West Country specialist, Helpful Holidays, has been awarded first place in the Which? Travel magazine member survey of holiday cottage and villa companies for the second year in succession achieving a very high score of 91%.

The family owned agency was awarded five out of five stars in all but one category; this included a top rating for its properties matching their descriptions - they were the only company to achieve this.

To find the best self-catering cottage or villa booking company Which? members were asked to rate any that they had used in the past year on everything from customer service to value for money. The panel of 2,377 members named hundreds of different agencies and listings websites. Helpful Holidays achieved the highest score impressing members with its customer service, quality of information, ease of booking and comprehensive range of properties. Its advanced online search facility with 42 handy filter options from pianos to pools also achieved five stars.

Moray Bowater, General Manager, Helpful Holidays said: "Everyone knows Which? endorsements are truly unbiased and trustworthy. To achieve its members top rating two years in succession is a pleasing recognition of the diligence and attention to detail our team puts into practise with every booking we take. Ultimately, trust is the currency that really counts and earning that of our customers has been our purpose for the last 30 years."

Lorna Cowan, Editor, Which? Travel added; "Helpful Holidays has proved to be a continued hit with Which? members after being voted the best holiday cottage company in our annual satisfaction survey for the second year running. Its impressive customer score and maximum five star rating in six out of the seven featured categories, including customer service and ease of booking, shows just how well members rate the company and the cottages it offers."

Helpful Holidays has more than 600 places to stay in Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset ranging from romantic retreats for two up to big country houses sleeping a maximum of 48 guests. All the properties are regularly and carefully inspected and star rated by the agency's own team so they can advise holidaymakers honestly through first-hand experience. Holidaymakers can always speak to someone who has visited any property and get answers to questions the website or brochure might not answer. Many of the places are exceptionally plush and the agency has a deserved reputation for offering big and beautiful houses.

Everyproperty on www.helpfulholidays.com has a map showing attractions, activities, events and eateries nearby plus a full and frank description, several images and, in some cases, a video or audio tour; most also have a number of independent reviews by holidaymakers so guests know what to expect and can plan their holidays with confidence.

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