Frequently Asked Questions
How do I book?
As you are probably on our website while reading this, you're in the right place! We don't book any guests in ourselves, or through any other booking platforms.
Click 'BOOK/AVAILABILITY' above in orange to take you to the secure online booking form.
This will take you through the different stages, including taking your payment. We use a third party secure booking platform, and do not hold any of your card details ourselves.
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Can I pay a deposit?
Yes, if your holiday is more than 12 weeks away you can secure your booking by paying a deposit of 30% of the total price. The full balance must then be paid no later than 12 weeks before your holiday. Our system will automatically process the outstanding amount and email you.
If you are booking less than 12 weeks before your stay, then the full amount will be taken at point of booking.
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Do I need holiday insurance even though I'm holidaying in the UK?
Part of our booking conditions are that if you cancel your holiday you will remain liable for the whole cost of the holiday.
If you do have your own insurance, you will still need to pay the full amount on cancelling. We will then issue a cancellation schedule to you which will enable you to make a claim through your own insurance.
We will also try our hardest to re-sell your holiday, and if we are able to will refund you minus a £50 administration fee.
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What if I need to cancel my holiday?
If you have to cancel your holiday we will require written confirmation from the lead member of the party by e-mail
Upon cancellation, you may be entitled to a partial refund of the accommodation cost, although there is a £50 fee that is non-refundable. Please refer to the booking terms in our T&Cs to see the refund calculation.
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Can I bring a dog?
Yes! Our Bethnal and Bec retreats are dog-friendly. There is a charge of £30 per stay for up to 3 dogs, and dogs must be booked in at time of booking as we use specific linens for when dogs are staying. We also need to allow extra cleaning time and need to know to schedule this in. Dogs cannot be left alone in the retreats at any time.
We will sometimes consider other pets, and ask you refer to our Pet Policy in our T&Cs
PLEASE NOTE: The Foaling Box is strictly not dog/pet friendly
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Do you cater for specific accessibility needs?
There is a step to enter all of the retreats. Once inside both retreats are on one level. There is a step to access the garden in all retreats. We encourage you to take our 360 virtual tour here to see if our accommodation is compatible for your needs.
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Can I bring a child or baby?
With 4 children ourselves, we have made the decision to make Bethnal&Bec as well as The Foaling Box strictly adult only and there are no exceptions to this rule - however nicely you ask :)
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How many people does each retreat sleep?
Two persons, both over the age of 18. Each retreat has a Superking or Kingsize bed. We cannot accommodate more than 2 guests per retreat, nor are we insured to do so. For a group of 4 or 6, two or three retreats can be booked together, and then you have the place to yourselves!
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Does each retreat have a Private Outdoor Whirlpool Bath and Garden?
Yes!
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Is there parking?
Yes! Each retreat offers parking for 1 car in an off-road, carport or private parking space. If you'd like to bring more than 1 car, please contact us for instructions on where to park.
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Are towels and bedding provided?
Yes! Beds are made up for your arrival with Egyptian cotton sheets. We provide a set of towels per adult, plus an outdoor towel each. There are also the use of bathrobes and slippers.
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What can I expect as standard inclusion for these self-catering retreats?
Our retreats are self-catering, this means that you will need to bring your own food.
We do include 1 x breakfast basket to any booking irrespective of length of stay. We also have a large free larder for you to use including cooking provisions, condiments, teas, coffees, pasta, rice and GF options.
We supply all tableware and cooking utensils, plus toilet roll, washing up liquid, dishwasher tablets and tea towel.
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What on earth is an 'honesty pantry'?
It is what we think makes us different to the traditional 'bring everything with you' self catering holiday. We stock a large range of drinks, snacks, frozen meals and dog treats. You can find a sample list here. There is an iPad or Tablet in your retreat, and you add on what you enjoy. This adds up your total, and at the end of your stay you simply leave cash, or drop us a BACS transfer.
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When do I receive my booking confirmation / directions to the property?
You will receive a series of emails from us outlining how to get into your retreat, how to find us, and lots of other (hopefully) useful information to make your stay as enjoyable as possible. Our website also contains all this info, so you can plan ahead.
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How do I get into the retreats and why do I need to pay a security deposit?
One week before you are due to arrive, we will take a £200 damage cover deposit, and once this is cleared we will send you an email containing both door codes to the main door and your retreat along with final instructions. If you don't receive this - please check your junk folder, as this particular email seems to finds its way into most guests junk folders for some reason! If you've still not received it, its probable because we were unable to take the deposit, so please do give us a call.
The security deposit will be released automatically 1 week after your stay. There will not be a 'credit' coming into your account, as the bank simply 'holds' that amount. Security deposits are very commonplace in self catering accommodation and obviously cover any possible major breakages, damage or theft.
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What would happen if something gets damaged at the retreats?
We expect that a certain amount of wear and tear is inevitable and this applies to the odd smashed glass or broken plate.
However, if something does get damaged while at the property please inform us at the earliest opportunity so that it can be fixed or replaced in time for the next holidaymakers.
It is sometimes reasonable to expect to pay for more serious damages and breakages such as incidents to furniture, broken windows, broken outdoor bath etc.
The best thing to do is to contact us and we can work it out from there. It's worse if you leave and don't say anything....
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What time do I arrive and depart the retreat?
In order that your accommodation can be properly prepared, you cannot enter the retreat before the designated arrival time of 4pm. We will text you as soon as your retreat is ready for you. You are welcome to arrive and park. Departure time is before 11.00am.
You can request early check in (from 1pm - £35) & late check out (before 1pm - £25) during the booking process or via the Guest Log In once booked.
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Do we need to clean the retreat before we leave?
We ask that the property is left in a similar state of cleanliness and general order as found.
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