Guests' privacy

[greenbarncottages]

In the self-catering sector, we all have to reserve the right to enter the property in an emergency, or indeed if absolutely necessary.

But how far does this go? I was having a discussion with another owner who wants to disturb their current guests so that a carpet fitter can go in to measure up. It can't be done on their changeover day, which is a Sunday. The owner will accompany the fitter, and they should be no more than 20 minutes, but to me it seems an intrusion that is unwarranted, and not something guests should be expected to put up with.

Maybe I'm misjudging what guests in a holiday rental should reasonably expect. Any thoughts?

[Andrew Clay]

My guests were upset when Visit England wanted to come round to do their annual quality inspection (couldn't they do these in the winter) - but given that we're open all year round, we cannot close the cottage for a week. If you have more than 1 cottage at a site, all the cottages have to be inspected on the same day.

The carpet fitter could probably come round when the cottage was empty though as I doubt any cottage owner has 52 solid weeks booked!

[greenbarncottages]

My fellow owner decided that it wasn't right to disturb the guests for the carpet fitter. He told the fitter that if he wanted the business, he'd have to come and measure on a Sunday, which he agreed to do.

My guests were upset when Visit England wanted to come round to do their annual quality inspection

I really can't quite get my head around that one. I suppose the conversation between Owner and VE Inspector would go something like this:

VE: Do you respect your guests' right to privacy on their holiday?
Owner: Yes, of course we do.
VE: In that case we can't give you a rating.

[_grockles]

I'm suprised your guests were up set. Mine really dint mind it. I think they are suprised that grading actually happens. The following day some even come in to the office to see how it went.

[Sue: White Horse Walking Holidays]

If I were a guest, I wouldn't mind as long as I was asked first and it was at a convenient time. These things have to be done.