10 Must-Ask Questions Before Booking a Serviced Apartment

When booking a serviced apartment, asking the right questions can save you time, money, and hassle. Here's what you need to know upfront:

• What's included in the price? Check if utilities, cleaning, internet, and council tax are covered. VAT is 20% for the first 28 nights, dropping to 4% after that.
• Extra costs? Additional beds cost £50 + VAT, and high chairs or baby cots are £60 per week.
• Payment and deposit rules? Deposits range from £150 to £250, refunded within 14 days after check-out.
• Cancellation policies? For stays over 7 nights, cancellations require 14 days' notice, with fees applying for shorter notice.
• Location and transport? Ensure proximity to key places, with good transport links like Underground stations nearby.
• Booking duration? Minimum stays vary (e.g., 3 nights for standard apartments), with VAT adjustments for longer stays.
• Check-in/out times? Standard check-in is 12:00, check-out by 11:00. Early check-in may require booking the previous night.
• Safety features? Confirm emergency exits, contact numbers, and maintenance support.
• Internet quality? Look for speeds of 50-100 Mbps for work or streaming.
• Special needs? Confirm pet policies, accessibility, or family-friendly amenities in advance.

Quick Comparison

Feature	Details
Included Services	Utilities, cleaning, internet, council tax
VAT Rates	20% (first 28 nights), 4% (beyond 28 nights)
Extra Costs	Extra bed (£50 + VAT), baby cot (£60/week)
Deposits	£150 (single/couple), £250 (family/group)
Cancellation	14 days' notice for stays over 7 nights
Check-in/Out Times	Check-in: 12:00, Check-out: 11:00
Internet Speed	50-100 Mbps recommended for work/streaming
Special Needs	Pet policies, accessibility, family amenities (confirm in advance)

12 Booking.com Hacks Every Host Should Know | Serviced ...

1. What's Included in the Daily or Monthly Rate?

Make sure you know exactly what your rate covers to steer clear of unexpected charges. Always get a written breakdown before booking.

What’s typically covered:

• Utility bills (electricity, heating, water)
• Cleaning services
• Internet access
• Digital TV
• Local council taxes

Most apartments come fully furnished with essentials like crockery, cutlery, cookware, a cooker, and a fridge/freezer. They also usually include fresh towels and complimentary toiletries.

Key cost points to consider:

• Extra beds are charged at £50 plus VAT ^[1].
• Housekeeping schedules can differ, so check how often cleaning and linen/towel changes occur.
• Access to premium features such as gyms or meeting rooms may come at an additional cost.

Keep in mind: VAT is applied at 20% for the first 28 nights and drops to 4% after that ^[2].

2. Are There Extra Costs for Basic Services?

Make sure to check for any additional charges to help finalise your budget. Clarify all service details before making a booking.

What’s typically included for free?

Many serviced apartments include basic utilities in their rates. According to Serviced Lettings:

"Rates are fully inclusive of all utilities, a housekeeping service (including bed linen and towel change), broadband internet and digital TV (satellite where stated)" ^[1]

However, the frequency of services like housekeeping can vary, so it’s worth double-checking.

Parking details
Each apartment comes with one designated parking space at no extra charge. Here’s what you need to know:

• Extra parking spaces are not provided.
• Street parking may be available nearby.
• Using bays other than your assigned space could result in extra fees.
  If you encounter any problems with your designated parking space, report them right away.

Things to confirm in writing
To avoid surprises, get the following details confirmed:

• How often housekeeping visits are scheduled.
• If additional cleaning services are available and their cost.
• The specifics of your assigned parking bay.
• Information about any optional services that might come with extra charges.

Sorting out these details in advance will help avoid unexpected costs.

3. How Do I Pay and What's the Deposit?

After reviewing service costs, it's essential to understand how payments and deposits work.

Payment Options
You can pay using all major debit and credit cards or via bank transfer.

"All major debit and credit cards are accepted, or bank transfer." ^[1]

Deposit Details
The refundable deposit amount depends on the type of booking:

Occupancy	Deposit (£)
Single/Couple	150.00
Family/Group	250.00

How Deposits Work and Refunds
Deposits are held to cover potential issues like unpaid rent, property damage, or breakages during your stay. Refunds are processed within 14 days of check-out, following an inspection. For instance, if no damage is found during the inspection, the full deposit will be returned.

Key Points About Deposits

• Deposits can roll over for longer stays.
• Any deductions will be fully itemised and explained.
• Refunds are made to the same payment method used initially.

