Can you hold our chosen dates whilst we get organised?
Certainly, we can ‘hold’ a booking for you until the end of business on the following day.
What is a provisional booking?
When we have received a booking form from you, then the holiday dates are regarded as ‘provisional’ until the requested payment has been received by ourselves. A provisional booking is held for 5 days.
Do you send reminders for balances?
Yes we do. A reminder will be send you in the post.
Are there any extra charges?
All bed linen and towels( apart from cot bedding, or beach towels) and utility charges are included in the rental. Regarding fire wood for winter bookings, the property description will state whether this is included in the rental, or if starter basket is supplied only.
Is holiday cancellation insurance included in rental / or as an additional fee?
No, the reason being is that your own home or personal insurance policies may already provide you with cover. However, if this is not the case, then we strongly advise that you arrange your own holiday cancellation insurance. A holiday cancellation brochure is sent out with each booking but it is not compulsory to use this particular insurance provider.
What about our party size?
Each property comfortably accommodates a fixed number of guests and this number will be made clear on the property description. A cot may only be occupied by a child aged 24 months or less but there may be a limit of one cot per party booking, please enquire. Although we are essentially providing holidays for couples and families, we will accept bookings from groups over the age of 25 and/or large all male or all female parties depending on the individual circumstances and in some circumstances, a cautionary deposit may be required on booking.
Can we change the names of the people in the party after we have booked?
Yes, however, we must know, in writing and in advance, the names of all guests and their ages before the holiday commences. The overnight total mustn’t exceed the maximum number the property is advertised as accommodating.
Can we substitute party members during our stay?
Unfortunately, unlike a hotel or guest house which offers serviced accommodation, self catering cottages are not geared up for friends or relatives filling vacated bedrooms part way through the holiday. This may be possible but only by prior arrangement with the owner on booking and only where a property is booked for seven nights or more.
Can we invite friends over?
Yes, but the number of people that we state the cottage ‘sleeps’ is the maximum permitted to stay in it or use its facilities even if its just on a daily basis. If you have a query involving extra people at the property, please let us know on booking, special arrangements may be possible if made in advance with the owner.
What time do we arrive / leave at the holiday cottage?
Holiday lets usually run from 3 or 4p.m. on the day of arrival to 10a.m. on the day of departure. Times may vary according to cottage choice and season. You are very kindly asked to arrive and depart according to the instructions contained in the final booking particulars.
What about internet access?
Where Broadband and/or Wi-Fi are mentioned in the cottage description, we are unable to absolutely guarantee that it will be available during your stay. If this facility is really important to you, please discuss details of the service provider with the owners in advance and ask them to do their best to ensure availability. It is possible that an owner may not be able to provide IT support during your stay.
What about phones?
Some cottages provide a ‘house phone’ for incoming and emergency calls only. The property features will mention this. Regarding mobile phones, the degree of coverage is so variable in different locations on the Forest, that we cannot guarantee clear reception at your chosen holiday cottage.
What about dogs?
If your chosen cottage will accept a dog, then the breed and age should be noted on your booking form please. There is usually an additional charge of £25 per dog, to be found on the property details. The house rules concerning dogs at holiday properties are laid out in out in our Dog Charter, which will be sent to you on booking. Guests should note that dogs are not allowed to be left ’home alone’ at any time.
Allergies to dogs, or feathers?
If you require (for allergy reasons, for instance) a property which pets NEVER enter, please always ask us. Please don’t assume that owners who don’t accept dogs will never have allowed a dog (guide dogs, or their own dog for example) within the property. Similarly, if anyone in your party suffers from allergies to feathers or other materials, please let us know your requirements before booking.
Do we have to clean the property before we leave?
Yes please, clean and tidy and in the same condition as you found it on arrival. If the owner or housekeeper has to clear the decks before they can start the vacuuming, or un pack a dishwasher and clean out the fridge and cooker, they will struggle to prepare the cottage in time for the next guests.
Can we smoke in the properties?
All new Forest Living cottages are strictly no smoking and subsequent non smoking guests would prefer not to encounter any evidence of ‘outside smoking’ please.
What about period properties?
Everyone loves the character and atmosphere of an older property and we have several of these on our books that occupy a unique forest side location. Some of these properties may be well over 100 years old and were built a long time before the days of damp-proof courses and cavity insulation. Also, please remember that should traditional cottage features (steep stairs or low beams, for example) be a problem for any member of your party, please mention this when you call to book.
What happens if we are not happy?
If you find anything wrong, please tell the owner or their representative at once. They will be anxious to put it right. Mention any problems that are spoiling your holiday to them or to us during office hours and action can be taken to put things right. It is important however that you are aware that as with all holiday cottage agencies, the rental agreement is directly with the owners of your chosen cottage. In the unusual circumstance that either the owners or their representative are unable to sort out any problems you may have encountered ,we are at hand, but our role is that of an arbitrator. In that capacity, we will do our utmost to ensure that any problems are resolved quickly and to your complete satisfaction.
