Frequently Asked Questions

Get all the information you need about a London Perfect vacation. From details about renting with us to all the amenities, we'll help you plan an unforgettable London getaway.

Frequently Asked Questions

About London Perfect

Can you tell me more about London Perfect?

London Perfect has been in business since 2002. We offer a fine selection of vacation rental properties in prime London locations and beyond, in conjunction with our Vacation Perfect family of properties including Paris Perfect and Italy Perfect. We invite you to learn more about London Perfect and Vacation Perfect on our About Us page.

We’re proud that our vacation rentals have been featured in numerous leading publications, blogs, TV features and magazines such as Forbes, Architectural Digest, W Magazine, The New York Times, Travel + Leisure, Business Week Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, Rick Steves’ Paris and France travel guidebooks, the Sydney Herald and HGTV’s House Hunter’s International. Read our press coverage here.

Our best advocates are our previous guests, we invite you to read their comments on our Reviews Pages.

What makes London Perfect different?

We personally select the properties with care based on their charming features and location near sites and landmarks within walking distance. We have a long checklist of ‘must haves’ including prime location, remodeled kitchens, updated bathrooms and quality furnishings. Contact our friendly Reservations Team to reserve a London Perfect property.

Are the apartments centrally located - close to the museums, monuments, restaurants and shopping?

Absolutely! Since your vacation time is precious, we want you to stay in the best London neighborhoods https://www.londonperfect.com/plan-your-trip/where-to-stay-in-london.php centrally located with easy access to famous sites, to wonderful restaurants, museums and shopping.

Can you recommend restaurants and food shopping near our apartment?

When you reserve an apartment with London Perfect, we'll send you our detailed information packet with a list of our favorite restaurants, cafés and markets near your apartment.

London Perfect Vacation Rentals

Are the apartments fully equipped?

See the property description for all the features of each apartment. We provide amenities such as luxury linens, soap, shampoo, a starter supply of toilet paper, paper towels, coffee, tissues, dishwashing soap to get you through the first couple of days. Please contact [email protected] with any questions about what is provided at specific properties.

Is maid service included?

The final cleaning, after you check out, is included. Supplemental maid service and linens are available with advance arrangement, please request a price quote.

Are utilities included?

Normal utility usage is included in the nightly rates. We kindly ask our guests to switch off the air conditioning or lower the heat when they are out of the apartment for several hours because electricity prices in the United Kingdom are high. In a few cases, guests have left windows open while the air conditioning or heating was running, which led to extremely high utility bills. We were obliged to charge them for the excess charge. However, we have never taken advantage of a guest with unfair charges. Contracts for monthly rates do not typically include utilities which are paid separately.

Do you provide hairdryers?

Yes, a hairdryer is provided.

Do you provide plug adapters for personal electronics?

No, we recommend you bring your own plug adaptors so that you have enough for all your personal electronics. Most personal electronics such as smart phones, laptop computers and tablets are dual voltage and will work if you have a plug adapter. Some appliances, such as electric curlers, flat irons or American hairdryers will not work with a plug adapter alone and also require a converter (transformer).

Can we use fireplaces in your apartments?

We can understand your desire to have a working fireplace; however, in accordance with the law and due to safety concerns, all of our fireplaces must be strictly ornamental. Additionally, as it was against the law to use fireplaces in London for so long, some buildings have chosen to close up the chimneys permanently, so no fireplaces in these building can be used.

Are London rental properties equipped with smoke and carbon monoxide detectors?

These devices are not installed in every property. Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are not required in homes or vacation rentals in Paris or London. We recommend bringing your own portable smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Renting a London Perfect Apartment

Where can I obtain travel insurance?

In today’s changing travel environment, it’s important to protect your travel investment so you can relax and enjoy your trip. Unforeseen events such as flight delays, baggage loss or even a sudden sickness or injury could impact your travel plans. For your convenience, we have partnered with Red Sky Travel Insurance to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected.

The Sun Trip Preserver plan by Red Sky Travel Insurance provides cancellation and interruption services as well as emergency assistance and travel services.

The travel insurance is optional but can be easily added to your booking when you make your reservation. Please note: Travel Insurace must be added at the time of booking or before the final payment is due.