4. What Are the Booking and Cancellation Rules?

Understanding the booking and cancellation rules is essential, as they depend on the length of your stay and the notice period provided. These rules help ensure a smooth experience.

Standard Cancellation Terms

Length of Stay	Notice Period	Cancellation Fee
1–6 nights	14 days before arrival	No refund
7+ nights	14 days before arrival	Minimum 14 nights' accommodation

Changes to Your Booking
Any modifications to your booking will incur a fee of £25 + VAT. All requests for changes must be submitted in writing.

"Cancellation charges relate to the date prior to arrival when we are notified of the cancellation and will determine the cancellation charges incurred." ^[3]

Early Departures
Leaving earlier than planned is treated as a cancellation and will result in the applicable cancellation fee.

Key Points to Remember

• All cancellations, modifications, and extensions must be submitted in writing.
• Refunds do not include card surcharges, and deposits marked as non-refundable cannot be reclaimed.

Extending Your Stay
If you’d like to extend your stay, make the request as early as possible. Extensions depend on availability and will be charged at the current rates.

5. How Close Are Key Places and Transport?

When booking, it's essential to consider transport links and nearby conveniences. Here's a closer look at what you can expect from this location.

Transport Accessibility

Situated in Central London's West End, this property is well-connected to the city via two Underground stations:

Station	Lines	Key Destinations
Bayswater	District, Circle	Notting Hill, Central London
Queensway	Central	Covent Garden, Soho, Financial District

Both stations offer frequent services, with the Central Line providing direct routes to major business and entertainment areas.

Local Amenities

Staying in the West End means you'll be within easy reach of:

• Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens
• Shopping districts and local markets
• A variety of restaurants and entertainment venues
• Everyday essentials like supermarkets and pharmacies

For personalised advice about the area, feel free to reach out to our account managers.

"Excellent location, close to the city but so peaceful. Excellent communication." - Dave ^[1]

"Fantastic location and easy check-in." - Jim ^[1]

Location Guidance

If you need specific information about proximity to work or leisure activities, our account managers can provide tailored advice on walking distances, transport schedules, and neighbourhood amenities ^[2].

6. How Long Can I Stay?

Knowing how long you can stay is crucial for planning your trip. Here's a breakdown of booking durations and related details.

Standard Booking Periods

Stay Type	Minimum Stay	Maximum Stay	Additional Notes
Standard Apartment	3 nights	3 months	None
Penthouse	7 nights	3 months	None

These durations may also impact VAT rates and payment terms.

VAT Adjustments for Longer Stays

If you're planning an extended stay, here's how VAT is applied:

• First 28 nights: VAT is charged at 20%.
• Beyond 28 nights: VAT drops to 4% ^[2].

During peak seasons, a one-week non-refundable payment is required at the time of booking. The remaining balance must be paid 30 days before your arrival. A security deposit will also be taken at check-in via credit card authorisation.

Booking Flexibility

Within the minimum and maximum stay limits, you can:

• Book only the nights you need, helping you save on unnecessary costs.
• Plan stays around specific events or projects, making it easier to align with your schedule.

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7. When Can I Check In and Out?

Check-in starts at 12:00 (midday), and check-out is required before 11:00, giving you nearly a full day to enjoy your stay. If you're arriving early, such as after an early morning flight, booking the night before ensures immediate access to your accommodation ^[1].

Standard Check-in/Check-out Times

Time Period	Details	Notes
Check-in	From 12:00	Based on availability
Check-out	Before 11:00	Late check-out available on request
Early Arrival	Book previous night	Ensures immediate access

These timings are designed to make your stay as convenient as possible. As one guest, Oliver, shared:

"Really nice, modern and clean apartment. Parking and check in were both easy, including flexible check in/out. Felt very comfortable there!"

We also provide clear communication to ensure a smooth check-in process. While serviced apartments don’t typically have a staffed reception desk like hotels, our system is designed to make your arrival hassle-free.

Things to Keep in Mind

• Request early check-in or late check-out ahead of time.
• Carefully follow the check-in instructions provided.
• Have contact details ready in case you need assistance upon arrival.

"Fantastic location and easy check-in. Will be back in the new year. Well recommend."

8. What Safety Features Are Available?

Understanding the safety features and maintenance protocols of your serviced apartment can provide added peace of mind.

Most serviced apartments have dependable maintenance support. When you arrive, you'll typically receive a welcome document with key contact information. This usually includes the property manager for non-urgent issues and an emergency number for urgent situations.

