Information/Frequently Asked Questions for holiday makers

Information About Quality

What do the accreditations mean?
Quality is key to the success of Cottage Central and to the value you will place on your holiday.  We aim to offer you quality accommodation and quality service.  All our cottages have been visited by a member of our team to ensure that the information we give you is as accurate as possible and helps you make an informed decision on your choice of Cottage.
Visit Britain is the official body responsible for tourism in England.  Using its own assessors Visit Britain award a number of accreditations for self catering properties. 

The accreditations achieved by our cottage owners through Visit Britain are used on this site.  The Visit Britain Quality Rose will be awarded with a one, two, three, four or five star rating.  Visit Britain has a very rigorous inspection requirement that assesses statutory obligations and compliance, maintenance, health and safety and security, appearance of buildings, grounds and gardens, cleanliness, management efficiency, information on booking and prices.  This is coupled with an inspection of the property internally through living and dining areas, bedrooms, bathrooms and WC’s,  kitchen and general interior requirements together with equipment requirements.   Further details about this can be found at www.qualityintourism.com. 

Cottage Central only advertises Cottages which have been accredited at a three star rating and above, are awaiting inspection and are anticipating a three star rating or Cottage Central through its own evaluation considers the Cottage to be a three star rating and above using its own quality checklist.

Cottage Central Ratings
Cottage Central gives its own star rating to offer customers an indication of what they can expect in terms of quality.  Where a national accreditation has been awarded however, that accreditation would take precedence.

Peak District Environmental Quality Mark (EQM) (shown alongside the introduction) is an award for businesses with a passion for the Peak District.  EQM businesses:

• put pride in the Peak District at the heart of their operations
• actively help safeguard and improve the Peak District environment and heritage
• safeguard natural resources
• promote their values to their customers
• add to the wellbeing of their communities

Cleanliness
The cleanliness of a property is part of the accreditation process and all our properties have a high standard of cleanliness.   All the cottages are cleaned between holidays and we would ask that you leave the cottage clean and tidy on your day of departure.

Frequently Asked Questions about your holiday arrangements

We want different dates from those advertised on the Calendar is that available?
We want a short break not available on the Calendar?
Many of our properties offer the utmost flexibility in trying to meet your needs.  On the description of the property additional information will identify whether the property is available for weekend and short breaks. This may vary between cottages and the ability of cottage owners to accommodate 1,2,3,4,5 day breaks will again vary. 

Where weekend and short breaks are advertised in additional information and the calendar does not have the offer you want please contact Cottage Central through the Contact Us section of the website and we will discuss your needs with the owner of the cottage to ascertain if we can accommodate your requirements and obtain an accurate pricing for you.

We want to arrive on a different changeover day?
Changeover days are usually Saturdays unless otherwise specified on the additional information section of the cottage description.  Changeover days may well be tied to the availability of changeover services for cottage owners and as a consequence may not be able to be changed. 

However, cottage owners do try to be flexible to meet your needs and if you wish to book a cottage but wish to arrive on a different day than that specified on the Calendar contact Cottage Central through the Contact Us section of the website and we will discuss your needs with the owner of the cottage to ascertain if the changeover day can be changed.   

What time can we arrive at our cottage?
Unless otherwise stated in the description of a particular property you will be allowed to occupy the property from 3pm on the day of arrival.

What time will we be expected to leave the cottage on the day of departure?
Unless otherwise stated in the description of a particular property you will be expected to vacate the premises at 10am on the day of departure

Can we bring our pets?
Pets are welcome at many cottages.  Please look for the Pets Welcome image to ascertain your ability to bring pets.  Please also read the information in relation to each property as some owners will specify a limited number of pets and others may specify the size of the pets that are welcome.

All our cottage owners expect pets to be supervised and under control at all times and pets should not be left in accommodation at any time without the express permission of the owner of the property.  On some properties there will be a charge for pets per week or per short break and this will be detailed in additional information in the description of each property.

Can we invite friends over?
You must not exceed the number of or named occupants booked to stay in the property.  Any visits from people not named as occupants of the premises must be done with the express permission of the owners of the cottage.  In any event
no additional guests can stay in the property overnight.

Where can we get additional information in relation to the area we are staying?
Cottage Central provides some information on activities within the County you are staying and other Counties for which it is promoting properties.  Cottage owners themselves will have some information to hand for you to look at when you arrive at the Cottage.  Comprehensive information can be obtained from the tourist board either by calling in your local information centre or via the internet at
www.VisitBritain.com

Is there a booking fee?
No. Whilst you will pay a booking fee with many other letting agents it is the current policy of Cottage Central not to charge a booking fee.  However, there will be a charge to cover paypal costs when paying through paypal.

Is there a credit card charge?
Cottage Central does not charge a credit card charge, however your credit card provider may make a charge and you should check with your provider.  Cottage Central does charge paypal costs currently at 3.7% on all payments made through paypal to Cottage Central.  

Are there any other charges in addition to the prices printed in relation to each property?
On some properties there are additional charges, for example pets or other facilities which will be detailed in the description of the cottage on the website with the exclusion of cautionary deposits.  Please see booking terms and conditions regarding cautionary deposits.  Please also note the charges discussed above.