What are your office hours?
We are open 9.30 am to 5.30 pm Monday to Friday and closed on Bank & Public Holidays.
How do I contact you?
Call us on +44 (0) 20 79371201 or mobile +44 (0) 7765 250474, just send an email to office@citylifeapartments.com, fill in the Contact Us form or use the Enquiry Form
What is a serviced apartment?
They are known by many different names including apartment hotels, apart’hotels, corporate and interim housing, self-catering, short stay and self-contained apartments. “Serviced apartments” means they are cleaned by professional maids at least once a week. Some providers have a few apartments, others several hundred. Many have 24-hour Reception and instead of a small hotel room, you have a living room, separate bedroom (except studios), fully equipped kitchen or kitchenette and a bathroom, usually en-suite.
Companies that advertise holiday or vacation rentals usually offer privately owned individual apartments where cleaning is not included.
What is VAT?
VAT (value added tax) is a Government tax charged by Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs. From 1 January 2010 it is 17,5% for the first 28 nights and 3.5% thereafter. Some apartment providers are exempt from VAT and others charge VAT for the first 28 nights only. This information is published below the price tables for each apartment building found in the Rates tab.
What is the minimum stay?
We take bookings from 2 nights, but some apartment providers require a minimum of 1 week, 1 month or 3 months. You will find this information in the “full list of apartments” and on the feature page for each apartment building.
Why are serviced apartments cheaper than hotels?
Hotels have large public areas, which are used only part of the day, but still have to be manned and maintained most of the time. By staying in an apartment, you can often spend 30% less than an equivalent standard hotel room and further savings can be made by paying supermarket prices for your food and drinks.
Why choose an a serviced apartment?
They offer the comfort of a hotel, but with the independence, space, privacy and individuality of a home. It can be a place to work from, somewhere to entertain clients and friends – or just somewhere to relax and chill out!
How often is the apartment serviced?
Most are serviced 5 days a week – Monday to Friday, others on a weekly basis. Professional cleaning and maintenance ensures they are kept to the highest standard.
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-out is usually before 11am and check-in after 2 pm, but this may vary. Please check each feature page for details. Guests arriving early in the morning, are recommended to book the apartment from the night before to ensure guaranteed early check-in.
Can I preview the apartment before making a booking?
Yes, if you would like to view, we can make the necessary arrangement.
What is the procedure of booking/payment and why do you need my credit card details?
In order to make a reservation credit card details are required. In most cases an imprint is taken and the rent charged before or on arrival. Some apartment providers do however charge rent at the time of booking and others a few weeks prior to check-in. We will ensure that you know the Terms & Conditions and the Cancellation Policy of each provider at the time of enquiry. You can make your reservation by telephone or email and we will confirm the booking within 24 hours during workdays – Monday to Friday. In the unlikely event that you have not heard from us within this time, please call our mobile service – 0044 (0) 7765 250274.
Do you charge administration fee?
No, our service is free of charge and there are no hidden extras.
What do the rates include?
The rates include rent, water, gas, electricity, council tax, TV licence and maid service. In a very few cases where not all of these charges are included, it will be specified on the feature page of the. Telephone charges and requested additional extras are not included. All prices are agreed at the time of quotation and will not change unless guests alter the booking.
Do I have to sign a contract?
Normally not, but there are exceptions and we will advice you accordingly at the time of enquiry.
Do I have to pay a deposit?
Only a small number of apartment providers require a deposit. This will be refunded in full shortly after departure, but guests should be aware that they are liable for damages or breakages caused whilst staying in the apartment.
Are the rates negotiable?
Many apartment providers offer discounted rates for weekly and monthly stays which are published on the feature page for each property. We will also try not negotiate favourable rates whenever possible.
How many people can stay in each apartment?
The maximum number of guests in each apartment is specified in the price tables. In some an extra bed for an additional cost, but as Fire & Safety regulations must be respected at all times, the number of guests cannot exceed the number of people the apartment has been booked for.
Do you accept group bookings?
Yes, we do. However, groups are often subject to different Terms & Conditions and Cancellation Policy than those published on our website. Please ask us at the time of enquiry.
Can I bring pets?
Pets (small cats and dogs) are allowed in the following properties: Barbican, Holborn, Trafalgar Square and Gloucester Road. It is subject to prior agreement and at the discretion of the Management. Thames Apartments accept small dogs
Travel insurance
We strongly recommend visitors to have a travel insurance to cover for expected circumstances including illness, bereavement, etc.
Damages & breakages in the apartment
All guest are responsible for any damage and breakage caused whilst staying in the apartment. The apartment provider will either deduct replacement & repair costs from the deposit or charge the credit card provided when the booking was made. Failing to pay for damages could result in legal action.
General information
Photos are for guide purposes only and do not necessarily represent the exact apartment that is booked. We reserve the right to alter the published rates or accommodation without notice due to circumstances beyond our control. We act as an agent in good faith and cannot be held responsible for defaults or acts caused by a third party.
UK Public & Bank Holidays 2010
New Year’s Day – 1 January
Good Friday – 2 April
Easter Monday – 5 April
May Bank Holiday – 3 May
Spring Bank Holiday – 31 May
Summer Bank Holiday – 30 August
Christmas Day – 25 December
Boxing Day – 26 December