Luxury accommodation on the Quayside in centre of Tarbert

We were very nervous about this property because Expedia/VRBO did a horrible job of communicating check in .. instead of telling us to contact the host all they need to stay is that keys would be available. That barge is not pretty from the outside, but amazing and unique . Great beds, view of the harbor, and big shower are just a few of the cool feature. We had ducks and swans passing by our window all evening. The location could not be better, across from two good restaurants and a bar. Tip, book dining in advance for the best places

Total lack of information on facilities (was it self catering, or some room service etc). No information on check in procedure. Brief reply to one request re availability of hotels for dinner then 2 my messages re the check in and facilities totally ignored by “host”. On arrival towo mobile numbers stuck on door “for emergencies etc) but no indication of whether guests should use them. When I did phone I got a lovely helpful housekeeper advising of process. We had not been notified of a room allocation though other guests using different web sites had been given that detail on booking..everyone complains of poor communication). You sent regular emails including ones saying check in information “should be available but none had been lodged with you so to contact host direct” ….I did that but never got a reply. The barge is a great idea, tied to the quay in town but is badly in need of some TLC re external,painting, window sealant - Damp smell in our canin and drain smell in our en-suite. Nice bathroom but shower very poor pressure and flow. Basic tea and coffee and making facilities, hair dryer and tv (only terrestrial channels). Wifi was awful and eventually non existent unless standing at the router……as router is virtually at the stern and our room was in the bow there was no chance of a decent signal and you certainly could not stream tv programmes on apps very successfully……not bad Sunday afternoon but non existent on Sunday night or Monday, possible due to other guests having arrived. It is advertised as a 5* facility, luxury accommodation it is not and I would rate it 3*. It is the quirkiness of the accommodation that is the selling point and Tarbert itself which is a delightful fishing town with several really good sea food restaurants and beautiful places to visit on day tours. Not good value yet we did enjoy our stay and the friendliness of the housekeeper helped overcome the lack of icommunication from the manager…….other rental hosts much more informative and helpful in my experience. Would use it again as great location and clean but would not rush do recommend. Maybe it is just because I am a “townie” but lack of security bothered me and I would have felt vulnerable in the summer months when Yarbert is busy with a lot of visitors. You were expected to leave main entrance locked even though cabin keys opened and closed it. Secure entry pads of some sort would have been beneficial and most properties use key safes or “meet greet” .

We drove nearly 3 hours to the property to find that the booking wasn't available. We spent hours trying to find accommodation with no signal on our phones it was a terrible experience. I didn't want to click stars as I didn't actually get to stay there but I can't get passed this option

We enjoyed our stay very much , room was spotless and comfy