Frequently Asked Questions About Harrogate Holidays
Many of our reservations come from clients who have stayed with Harrogate Holidays before so they know they can expect beautiful accommodation in North Yorkshire at competitive rates and a friendly effecient service from our dedicated team.
But for those who are new to Harrogate Holidays we hope these FAQ will give you the information you need. If not, please don't hesitate to give us a call on 01423 523333
Q. Standards - What can we expect?
All Harrogate Holidays properties are inspected by Owner Alison Hartwell, who has 25 years experience in the hospitality industry, before they are accepted into the Harrogate Holidays portfolio. The properties are then independently inspected by Enjoy England and awarded an English Tourism Council quality 'Star' rating from 1 through to 5. Quite simply, the more 'stars', the higher the overall level of quality you can expect to find. Here is a summary of "Visit Britain" star ratings, you will see applied on the Harrogate Holidays website and in our brochure:
Simple, comfortable, no frills Well presented and well run Good level of quality and comfort Excellent standard throughout Exceptional with a degree of luxury
Special note to our disabled customers - we are pleased at Harrogate Holidays to help disabled customers find holiday accommodation appropriate to their needs. Please ensure that the descriptions and locations of holiday accommodation are checked carefully and that your needs and requirements are made known to our staff when making your reservations. We will then check direct with the Property Owner that your needs and requirements can be met and, if requested, an access statement will be provided for the property as soon as possible.
Q. Furnishings and Equipment - What can we expect?
Though not every Harrogate Holidays property is equipped to the same standard, all our properties have everything you need for an enjoyable holiday and many offer far more than most would reasonably expect. From modern minimalist with every convenience to the more traditional farmhouse, in Harrogate, around Harrogate and across the North Yorkshire region.
But regardless of size, age and location, all will have hot water, bathrooms and flushing WCs; kitchens will have all the utensils and appliances you would expect for every day use; well-furnished sitting rooms will have enough comfortable chairs for the maximum number accommodated and so will the dining table. There will also be at least one colour TV.
Looking at the additional internal photographs included with each property's web site entry will also give an indication of the standards to be found.
Q. Internet Access?
Many of our properties offer Free WiFi, please be mindful that Internet speeds may not be as fast or as reliable as at home. Whilst the property owner and Harrogate Holidays will endeavour to assist with any internet issues, they cannot be held responsible for internet provider/technical problems. Please note we will not be able to re-locate guests due to internet issues.
Q. Are Pets Welcome?
Pets are welcome in some of our cottages at an additional charge of £20 per pet per stay, please check the property descriptions and note that we cannot accept responsibility for their safety. Pets are only accepted on the understanding that they are kept under control, exercised off the premises, kept out of bedrooms and off the furniture and that they are never left in the property unattended. To help you choose your property we indicate in the description if it has an enclosed garden; however, this does not necessarily mean it will be totally escape-proof - very few gardens would pass this test. Click here for a list of properties at which pets are welcome.
Q. Linen - what is provided?
All Harrogate Holiday properties include bed linen in the rental price. You may have to bring your own towels, just check the property description that towels are not provided. Where towels are provided, they must not be removed from the property and you must remember to bring your own swimming towels. Cot linen is not provided. Extra beds can be added at some properties charges apply and these do vary between properties.
Q. Fuel and Power - are they included in the holiday price?
Most of Harrogate Holiday properties we represent include fuel and power in the rental price. However, some may charge a supplement, have a coin meter or make a charge based on a meter reading at the end of your stay and some may charge extra for logs/coal provided for open fires and wood burning stoves. Where there is a charge for fuel, this will be included in the property description.
Q. Price - how much will our Harrogate Holiday property cost?
If you have a brochure you will also have a full price list, but simply the prices are split into three bands of high, medium and low (there are also special rates for the key holiday times, such as Christmas).
Each property has it's own individual rate the only extras to bear in mind are whether you are bringing your pet of extra heating/fuel, all of these will be outlined in the property descriptions. We DO NOT charge a booking fee for the service we offer. You can pay by debit cards (Switch/Maestro or Delta) and credit cards (Visa or Mastercard). A 2.5% charge will be made for all credit card transactions (Not for Switch/Maestro or Delta cards). If you wish to pay by Amex a charge of 4% is made on transaction and can only be processed over the telephone.
When you are booking well in advance we require a deposit of £120, there is no booking fee. Some of the larger properties do require a 25% deposit due to the nature of the property, and a breakages bond is payable for single sex parties here.The balance of the rental is due 8 weeks before the start of the holiday. When you are booking within 8 weeks of the start date of the holiday we require full payment at the time of booking.
Q. What time can we arrive and when do we have to leave?
Most lettings commence at 3.00 pm on the first day of your holiday and end at 10.00 am on the day of departure unless otherwise specified in the cottage description. This ensures the Owner or Housekeeper has sufficient time to prepare the cottage for incoming guests. We advise you to contact the owner/caretaker at least 3 or 4 days before setting off to discuss the time of arrival and key collection details.
Q. Short Breaks - can I book a short/weekend break?
Short breaks are available most of the year, they are charged at the following rate; a 2 night stay is 60% of the weekly rate, a 3 night stay - 70% of the weekly rate, a 4 night stay is 80% of the weekly rate and 5 nights is charged at 90% of the weekly rate. If you are staying for 6 nights then these are charged at the weekly rate. Short breaks are available to book online but if you have any problems, simply call the office on 01423 523333 or email us at bookings@harrogateholidays.co.uk
Q. Changing the Holiday - what happens if we want to make changes to our holiday?
In the first instance please call us to discuss the changes. If it's possible to accommodate them, we'll be happy to help.
Changes to an already booked holiday involve extra administration for Harrogate Holidays and require us to contact the owner of the holiday property. To cover these additional costs we ask the holidaymaker to pay an administration fee of £25 + VAT.
Q. Cancellation - what happens if I need to cancel my holiday?
Insurance is there to provide protection from the financial risks associated with going on holiday. Therefore we highly recommend that you arrange holiday/travel/cancellation insurance appropriate to your own circumstances to minimise these risks, as once the booking is cancelled, no refund will be issued by Harrogate Holidays.
Q. Booking Conditions - what are they?
When you make a booking you enter into a legal contract with the owner of the holiday property. The Harrogate Holidays Terms and Conditions are set out on the back page of the price list of our main brochure and are shown below.
Q. Online Bookings?
The availability on our website is as accurate as possible, however we do receive bookings by email and fax. We endevour to honour the first booking made. In the case of a duplicate booking you will be contacted within 48 hours of your online reservation and relocation options to other holiday properties in the North Yorkshire area will be offered or if you have made a payment, a full refund.
If an error occurs online, for example a discrepancy in pricing, we will contact you again within 48 hours of your online booking, for you to decide whether you would still like to go ahead. A full refund will be available or a relocation options to other holiday properties in the North Yorkshire area will be given.
Q. Problems - what do we do if something unexpected occurs?
At Harrogate Holidays we do everything possible to ensure you have an enjoyable stay, but occasionally things go wrong. If a problem occurs you should, in the first instance, contact the owner/caretaker who is responsible for the management and maintenance of the property. Any assistance provided by Harrogate Holidays in resolving a complaint in relation to your booking is provided on a goodwill basis and in our capacity as an Agent. Any problem must be reported whilst staying at the property then there is an opportunity to rectify the problem.