Frequently asked questions
1. When is accommodation available?
Our halls are only open for external hire during the summer period when our academic year students are away on vacation. In 2012 we will be open from 1 June until 12 September.
2. Are linen and towels provided?
Yes, we provide all linens (including sheets, a pillow and a blanket) along with a towel. These are changed weekly for those staying more than one week.
3. Can I book online?
Certainly follow the link below to book accommodation online.
4. Is there a curfew?
No, guests have access to the hall 24 hours a day and can come and go as they please.
5. Can I have a guest to stay the night?
No, you may not bring a non-paying guest into your room overnight (with the exception of University of Westminster students who are living in the halls on a 50-week or extended tenancy agreement). We ask that all guests please leave the halls by 11pm. However, if you have a friend or family member coming to visit you may enquire about rooms available for the duration of their stay.
6. Are there telephones and televisions in the rooms?
No, rooms do not have telephones or televisons. Televisions are located in the common rooms of Harrow Hall, and International and Wigram Houses. Only the suites at Wigram House have televisions.
7. Do I need to bring my own cooking utensils?
No, we provide kitchens stocked with basic utensils for your use.Kitchens will be supplied with plates, bowls, cutlery, and basic frying and saucepans. Kitchen appliances include: refridgerator, freezer, microwave, kettle, toaster, oven and cooker.
8. Is breakfast provided?
We do not offer breakfast or any other meals for independent travellers. However, catering can be provided for group bookings upon request.
9. What time is check-in and check-out?
We ask that you please check-in anytime after 2pm and check-out by 10am. Unfortunately we are unable to allow early check-in or late check-out as we require that time to service the rooms.
10. What is the latest I can check-in?
You may check in anytime after 2pm. However, from 10pm onwards, the hall reception is staffed only by a security guard who is unable to take payment. Therefore, if you need to pay for your stay, we require that you come to reception in the morning (after 8am) to pay.
11. Can I leave my luggage in reception?
Unfortunately, we do not have the storage capacity for luggage to be left at reception other than a few hours. Please check with the hall receptionist if you need help with storing your luggage for longer periods, and they will be able to advise you on the nearest luggage storage facility.
12.Are there laundry facilities on-site?
Yes, most halls have a laundry room with coin-operated washing machine and driers. However, Alexander Fleming does not have a laundry room (there is a local laundrette in the ground floor of block A, open to members of the public). The hall receptions also have an iron available for guests to use.
13. What methods of payment do you accept?
If booking in advance you can pay by credit/debit card (Mastercard, Switch/Solo and Visa accepted). Cheques are accepted, but must be accompanied by a valid cheque guarantee card.Note that we can only accept cheques when you book four weeks in advance or earlier.Please note refunds on cheques take approximately three months, providing that you are entitled to one.
Please note we do not accept cash at the hall receptions.
14. Can I pay by bank transfer?
You may also pay by bank transfer, but this must be received one week before your arrival to the hall. You must fax us a copy of the transfer. Note that the University charges an additional administrative fee of £10 for bank transfers on top of your bank's wire transfer fee. Refunds can be quite difficult to organise – approximately a three month wait – providing that you are entitled to one. Please contact our offices for more detail.
15. Are the rooms air-conditioned and heated?
No, the halls do not have air-conditioning. There is heating in the halls, although heating is normally not turned on during the summer months.
16. Is there internet in the halls?
Yes, all our halls offer free internet to our summer guests. Marylebone Hall and Harrow Hall have cable access in the rooms, while Alexander Fleming Hall, Furnival House, International House and Wigram House offer Wi-Fi access.
Please ask the hall receptionist for information about how to log in on arrival.
17. Will I be able to receive mail while at the hall?
Yes. Please have the sender address any post with the following: your name, room number, name of the hall of residence, and the address of the hall of residence. Post will be placed into your room's mailbox, which can be found either inside or near to the reception office. Please note that any post delivered after you have checked out will be returned to Royal Mail, we cannot hold post for people who are no longer guests at the residence.
18. Are there any hidden charges?
No, our rates include VAT as well as water, electricity and gas consumption. Although if you wish to watch live television in your room, you must buy a television license for the duration of your stay. A television licence can be bought online or at a PayPoint outlet.
19.What is your cancellation policy? How much do you charge?
| 0-7 days prior to arrival | 100% of the total cost |
| 8 - 14 days prior to arrival | 90% of the total cost |
| 15-28 days prior to arrival | 80% of the total cost |
| 29-42 days prior to arrival | 60% of the total cost |
| 43-56 days prior to arrival | 50% of the total cost |
| 57-70 days prior to arrival | 30% of the total cost |
| 71-84 days prior to arrival | 20% of the total cost |
| 85+ days prior to arrival | 10% of the total cost |
Please click here for our terms and conditions for independent travellers
Further information
Contact the Summer Accommodation team
T: +44 (0)20 7911 5181
F: +44 (0)20 7911 5037
E: summeraccommodation @westminster.ac.uk
