the Hacienda style of the courtyard rooms and the nearby field for the dogs to at last stretch their paws away from the busy main road. Room was clean and layout useful. The only negatives were that we had to ask for a kettle, there were only small cups in the room (whereas there were mugs in breakfast area, so no hardship to add to room ) as you want a decent mug of tea/coffee after a long drive. No remote for tv and no way to select tv without (we managed without but I like the radio on to keep the dogs from being on guard duty) Can't comment on breakfast as there was no option to even collect breakfast and take it in the square as understandably dogs are not allowed in breakfast room (so we declined breakfast). Lastly, on the square... what a shame.... I know we're having an unprecedented summer, but to allow all those plants and pots to die from lack of water? was so sad to see. Plenty of gutters and potential to reclaim grey water for watering, really no need to let it all die. Whole place has so much potential, just needs a little thought and care. (I'm a retired handyman, rebuilding my garden I can't help seeing possibilities) . Would love to use again, but a little steeply priced (IMO) for what it was...

The building was in a great location. a nice quiet square, just 5 minutes from the start of all the bars and restaurants. The room itself was nothing like the pictures. It was one small room only which contained the shower and the sink. there was no wardrobe or cupboard to put clothes and shoes. There was a single rail attached to a roof beam which had 6 clothes hangers. The most alarming problem, was the fact that there was no toilet. This was located on the landing which needed a separate key to open. This is not ideal when you wake up during the night and its dark and you need to locate the key before you can use the toilet. The room we was allocated, but looked nothing like the pictures, was located at the top of the building. Apparently, it was on the 3rd floor. But to get there, you had to walk up 5 small staircases, 55 steps in total. When we arrived, i did complain about the room and we was offered a different one in the basement, as long as we had used nothing in the room. Unfortunately in the 2 hours between sending my complaint and receiving the reply, we had unpacked and showered, rendering the room used. For the money we paid, the minimum you expect is an en-suite toilet.