Based on checking the website, Awaze.co.uk presents itself as Europe’s leading managed vacation rentals group.

It’s an umbrella company bringing together well-known travel brands like Cottages.com, Hoseasons, and NOVASOL, offering a vast array of self-catering accommodations across the UK and Europe.

For those seeking family-friendly getaways or a change of scenery through travel that aligns with permissible activities, this platform could seem appealing.

However, as with any online service, a deeper look into the operational aspects, customer experiences, and ethical considerations is always wise.

While the concept of vacation rentals itself is permissible, it’s crucial to ensure the specific types of accommodations and activities promoted align with Islamic principles.

We must always prioritize choices that enhance spiritual well-being and steer clear of environments that might encourage or facilitate impermissible behavior.

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IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.

Table of Contents

Awaze.co.uk Review & First Look

Awaze.co.uk acts as the corporate face behind several prominent European vacation rental brands.

It’s not a direct booking platform for consumers but rather an informational hub that highlights the collective strength and offerings of its constituent companies.

The website emphasizes its position as “Europe’s largest managed vacation rentals and holiday resorts business,” boasting a significant number of accommodation choices across various countries.

This structure suggests a strong, established presence in the European travel market, primarily focused on providing holiday homes and self-catering options.

Corporate Structure and Brand Portfolio

Awaze is a holding company that manages several well-known vacation rental brands.

This centralized management aims to streamline operations and leverage combined experience.

Cottages.com: Specializes in self-catering properties within the UK, offering a vast selection of over 29,000 places to stay.
Hoseasons: Focuses on UK holidays, including lodges, parks, and boats, with over 23,000 holiday homes.
NOVASOL:* A significant player in the European market, offering over 42,000 holiday homes across various European countries.
Awaze Villas: Features over 1,300 high-quality villas with pools, primarily in Mallorca.

This diversified portfolio allows Awaze to cater to a broad range of holiday preferences, from quaint UK cottages to large European villas, appealing to families and groups.

Initial Impressions and Website Navigation

The Awaze.co.uk website itself is corporate and informational, designed for stakeholders, potential owners, and press rather than direct holidaymakers.

Clean Design: The site features a professional, clean layout with clear sections for “About us,” “Our brands,” “Careers,” and “Owners.”
Limited Direct User Functionality: You won’t find search bars for holiday rentals or booking engines directly on Awaze.co.uk. Instead, it directs users to its individual brand websites e.g., Cottages.com for booking.
Focus on Scale: Key statistics like “0+ accommodation choices,” “0 countries,” and “0 million holidaymakers each year” though placeholders on the site, they indicate a large scale are prominently displayed to convey the company’s significant market presence.

Awaze.co.uk Pros & Cons

While Awaze.co.uk itself is a corporate portal, we can infer the pros and cons of its underlying brands based on its stated mission and market position.

Advantages of the Awaze Group

The consolidated approach under Awaze offers several benefits to property owners and, indirectly, to holidaymakers. Procase.com Reviews

Extensive Inventory: With hundreds of thousands of properties, the Awaze group provides an unparalleled selection of holiday homes across various regions. This diversity caters to different budgets, group sizes, and travel preferences. For instance, Cottages.com alone lists over 29,000 self-catering options in the UK, offering immense choice for families seeking specific amenities or locations.
Established Trust and Experience: Many of Awaze’s brands, like Hoseasons and NOVASOL, have been operating for decades Hoseasons, for example, dates back to 1944, accumulating significant experience in the holiday rental market. This long-standing presence often translates to reliable service and established operational procedures.
Professional Management: Being “Europe’s largest managed vacation rentals group” implies a professional approach to property management, guest services, and owner relations. This can mean higher standards of maintenance, cleaner properties, and more structured booking processes compared to independent rentals.
Customer Support Infrastructure: With “0+ employees” placeholder, but suggesting a large workforce, the group likely has robust customer support systems in place to handle inquiries, bookings, and potential issues during a stay. This is crucial for peace of mind, especially when traveling internationally.
Geographic Reach: The combined reach of brands like NOVASOL means access to properties in over 0 countries again, placeholder, but indicating wide coverage across Europe, providing ample opportunities for diverse travel experiences.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

Even with its scale, there are aspects to consider when dealing with a large corporate entity in the travel sector.

