Frequently asked questions, an A to Z for Guests
If you’re thinking of booking a UHS Self Catered or House Party property for the first time, then hopefully you’ll find our ‘user guide’ below a handy point of reference. We’ve modelled it around FAQs from you – the guests; but if there’s anything that you’re unclear of – from property details to booking procedures - please do just give us a call and we’d be happy to discuss any queries that you might have. When booking a Bed and Breakfast property, the owners handle all of their enquiries direct, their contact details can be located on the property page and please call them with any questions you may have and to arrange a booking.
Arrival and Departure: The majority of our Self-Catered and House Party properties work to a 4pm arrival and 10am departure. If you would like to arrange an early arrival or late departure, this would need to be requested a month prior to your arrival date, it would be at the owners' discretion, and may incur an additional charge. Please enquire as to arrival and departure details if it is a corporate break or wedding you are interested in arranging, as the standard timings as above might not be applicable.
Booking: To secure your booking we require a deposit payment of 30%; with your balance due 12 weeks before your arrival. If you make your booking within 12 weeks of your arrival date, we require full payment. We also take a Cautionary Deposit one week prior to the start of your holiday, and providing that you leave the property as you found it, it is returned within 14 days of your departure. If any accidents happen, and the property is damaged at all during your stay, the amount to cover replacement and repair of the property will be deducted from the cautionary deposit.
Catering: Whether you prefer a fully catered property or prefer a self-catered getaway; we’ve both options available at our properties. Don’t think that you can’t relax and put your feet up even if it is a self-catered property that you’ve booked. Anything from a luxury hamper on arrival to a nightly waiter serviced dinner can be arranged at the majority of the properties in our portfolio; you can rest assured that our owners have selected the best local caterers to wow you and your guests.
Cautionary deposit: A cautionary deposit is required for all properties booked through Unique Home Stays, and these are due, in cleared funds, one week prior to the arrival. This is to provide peace of mind to the owner that care is taken of their property and allows Unique Home Stays the opportunity to open the doors to many beautiful homes that might otherwise be unobtainable. This also ensures the property continues to be presented to the expected standard for each new guest upon their arrival.
Credit Card Charges: Payments made by credit card incur a 1.9% charge, this is the amount that Unique Home Stays are charged for processing these transactions.
Debit Cards: Payments made by debit card do not incur any charges.
Departure: Upon departing the property please ensure it is left in a clean and tidy condition, as it was when you arrived.
Dogs: Not all of our properties are dog-friendly, please check the details listed against the property of your choice to ascertain the owner’s stance on pets. Where a dog is allowed, it refers to one dog and an additional cleaning fee of £50.00 per week is charged. Please contact us if you have two or more dogs. We do request that you treat dog friendly properties with respect; don’t leave your four-legged friend unattended in the property, and adhere to any specific restrictions that are in place.
Extras: You’ll find a list of what is included in the rental of your property detailed on the property page; but if you want to arrange catering, on-site activities or even babysitting for a night or two, do let us know and we will liaise with our property owners on your behalf. Extras will be at an additional charge which will be agreed and paid for prior to your stay. Any catering that takes place during your stay will be organised with the caterers direct and paid according to their company policies.
Feedback: We’re confident in the quality of the properties that we market, but it is very important to us that you provide us with honest feedback at the end of your stay. This ensures that both UHS and our property owners are maintaining the quality of the properties that we market, and implementing any suggestions that might serve to improve the property and facilities on offer.
Foreign Currency Transactions: For properties advertised in a foreign currency, with the exception of Euros, the currency will be converted into pounds sterling on the day the payment is requested and you will be advised of the sterling amount by your House Party Co-ordinator. All conversions will only be valid on the day they are provided, a new quotation will be given if payment isn't received by the close of business. For properties advertised in Euros, all payments are to be made in Euros into our Euro bank account (details will be provided), we will not convert into pounds sterling. Please contact your bank for details of the charges and how to process foreign transactions. For Cautionary Deposits, a charge will apply where we are requested to credit an International bank account.
Getting There: We’ll send you the full property address and directions once we’ve received your balance payment. To protect the privacy of our owners we do not disclose the addresses of the properties that we market prior to a booking being confirmed.
House Parties: We categorise our ‘House Party’ properties as those that can accommodate 10 guests or more. Our HP properties range from self-catered coastal family homes in Cornwall to catered manor houses. We have a whole host of properties to suit, whether you are looking for the perfect venue for a 60th birthday bash, a beautiful wedding location or a contemporary pad for a college reunion. We, or course, want you to enjoy your stay, but please remember to respect the property and leave it in the same condition as it was when you arrived.
