Guest Info & FAQs
Ivy’s Property Selection - Location & Suitability
All our homes are located in central London. Most of our clients are visitors to the city and need easy access to the heart of London and we bear this close in mind when we select our properties. We don’t expect our clients to undertake lengthy daily commutes when they stay in one of our homes, especially since most of them are here on holiday!
We deal with clients from all over the world who need short stay London accommodation for a host of different reasons, but they all require the same thing: a well maintained, comfortable home in central London. All our homes are located in safe and pleasant neighbourhoods that we feel happy recommending to our clients, and each one meets our strict selection criteria based on quality of furnishing and equipment and standards of comfort. We worry about this so you don’t have to.
Finding your Perfect London Home
Since you can be sure that all our homes meet these essential standards, it’s then just a question of finding one which suits your specific taste and needs for your stay. This is where our enquiries team comes in. It’s our job to take time to understand what you’re looking for and match these with the most suitable home. We pride ourselves on our patient, attentive and responsive customer service and we actively encourage you to pick up the phone - this way we can acquaint you with our homes and our service in a way that the text and photos of website listings cannot.
Reservations
Making Your Reservation
Once you’ve made your selection, you can easily book online or over the phone using your credit or debit card (all major card accepted, including AmEx). Rest assured that our website uses industry standard encryption to ensure security and peace of mind. Our payments are processed by Stripe and protected by SSL (Secure Sockets Layer).
What Do I Pay, and When?
Your total booking amount will comprise your rental fee and Service & Tax (UK Government sales tax, VAT). All amounts are in GBP (£).
You pay 50% of the total to secure your booking and our system will automatically process the remaining 50% of the rental fee 28 days prior to your arrival date. If you book within 28 days of your arrival date, we process full payment to secure your reservation.
Finally, we’ll process your security deposit one day prior to your arrival. This is the amount detailed on your property’s listing. We’ll refund this within 5 days of your departure (subject to any deductions for damages etc). See the terms of the Rental Agreement for more information.
For details of all amounts paid and due in respect of your booking, please visit your account.
What's your Cancellation Policy?
Please see "Cancellation" in our Guest Terms of Business for information here.
Can I Make Changes to my Booking?
This depends on the change. If you want to change property or if your change involves a reduction in the length of your stay, the terms of our cancellation policy will apply (see above). If you want to amend your dates, this is generally fine but is obviously subject to availability and any differences in rate. If you need to change your party size, then please bear in mind any conditions relating to maximum party size and restrictions regarding children. Please note that a standard admin fee of £50 + VAT will apply to all booking amendments.
Pre-Arrival
To prevent fraud and as a security measure to safeguard our hosts’ homes, we may require a scanned copy/photograph of the lead guest’s passport, to be presented either prior to arrival on upon check in at the property.
Arrival & Check In
Check in is from 3pm. Ahead of your arrival you will have clear instructions on how to check yourselves in, together with contact details in case you need help.
For early check ins, late check outs and luggage storage, please refer to this page.
How Many Sets of Keys Will We Have?
Generally guests will receive two sets of keys. In certain circumstances and for certain properties, we’re only able to provide one set.
DURING YOUR STAY
How Will the Property be Prepared for My Arrival?
The property will be professionally cleaned and prepared for your arrival. The beds will be made up with luxury linen, and towels will be provided (one bath towel and one hand towel per guest). If you'd like us to provide more towels at an additional cost, please request these in advance and we'll do our best to include them in our linen delivery.
We will provide you with a starter supply of toiletries (shower gel, shampoo, conditioner and hand soap) and housekeeping essentials. We can arrange interim cleaning and fresh linen at an additional cost (please click here for detailed information on prices).
How Are the Properties Equipped?
Comprehensively, with all the appliances you would expect in a normal home, but see the “amenities” list on the property’s webpage for specific information. All properties have free internet access and we'll provide you with a comprehensive Home Guide which explains how everything works in your home.
Do you Provide Travel Cots / Pack ‘n Plays?
We do not provide Travel Cots / Pack ‘n Plays. You are welcome to order one online and we will do our best to assist with delivery arrangements.
Getting Around London, Tickets to Shows & Local Recommendations
If you plan to use public transport to get around London (and this would be our recommendation since traffic in London can be terrible) we would advise purchasing an “Oyster” travelcard from an underground / rail station (click here for more info). We cannot purchase tickets on your behalf for shows or football matches, and for these we would recommend using the official websites of the theatre / football club in question, or an established and trustworthy ticket vending site.
Who do We Contact if We Encounter an Issue During Our Stay?
Contact our Reservations team and we’ll do our best to resolve it as quickly as possible.
Departure & Check Out
Check out is 10.00am on your day of departure. Your Home Guide will give specific guidance regarding on what to do upon check out regarding keys etc.