Hi all. I've posted quite a bit recently (I love this forum). Basically I was looking into hiring out a private cottage for a week every month, for incalls. I normally use a hotel, but this idea seemed kinda nice and would cost pretty much the same as 4 nights in a fancy hotel. Anybody done this before? If so, what was it like? Just seems nice as I could have a little house for the week instead of just a room.

I agree with Kay - when I've rented a cottage before, the owner or caretaker has come by at least once during the visit. I would read reviews carefully, because this will often be mentioned (eg "The friendly caretaker Bill popped in every other day to make sure all was okay" etc)

I think if I was going to do this, I'd want to go and stay for a couple of days first without necessarily working and just see what it was like. Are there neighbours overlooking, is there parking nearby for clients, etc.

Stick to posh hotels Hun I feel much safer in them so always use hotels . I have never worked from a cottage and never would . Because I go to them a lot for time away and they all have the owners either next door or round the corner same with these small guest houses . There are people around always keeping a look out just incase you was throwing a party they will keep a look out . Cottages seem to really keep a eye on there guests .

Stick to hotels xx

I know of ladies who say they use holiday lets, and do really well.

I would guess it all depends on getting the right one.

I have heard some ladies say they take candles and stuff to hotels. The trouble is, if you're going to let housekeeping in to clean, you're going to have to put all that stuff away (presuming you mean sexy/romantic things.)

If you use an upmarket hotel I think they always look nice enough anyway.

I have heard some ladies say they take candles and stuff to hotels. The trouble is, if you're going to let housekeeping in to clean, you're going to have to put all that stuff away (presuming you mean sexy/romantic things.)

If you use an upmarket hotel I think they always look nice enough anyway.

I meant pictures and ornaments and a vase or two with flowers or a nice jewellery box. I never thought about candles or knew hotels would be okay with them!

I haven't been in a hotel for ages or a really nice one so didn't really know how ncie some could be. I imagined it would be horrible stuck in generic business traveller orientated hotels for too many days.

Hurrm may not be the best idea then. I tend to book nice 4 star or good 3 star hotels. They never tend to question anything or the fact I never want the room cleaned whilst I'm there. Cottage looks nice, but I wouldn't want a caretaker or anything popping in x

There's a chance punters could turn up at random when other people are using it.

Yes, this would be my concern. It's not going to be as easy to make it obvious that you're only there temporarily (unlike a hotel room - even the dopiest punter isn't likely to think you might still be in Room 567 of the local budget chain a week later) and it's really unfair on other people, plus if it becomes clear who/what they're looking for should they run into the owner you could find yourself blacklisted from not just that set of holiday lets but others too.

I didn't think hotels would be okay with candles (fire regs)

No, they're not. I used to take an electric hob with me to cook on if I was away for more than a week or ten days, and I always hid it very carefully when I went out. Plus if the place has very modern/sensitive smoke alarms candles will set them off