Take time to review the safety documentation provided. This often covers:

• Emergency exit routes
• Local emergency service contact numbers
• Property-specific safety guidelines
• Steps for reporting maintenance or safety issues

Check these details carefully to ensure they align with your needs before finalising your booking.

9. How Fast and Reliable is the Internet?

Before booking, it's a good idea to confirm the internet details. While broadband is typically standard ^[1], speeds can differ. For remote work or streaming - especially with multiple users - look for speeds between 50-100 Mbps ^[4].

Here are some key factors to consider when assessing internet quality:

Download and Upload Speeds: At least 25 Mbps is recommended for basic tasks like browsing and email. However, higher speeds are crucial for activities such as:

• Hosting video meetings
• Streaming in 4K quality
• Connecting several devices
• Sharing large files efficiently

Connection Stability: Speed isn't everything - reliability matters too. Check for:

• Low latency for smoother performance
• Availability of fibre optic connections
• Proper router placement and backup options for uninterrupted service

Activity	Recommended Speed
Basic browsing & email	5-10 Mbps
HD video streaming	15-25 Mbps
4K streaming & video calls	25-50 Mbps
Multiple users & devices	50-100+ Mbps

If you're planning a longer stay, it’s worth asking for a speed test report to ensure the connection meets your needs.

"Rates are fully inclusive of all utilities, a housekeeping service (including bed linen and towel change), broadband internet and digital TV (satellite where stated)."

10. Can You Meet Specific Needs?

Before booking, make sure to check for any special requirements like pet policies, accessibility features, or family-friendly amenities.

Family Accommodation

If you're travelling with family, ensure that the property offers items to make your stay more comfortable. Many serviced apartments provide extras, such as:

Item	Cost
High Chair & Baby Cot	£60 per week
Extra Foldaway Bed	£25 per night

These can make a big difference, especially if you're travelling with young children. Always confirm availability in advance.

Pet-Friendly Options

Planning to bring your furry friend? Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Pet policies differ between serviced apartments.
• Some properties may ask for a pet deposit or additional cleaning fees.
• There could be restrictions on pet size or weight.
• Not all apartments allow pets, so confirm their policy before booking.

Important Considerations

If you have specific needs, such as accessibility requirements or equipment setup times, communicate them ahead of your stay.

Keep in mind that amenities like these are not always guaranteed unless arranged in advance. To avoid surprises, get written confirmation for any extra charges or requests you’ve discussed.

Features at a Glance

Here's a quick overview of the key elements that make serviced apartments an appealing choice.

Feature Category	What's Included	Additional Notes
Living Space	• Separate bedroom(s) and living area • Dining space • Work area	Offers more room compared to standard hotel options
Kitchen Facilities	• Full-size fridge/freezer • Hob and oven • Microwave • Dishwasher • Cooking utensils	Ideal for self-catering, especially for longer stays
Housekeeping	• Weekly cleaning • Linen change • Towel service	Cleaning schedules may differ by property
Entertainment	• Smart TV • High-speed Wi‑Fi • Entertainment system	Fits both work and leisure needs
Utilities	• All bills included • Heating/cooling • Water • Electricity	Transparent pricing with no extra charges

Cost Considerations

For extended stays, serviced apartments often provide better value than traditional hotels.

Practical Benefits

Serviced apartments combine affordability with convenience, making them a great choice for both short and long visits:

"Serviced apartments offer full flexibility over long or short term visits with all the comfort and practicality you expect to find in a home." - Berkshire Rooms ^[5]

Additional Features

Some properties also include on-site amenities like gyms and swimming pools, adding extra convenience. Make sure to confirm specific features when booking your apartment.

Summary

To make an informed choice, focus on the key points outlined in this guide. This approach helps ensure your stay aligns with your expectations.

Here’s what to look for in a serviced apartment:

Clear Pricing and Services

• Rates that cover utilities and essential amenities
• Transparent deposit and payment terms
• A clear list of included services

Comfortable Living Spaces

• A fully equipped kitchen
• Separate areas for work and relaxation
• Regular cleaning services

Convenient Location

• Good transport links
• Proximity to essential shops and services
• Easy access to business or leisure destinations

"Serviced apartments offer full flexibility over long or short term visits with all the comfort and practicality you expect to find in a home." - Berkshire Rooms ^[5]

Other Key Features

• Flexible booking options
• Reliable, high-speed internet
• Strong safety measures

Make sure to confirm the availability of specific amenities in writing. This ensures your accommodation provides the comfort and convenience you need within your budget.

FAQs