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- What is a Serviced Apartment?
- A Serviced Apartment is a fully furnished apartment available for both short-term and long-term stays, providing all the hotel-like amenities.
- Serviced Apartments typically include soft-furnishings and cooking utensils so that long term tenants need not bring their own, and have all the services like housekeeping, front office, parking & other amenities included in the rent
- Serviced Apartments therefore include all of the convenience of hotel rooms but can be less expensive than equivalent hotel rooms for longer stays due to rates being based on the length of stay.
- Because of the beginning of the boom in longer stay international travel as well as the corresponding increase in the level of sophistication of international travellers, interest in Serviced Apartments has risen at the expense of the use of hotels for short stays
- Benefits may include more space and privacy, convenience when travelling with a family, and the savings associated with cooking one’s own meals in the apartment
- What kitchen equipment should I expect in my Serviced Apartment?
All Serviced Apartments will have a kitchen or kitchenette including:
- Crockery
- Cutlery
- Saucepans, frying pan, cooking vessels
- Cooking Utensils
- Cooker or hot plate
- Fridge/Freezer
- Dishwasher*
- Washing or washer dryer machine*
- Dining table and chairs*
* Subject to availability, exact confirmed at the time of booking.
- How many different apartment types are there?
The standard types are:
- Studio: normally one room with bedroom, living area and kitchen all in one space with a separate bathroom, very similar to a hotel room, but bigger.
- One bedroom: living and kitchen areas with separate bedroom and bathroom
- Two bedroom, one bathroom: living and kitchen areas with the main bedroom a double, the second bedroom could be a double or twin bed and there is one bathroom
- Two bedroom, two bathroom: generally with larger living and kitchen/ dining areas. Master double bedroom usually with ensuite bathroom. The second bedroom may be a double or twin bed and has access to the family bathroom. These apartments are ideal for families or for multi-occupancy including project teams and students.
- 3, 4 & 5 bedroom apartments/ houses: generally standalone properties of a high standard. Expect the master bedroom ensuite, often second bedroom ensuite, with further bedrooms and a family bathroom. These larger apartments may also offer outdoor space such as a private terrace, balcony or garden.
- What facilities will I find in my apartment?
On arrival at your apartment you will find the type of equipment you would usually find at home including:
Kitchen / dining
- Crockery
- Cutlery
- Saucepans, frying pan, cooking vessels
- Cooking utensils
- Cooker or hot plate
- Fridge/ freezer
- Dishwasher*
- Washing or washer dryer machine*
- Dining table and chairs*
Living/ dining room
- Sofa/ seating area
- Coffee table*
- Television (Satellite/cable or Freeview)
- Telephone
- Dining table and chairs*
Bedroom & Bathroom
- Bed complete with clean bed linen
- Fresh towels
- Complimentary bathroom products*
Other
* Subject to availability, confirmed at the time of booking)
- What are my check in and check out times & how do I check in to my apartment?
Once you have made your booking with us, you will receive a confirmation which will provide your check in details. It is important to read the confirmation and to bring a copy with you, on arrival at your reserved apartment.
Depending upon the apartment provider, there are a variety of check-in options.
Concierge or 24 hour reception
- You may be required to give photo ID before your keys are handed over to you
Meet and greet
- It is important to read the check-in details as a meet and greet may require you to call ahead prior to arrival
Self check-in
- You will be provided with access codes to the building, together with a lockbox number and a code to that box. Usually, you will find an envelope with your name and the keys to the apartment
Check-in time
- This is normally 4pm on the day, but can vary depending on the apartment provider
- If you require an earlier check-in, we can arrange this but you may incur a charge
Check-out time
- Normal check out time is 10am on the day of check-out
- If you require a later check-out time, we can do our best to arrange this. Please note it may incur an additional charge.
- What do I do if I have an emergency or problem on arrival or during my stay?
- If you have an issue during your stay, please contact us as soon as possible so we can do our best to assist you.
- While staying at the apartment, if you have an emergency, please check your Confirmation for emergency contact details for the apartment provider.
- We suggest to our customers that they make a copy of the details and save them into a phone or wallet.
- What is the difference between a serviced apartment and normal rental apartment?
- The main difference between a Serviced Apartment and a normal rental apartment is that a Serviced Apartment should be seen as a hotel alternative and not as a rental alternative
- A Serviced Apartment can be booked from a few nights to as long as you require
- You only pay for the number of nights you want
- Usually, there are no tenancy agreements or deposits*
- Your notice period to extend or reduce your length of stay is much shorter. This can be found on each apartment’s page or on your confirmation
- All bills are included unless specified at booking
- You will not be required to set up direct debits with utility companies, TV licenses, telephone line rental or the local council – this is all included
- No tenancy references, local bank account or credit checks are required
- Wi Fi or Internet are mostly included and again, no contracts
- Television (satellite upgrades are available or Freeview) are generally included
- Maid service is included as standard once a week and will include changing bed linen and providing fresh towels
- If you have a maintenance issue, we can arrange for someone to come out and repair or replace the item at no extra charge
- Are pets allowed in a serviced apartment?
- Over the past few years bringing pets over to UK has become more popular and a number of Serviced Apartment supplier do permit guest to bring their pets
- Normally suppliers only allow certain pets (depending on their size or weight)
- Please call us to discuss any specific requirements you may have.
- Some will take pets on the understanding that there is an additional “Pet deposit” and an extra deep clean at the end of your agreed stay
- Use the advanced search to find apartments that welcome pets
- What options are available for disabled guests?
- Our Advanced Search has the option to search for wheelchair access. You can also speak to one of our account managers, who will search based on your individual requirements.
- Before confirming your booking, we recommend you check with us that the apartment will be suitable for you or your guest.
- Why does VAT change after 28 nights?
- All the rates show on our website are there to give you an indication of the nightly rate
- All the rates show are excluding VAT
- The standard rate of VAT in the UK is currently 20%
- VAT is charged at 20% for the first 28 nights and 4% for any additional nights thereafter for an individual consecutive stay. (Please note this is linked to the individual and not the apartment)
- What is your complaints procedure?
Please see our Complaints Procedure Flow Chart. If you have any questions, you can email info@theapartmentnetwork.com
