To expect a tumble dryer in a family seaside property?

To be honest, we rent holiday cottages so we can take the dogs with us, so I usually go for the lower end of the market. Cheap and cheerful and definitely no tumble dryers.

Yes, I know I should have checked, but I really don't think it's an unreasonable expectation in a property a stone's throw from the beach and a lot of very wet sea! Dh and I were fine - it was the little one's things and damp beach towels that wouldn't dry - we had a barely 18 month old getting her things wet either in puddles or on very damp sand - we couldn't hang on to her every second - and DD had brought STACKS of clothes for her.

I gather you nearly all think IABU but it was quite an expensive property and I still think it's cheap on the owners' part. It's a bit like wifi - unless it's a bargain property most people will expect that nowadays. (Cue for some of you to tell me you wouldn't expect or want it, no doubt!)

And while I'm having a good old moan, I dont know why so many quite expensive holiday properties don't have king size beds when there's plenty of room for them (no complaints on that score this time) or nasty cheap duvets that have evidently been there for years and gone like pancakes.

IMO it's at least partly down to the Brit characteristic of Mustn't Grumble About Anything, even when you're shelling out a lot of money to an owner who thinks you should have what you're given and be humbly grateful to be allowed to stay there at all.

I have never stayed in a holiday cottage that didn't have a tumble dryer. I thought they all had them. And no, I don't think you are being at all unreasonable considering the price of holiday rentals.

For 4* I would have expected a washer/dryer (but smug git that I am, would have checked first!)

If we go away for a week I try not to do any washing even when the children or grandchildren were small, it's one of the reasons we like to holiday in the UK so you can take as much as you like and just shove everything in the car. If we are away for longer then I usually go to a local launderette sometime in the middle if the holiday.

No local laundrettes?

We've never had a tumble drier in our home but I agree that in a holiday property, especially if it's rated 4 star, there really should be a tumble drier.

Very few holiday properties have tumble dryers. That's just the way it is.

Yes I think you are being unreasonable. I've never seen a dryer in any of the many places we've stayed over the years apart from where they have a 'drying room' for walkers clothes.

No I wouldn't expect it. If it is important to you- it's essential you check at the time of booking. It should be listed in the facilities and if not, you could have sent a message to owner/agent.

I use my dryer once in a blue moon.

I have to say, it's the last thing I look for in a holiday property, but having said that, in the last three properties we have had, there has been one, but we haven't used it. Neither did we use the washing machine. Now a dishwasher - that is a must have.

I remember renting a lovely holiday cottage in Wales when DD1 was a baby in 1976. There wasn't even a washing machine and I had to soak the nappies in a bucket and then wash them as best I could the next day in the sink and hang them on a line to dry. Oh dear, how times have changed

Witzend I understand your frustration, but no, it isn't usual to have a tumble drier in even some very large properties. I regularly go on sea/riverside holidays with extended family and find properties where there is an expectation of water based activities (sailing/windsurfing etc.)are more likely to have a tumble drier, but it's always worth checking the facilities on offer before you book.

I don't have one myself and certainly would not expect one in a holiday rental.We did have a heated towel rail in our holiday flat and that was a great boon.

Was there actually a space for tumble dryer?
It's not something I've ever had or indeed expected in a holiday rental.

Oh dear! Definitely a first world problem, as DD would say !