Frequently asked questions by users of this site:-
How do I use this site [alias: 'do you have anything available].
Who are you (the site owner)?
How do you add value?
Why is it important to fill in the enquiry form?
What if I cancel?
Can I view the apartments?
What apartments are best for vacations?
What does 'serviced' mean?
Who provides the apartments?

How to use this site

Search for an example of an apartment you like.

Enquire on it using the Enquiry form (we do not take initial enquiries on the phone).

If you do not get a response shortly, reply to the email you get automatically in response to your enquiry.

Get price: The price depends on the length of stay, the dates, etc. So set your dates to see the price.

Availability: This changes all the time. However, updated calendar information is reflected on the site, and fully listed on the latest availability page. Some apartments link to a yellow link, which is a remote lookup to a more central system, which should be more up to date than anything online.

Securing the apartment reservation: The reply to an enquiry will include a link to a booking page. We act as third party agent, giving some assurance about the apartment provider, so we do not normally take payment, unless we are involved in completing the booking (eg where the owner does not accept card payments, we can take a deposit on the card).

Frequently asked questions

Why is it important to fill in the enquiry form?

In practice, people forget important details when they send an impromptu email, details like the arrival date, number of bedrooms required, whether there are any children in the group etc. Then we need to telephone or email to check these - sometimes international time differences will cause further delay and expense. On the telephone, it is very difficult to communicate details like email address. We just don't have the time or money to extract these details from an enquirer who may not be serious about their enquiry. This may mean that your email or phone call gets ignored, although we try to follow up email enquiries, it is best to have filled in the form. [top]

What if I cancel?

Cancellation and other policies are listed in the Policies link beside any listing. [top]

How do we add value?

Although there is much scope for improvement, we try to assist both you and the apartment provider:

• by providing an ad-free searchable listing of many serviced apartments in Central London and Canary Wharf;
• by only dealing with reliable apartment providers;
• by having no preference regarding which apartment you chose, so allowing us to give independent advice;
• by providing a way for you to confirm your booking and provide payment details securely. [top]

Can I view the apartments?

Yes, if they are available. Obviously, you or a friend need to be in London to do this. Just request this and we will confirm the arrangements. [top]

Who are you?

This web site has been in the same management since 2000. Currently owned by SSL Apartment Services Limited, it was developed and run in practice by myself, John Dillon. I lived in London since 1990. john@shortstay-london.com.[top]

An apartment is considered serviced when it comes with weekly or daily cleaning and the rental includes all bills other than telephone calls. However, services vary: the more services, the more expensive the apartment will be, and the more like a hotel. [top]

I think the London underground is a great tool for understanding location. Counting the number of tube stops is something that is integrated into the site. In terms of where to go, the Jubilee Line hits most of the places you would want to visit in London from Canary Wharf to Baker St through the South Bank, Green Park, Bond Street and beyond. [top]

Providers of quality apartments

We like you to have a good apartment experience. Our advice is to understand the suppliers of apartments. These fall into various categories:

• large companies with multiple buildings and an international brand - some are the real thing with a large business following suitable for, perhaps, young families relocating to London; others are chains of highly 'unitised' spaces and minimal service levels suitable for cash-strapped tourists on very short stays;
• individual serviced buildings, managed by the owner and/or employed staff - these range from a townhouse in Sloane Square to a building of 25 flats in Mayfair, and tend to be of individual character;
• individual apartments owned and let out short term by the same person, probably individual - probably the best buy for a weekly cleaned, self-catering option;
• agent-managed but privately owned apartments - again possibly a good buy;
• sublet apartments, these are rented for 6-12 months by the person who lets to you, and (s)he sublets to you short term.

To ensure you get a reliable person supplying you with an apartment, it is advisable to take third party advice. In effect, I am a third party to a large extent as I do not provide the apartment directly. [top]

Disclaimer

Use of this web site is subject to this disclaimer. Any contracts for the provision of accommodation are made with the apartment provider. While wew strive to provide accurate information, we make no representation regarding the quality, maintenance or final delivery of your apartment. For further terms and conditions see the following link: terms and conditions. [top]