Frequently Asked Questions
Answers
1. Are the apartments furnished?
All the apartments are fully furnished unless stated to be unfurnished. Furnishings include linen, towels, cutlery, cookware as well as TV and generally a Hi-Fi and VCR. Some apartments have also a sofa bed, work desk, fax, cable TV and generally all our apartments will make you feel at home but standards vary according to rates. Internet access can be provided at varying weekly rental rates.
2. Can I inspect before booking?
Inspections can be arranged provided stay is for at least (4) weeks.
3. What happens if the balance of apartment rent is not paid prior to arrival?
Guests must pay any balance of the accommodation rent prior to arrival by cash, cheque or credit card otherwise keys may not be handed over at time of arrival.
4. How
much needs to be paid when booking?
Bookings
need to be fully paid in advance. Within 7 days of the booking for the first four weeks of your stay.
5. Are security deposits required?
Many apartments require a security deposit of $500, which is added to your tariff to cover any damages, loss of electronic security access cards and phone costs. Soon after departure when the apartment has been checked and no damage or loss incurred, this deposit will be returned.
Generally keys are collected from a place in the city centre as advised to you which is open between 6am & 11pm. Keys are also left there upon departure.
Many people use the term 'serviced apartments' meaning short term furnished apartments. This is partly true in that they are furnished and usually for shorter stays, but this does not automatically mean they are serviced. Serviced in the strict sense means they are cleaned every day. Only the serviced apartment chains do this daily cleaning.Self Contained ApartmentsA self contained apartment is a fully furnished apartment available for either short or long term stays. Self contained means the apartments don't have daily or weekly cleans and therefore enjoy a lower tariff than similar quality serviced apartment.Self Catering ApartmentsSelf catering is pretty much the same as self contained. In a self catering apartment you do your own cleaning, washing and cooking and therefore enjoy a lower tariff than similar quality serviced apartment.Although our apartments are self catering for an additional cost guests can book weekly or fortnightly cleaning which includes linen change. A Departure clean fee is usually added to the total tariff and varies by the apartment size ($60-$150).
8. What are the arrival and departure times?
Arrival or check in time is 2pm. Those guests arriving early morning should pre-book the previous night to ensure access. Check out time is 10am but flexibility exists here given the apartments availability, late check out may be requested but at extra cost.
Keys are to be returned to the office, or collection place in the city centre but this is organised with the guest prior to departure or noted on their arrival information sheet.
10. Is there a telephone and internet service available?
The apartments generally do not have a phone.The Fat Free Fone Company, our communications partner, offers services that enable you to keep in touch with friends and colleagues while you stay with us: They offer a mobile rental service. Pre-book online so you can hit the ground running or call 1800 853 993 when you arrive. We can provide "unwired" modems at weekly rates so you can get on the internet easily.
Smoking is allowed in outside areas such as balconies but generally not in apartments.
12. Is there a minimum booking period?
All our self catering apartments have a miniumum booking period of 7 days. However at times we do offer some serviced apartments for a minimum of 5 days. Please contact us if you require an apartment for less that 7 days.
13. Can a booking be extended?
Yes, provided there is availability. A guest when booking can request an option to extend thus reserving them first right of refusal.
14. How is the accommodation graded?
Apartments Plus uses descriptive words to rate accommodation so readers can more easily have a feel for the style of accommodation.These ratings are as follows:** Well maintained apartment probably in older apartment building, with basic cheaper but adequate furnishings but no dishwasher and possibly shared internal laundry facilities.*** Smartly furnished with modern fittings including dishwasher and internal laundry, offers comfortable living for an executive.**** Quality furnishings with modern amenities including dishwasher and well appointed laundry plus offering some additional facilities like a gym and pool
.***** Superior and exceptionally well furnished, these apartments usually offer a front desk, 24-hour security, quality views and facilities.
Each apartment block varies so make sure all your requirements are made clear so we can source the most appropriate apartment for you.
If you can't find the information you're looking for please contact us.
