Searching For Serviced Apartments
Author: Binh Zientek
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.
About The Author: Binh Zientek Accommodation Specialist Tel:
+44 (0)20 7476 7963 sales@qualitylondonapartments
http://www.QualityLondonApartm
http://www.QualityCityApartmen
