Questions and Answers
Below are answers to questions asked by guests before booking. Some are obvious but others less so.
If you have any other questions please don't hesitate to ask
COVID 19 INFORMATION
The Views will be open again from Saturday July 4th as Government Guidelines.
The health and safety of our guests and staff is our number one priority. We recognise that the situation is potentially unsettling and we would like to reassure you that we have implemented a thorough and extensive sanitising regime to ensure that The Views is Coronavirus Secure.
Cleaning and Sanitising.
Cleaning and Sanitising will be to Government Guidelines which includes sanitising all high contact areas in both the apartments and the access stairs. In addition these we have invested in a Professional Karcher Steam Cleaner which our cleaner Karen will be using throughout the apartments and access stairs to make doubly sure all is COVID 19 secure. Hand sanitiser will also be provided.
Accessing the Apartments
The access stairs comprise of a traditional staircase made up of entrance hall, stairs, three landings and three half landings. The entrance to Scafell View is on the second landing and the entrance to The Penthouse is on the third landing.
I lived in The Penthouse for ten years and then Scafell View for five and from experience it is rare to meet anyone else on the stairs. After all it is only a small block of 6 apartments. However it does on occasion happen. I used to look forward to it as it gave an opportunity to have a chat but unfortunately those days have gone.
Rest assures our Cleaner will sanitise all contact areas before and after cleaning an apartment. Also windows have been left permanently open to the entrance hall, the second half landing and the top landing which means that the whole staircase is well ventilated.
In terms of passing on the stairs there are several places that the 1m plus social distancing can be maintained: the entrance hall, the first landing, the third half landing and the landing to your apartment.
If you don't want to pass on the stairs then all you have to do is open the entrance/apartment door and listen. It is quite obvious if someone else is using the stairs and then all you need to do is wait till they've gone. If you can't hear anyone and you're still not sure then give a shout - after all we are all in the same boat. If someone is there they'll shout back. If no one is there then no one will have heard you, and you won't have made a fool of yourself !!
Refunds on further Lockdowns.
Rest assured that all effected deposit and rental payments will be refunded in full should England and/or the Lake District/Cumbria go into another Lockdown. If you are unable to travel due to a local Lockdown then you will receive a full credit note on all payments made which can be used at any time in the next 12 months.
Self-catering holidays are not close contact activities involving strangers. In many ways they are the original self-isolating holiday.
Please remember:
• Email us if you have any symptoms of COVID-19 or are in an at risk group.
• You cannot self-isolate at The Views for the safety of other guests, our team and our community.
• Use common sense hygiene practice while in the apartment.
• If you develop symptoms during your stay please pack up and go home. As soon as you are able, contact us to notify us, so that we are able to carry out the necessary cleaning procedures.
We thank you for your cooperation and support and wish you a wonderful holiday.
Q&A
Do you accept last minute bookings ?
Yes. The apartments are kept clean with the heating left on so are always ready to occupy at anytime.
However if you book within 24 hours of your arrival you may not receive our email in time regarding access etc. Therefore please phone us to discuss collection of the key etc.
Do you take Short Breaks ?
Yes but not all the time.
Short Breaks are bookable anytime during low season (November to March - not incl. School Holidays) but only 4 weeks in advance during the rest of the year.
Outside low season if it were guaranteed that the rest of the week would get booked then we'd be more than happy to take short breaks. Unfortunately, as most people look to book whole weeks, it's the opposite and pretty much guaranteed that the rest of the week will remain un-booked. Hence the rate we'd have to charge to make up the difference would be exorbitant.
However sometimes weeks don't get booked and when that happens we make short breaks bookable 4 weeks in advance.
As for rates we don't set them until we make short breaks available, but as always they are good value for money by the fact that we look at the rates similar apartments are charging and make sure ours are a bit cheaper.
Is there parking ?
Yes. Each apartment has its own separate private off-street parking place.
However the entrance is very tight and the space for turning around is limited. Most people manage but a few struggle especially those with large cars.
For this reason each apartment also has its own Parking Permit which means you also have the option of parking on any of the long term council car parks for free.
