Gaylodging - Gay Hotels in London, Brighton, Blackpool, Europe
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Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q- Who is Gayloding.com?/ Who are we?

A- We are part of the Studios92.com Ltd Group. Our site provides a short-term accommodation booking service specializing in Gay accommodation. Due to the high demand for accommodation, we have gay accommodation partners (hotels and B&B's) and we work with property managers and hotel owners to supply the best standard accommodation for a variety of budgets. We work with hotels, B&B's, apartments and some flat-shares. We take reservations for all the hotels on our website as well as others on special request. Our website also has a variety of useful information for gay people coming to London for the first time that are exposed in the Gay Guide.

Q- Where are you based?

A- Our offices are based in London. Unlike overseas agencies, we have access to all our hotels easily and do visit them on a regular basis to make sure they match the standard listed. Feel free to contact us to have details about one of them. Some overseas agencies do not ever get to see the hotels they are trying to promote. We are specialized in London based accommodation for that very reason.

Q- How do I book and pay?

A- You can book via our pages on our website, or you can contact us by phone. For hotel bookings we require a credit or debit card for a non-refundable 10 percent deposit to secure your booking. For reservations we accept Amex, Visa, MasterCard, Visa Delta, Switch, JCB and Solo card. Hotels or hostels may accept different payments at reception, check each listing to make sure. For cheque or money order options, contact one of our staff. The balance is due on arrival at the hotel. Some hotels may charge an administration fee (usually 5 percent) for paying by credit card - ask at the reception desk to make sure.

Q- Once I booked, what happens?

A- ne of our booking team member will give you a booking reference number either via email or over the phone. You will also receive a booking confirmation by email. The booking confirmation has the Accommodation Name, arrival date, room type, length of stay and booking reference number. There will also be a hyperlink to access further information about the accommodation.

Q- Will I be charged everything before arrival at the hotel?

A- In most cases: no. Certain hostels reserve the right to charge the first night or the entire stay before you arrive. After the booking deposit is taken, most hotels or hostels however, do not charge anything until you arrive at the reception. There you can also choose other payment options.

Q- What are the advantages about booking through Gaylodging.com?

A- Unlike other gay accommodation websites, we do not operate on commission for large numbers of referrals. A lot of other accommodation providers will allocate you where you want, but not get the best deal or put you in anything they can find in the area, which gives them the best commission. We believe that a pleasant stay, with the best deal is what most people are looking for, so if we have accommodation with a better price and better standard - we will tell you about it. We have built up relationships with good gay accommodation partners and they can therefore give our customers priority on bookings as well as special deals. Many large accommodation booking sites we have come across make sure you also pay the entire sum up front. We do not do this, we only take a booking deposit (see above).

Q- It is my first time in London - can you recommend any Gay attractions or Gay activities?

A- Your best option is to check out our London Gay Guide. Click here for more information.

Q- What is a Rack Rate?

A- A rack rate is the price that a hotel or B&B would offer you if you walked in off the street and you wanted to book a room right there. Most hotels offer us a discount on their rack rate which is of course better for you!

Q- How are your rates (in comparison to other companies)?

A- As mentioned above, we are almost always given a discount on every accommodations rack rate. Some hotels that we have built up a good relationship with, give us the same rate over Christmas and New Years, when every other hotel raise their prices.

Q- What is VAT? Is it included?

A- V.A.T is Value Added Tax. All the rates quoted on our website have VAT included, unless otherwise stated. No extra charges.

Q- I don't have a credit card? Can I still secure the room?

A- A credit or debit card is required to accept the booking deposit (mentioned above). This method is very secure and effective as it also prevents fraudulent bookings, and ensures that if you do not arrive to the accommodation, they have the facility to deduct one nights accommodation (see the question regarding cancellation below). Remember that we are able to accept Switch and Solo cards also.

Q- Can I use someone else's credit card?

A- With their permission of course! We require the credit card number, expiry date, the name of the credit card holder and their billing address (for security reasons)

Q- I booked but now I need to cancel! Will I be charged?

A- For all of our hotel/B&B/Guest house bookings, we require 72 hours notice to cancel your booking. You cancel your booking by contacting the accommodation reception number on your confirmation email, then you give your last name and booking reference number. If you do not give the proper notice, the accommodation reserves the right to charge one (1) nights charge deducted from your credit or debit card at the nightly rate that you were quoted on your booking confirmation. See the terms and conditions for other types of accommodation, as further charges and different notice periods may apply.

Q- Is it safe to use my credit card details on the internet?

A- All of our booking pages, where the credit card details are taken, are on a separate secure server and is encrypted and then sent to us via a secure link. If you do not wish to use the website booking process, you can contact a representative at our office who can process the booking over the phone if you wish to speak to a real live person.

Q- What if I want to change the type of room or extend my stay?

A- Simply contact the reception telephone number on your confirmation e-mail and they can sort that out for you, depending on availability.

Q- What happens if I don't show up at the hotel?

A- You will be charged the equivalent of one nights accommodation as quoted on your booking confirmation. Using your credit or debit card. Other accommodations (and group bookings) are subject to different conditions, contact us for details.

Q-What is GBP?

A- British Pounds, pounds sterling.

Q- What is the difference between a double room and a twin?

A- Double rooms have a double bed and twin rooms have two single beds.

Q- What is an en-suite room?

A- The en-suite facilities include a bathroom (or shower) and toilet as part of the room itself. A room listed as basic is just the room (normally with wash basin), while the toilet and bathroom are separate, often down the corridor.

Q- What do the stars and diamonds mean? What if a hotel or B&B has none?

A- The stars or diamonds indicate the standard of the hotel. Diamonds are used to indicate the tourist board listing rating for Bed and Breakfasts. If a hotel or B&B does not have any, it means that it is unavailable at the time, or the accommodation is not listed with the London Tourist Board.

Q- Is reception open 24 hours - what if I arrive late at night?

A- Many smaller establishments have limited opening hours for reception. Once you check in however, and get your key - you can usually come and go as you please. The larger hotels have 24 hour reception.

Q- What kind of breakfast is provided in a bed & breakfast?

A- This varies from a continental breakfast (toast and tea/coffee) to a full English (Breakfast eggs & bacon). Some B&B's and hotels have a small charge for breakfast. Best to check it for each individual hotel.

Q- Do you have an airport pick-up service?

A- We recommendwww.airports-taxis.com where you can call them for a fast and affordable quote for your transfer needs.

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