To learn more about Sun Trip Preserver or to file a claim, please visit https://www.trippreserver.com/products/sun-trip-preserver/

Helpful Links:
•    Sun Trip Preserver – Why Buy?
•    Sun Trip Preserver Plan Summary

If you would like to find your plan, you can visit this page, under 'Find My Vacation Rental Management Company or Ski Pass Provider' please select Vacation Perfect.

What happens if there is a problem during our stay, a broken appliance, etc.?

If there is a problem during your stay, please let the local contact know right away and they will do their best to address the issue as quickly as possible. For example, small appliances can be changed or most repairs can be done within one business day.

The staff of the local service company will help any way they can - from referring you to a doctor to recommending a private chef, private driver or hairdresser. Our guests tell us that this personal service is what makes us different, and the reason they come back to London Perfect year after year.

What information is provided after my reservation is confirmed?

The London Perfect confirmation materials include: Vital Information document, the Neighborhood Guide and the City Guide. The Vital Information document with the arrival instructions and property address are downloadable from your guest portal after final payment has been made. We partner with several excellent local companies for tours, experiences, private drivers. See the array of choices and how to book on this page.

What is included in the rental price?

The total cost equals the rental amount, the supplemental fee (accidental damage waiver and tourist tax if applicable) and the payment processing fee. The rental amount includes:

  • Amenities listed for each property on the website
  • Final cleaning and utilities for some properties
  • Greeting fees during normal business hours
  • 3.25% Payment Processing Fee

How does the booking process work?

Please contact us to confirm availability, and we'll help you plan your stay. Once you decide to book, we will send you detailed instructions on the next steps. For a rental period of less than 28 nights, we ask for 50% payment to confirm your reservation and the remainder of the payment 60 days before arrival. If you are arriving within 60 days, full payment is due upon booking. On receipt of final payment, the Neighborhood Guide and the City Guide is provided to help you prepare for plan your stay in London. The Vital Information document with the arrival instructions and property address are downloadable from your guest portal after final payment has been made.

For bookings of 28 nights or more, as well as more details on payment and the booking process, visit our Terms and Conditions page or simply email us.

What is the Accidental Damage Waiver?

To avoid the worry should you accidentally cause damage in the property, we ease your mind by minimizing your costs if this happens. All guests are required to purchase a non-refundable Accidental Damage Waiver that covers you for accidental damage and/or breakage up to $1,500 USD per stay. The damage waiver amount is included in your reservation confirmation. 

The Accidental Damage Waiver covers incidents such as:

  • Broken furniture or decorative objects
  • Broken kitchenware, tableware, glassware and porcelain
  • Accidental spills on furniture, floors, rugs
  • Stains on bedspreads, mattresses, linens, rugs, drapes, surfaces
  • Marks and scuffs on walls, floors, furniture
  • Cost to repair electrical appliances broken due to carelessness or failure to read instructions

The Accidental Damage Waiver does not cover:

  • Extra cleaning if the property is not left neat and tidy
  • Costs to replace property locks and keys
  • Costs for damage in excess of the maximum $1,500 USD coverage limit
  • Damage or loss that is not disclosed prior to check-out
  • Theft, loss or damage of any property owned or brought onto the premises by the guest(s)

The damage waiver does not negate your responsibility to be respectful of owner's property. To avoid erroneous blame, guests must notify their greeter or local contact by email or telephone if anything is amiss as soon as possible during your stay. Unreported damage, or damage that is the result of negligence/intentional acts, is not covered under this plan.

What are the check-in and check-out times?

Check-in time is officially 3:30 pm, similar to hotels, and check-out time is 10:00 am. However, we know that international flights often mean that guests arrive early, and we do all we can to accommodate you. If you have a flight arriving in the morning, we recommend you rent the apartment the previous day so that you have the assurance that the apartment will be ready for check in as early as 9:00 am. If you prefer not to reserve the night before for check in as early as 9:00 am, and the apartment has guests checking out that morning, please contact us for options for storing your luggage until the apartment is ready for check in.

Arrivals after 7:00 pm must be arranged in advance and are subject to a £75 late arrival fee charged to your credit card. Staff is not available to greet guests after 10:00 pm.

Once we arrive in London, how do we access the property?

Once your reservation is confirmed you will receive detailed information about the welcome process and how to schedule your check in appointment.

Do you allow smoking?

No, the properties are non-smoking, including terraces, balconies and all common areas of buildings.

May we bring a pet?