See the Parking page for more details on parking.
Do the apartments have a bathroom ?
Yes both apartments have a bathroom with: bath, shower, WC, basin, mirror with shaving/make-up light, and a heated towel rail. The bathroom in The Penthouse also has multi coloured mood lighting and surround sound.
Do the apartments have baths and/or showers ?
Both apartments have a bath with a shower over.
Are towels and linen provided ?
Yes. Towels (one set per person) and linen are provided.
Is it a 'real' bed in The Penthouse ?
Yes it's a real bed with the advantage that it can be folded out of the way. It is a standard size double and the base has wooden sprung slats. The mattress itself is memory foam and has won Which? Best Buy two years running. The linen is white 400 thread freshly ironed Egyptian cotton.
The bed can be either left out or folded away to make more space. The foldaway mechanism is fully sprung and is so light it can be operated with one hand.
Is the Mattress Soft or Firm ?
The mattress is Medium/Firm.
It is a memory foam mattress which has won Which? Best Buy two years running.
Do the apartments have a kitchen ?
Yes both apartments have a kitchen with: ceramic hob, professional catering size convection microwave oven (can cook a roast chicken dinner in 20 minutes), fridge with small freezer compartment, sink with drainer and a dishwasher. The kitchen to Scafell View is open plan with the lounge/dining area, The kitchen to The Penthouse is in its own separate room.
Is there a washing machine ?
No there isn't a washing machine. Given the space it was a choice between a washing machine and a dishwasher. Dishwashers were installed as they were considered to be of more use to more guests more of the time. There are two laundrettes within 5 minutes walk which also do service washes.
Is there a welcome tray ?
Yes and No. Complimentary biscuits, tea bags and coffee pods for the Nespresso Coffee Machine are provided in The Views 1 'The Penthouse'.
There are no such goodies in The Views 2 'Scafell View' however this is partly reflected in the cheaper rate.
Are the apartments noisy ?
They are apartments in the centre of town so some internal and external noise is to be expected and is part of the 'atmosphere' of staying right in the heart of town.
However no families or pets are allowed in the apartment block and it is not located on a main road or on the market square and Keswick being a small tourist town noise is generally minimal.
Also as the building has been modernised with double glazed windows and sound insulating floors installed the apartments are quieter than surrounding un-modernised buildings.
Are the apartments warm ?
Yes. They are always warm. Each apartment is heated by several storage radiators which are left on all the time which means the apartments are warm and cosy anytime of day or night.
In addition each apartment also has a separate heater in each room for guest who like it extra warm.
Do you have special offers ?
We look at what other similar apartments are charging and make sure our rates are always a bit cheaper. By doing this we guarantee that our rates are always good value for money.
All repeat guests receive a complimentary bottle of French Champagne which will be chilling in the fridge waiting for their arrival.
On top of this we occasionally have special offers. Please keep an eye on the website for details.
Why are the rates for The Views 1 more than The Views 2 ?
Our rates are always good value by the fact that we make sure they're always a bit cheaper than what other similar apartments are charging .
However the rates for The Views 1 'The Penthouse' are more than The Views 2 'Scafell View' because it has more to offer.
It is a storey higher so it has better views and the views are from three sides.
It has a surround sound system in the living room with connected speakers both to the kitchen and bathroom. It also as multi-coloured mood lighting in the bathroom and a double ended bath.
It has a double reclining leather sofa and a 43" LG smart TV with access to Netflix or NowTV movies (usually both).
It has a small balcony overlooking the town and surrounding fells. On a warm summers evening there's nothing better than watching the sun go down with glass of wine in hand.
Like anything else it has its down sides - it's up three flights of stairs and it's small. So if you don't like stairs and/or you don't like small places then it's not for you.
For everyone else it's different 'a special place' to stay. Because of this and because there's nothing else like it in the Lake District you'll always remember your stay there.
Why are the rates for The Views 2 less than The Views 1 ?
Good question.
