We stayed here as we wished to visit Ribe and their Christmas market (a rather watered-down version, I'd go to Germany if you want the real thing). The Byferie (means 'town holiday' in Danish) was very attractively priced in relation to the hotels in the town whilst still within easy walking distance; we like the idea of catering for ourselves. Payment is made up front and their cancellation terms are quite strict - something to bear in mind for some. We booked an allergy apartment as pets are allowed in many of the properties and my husband is highly allergic to cats. We also knew that we would have clean accommodation - something that does not always happen in Denmark. There are 92 rental properties in total, our flat was one of 4 in the building. Furnishings are the same in all apartments. There is also the added benefit of a locked parking area. Our flat was 54cm2, a good size and the details on the website and in the brochures are what you get in reality. The is plenty of cutlery, crockery etc, you have a full-size oven, good sized fridge and dishwasher, but no microwave. There is a flat screen TV with a few channels, but no DVD, or radio in the bedroom. We were not bothered about those things, but you folks may wish to know. You may wish to take your own pillows, the ones we had had been washed a few too many times and were blobs of stuffing congealed together. They do have free wireless internet which is very useful, although if did fall over once and from the reaction received at the office, it probably happens a few times. There were very few properties occupied, so I am not sure how it copes in the height of the summer season. Apropos that, we had one of the flats above us occupied for one night of our stay and, because there are wooden and tiled floors, could hear them walking round and sliding chairs. In summer it must be quite noisy when all the flats are rented out, and there are more tourists on the road outside the front door.
The weather we had during our stay was pretty appalling, but the flat was cosy enough; if fact too warm as the under floor heating was scorching, we could barely walk on it in places. When I asked them if they could turn it down a little, within 2 days it had gone off completely, and the engineer had to come and try and sort it out, heat returned just as we were leaving.
The reason I have given a three and not 4 rating is for 2 reasons.
1. We read in the brochure that we could stay up until 12noon instead of the normal 10:00hrs upon request. I asked and the request was granted. When I came to hand in the key (at 10:49), I was told that it would cost me 120kr (about £14). When I pointed out that that information was not given to me when I went into reception and asked, and it was nowhere to be seen in the brochure or on the wall in the flat, I did not have to pay it. (I have since found it on the website in Danish and the charge only applies July and August)
2. The website states that final cleaning is included in the price. Whilst I'm happy to take out the rubbish and put everything back where it belongs, fold up the duvets and pillows, ensure the dishwasher is empty, you have to hoover all the floors, and clean the oven and fridge. I do not consider that to be 'final cleaning included'.
To sum up, on the plus side: price, location, space,
minus: 'hidden' charges, noise