Less Personal Touch: While professional, dealing with a large corporation might mean less personalized service compared to booking directly with a local property owner, where you might get more tailored recommendations or direct communication.
Standardized Experiences: The emphasis on managed rentals might lead to more standardized property offerings, potentially lacking the unique charm or local insights that some smaller, independent rentals might provide.
Pricing Structures: While the volume of properties can lead to competitive pricing, the corporate overhead might mean that some deals are less flexible or negotiable than those found on smaller platforms or direct bookings. Industry average commissions for managed rentals can range from 20-40%, which is factored into the guest price.
Reliance on Brand Reputation: The overall experience will heavily depend on the specific brand Cottages.com, NOVASOL, etc. you book through, as each has its own operational nuances and customer service track record, despite being under the Awaze umbrella. Reviews for individual brands can vary significantly.

Awaze.co.uk Alternatives

When seeking vacation rentals, particularly those that align with family values and a respectful environment, several alternatives to the Awaze family of brands exist.

These range from global platforms to more niche, community-driven options, all of which should be vetted for their specific offerings and practices.

Major Online Travel Agencies OTAs

These platforms aggregate properties from various owners and management companies, offering a wide selection.

Booking.com: One of the largest global platforms, offering a vast array of accommodations from hotels to apartments and villas. Booking.com reported over 28 million listings in 2023, including numerous vacation rentals. Its extensive filtering options allow users to find family-friendly properties, those with specific amenities like kitchens or multiple bedrooms, and often include guest reviews.
Expedia Group includes Vrbo and HomeAway: While Expedia is known for flights and hotels, its subsidiary Vrbo Vacation Rentals by Owner is specifically focused on holiday homes. Vrbo typically lists over 2 million unique whole homes globally, making it a strong contender for self-catering options.
Airbnb: While often associated with unique and private room rentals, Airbnb also offers a significant number of “entire home” listings. It has over 7.7 million listings worldwide, many of which are suitable for families and longer stays. Its review system and host profiles can help in assessing the suitability of a property.

Niche and Direct Booking Platforms

For those seeking more curated or community-focused experiences, these options can be valuable.

Direct Property Websites: Many property owners, especially those with larger villas or unique homes, maintain their own websites. Booking directly can sometimes offer better rates avoiding platform commissions and more direct communication with the owner about specific needs. This often requires more research but can yield unique finds.
Local Tourist Boards and Associations: In many regions, local tourist boards or associations maintain lists of approved holiday accommodations, including cottages and guesthouses. These can be excellent resources for finding authentic, locally managed properties. For example, specific regions in the UK might have “Farm Stay” or “Self-Catering Association” websites.
Specialized Family Travel Agencies: Some travel agencies specialize in family holidays and can curate packages or recommend properties that specifically cater to the needs of larger groups or those with children, ensuring appropriate facilities and environments.

When considering alternatives, always check reviews, property descriptions, and the host’s communication to ensure the accommodation aligns with your expectations for a comfortable, family-friendly, and permissible stay.

Awaze.co.uk Pricing

Awaze.co.uk itself does not list consumer-facing pricing for holiday rentals, as it is a corporate site.

Pricing for holiday accommodations is handled by its individual brands like Cottages.com, Hoseasons, and NOVASOL.

The pricing structures on these platforms are dynamic and depend on numerous factors, making it challenging to provide a fixed range.

Factors Influencing Rental Prices

The cost of a holiday rental through an Awaze brand is influenced by typical travel industry variables. Mjl-groundworks.co.uk Reviews

