Dioni Self Catering Reviews 24

We booked quite last minute the holiday let Bryn yr Aur at Llanber.
We did arrive early but the owner happily let us in. The house has some lovely views. It’s not as close to the beach as we thought, but a fifteen minute drive soon got us to a local beach.
The bungalow is very comfortable, the lounge is fitted with a log burner. Nicely decorated and comfortable settees.
The kitchen is delightful. Great fridge freezer, dishwasher. Outside in the utility area is the washing machine.
The bathroom is ok.
Beds comfortable with lovely linen. Towels provided.
The owner was very kind, we were supplied with enough logs for the week.
On site parking space. Lovely garden areas.
Not much in Harlech.
Some lovely beaches nearby.
We visited Porthmadog and Barmouth.
There is a lovely friendly cafe Maes Gwyn by the nearest beach, everything is homemade and delicious.
We had decent weather.
If we were visiting this area again we would book here. Would def recommend.

Comfortable and cosy house at Allt Goch near Llanbedr.Roomy and reasonably well equipped except for laundry facilities.Washing machine needs internal clean.We did one but needed again.No laundry basket,iron or ironing board.Microwave most definitely needs replacing,but everything else was great.Cleaning standards need tweaking.Dust and dirt under sofa cushions and behind microwave,etc.Perfect spot for visiting places of interest and very relaxing surroundings.Water quality is superb.

Having stayed at a beautiful holiday cottage in July 2023 (Ty Newydd, Llannor) we had booked the same cottage for earlier this year.
Unfortunately due to family circumstances we had to change the date of our stay. Dioni were very helpful and understanding about the situation and were able to offer us new dates next year.
The cottage is amazing! Very clean and spacious, with the most amazing grounds! Ann and Hugh, the owners are very helpful and friendly.
It was a wonderful holiday for us and our extended family and we're looking forward to returning there next year.

We stayed at Ty Newydd, Llannor. Stunning location and house. Very comfortable and beautiful grounds to please all ages. The owners were exceptionally friendly and welcoming. Perfect location to explore Pen Llyn. We highly recommend this property.

I’m really surprised to see all the negative reviews. I had a great experience with Dioni. The communication, booking process, check in and property information were all great. The property itself was absolutely beautiful, spotless and with well cared for gardens. It was equipped with everything we’d ever need for a stay.

Communication with the property owners was also quick and they answered any queries quickly.

I wouldn’t hesitate to use Dioni again.

We have used Dioni to book accommodation in and around Snowdonia on a number of occasions over the past 10 years. Previously, we had always been more than satisfied with the standard of service and accommodation provided. However, following a recent stay, we have been forced to change our views.

The most recent property, on first view, seemed to live up to our expectations. However, on closer inspection, the cottage was found to have a number of issues clearly related to lack of effective ongoing maintenance of the property, while the general level of ‘housekeeping’ (cleanliness/hygiene) was also found lacking. This was all very disappointing, especially when the company’s website, illustrated with slick photographs and videos, proudly announces that they ‘carefully select the very best and most beautiful properties in Wales’.

On contacting Dioni, we were informed that the responsibility for day-to-day maintenance of the properties advertised under their platform rests with the individual property owners, which is fair enough, to an extent. We did, in fact, manage to negotiate a partial refund by liaising directly with the property owner, who was approachable and apologetic, and acknowledged that all of our concerns were valid. However, we do feel that Dioni should accept some degree of responsibility for marketing a clearly substandard property (and taking their commission therefore), and that their inspection/monitoring processes are evidently in need of improvement. Our representations to Dioni, detailing our concerns, unfortunately fell on deaf ears. We were saddened that the company did not see fit to acknowledge any level of responsibility ('we are only a booking agent'), and would seem to accept the reassurances of property owners over the honest feedback and concerns expressed by disappointed repeat customers - we have noted that the property in question continues to be advertised, even in the light of our comments.

One is left with the impression that Dioni, as their portfolio of third-party properties has expanded, have either taken their eye off the ball as regards to monitoring of accommodation, or have simply let their standards slip. A great shame, as I feel Dioni did originally have a ‘USP’ as a small, family-owned enterprise with local knowledge; perhaps quality is indeed better than quantity.

With regret, we will not be using Dioni as a 'booking agent' again in the future and, in the light of recent experience, would caution others against doing so.

