I am amazed at some travellers and mildly shocked at how ready they are to reserve a serviced apartment without asking in-depth questions. You would not buy a television without finding out its screen size, colour controls etc. Or purchase a fridge without understanding how energy it would require. Yet some travellers are ready to spend ?1000+ without asking questions?! Travellers, please do not be afraid to ask as it is very important for you to make an informed decision. Any legitimate company will be able to answer your question or find out and get back to you. If the company/agent cannot bother to help you during the research stage, then this is a bad sign as they are unlikely to assist you once you have made a booking. Happily, this is not how I work. In response to this, I have compiled a list to help you ask the apartment supplier or agent.
Details about the apartment
1. Is the apartment modern or in the classic style?
2. How many bedrooms? Are they double, queen, king or twin beds?
3. Can an extra person sleep on an extra bed or sofa bed? Charges.
4. Full kitchen or small kitchenette
5. Can I choose a specific apartment or not?
6. What is included in the accommodation rate?
7. Are there lifts in the apartment or only stairs? Particularly important if you or one of your guests is elderly or children
8. Is the apartment in a secure building/area?
9. Are there special rates for long stays of minimum 1 month
10. Are the images shown on your website the same apartment allocated to me?
11. What is the check-in / check-out time, can I arrive earlier or leave later?
Booking procedure
1. What is the cancellation policy?
2. Payment procedures, deposits etc
3. What if I need to check out early? Or need to extend my stay?
4. What I do not like the apartment allocated?
5. Payment methods
6. I do not trust booking online, do you have an alternative method?
7. How will my credit/debit card details be stored? When is it destroyed?
8. Checking in details
9. Do you offer assistance to book transport or advice about the destination?
10. Booking fees or is this a free service?
11. Will I receive an invoice?
This is by no means an exhaustive list but a good starting point. You are the guest, so any supplier/agent worth their salt will be happy to help you with all correct information. Do not be afraid to ask, because after all, it is your money. But most importantly, it is your holiday or business trip and it would be very disappointing if you did not receive what you were expecting. One of my clients told me of her experience when booking a serviced apartment in London. She was advised by the company that she would be allocated a one bedroom apartment which had a separate bedroom, lounge, kitchen, but instead she was allocated a studio apartment (only one room) without any explanation or recompense. Happily, she kicked up a fuss upon arrival, received a refund as she did not receive what she had been promised and paid for.
I find this kind of behaviour from some companies very irresponsible and damaging to the industry. Our industry is about customer service and within any relationship between customer and a company, trust is a vital ingredient. I believe in transparency and helping travellers make an informed decision. It is not about making a quick buck.
Central London Apartments For Rent
Ever wondered what is the growing and ultimate alternative to London hotels? It's none other than the increasing reliance on London apartments. Settling for a London apartment is not just about getting a broad range of alternatives, but about cheaper rates and of course, more space. Whether you are on a holiday with your friends or on an official visit or even enjoying a quite honeymoon ? London apartments offer all.
As against your stay in impersonal hotels, London apartments ensure the much needed personal freedom and that too at affordable rates. Equipped with the most modern gadgets, an apartment in London promises the elements of luxury and comfort all combined in one. A typical London apartment would have satellite TV, a fully equipped kitchen, maid service, etc. So all you need to do is check-in and leave the rest on the best-in-class services that most these London flats offer. From laundry to ironing and other chores, everything is taken care of. You just don't need to rely upon the occidental food or dress cultures. Your apartment is your home and your base in London.
Most of these London apartments are in prime locations that are often sought after by both professionals and tourists alike. Choose the area that suits your needs. Celebrities, travellers and business people generally prefer a quiet and peaceful place rather than the glitz and glamour of hotels. A London apartment ensures that each one gets to decide the location of one's choice. Office proximity or its nearness to stores, malls or recreation centres are most of times the deciding factors while settling on the location and London flats offer you a range of choices to settle at. Whether you opt for a quiet and relaxed evening or would want to watch your favourite TV show or the movie of your choice, just do it in the privacy of your own living room.
Starting from studios and one-bedroom apartments to family suites equipped with all possible luxuries, London apartments offer all you need. Live in style and elegance with a relaxed state of mind. Make your booking in advance to avoid the last minute rush and to ensure the location of your choice for a London apartment. Most of the apartments appear in classifieds or have their websites posted on the Internet. All you need to do is to visit websites such as londonchoice, settle on the right location, go through the terms and conditions and make the booking online.
Both Binh Zientek & David Spencer are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Binh Zientek has sinced written about articles on various topics from Travel and Leisure. Binh Zientek Accommodation Specialist Tel: +44 (0)20 7476 7963 sales@qualitylondonapartments.co.uk Official Company Websites:
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