FAQ

1/ How do I book the property that I would like to stay in?

Please enter your dates into the booking form at the bottom of the property page and click enquire.

Our booking reservations team will be in touch to discuss your booking and to take a booking deposit should you decide to proceed.

If you are placing a booking within 12 weeks of the check in date, full payment and all fess will be required.

If you are booking for check in dates further away than 12 weeks, a booking deposit of 25% of the booking value will be required in order to confirm your booking.

2/ The booking calendar won’t allow my dates; can you offer flexible arrival dates?

Depending on the property and the owner of the property, there may be flexibility with check in and check out dates.

We do not guarantee this, but please do get in touch to enquire about your dates.

3/ Can I change my booking?

We understand that plans change. Depending on how far away from arrival date you are, we may be able to amend, cancel or transfer your booking. Please enquire with us as each individual booking will vary.

4/ Are you able to place a property on hold, whilst I consult with my guests about the booking? 

Of course. We understand that sometimes you need some breathing space before committing to a property.

We will hold a property by default for 4 hours, although on a case by case basis, we may extend this hold up to a maximum of 48 hours.

5/ Why can’t I pay for my booking online?

We like to ensure that your needs a met, prior to confirming a booking. This way, we can ensure that you receive a personal booking service that can be tailored to any specific requirements you, or your guest party may have.

In a small number of cases we need to confirm availability with property owners who utilise multiple marketing platforms and availability calendars.

You are able to pay for your stay by BACS Bank Transfer.

Unfortunately we can no longer accept cheques or cash as payment for either booking deposits or booking balance payments.

During 2024 we will be introducing the ability to instant book several properties that we offer.

6/ Can we check out later / check in earlier?

Our standard check in time is 4pm on day of arrival and standard check out time is 10am on day of departure.  This ensures that our housekeeping and maintenance teams have adequate time to complete their work.

Whilst we cannot guarantee requests for earlier check in / later check out times, we do encourage you to enquire with us if this is essential for your travel plans.

7/ What if I need to cancel my booking?

For our cancellation terms, please see our full terms and conditions.

In simplest terms; the more notice you can provide to Unique Holiday Stays, the more likely you are to gain some of the booking value back. If we manage to re-let the property for the dates you cancel, you will receive a refund (less any cancellation charge and booking fee).

8/ Do I have to bring my own towels? 

No, all of our properties are supplied with towels, for showering and bathing at the property.

For those visiting the coast and the beach, or who are bringing pets we politely ask that guests bring plenty of their own beach or pet towels.

1/ I am interested in marketing with you, what is the best way to contact you?

Please Get in Touch with us via e-mail in the first instance, referencing marketing in the subject heading.

2/ I am currently marketing my holiday let with another management company. Am I able to market with Unique Holiday Stays also?

In principal yes, however there are exceptions.

When owners opt to utilise multiple marketing platforms, any offers pertaining to 0% commission would not apply. These are reserved for property owners marketing exclusively with us.

Any other property management that you are in contract with would also have to be in agreeance.

We are always happy to talk through individual owner scenarios, and those looking to switch their holiday property management provider.

3/ How much can I expect to earn from letting my holiday property?

There are many factors that can influence the potential revenue streams from a holiday property. Our knowledge and experience of this sector continually evolves; teaching us new lessons every year. We never stop learning.

From minor property tweaks, to full scale remarket and relaunch of a property, we are happy to work with owners to achieve the goals that they have in mind.

In the first instance we recommend getting in touch and arranging a no-obligation site visit from a member of our management team.

4/ Will I be tied into a contract with Unique Holiday Stays if I market with you or use your property management services?

Whilst Unique Holiday Stays do not ‘tie in’ owners to our services, a contract of services will be in place for reassurance on either side. We do not impose monthly arrangement or subscription costs, and no financial penalties endorsed for leaving.

In such  a scenario, we request an element of decency that on parting service arrangement, owners allow us to honour existing bookings up to 16 weeks away. This is fairest to your guests and is to provide a reasonable time period for both parties to prepare alternative housekeeping and management.

5/ Why do I need an agency to manage my property? Surely a membership collective is more affordable?

Whilst membership collectives are a great solution for those owners seeking to retain control of their bookings and guest concierge, the marketing fees can be steep. Importantly, it still demands that owners source their housekeepers, laundering, arrange scheduled and ad hoc maintenance, communicate with guest queries… and more.

We often work with owners, who have historically managed their own properties and simply cannot justify the time spent on doing so, or have grown their portfolio and require a dedicated team to manage the operation.

We do not charge marketing fees. We strike a balance between giving owners the opportunity to choose the bits of management they wish to remain involved in, as well as keeping commission down, and offering our suite of in house services essential for running a successful holiday stay – namely reliable & experienced housekeeping and tradesmen.

1/ I have a cleaning company – do you use self employed labour for property changeovers?

Yes! The self-catering accommodation industry is very important to our local economy and we work alongside companies both large and small.

We utilise a range of independent, trusted self-employed trades people, professionals and property service providers. Please get in touch if you think you have a service of interest to us.