Björkhaga By

It was very cold at night because the radiator was broken, and the walls did little to keep the cold out. The interior felt dated and unattractive. One wardrobe was packed with folding chairs and wouldn't shut; the other had clutter and things left behind in its drawers. When we arrived for our holiday, reception was closed and the directions for collecting the key were poor. Then the first thing we saw in the row cottage was a note telling us to check the inventory for missing items. The staff were nice, and the accommodation was very cheap, which were the only positives.

The cottage wasn't very clean when I arrived, though after my visit it was clinically clean. Parking was also somewhat limited, which is why this misses a star. I've stayed at Björkhaga Strandby several times before, but this year I tried Björkhaga by because the sister resort was full. My visits have all been for work, so I look at it differently than I would with my partner. For a couple's trip, I'd choose Strandby: its whitewashed cottages and closeness to the water give it more of a Gotland feel and make it the more romantic spot across the road. Björkhaga by, though, is much quieter. The beach side has a different pace and feel, with the sea, pool, and resort restaurant nearby. All the best!

Cottage no. 8 worked really well for the four of us, and the children loved the playground, green spaces, and loft. It was also a handy base, about 30 km from Visby, near Tofta beach and Klintehamn, where a good Coop has breakfast and other supplies. Good for trips inland or south, too. The information from the people renting it out was a little sparse. They were somewhat hard to reach, and there was no map of the area. We also took a day or two to find the waste sorting area because it was tucked away without any signs.

The cottages had everything we needed, from a vacuum cleaner and kitchenware to grills, coffee makers, and kettles. The grounds were green and well kept, with a playground for children, and the neighborhood was quiet and peaceful.