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Questions and Answers |
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This is your guide to all the relevant answers regarding your search for an apartment in London.
In the process of renting an apartment in London, you require adequate clarifications. With our knowledge of London apartments gathered through serving diverse clienteles, London Choice® are competent to answer all your queries.
Below is a list of our most frequently asked questions. If you cannot find a satisfactory answer to your query in relation to the London apartment of your choice, please feel free to contact us directly with it. |
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| Why rent an apartment instead of a hotel room? |
| Who are your customers? |
| Are there any extras? |
| How do I make a reservation? |
| Do apartments require minimum stays? |
| What method of payment do you accept? |
| Do I have to pay a deposit? |
| How much does it cost? |
| What time is check-in and check-out? |
| Is a security deposit required? |
| What is included in the rental rate? |
| Can you arrange for an airport transfer? |
| How do I collect keys? |
| Do you cater for families with young children? |
| What rules and restrictions are involved? |
| What happens if I cancel? |
| Do you provide towels and linens? |
| What kitchen appliances are provided? |
| Are utensils, cutlery and crockery provided? |
| Is there a telephone line in the apartment? |
| What are your telephone call charges? |
| Can I use the Internet in an apartment? |
| Are there elevators? |
| Is there heating in the apartment? |
| Is there air conditioning in the apartment? |
| Are the apartments in safe areas? |
| Are televisions provided? |
| Is housekeeping service provided? |
| Do you provide foldaway beds? |
| Do you provide breakfast? |
| What if I don't like the accommodation? |
| What if things go wrong? |
| Can I stay longer than a week but less than two? |
| Are there discounts for longer stays? |
| How do I find out more? |
| Do you provide gym facilities? |
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| Why rent an apartment instead of a hotel room? |
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| Apartments are the ultimate and growing alternative to hotels in London. They provide more space, cheaper rates and a wide range of alternatives. Guests will find many advantages to renting London apartments instead of staying in large, impersonal hotels. One of the main attractions is the degree of personal freedom which is enjoyed. While every itinerant traveller enjoys the cosseting attentions of a good hotel, most acknowledge the existence of a "satisfaction barrier" which is breached after a few days. Apartment dwellers, by way of contrast, are free agents. Not only are they spared the sometimes inhibiting formality of dining room dress rules, they are also able to utilize the kitchen facility to cook inexpensively for themselves. Apartment rentals offer unparalled privacy, larger quarters, a greater selection of locations and more flexibility in planning. The cost of a week's stay in a one-bed roomed London apartment will generally average out to be 30% cheaper than hotel accommodation in a standard double room. Women, actors and business people can stay in peace and quiet rather than fight through a hotel lobby. With their own kitchen facilities they need not go out to eat or go down for breakfast. All apartment residences feature a complete kitchen, and have separate dining, living and sleeping areas. Whether you want to prepare your own meals or just relax on the sofa, enjoying a movie on your VCR, our apartments provide the privacy, comfort and conveniences of living in your own home. |
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| Who are your customers? |
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| Our customers include professionals travelling on business, and individuals, groups or families visiting or relocating to London, who need comfortable, spacious accommodations for one night, one week to several months or more. |
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| Are there any extras? |
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| There are no hidden extras in our quoted prices. They are fully inclusive of everything. In some cases, rates are not inclusive of Value Added Tax. In these cases, it is clearly stated on the Property Page and will be advised by your reservation representative. Only the deposits which cover the cost of telephone and incidentals is not included in these prices which, of course, is charged according to use. |
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| How do I make a reservation? |
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| Making a reservation is easy. After you have chosen a selection of apartments that you would like to enquire about, simply contact our reservations department or book directly online. We will be happy to advise if your chosen apartment is available. The reservation process is very simple and we are always on hand to guide you through or to answer any queries you may have. You may also enquire about property availability online. We usually answer all email enquiries within 1 working day. |
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| Do apartments require minimum stays? |
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| Generally, the minimum stay in our apartments is 1-3 days. Some apartments require stays of one week or two weeks, and many of our corporate apartments require 30 days minimum stay. Each property listed on LondonChoice.com states the minimum stay requirements for that individual location. The minimum stay varies from location to location. View our current listings for more details. |
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| What method of payment do you accept? |
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| We accept American Express, Visa, Master Card, Solo, Visa Debit and Electron. Payment can also be made by cash, wire/swift transfer, cheques drawn on UK or Irish banks, or bank draft. Cheques are subject to normal clearing and security procedures. |
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| Do I have to pay a deposit? |
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| Yes, in all cases reservations can only be accepted once a booking deposit has been paid. On making a booking you will need to pay a deposit (which is part of the total rent cost) to secure the apartment. The balance is payable 4 weeks before arrival. An additional Security Deposit may be required by the apartment provider on arrival, usually by taking an imprint of your credit card. Our reservations department will be happy to advise you of how much of a booking deposit is necessary and when it will have to be paid. |
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| How much does it cost? |
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| Rates vary depending on location, length of stay and size of apartment. |
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| What time is check-in and check-out? |
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| Check-in time for most apartments is usually 2:00pm with check-out time around 11:00am. Should guests require an early or immediate check-in on arrival, it is recommended that reservations are made from the previous night, or to store luggage at building until apartments are ready. Apartments with reception areas may look after your luggage while you go out and have a bite to eat and have a chance to explore the area while the apartment is being made ready for you. |
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| Is a security deposit required? |
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| This depends on the property. Some apartments will take a credit card imprint or a deposit, to protect themselves against unforeseen damage to the property, and to cover telephone charges. This is no different than the standard credit card imprint taken by hotels at check-in. These funds are either never charged through (if no damage is done and no incidentals are purchased) or refunded less the cost of damages/incidentals at the end of the guests' stay. Please refer to the policies section of the property. |
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| What is included in the rental rate? |
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| The rental rate includes the cost of the apartment for use during your stay. It also includes all taxes, maid service, linens, towels, electricity and service charges. It does not cover incidental charges such as telephone calls, fold-away beds and car parking, etc. |
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| Can you arrange for an airport transfer? |