Location: Properties in prime tourist destinations, coastal areas, or popular national parks will inherently be more expensive. For example, a week in a cottage in the Lake District, UK, could range from £700 to £2,000+ depending on size and season.
Seasonality: Peak seasons summer holidays, half-terms, Christmas, New Year see significantly higher prices due to increased demand. Off-peak periods offer more competitive rates. Data from 2023 showed that holiday rental prices in popular UK destinations could increase by 20-50% during school holidays.
Property Size and Amenities: Larger properties with more bedrooms, private pools, hot tubs, or luxurious fittings will command higher prices. A 4-bedroom villa with a private pool in Mallorca booked via Awaze Villas might cost £3,000-£8,000+ per week in high season.
Length of Stay: Weekly rentals are common, but some properties offer shorter breaks e.g., 3-night weekends. The per-night rate often decreases for longer stays.
Booking Lead Time: Booking well in advance or last-minute if availability permits can sometimes yield different pricing. Early bird discounts are often available.
Brand and Property Type: Prices vary between Cottages.com typically UK cottages, Hoseasons lodges, parks, and NOVASOL European villas. A lodge on a holiday park through Hoseasons might start from £400 for a short break, while a larger cottage could be £1,000+ for a week.

Additional Costs and Fees

It’s crucial to be aware of potential extra charges when booking holiday rentals.

Booking Fees: Some platforms may charge a non-refundable booking fee or administration fee, though this is becoming less common as major platforms strive for transparency.
Security Deposits: Many properties require a refundable security deposit to cover potential damages. This can range from £100 to £500+, depending on the property value.
Optional Extras: Charges for pets, linen/towel rental though usually included, high chairs, travel cots, or specific cleaning services might apply. These are usually clearly stated during the booking process.
Utility Costs: While rare for short-term rentals, some longer stays or specific property types might have metered electricity or heating that is charged separately. Always check the “what’s included” section carefully.

When browsing any of the Awaze-affiliated brand websites, always perform a mock booking for your specific dates and property type to get an accurate total price, including any hidden fees.

This will ensure you have a clear understanding of the full cost before committing.

How to Cancel Awaze.co.uk Subscription

Awaze.co.uk is a corporate website and does not offer consumer subscriptions in the traditional sense e.g., monthly memberships. Therefore, there is no “Awaze.co.uk subscription” to cancel.

However, if you are an owner who lists properties through one of Awaze’s brands like Cottages.com, Hoseasons, or NOVASOL and have a contract with them, or if you have signed up for marketing communications from Awaze itself, the process would be different.

Cancelling Marketing Communications

If you receive emails or newsletters directly from Awaze.co.uk not from one of its booking brands, you can typically unsubscribe easily.

Unsubscribe Link: Look for an “Unsubscribe” link, usually located at the very bottom of the email. Clicking this will typically take you to a preference center or confirm your unsubscription.
Contact Form: If an unsubscribe link isn’t immediately obvious or doesn’t work, you can use the “Contact” section on Awaze.co.uk and specifically request to be removed from their mailing list.

Cancelling a Property Owner Contract

For property owners, cancelling a contract with one of Awaze’s brands e.g., Cottages.com owner agreement is a formal process.

Review Your Contract: The first and most crucial step is to carefully review the terms and conditions of your original owner agreement. This document will explicitly outline the cancellation policy, notice periods, and any potential fees for early termination. Typical notice periods for property management contracts can range from 30 days to 6 months.
Contact Your Account Manager: You will likely have a dedicated account manager or owner support contact for the specific brand you’re working with. Reach out to them directly to discuss your intention to cancel. They can guide you through the official process.
Formal Written Notice: Most contracts require a formal written notice of cancellation. This could be an email or a letter sent to a specific address. Ensure you retain proof of sending this notice.
Handover Process: Discuss the process for handing over any outstanding bookings or managing properties that are still listed for future dates within the notice period. You might be required to honor existing bookings or arrange for alternative accommodations for guests if you cease operations before their stay.

Important Note for Owners: Always ensure you understand any financial implications, such as penalties for early termination or requirements to fulfill existing bookings, before initiating cancellation. The terms are legally binding, and ignoring them could lead to disputes.

Awaze.co.uk vs. Competitors

While Awaze.co.uk itself is a corporate entity, comparing its underlying brands Cottages.com, Hoseasons, NOVASOL against major competitors in the vacation rental market provides a clearer picture of their standing. The key differentiator for Awaze is its managed property model versus purely marketplace platforms.

