FAQs

Here are answers to a few questions you might have about a stay at Crayfish Cottage, as well as booking and payment information and terms and conditions.

 

Are pets welcome?

As much as we love them, we are a pet-free holiday cottage.  Sorry.  Please note if we find a pet has been staying at the property, your £100 damage deposit will automatically be forfeit to go towards the cost of a deep clean.  Our strict rules are in place to protect people with allergies.

 

Can we smoke or vape in the property?

We operate a strict no-smoking/no vaping policy at the property.  Please do not smoke or vape inside or outside the cottage, not even in the garden.  Please note, if we smell smoke or see signs of smoking/vaping, your £100 damage deposit will automatically be forfeit to go towards the cost of a deep clean.

 

I have limited mobility (I can walk a short distance but cannot manage flights of stairs) – is the property suitable for me?

Yes, Crayfish Cottage would be suitable for guests with limited mobility who are comfortable with a short walk from the driveway, up a step and in the front door. Two bedrooms and the family bathrooms are on the ground floor.  The family bathroom has a walk in shower as well as a separate bath tub.  

Sincere apologies - the property isn't suitable for wheelchair users.

 

Is the property suitable for children?

The twin bedroom upstairs would be ideal for children.  The kitchen is equipped with unbreakable plastic beakers, plates and cutlery.  There are board games and DVDs suitable for the whole family.  Plus, we can provide much of the kit and caboodle needed for travelling with babies and young children – cot, high chair, toys - just ask. The garden areas are enclosed with a low gate at the front of the property.  We have designed the property with the safety of all our guests in mind, but the property isn’t totally child-proofed and children would always need adult supervision.

 

Will there be provisions at the house?

Yes, you will find fresh milk and bread, tea, coffee, sugar, salt and pepper, paper goods and some cleaning products there.  We also operate a “pot luck larder” so you can use groceries brought by previous guests.  If you happen to finish the marmalade or cooking oil, for example, keep the system going by replenishing those items for the next guests.

 

What about bed linen, towels and tea towels?  Pots, pans etc?

These are all at the cottage and included in the price.  The kitchen is fully equipped to meet and exceed NITB requirements.  

 

What about laundry?

There is a separate drying room with a washing machine, a tumble dryer and iron/ironing board, along with clear instructions for operating the machines.

 

I'm a golfer/angler/hiker/surfer ... is there somewhere to hang kit and store bulky equipment?

Yes, the drying room offers plenty of storage space with hooks and a rack for drying equipment and clothing.  Plus there is a sink,washing machine and separate tumble dryer.

 

Where is the nearest place to buy provisions?

Portrush town centre is less than a mile up the road.  There is a LIDL and a Eurospar a short walk from Crayfish Cottage selling milk, bread and other provisions plus logs and fuel.  It is open 7 days a week from 7am until midnight.  There is also an Ulster Bank ATM.

 

Is there mobile phone coverage at the house? How about internet access?

Yes and yes.  There is free WiFi at the property, with access instructions.

 

Do you accept hen/stag parties?

Sorry, we are not a party cottage.  Strictly no additional overnight guests.

 

Will there be someone to meet us at the property?

We offer self check-in from 4pm.  The lockbox code will be messaged to you a few days ahead of your stay. Departure is any time before 10 am when our lovely housekeeper arrives.  In Winter, there might be some flexibility on departure time, depending on our next booking - feel free to ask.

 

How do I make a booking?  What about payment?

1. Call us on 07514324455 or use the enquiry form to agree arrival and departure dates.  We will hold those dates in your name for a few days.
2. As soon as we receive your deposit - 30% of the total - those dates are confirmed as yours.
3. The balance of 70% is due 28 days before your stay.  We will remind you when payment is due.

Important:  If the balance is not received 25 days before your stay, the 30% deposit may be forfeited.

We accept payment by bank transfer, cheque or Paypal.

 

Do we need to pay a damage deposit?  How does it work?

Yes, we ask for £100 damage deposit paid by cheque on arrival, which is destroyed immediately after your stay. We don’t mind about the odd broken plate or scuffed wall; that is fair wear and tear.  Besides, we want you to relax and enjoy the cottage.  The deposit would only be kept by us if something substantial was damaged, such as replacing a broken window or if we had to deep clean the cottage, if someone were to bring in pets or smoke on the premises, which we ask guests not to do. 

After your stay, we will be in contact to confirm that your cheque has been destroyed.

 

Are there any hidden costs?

No. Utilities are included in the price.  The damage deposit is refundable (subject to the terms above).

 

What about cancellations?

If you want to, or have to, cancel your booking, please phone us as soon as possible. The day we receive your notice is the date on which your booking will be cancelled.  Cancellation charges are as follows:

Cancellation notice of 29 days or more = you get a full refund

Cancellation notice of 28 - 0 days = you don't get any refund