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| London Choice uses the services of a competent private car hire firm and is able to provide collection from any airport at a very competitive rate. Once our reservations department has your flight details we can have a driver ready to take you and your baggage to the apartment of your choice. This is a most convenient way to get from the airport to the city, as the drivers are familiar with all city locations. |
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| How do I collect keys? |
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| This varies depending on location and whether the building has a porter service / reception. Check-in details will be clearly noted in your LondonChoice.com booking voucher. Once your reservation is confirmed, we will provide you with an address and directions to your apartment that will include key collection details. In the majority of cases, you will be met promptly on arrival at your apartment. |
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| Do you cater for families with young children? |
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| In the vast majority of cases children and babies are more than welcome. Please check with reservations for more details. In some cases an additional damage deposit may be required. |
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| What rules and restrictions are involved? |
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| Apartment restrictions may vary. Please see our Terms & Conditions page for more details about our policies. Terms & Conditions of individual apartments can also be found on their dedicated page. |
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| What happens if I cancel? |
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| Cancellation policies vary from property to property. Each property listing on LondonChoice.com will detail the cancellation policy pertaining to it. Our reservations department will inform you of the cancellation policy prior to a booking being accepted. |
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| Do you provide towels and linens? |
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| Yes, all apartments come with plenty of bath towels and bed linens. If you require more during your stay enquire locally and they will of course be provided. |
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| What kitchen appliances are provided? |
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| Almost all of the properties have full cooking facilities, come complete with crockery, kitchen utensils and modern appliances. Most kitchens have a stove, oven, grill, microwave, fridge/freezer, toaster, kettle, pots and pans, cutlery and many have the additions of a washer/dryer and a dishwasher. |
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| Are utensils, cutlery and crockery provided? |
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| Each kitchen has a complete set of cooking utensils, cutlery and crockery. |
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| Is there a telephone line in the apartment? |
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| Almost all apartments have their own direct dial telephone. |
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| What are your telephone call charges? |
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| Most of the apartments telephone charges are charged at 12p - 14p per unit which compares very favorably with the call charge of 20p per unit for the local telephone boxes. Hotels in the area charge in the region of 35p per unit. Telephone credit cards such as those provided by AT&T can be used within most apartments. |
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| Can I use the Internet in an apartment? |
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| Many apartments have the necessary connections to enable guests to use their computer modems in their apartment by simply connecting into the telephone socket. Some apartments have installed ISDN telephone service, while most provide high speed wireless internet services. |
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| Are there elevators? |
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| In most cases the apartment buildings have elevators for our guests use, particularly in the higher buildings. Make sure you check the details on the apartment page of this website. |
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| Is there heating in the apartment? |
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| Each apartment has the benefit of a independent heating system. |
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| Is there air conditioning in the apartment? |
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| Many apartments do not have air conditioning, as there is rarely the need for air conditioning in London! However, some do. Electric fans are provided. Be sure to check with our reservations department, or on the apartment page. |
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| Are the apartments in safe areas? |
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| All our apartments are centrally located in safe and mostly quiet areas, however, it is always good to ask. |
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| Are televisions provided? |
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| All apartments are provided with a colour television. Many apartments offer CNN, Sky News, Sky Sports, and Sky Movies. |
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| Is housekeeping service provided? |
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| Your apartment will be cleaned and ready for you on arrival. Most apartments do have maid service which is included in the rate quoted. Many blocks generally have maid service 5 or 6 days a week, in some cases once a week. A charge may be levied for additional housekeeping services. |
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| Do you provide foldaway beds? |
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| The housekeeeping department can provide foldaway beds and linens. A small daily charge will be added to your account. Charges vary from apartment to apartment. Check with reservations for actual costs. |
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| Do you provide breakfast? |
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| Very few of our apartments provide breakfast. Each apartment is let on a self catering basis. We are happy to purchase grocery items on your behalf ready for your arrival in your apartment. |
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| What if I don't like the accommodation? |
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We do everything possible to make sure you are choosing the property which is right for you. Make sure you give us as many details about your requirements as possible before you book. If you arrive at your apartment and find that the apartment is not what was represented (for example, it is a 1 Bedroom and not the 2 Bedroom you reserved, or it lacks heat or any promised service), call the local contact number and we will do all possible to get you moved to another apartment or have the problem remedied immediately.
Please remember that we cannot do anything unless we know about the problem. Clients who complete a stay at an apartment that lacked necessary services without notifying management cannot expect a refund or compensation of any kind after the fact - especially since we most likely could have fixed the problem early in the clients' stay. |
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| What if things go wrong? |
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| Prior to departure you will be given the name and phone number of a local contact at our London office who can assist you if things go wrong. |
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| Can I stay longer than a week but less than two? |
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| Yes. Additional nights are charged pro-rata as one seventh of the weekly rate. Nightly rates are provided on the apartment page. |
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| Are there discounts for longer stays? |
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| For stays in excess of 4 weeks many apartments can be offered at discounted rates. You may also check out the special corporate rates available at substantial savings on bookings of 30 days or more. |
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| How do I find out more? |
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| If you require any further information please feel free to contact us. A form is available on our Contact a Consultant page and our contact details can be found on our Contact Us page. |
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| Do you provide gym facilities? |
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| Some apartments have gym facilities within the building. With other apartments there are gyms in the area which guests can visit paying the appropriate fees. |
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