Inspiration: Check the ‘Out and About’ section listed against each property for ideas of what you can get up to in the vicinity of the property in which you are holidaying. Whether you’re a keen golfer, want to try your hand at surfing, or love fine dining, we can assist with finding out where you can get involved in the activity of your choice.
Joining UHS: If you’ve stayed in a Unique Home Stay and think that your holiday home overseas suits our property portfolio, or if you’d be happy to open the door of your UK home to paying guests for some of the year, then do get in touch, as we’re always interested to hear of stunning properties that might suit our client base.
Kids: Not all of our properties are child-friendly; but we will detail those which aren’t on the property web page. We also highlight any features of the properties that we market that might prove hazardous if you’ve little ones in your group, such as ponds, cliff edges and open fires, to ensure that you know what to expect when you arrive at your chosen property. The majority of our child friendly properties supply at least one cot and one highchair for use during your stay; if this is not the case for any reason, we will let you know.
Luxury: Whether luxury for you is walking out of your front door and stepping straight onto the beach, or you are looking for a property chock full of mod cons, then we’ve searched high and low to ensure that the properties that we market meet the standards that our guests have come to expect from UHS. You can rest assured that even our boho chic beachside pads will have luxury linens and fluffy towels, as well as welcome hampers brimming with local produce.
Meet and Greet: Many of our property owners choose to meet guests at their property, or alternatively arrange for the housekeeper to meet you on arrival. In the instances where you are not met at the property, owners are encouraged to leave a House Book for guests, which details useful local as well as house information.
News and Press: As a UHS client, we will add you to our mailing list, which means that you will receive our monthly newsletter which is always chock full of inspiring properties for your next getaway.
Online bookings: We appreciate that you might not have time during the working week to call the UHS office to book your holiday. And for that reason we are currently implementing an on line booking system, which will mean that whether your holiday hunting at midnight or spending a leisurely Sunday with the family, you can now secure the dates at your chosen property when our office is closed. Please note: Not all of the properties in our portfolio have the online booking facility; we are working on a rollout basis, starting with our smaller properties.
Pricing: We don’t offer budget stays here at Unique Home Stays. Instead we specialise in high-end holiday accommodation; opening the doors of stunning private homes in beautiful locations; our unique properties are reassuringly expensive, with owners that go the extra mile to ensure that your holiday experience is worth every penny.
Queries: We want you to be as fully informed on everything from how to get to your property to what’s on offer when you arrive, and our team will endeavour to answer all of your questions at point of booking. If you need to confirm any of the finer details - from room dimensions to the number of champagne glasses that can be found at the property - do give us a call and we can find out the information for you.
Restrictions: The properties that we market are private homes and each property is as individual as the owners. Therefore, do look out for the ‘restrictions’ section against each property, some owners prefer not to accept stag groups for example.
Single Sex Groups: You might notice that some of our larger House Party properties stipulate 'no single sex groups' under their property restrictions. This is by no means alluding to the sexual orientation of UHS guests, but indicating that these owners prefer family/a combination of male and female guests within the groups that stay at the property.
Temporary Hold: We understand that it can be difficult if you are attempting to organise a group booking to get a definite ‘yes’ from all involved at the outset. Therefore, we work on a 48-hr provisional hold system. We would require payment within this time to secure the dates, or the hold would be released once the 48-hrs has elapsed.
Undiscovered: Our aim is to provide you with a stunning selection of properties that you can’t find elsewhere. We want to take you off the beaten track to experience breathtaking properties in amazing locations.
Visits: Our UK properties on our website have been visited, or are pending a visit, by at least one member of the team to ensure that the property meets the UHS standard. What that also means for you, the client, is that we can discuss the property that takes your fancy in depth, and ascertain whether it will suit your needs.
Wish List: From arranging a fireworks display for a surprise birthday party, to a romantic champagne hamper greeting you on arrival at your property, let us know what you require to make your stay extra special and we will work with our owners to make your dreams a reality. It is our aim, and that of the owners of the properties that we market, that your stay is as near to perfect as possible.
Xmas and New Year: Those properties that are available for the festive period will have details listed on the web page. The festive times of year are classed as ‘peak’ times, and more often than not, the minimum rental period over these times is a week stay. Expect to find extras such as a decorated house and festive hamper to get you in the mood at UHS properties over this period.
You: We appreciate that you are an individual with specific tastes, wants and requirements, and our job is to listen to your needs and find the perfect home to ensure the perfect holiday for you.
Zip Links and truckle beds We’re not out to confuse you honestly! If you’re feeling a little baffled when it comes to some of the bedroom terminology that we use, here’s a brief guide for you! Zip/link beds: 2 single beds that can be zipped together to make a double, or alternatively left as singles; if you prefer a twin bedded room. Truckle beds refers to a single bed, with a pull out single underneath, perfect for children.