Due to a dreadful year with family bereavement, my husband organised our holiday booking in Criccieth, North Wales, and to a place we had stayed in before. To my dismay, I discovered he had booked a fortnight's stay, but family joined us, and we felt we had to stick it out.
The one star is for the view of the sea which was stunning. But since we had stayed at this farmhouse in 2018 - Stabal Ednyfed -it has not been updated or refreshed. And, as I pointed out to the owner, when my husband had to lift the manhole cover outside to find it was blocked and was causing the water in the ground floor shower, and whatever else was down there to come back up, it is not good enough. She replied by saying that my attitude was not good enough!!! This is still being advertised as a 'Luxury' cottage. It is not. The photos and accompanying slick video would have you believe that this is truly luxurious, but nothing has been renewed or replaced since the last visit. The fridge is old and has a broken shelf, the kitchen utensils are basic to say the least, alot of manky wooden spoons, the old, dirty hairdryer is still in a bag in the ground floor bedroom, there is a nasty smell by the kitchen sink, the taps on the bath are wrongly aligned, cold is hot, the shower has a leak, our bedroom smelt of dog, the outside seat cushions were badly stained, with an umbrella with holes in it, the kitchen had an outdoor sofa as the seating, and was so uncomfortable that no one could sit on it, and if someone was using the upstairs shower, anyone else using water would cause the shower to run cold. When I confronted the owner she became aggressive, so I cut the conversation short and complained to Dioni, who after 'meetings' decided there was nothing they could do. If they or the owner had had the decency to offer a reduction in price, I would have been satisfied, but the holiday rent cost us £4000. That is disgusting, and as Dioni say themselves they take the money- they act as agents only. It is time the law was changed around this. Surely customers have rights to expect 'luxury' when it is advertised as such. The whole place had a distinctly lacklustre, grubby feel. Our bedding and towels stayed the same for a fortnight. There was no change. The owner had the cheek to say that it was my responsibility to ask for those. I couldn't believe it. I would say to anyone booking through this company, be very careful, because the last time anyone official appears to have entered the property was to make the video. No checks are made on properties to ensure customer satisfaction at all. For £2000 a week we could have gone to France and had a private pool. That's what we hope to do next year. Criccieth is a beautiful little town, the beach is wonderful. But I won't be booking through Dioni ever again. Enough is enough.

Avoid avoid avoid. Absolutely zero flexibility. Have lost £1k this week with them because they didn't advertise correctly that their cottage wasn't dog friendly. Their answer was to put the dogs in boarding.
Zero compassion or flexibility from this "broker". Wish I'd read the reviews on here before booking. Ho hum. Live and learn.

Had a great week away with the kids! Easy booking and super helpful owner.

Great accomodation and views. Clean, comfortable with good beds and spacious bedrooms. Hosts were very helpful. Definitely would stay again

The cottage was lovely, with great views and a secure field nearby suitable for exercising our dogs safely. Y-Felin in Dyffryn Ardudwy.
That is where the idyll ended.
We arrived late on Friday and noticed that there was no hot water - it was not even tepid.
I switched the switch labelled "water heater" on and assumed that the water would heat up overnight.
There was no mention of the hot water supply in the information provided in the brochure.
My husband had a shock when he took a shower the
following morning and the water was ice cold.
I had to fill a kettle and lug it upstairs so that I could wash in warm water. Not particularly safe.
I tried to contact the owner on the landline and the mobile number and we then decided to go out for the day.
There was no reply by the evening, so I contacted the Dioni office and explained our predicament. I emailed and phoned. The young man on the other end suggested that I contact the owner, which I had told him I had been trying to do all day.
Eventually the owner messaged to apologise for the tardy reply and said that someone would be around in the morning - she said that she was trying to get a plumber.
A gentleman turned up on Sunday morning and inspected the oil fired, apparently new boiler, which was situated in the garden. He was unable to fix it and said that he would try to get a plumber out on the Monday.
Apparently the water heater switch in the hall was not connected to the hot water supply in any way, but it was not covered up or an explanatory note left near it !!
The saga continued and we were told that a plumber was not available until Wednesday at the earliest. That would have been 5 days into our holiday.
We were also asked if we would consider remaining with no hot water for a 50% reduction in the weekly rent.
I asked if we could perhaps be moved to another property, after having checked the Dioni website for availability.The answer was no, as the cottages were all owned independently.
By Sunday night there was little progress and we had both been soaked by the rain and were in dire need of a hot bath/shower.
I have fibromyalgia, so a warm shower or bath is often the only thing that soothes my pain.
I checked my phone and a text message pinged through at almost 11pm. The phone signal was poor and messages were coming in late, especially in mountainous areas. It informed us that if we agreed to leave by that night, then they would refund is in full. If we chose to remain, we would be charged at a pro rata rate.
I said that we had no intention of leaving that night or of driving home, through unfamiliar terrain, which is a long drive with dogs at any time of day. We agreed to leave on the Monday morning in daylight.
One of the arguments put forward by Dioni was that the hot water situation was not their fault and that it was out of their control.
I do wonder how the cleaner managed to clean effectively prior to our arrival with no hot water, as the cottage was fully booked online.
I did mention that even on a campsite you would have access to hot water.
We were exhausted, smelly and upset by the time that we reached home later on Monday. I have never been so grateful to get home.
Surprisingly and after stating that we would be liable for some part of the rent, we were refunded in full and they sent an apology. We didn't know whether we were coming or going!
Shocking customer service really.
There was no guest book and no customer feedback form sent to us.

