Self catering MEANS self catering!!!?

Question

I look after a gorgeous cottage in S.E. Cornwall, and we have Americans in this week. I am DREADING going in to clean the place after them, as they don't seem to realise the meaning of SELF CATERING, which means they are responsible for their own washing up,cooking, general upkeep of the property. When we go in after them, we always find a bombsite, and think we are their general slaves, and it is ONLY Americans who leave a mess like this, and don't seem to grasp the concept of "self catering" We have already had them on the phone demanding more towells, (after just 2 days) although there is a washing machine, tumble dryer, and washing powder supplied for them. Do they not have "self catering" properties in America???

Answer 1

Drawing up an agreement as the other guys have said is a good idea. Obviously this is too late for the guys you have staying now, so the best thing to do is whenever they call next, politely explain to them what self catering is and tell them that on no uncertain terms will you be keeping house for them during their stay.

Answer 2

I think you perhaps, in future, have to make sure they know the rules and perhaps print out a big list of do's and don'ts just for your US guests.  

If they assume that you're going to go in and pick up after them, then some kind of housekeeping deposit could be initialised.  I've stayed in loads of UK properties which do the good housekeeping deposit - sometimes up to UK100 pounds, which should worry people enough to make sure they do their best to keep the place looking nice (but make sure that it's you who gets it and not the owners if you're doing the cleaning up!).

to the previous poster who is from the USA - I think what the original poster is saying is that she's only had this problem with Americans, so if she's only got that to go on as to how they are, you can understand that she's going to dread them staying in the cottage.

Answer 3

Do they not have to sign an agreement to your terms and conditions when they rent the property?  If not it's time you added this to any rental agreement in the future.

Simply tell them that under the terms of their rental you do not supply fresh towels because they are responsible for laundering towels, linen etc. and maintaining the property while they are there so that it is left clean and tidy when they depart.    

If they give you a  hard time, explain to them what self-catering really means and if they still aren't happy, offer them a pro-rata refund and tell them to find somewhere else to stay.  They really aren't worth the hassle.

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I've just re-read your question and realised you say you look after the property so if the above advice is out of your control I suggest you ask the letting agent to add some kind of condition to the terms of future rental agreements.  Also, I'd be asking that they not give your phone number to any visitors as you should not have to be running back and forth for anyone.  Surely your job is simply to make sure the place is clean before and after each rental - not during.

Best of luck.

Answer 4

It is probably a good idea to prepare a 'book' like holiday reps do - with places of interest and above all RULES of the cottage - start nicely - add rules - finish nicely - word it sternly but friendly.

Answer 5

Please don't be biased against someone because they're American!! There are slobs everywhere. I happen to be renting a self-catering cottage in Conwy soon, and as an American myself (and a neat freak), your comment offends me! Please try not to judge someone based on where they're from. Judge them after they've trashed the place or left it spotless!

I'm sorry you've had problems with Americans, but we're not all horrible!

Answer 6

very rare.. amercians are spoiled