We do not allow any pets.

We have allergies, are your properties smoke, dust, feather, fragrance and pet-free?

We prefer to represent non-smoking and no-pets properties for the comfort of our guests but we can't guarantee that our properties are allergen free. There are a wide array of factors out of our control that can be allergen or asthma triggers: laundry soap, fragrances, cooking smells, nearby pets, mildew in ancient buildings, or a neighbor who smokes for which we cannot be responsible. Some properties have down feather bedding, pillows and upholstery stuffing, we cannot guarantee the ability to provide synthetic substitutes. If you need special pillows, duvets or linens washed in fragrance-free laundry soap, please request a price quote in advance of your stay so that we can see what is possible, and if necessary, purchase for your special circumstance, the cost for which will be added to invoice.

Are your properties wheelchair/handicap accessible?

Regretfully no. There are no building codes/standards for disability compliance. From a practical standpoint, properties dating back centuries do not have elevators, doorways or hallways designed to accommodate wheelchairs. Many buildings have small steps or uneven floors at the entrance or in the lobbies. Some apartments have internal stairs and/or raised floors to accommodate plumbing/renovations. If you have a specific question for your personal situation, please contact our Reservations department

What if we have to cancel, can you make an exception for our special situation?

The cancellation terms are firm; we are not able to make exceptions.

  • Cancelling more than 60 days before arrival date: Payments are refundable, minus:
    • Payment processing fees
    • Change admin fees (if applicable)
    • $350 USD cancellation administration fee
    • Applicable fee charged by bank to process the refund.
  • Cancelling 60 days or less prior to arrival date: No refund.

Reservation Modifications/Postponement: The charge for modifying or postponing a reservation more than 60 days before arrival starts at $125 USD. Within 60 days of arrival any date change is considered a cancellation of your original dates which is not refundable and payments cannot be applied to a future reservation.

Read the full terms and conditions here

What is ID Verification and Autohost?

For your safety and trust, we have procedures in place to verify guest identity. As part of the booking process you may be asked to complete ID verification. Failure to complete the verification, or failing the verification, may result in cancellation of your booking. The ID verification is provided by a third party. You can view their full privacy policy here.

Do you work with travel agents?

Yes, we work with travel agents. Although we respect the amount of work it takes to coordinate travel plans, London Perfect does not pay commission. We would be happy to add a service fee for you, just let us know the amount you wish to add to the booking. It will be your responsibility to invoice us after your client’s stay for payment of your service fee. 

The Perfect London Vacation

Can you provide travel tips for our stay in London?

Yes, we offer lots of tips and ideas for your London vacation!

 

Will there be any construction work or an elevator issue that might disrupt my stay?

If we are notified in advance of construction work going on in the building or adjacent buildings we will let you know as soon as possible. Unfortunately, there is no requirement for property owners to inform neighbors of renovation work. This is frustrating for us, and we do our best owners to stay informed. If it does happen, we will work with you to find the best solution for your particular situation.

We honestly have no way of knowing in advance if elevator repairs could be underway or ongoing utility repairs to city services such as water main lines. In our many years of business we have occasionally received word in advance of building works and have found the information about the timelines to be totally unreliable – works scheduled to start a certain month get delayed for years, caught up in bureaucratic red tape. Or, we learn of scaffolding going up overnight on a building because plaster has unexpectedly fallen off, creating a hazard to pedestrians below, and permits are issued immediately for emergency repairs. As you can imagine, in a city where buildings date back centuries, building repairs are ongoing and unpredictable. If we receive advance notice we will notify you, however on arrival if you encounter construction work in the building’s common areas or in neighboring apartments or buildings, or street repairs, we are very sorry, but this is does not constitute grounds for cancellation of your reservation.

Would London Perfect like to donate a stay in one of your properties as an auction item to raise money for our charitable cause?

Thank you for thinking of us for your charity fundraising efforts. We allocate all of our donations to a single charitable organization that we’re involved with. Sorry we not able to donate to additional non-profit organizations however we are happy to work with your organization's members and contributors if one of them would like to sponsor a stay and underwrite the cost. London Perfect will work with the organization or contributing member to define the value and terms. We can provide a voucher along with photos and copy for the auction catalog in the name of the contributing sponsor after terms have been agreed and payment has been received by London Perfect, so the underwriter can then donate it as an auction item.