Booked a week at Y-ddol cottage. On arrival we were really impressed. At 11pm had to take our dog out, closed front door unaware that it is a door that once shut you cannot open again without a key. We were locked out at 11pm. We were left wondering the streets knocking on peoples doors to borrow a phone to ring the owners as ours was locked in the cottage. Using neighbours phone we rang the owners who would not answer at all after several attempts. After twenty minutes we found a key in outside shed which fitted the door. We were not aware of this key being there. We rang the owners next morning who found it hilarious. We told them we were not happy that they found it funny. The owner told us we can leave with a full refund. Minutes later the owners husband rang back and angrily told us we would not get a refund. Contacted Dioni holidays when we got home, receptionist took a brief account and said she would pass to complaints team. Days later Dioni messaged to say that they agreed with the owners and we wont get a refund. Twice called Dioni to ask for somebody to ring us so they could get our side of events. Nobody called. You wont find a paper visitors book as they dont want negative and honest reviews they only publish positive ones. AVOID Dioni at all costs. £800+ for one night in Wales is disgusting.

When you have a very disappointing holiday in a dirty, mouldy cottage with not even a decent kettle to make a cup of tea and find suspect packages under the sofa that could have been eaten by small children expect this kind of response from Dioni

Thank you for being patient while we spoke about this.

Unfortunately, the property owner has not been very sympathetic to your complaint. We are now reviewing this property to decide if we will be parting ways.

Dioni do only facilitate the bookings for cottages and we trust owners and housekeepers to maintain the high standards that Dioni expect, but obviously this isn't happening which is very disappointing. Unfortunately, as per the agreed Terms and Conditions "the Rental Contract is between the Customer (You) and the Owner" of the holiday cottage. As such, all further communication including requests for a refund must go through them.

Sorry again for the inconveniance caused.

Conclusion - I Would never use them again to book any sort of accommodation. The website looks luxurious and inviting but the reality is very different and the customer service is non existent. I tried to leave my review on their website but it looks like they don’t publish all reviews.

BE WARNED, not all properties on the Dioni website are 'the very best & most beautiful properties from Wales'. When we booked our 7 night holiday in June 2023, Dioni were marketing themselves as a 'luxury holiday accommodation' company which led us to believe that the cottage we were booking through them was of a certain standard, as you would associate with the word 'luxury'.
When we arrived at our cottage in Criccieth we were shocked at the condition of the property. It was filthy and the photos/description on Dioni's website bared little resemblance to the cottages interior. It was as if the cottage had been left to the owner by an elderly relative and they had decided to rent it out, not changing a thing inside (including the bed linen) or modernising it in anyway. The towels that had been left for us we well used and stank of mildew, I wouldn't have used them on my dog let alone myself. Needless to say we left after 3 nights.
Dioni were unhelpful with our complaint, which was raised on several occasions during our short stay, and palmed us off with the cottages owner who in turn was rude and offered us a £20 refund.
This was our first visit to Wales, which looked lovely, but its put us off going again for a while!

Superb views from 'Moelfre' with a simple to use charger for our EV. The road up to the farm was rather narrow with very few passing places. The real problem was the "stairs" to the bed really a ladder. If it had a proper set of stairs I would give it 5 stars as everything else was first rate but had we known about the ladder to get up to bed we would not have booked. Would be OK for a fit young couple, Web site should show a picture of the ladder and note that it would not be easy for other than a fit person.

Have been using Dioni for about 6 years and already have a booking in for next year.
We have generally found that the standard and cleanliness of the accommodation is consistent, despite each property being managed by individual owners.
Based on our experiences I’m surprised to see lots of bad reviews here.

Really awful company. Shared feedback and photos of a property rented through Dioni with them and their response was very poor, told me it was spotless when they had inspected it. Were not interested in my comments bar feeding back to owner, which I had already done. Paid over the odds for a filthy property. Dioni literally didn't care. Had to continually chase to get any kind of response. Avoid!

Had a cottage booked and with less than a week before received an email from Louise saying ‘unbeknown to them’, the owner had sold the property. Dioni claimed there were no alternative properties available due to the short notice given by the Owner so basically sorry your holiday is cancelled and we will send you a refund!
After several phone calls with Dioni getting nowhere, the owner contacted me directly and explained that Dioni were advised months before that he was selling the property and also advised weeks ago that our booking could not go ahead, and he has the emails to prove it! - so why did they wait until less than a week before to tell me that?!
Absolutely appalled by their attitude! I had booked with them 3 times in the past but certainly won’t be booking with them again!
Personally I feel they failed to keep to their Terms and Conditions so currently taking further advise and seriously considering taking it further,

From the beginning something didn't feel right with this company. After booking I received very little information about what to expect from our stay. I had to email to ask about the cot provided and I received back some copy pasted responses from the owner which were evasive. I was told that the cot mattress was the one that came with the travel cot. Seeing how much we spent on the accommodation, I thought how bad could it be? Unfortunately the cot had a wooden base which I was repeatedly told was the mattress. I spent our entire stay trying to communicate with the owner and Dioni, both were unhelpful and dismissive. I was told that I should have brought my own mattress if I wanted something better. Also it is impossible to get through to Dioni on the phone. I left messages and was told I would get a call back, something that never happened. A stressful experience which you don't expect to have to go through when booking expensive accommodation.

Booked and paid in full for an apartment in Wales. Three weeks before we were due to go received an email saying they were cancelling my reservation. I'd paid for activities and deposits at restaurants and now we can't find anywhere suitable. Very upset children and adults!!!!