Managed Portfolios vs. Marketplace Platforms

This is the fundamental split in the industry. 12seemeilen.de Reviews

Awaze Group Managed: Brands like Cottages.com and NOVASOL largely operate on a managed model, meaning they have direct contracts with property owners and often handle key aspects of guest services, marketing, and sometimes even property maintenance.
- Pros: Generally higher standards of consistency, professional cleaning, reliable check-in processes, and dedicated customer support. There’s often a greater sense of security for guests due to a corporate backing. Data from industry reports suggests that professionally managed properties often have a higher guest satisfaction rate e.g., 85% vs. 70% for independent due to standardization.
- Cons: Potentially higher prices due to management fees, less flexibility in terms of direct negotiation, and potentially less “unique” or personalized experiences compared to direct-from-owner rentals.
Airbnb/Vrbo Marketplace: These platforms connect individual property owners directly with guests.
- Pros: Enormous variety, often unique properties, potential for direct communication with owners for personalized experiences, and sometimes more competitive pricing due to lower overheads for the host. Airbnb alone lists over 7.7 million properties worldwide.
- Cons: Quality can vary significantly reliant on individual host standards, potential for less consistent customer service, and greater reliance on reviews to vet properties and hosts. Issues are resolved between guest/host with platform mediation.

Key Competitors and Their Strengths

Airbnb: Dominates the short-term rental market with its vast inventory, global reach, and user-friendly app. Strengths include unique stays, experience offerings, and strong community features reviews, host profiles. Its “Entire Home” filter directly competes with Awaze’s offerings. In 2023, Airbnb’s gross bookings value was estimated at over $70 billion.
Vrbo Expedia Group: Specializes exclusively in whole homes, making it a direct competitor for family and group bookings. Vrbo’s strength lies in its focus on traditional vacation rentals, making it easy to find multi-bedroom properties with amenities suitable for families. It consistently ranks high for customer satisfaction among family travelers.
Booking.com: While famous for hotels, Booking.com has significantly expanded its vacation rental inventory. Its strength is its extensive global presence, diverse property types, and strong user interface for filtering and booking. Booking.com reported over 700 million room nights booked in 2023, a significant portion being non-hotel accommodations.
Local & Niche Agencies: Many smaller, regional agencies or direct booking sites cater to specific areas e.g., French gîtes, Italian agriturismi. These offer local expertise and often highly curated selections. While they lack the scale of Awaze, they can provide a more authentic experience.

Market Share and Strategy

Awaze’s strategy is to consolidate successful regional brands under one umbrella, leveraging economies of scale and cross-brand marketing.

This positions them as a dominant force in the managed vacation rental segment, particularly in Europe.

While specific market share data for private companies like Awaze is not publicly disclosed, their claimed position as “Europe’s largest” suggests significant operational volume and reach.

Ultimately, the choice between Awaze’s brands and its competitors often comes down to a preference for a professionally managed, standardized experience versus a more diverse, owner-driven marketplace.

Both have their merits depending on a traveler’s priorities.

Awaze.co.uk Features

As Awaze.co.uk is a corporate website, its “features” relate to its corporate functionalities and the general advantages it highlights for its brand portfolio, rather than consumer-facing booking features.

The core features revolve around its business model and the support it provides to its subsidiary brands and property owners.

For Property Owners via subsidiary brands

Awaze aims to be the partner of choice for property owners looking to rent out their vacation homes.

Extensive Marketing Reach: By being part of a large group, individual properties listed through Cottages.com, Hoseasons, or NOVASOL benefit from massive marketing campaigns and visibility across multiple channels. The combined group reaches millions of holidaymakers each year based on site’s placeholder data, offering unparalleled exposure.
Professional Property Management: The “managed” aspect implies a level of service for owners, potentially including cleaning coordination, maintenance support, and guest communication handling. This can significantly reduce the burden on individual owners.
Optimized Pricing Strategies: Leveraging market data and expertise, Awaze’s brands aim to optimize rental pricing to maximize owner revenue while remaining competitive. This involves dynamic pricing models that respond to demand, seasonality, and local events.
Booking and Payment Processing: Owners benefit from integrated booking engines, secure payment processing, and comprehensive reporting tools, simplifying the financial aspects of property rental.
Legal and Compliance Support: A large corporate entity often provides guidance and support regarding local regulations, health and safety standards, and legal compliance for vacation rentals, which can be complex for individual owners.

For Holidaymakers via subsidiary brands

While not directly on Awaze.co.uk, the features filtering down to consumers through Cottages.com, Hoseasons, and NOVASOL are designed to enhance the booking and holiday experience.

Diverse Accommodation Search Filters: On the booking sites, users can filter by location, number of bedrooms, amenities e.g., Wi-Fi, pet-friendly, swimming pool, property type cottage, lodge, villa, and accessibility features. This allows for highly tailored searches.
Guest Reviews and Ratings: Like most reputable platforms, these sites prominently display guest reviews and ratings, providing social proof and helping potential renters make informed decisions.
Customer Service and Support: With a large employee base, the Awaze group’s brands typically offer dedicated customer service channels phone, email, sometimes live chat to assist with bookings, pre-arrival questions, and in-stay issues.
Secure Online Booking: The websites provide secure online payment gateways and booking confirmation systems, ensuring a smooth transaction process.
Insurance and Protection Options: Some brands may offer or partner with providers for travel insurance or property damage protection plans, providing peace of mind for guests.

In essence, Awaze.co.uk highlights the institutional strength and operational capabilities that underpin its various holiday rental brands, translating into a more structured and supported experience for both property owners and holidaymakers. Scoffmeals.com Reviews

Awaze.co.uk Contact & Support

While Awaze.co.uk itself is a corporate website, it provides clear channels for general inquiries and directs specific customer service questions to its individual brands.

For holidaymakers, the primary contact points will be through Cottages.com, Hoseasons, or NOVASOL.

General Awaze.co.uk Corporate Contact

For non-booking specific inquiries, such as press, careers, or owner relations at the corporate level, Awaze.co.uk lists direct contact information.

Telephone: 0345 268 8889 This number is listed as their registered office telephone.
Physical Address: Sunway House, Raglan Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR32 2LW.
Contact Form: The website features a “Contact” link in its footer and navigation menu, which typically leads to an online inquiry form for general business questions.
Press Room: A dedicated “Press room” section might include specific contact details for media inquiries.
Careers Section: For job-related questions, the “Careers” page would list relevant contact information.

Customer Support for Holiday Bookings via Brand Websites

For any questions related to a holiday booking, property details, or issues during a stay, you must contact the specific brand you booked through. Each brand has its own dedicated customer service team and contact channels.

Cottages.com:
- Typically offers phone support, email, and a comprehensive FAQ section on their website.
- Their customer service lines are usually operational during standard business hours, and sometimes extended hours for urgent in-stay issues.
- Average response time for email inquiries in the travel industry is 24-48 hours, while phone support offers immediate assistance.
Hoseasons:
- Similar to Cottages.com, with phone lines and online contact options.
- Known for specialized support for park and boat holidays, which might have different operational considerations.
NOVASOL:
- Given its European focus, NOVASOL often provides multi-lingual support.
- They typically have local offices or representatives in popular holiday destinations for immediate assistance with property-specific issues.
- Their website will list country-specific phone numbers and email addresses.

Tips for Effective Communication

When contacting any of Awaze’s brands for booking-related issues:

Have Your Booking Reference Ready: This is essential for quickly locating your reservation.
Be Clear and Concise: Clearly state the nature of your inquiry or issue.
Document Everything: Keep a record of dates, times, names of representatives, and summaries of conversations, especially for critical issues.
Check FAQs First: Many common questions e.g., check-in times, what to bring, pet policies are often answered in the brand’s FAQ or “Your Holiday” sections.

By understanding the distinction between the corporate Awaze.co.uk and its direct booking brands, you can ensure you reach the correct support channel for your specific needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Awaze.co.uk?

Awaze.co.uk is the corporate website for Awaze, Europe’s largest managed vacation rentals and holiday resorts business.

It serves as an umbrella for popular travel brands such as Cottages.com, Hoseasons, and NOVASOL, rather than a direct booking site for consumers.

How do I book a holiday through Awaze?

You cannot book a holiday directly on Awaze.co.uk.

You need to visit one of its subsidiary brand websites, such as Cottages.com for UK cottages, Hoseasons for UK lodges and parks, or NOVASOL for European holiday homes, to search and book accommodations. Pocock.co.uk Reviews

Is Awaze a reliable company?

Yes, Awaze is generally considered reliable as it is the largest managed vacation rentals group in Europe, bringing together long-established and trusted brands with decades of experience in the holiday industry.

What brands are part of the Awaze group?

The main brands under the Awaze umbrella include Cottages.com, Hoseasons, NOVASOL, and Awaze Villas specializing in Mallorca villas.

Does Awaze offer self-catering accommodation?

Yes, Awaze, through its brands like Cottages.com and NOVASOL, specializes in offering a vast range of self-catering holiday homes, cottages, villas, and lodges across the UK and Europe.

How many properties does Awaze manage?

While specific live numbers are placeholders on their corporate site, Awaze states it has “0+ accommodation choices,” indicating hundreds of thousands of properties across its brand portfolio, making it a very large operator.

Can I find pet-friendly properties through Awaze’s brands?

Yes, Awaze’s subsidiary brands like Cottages.com and Hoseasons offer extensive search filters that allow you to specifically look for pet-friendly accommodations.

How do I contact Awaze.co.uk directly?

For corporate inquiries, you can contact Awaze.co.uk via their listed telephone number: 0345 268 8889, or use the contact form on their website.

For holiday booking queries, you must contact the specific brand you booked with e.g., Cottages.com customer service.

What is the difference between Awaze and Airbnb?

Awaze is a corporate group managing established vacation rental brands with a focus on professionally managed properties, often with higher standards and direct operational control.

Airbnb is a marketplace platform connecting individual property owners hosts directly with guests, offering a wider variety but with more variable quality dependent on individual hosts.

Does Awaze offer villas with pools?

Yes, through its brand Awaze Villas, it specifically features over 1,300 high-quality villas with pools, particularly in popular destinations like Mallorca. Invictastores.com Reviews

Where are Awaze’s properties located?

Awaze’s properties are located across the UK via Cottages.com, Hoseasons and extensively across Europe via NOVASOL, covering a wide range of popular holiday destinations.

How do Awaze’s prices compare to other rental platforms?

Prices depend heavily on the specific property, location, season, and amenities.

As a managed service, their prices might sometimes be higher than direct-from-owner listings on marketplace platforms due to professional management overheads, but they often offer better consistency and support.

Is there an Awaze app for booking?

Awaze.co.uk itself does not have a consumer booking app.

However, its individual brands like Cottages.com or NOVASOL may offer mobile-friendly websites or dedicated apps for browsing and booking.

What is the cancellation policy for Awaze bookings?

The cancellation policy is specific to the brand you booked through e.g., Cottages.com, NOVASOL and the terms of your specific booking.

You must refer to the terms and conditions provided at the time of booking or contact the relevant brand’s customer service for details.

Does Awaze offer long-term rentals?

Awaze’s primary focus is on short-term holiday rentals, typically weekly stays or short breaks.

While some properties might be available for longer durations, it’s not their main business model for long-term tenancy.

Can I become a property owner with Awaze?

Yes, Awaze’s brands actively partner with property owners. Discountedstamps.co.uk Reviews

You can find information on becoming an owner and listing your property through sections like “Owners” on the Awaze.co.uk website, which will direct you to the relevant brand’s owner portal e.g., Cottages.com owners.

Does Awaze offer any travel insurance?

While Awaze.co.uk itself doesn’t offer insurance, its subsidiary booking brands may offer or recommend travel insurance options during the booking process or through partnerships. Always check the specific booking site.

What are the main benefits of booking with an Awaze brand?

The main benefits include access to a vast, professionally managed inventory, established trust and reliability of long-standing brands, consistent quality, and dedicated customer support from a large organization.

How many countries does Awaze operate in?

Awaze states its brands offer accommodations in “0 countries” placeholder data, indicating a wide European presence, particularly through NOVASOL which has extensive listings across multiple European nations.

Where is Awaze’s headquarters located?

Awaze’s registered office is located at Sunway House, Raglan Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR32 2LW, United Kingdom.

Awaze.co.uk Reviews