Just like The Penthouse The Views 2 has amazing views from both the living room and the bedroom, a surround sound system in the living room, a large Sony TV, a 'real flame' stove, dimmable lighting, a leather sofa, a fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher and a bathroom with bath and shower.
In addition to The Views 1 it has a separate bedroom, a king size bed which can be made as two singles, a sofa bed for an occasional guest and of course the lovely window seat where you can relax while watch the world go by.
The Views 2 'Scafell View' is a lovely place to stay but the bathroom is more luxurious and the Views are better from The Views 1 and The Views 2 isn't quite as different/special and this is why the rates are less.
Is there a charge for changing the king double into two singles in The Views 2 ?
As it involves extra work for our cleaner - moving the beds around (twice) and changing/drying/ironing extra sheets there is a charge of £30.
We ask Guests to leave the fee in cash when they vacate for our cleaner to collect .
See Terms for details
What time can we access the apartments ? And what time do we need to vacate ?
One the day of arrival you can access:
The Penthouse and Scafell Views at 4:00pm.
On the day of departure please vacate:
The Penthouse and Scafell View at 10:00am.
Where do we pick the keys up and how do we find the apartment ?
When you book you will be asked for your email address. Within 48 hours of your booking we will send you an email detailing how to find and access the apartment, where to pick up the keys and where to park.
However just to let you know. The apartments are right in the centre of town, the parking places are beside the apartment block and the keys will be in a keysafe next to the main entrance door.
Are both apartments self contained ?
Yes both apartments are entirely self contained and each has its own separate entrance.
Do you allow pets ?
Sorry but No. In order to be respectful to future guests and guests staying in the other apartment we do not accept pets.
Do you allow babies/infants/children ?
Sorry but No. The Views are a romantic hideaway and as such aren't suitable as family accommodation.
Are there drying facilities ?
Yes. In each apartment there is and airing cupboard where the hot water cylinder is located and a cloths dryer to go over the bath.
Is there safe storage for bicycles ?
Yes. Guests with bicycles can store and chain them to the fire escape shown in the photos of the carpark.
Keswick is relatively safe with a low crime rate however bicycles are left at the owners risk.
Bicycles cannot be stored in the apartments or on the access stairs or landings ie. they must be stored outside.
Is there parking for a motorbike ?
Yes. Motorbikes can be parked in the carpark beside the apartments.
Are there stairs and how steep are they ?
Yes there are stairs. You wouldn't get the views without them !!
The staircase is the same as any other domestic staircase except each flight is in two sections divided by a half landing.
The Views 2 is on the second storey up two flights of stairs and The Views 1 is on the third storey up three flights of stairs.
Most people take them in their stride but for a few they are a bit of a struggle.
However they're like any other climb - when you're at the top the views are worth it !!
Is there a lift ?
Unfortunately No. The apartments are in an historical building built about 1890 before lifts (as we know them today) were invented.
As far as I am aware only the two main hotels have lifts in the centre of Keswick
Why are there no recent reviews ?
There are no recent reviews for two reasons.
The first is that no one books through GoLakes anymore because it's now cheaper to book direct through our website.
The second reason is that when we had this new website built the developer added all the Guestbook pages for us. I have to add the new ones myself but it's difficult and very time consuming and to be honest I just haven't had the time.
Rest assured though they are the same lovely apartments and guests have been leaving the same lovely reviews in the Guestbooks.
Every couple of months I get the completed pages scanned and save them to my computer. I would be more than happy to email them to you if you wish.
When do I have to pay ?
Bookings made more than 2 months before arrival:
A deposit of £100 will be taken from your card upon booking. The remaining rental amount will be taken from your card 2 months prior to your arrival date.
Bookings made less than 2 months before arrival:
A deposit of £100 plus the remaining rental (ie the whole rental amount) will be taken from your card upon booking.
What if I want to cancel ?
We encourage guests to take out adequate holiday insurance to cover unforeseen circumstances such as cancellation.
The deposit of £100 is none refundable but if we can re-let the apartment then we will refund the remaining rental amount in full.
Therefore we also encourage guests to let us know as soon as possible if they need to cancel so we can try and re-let the apartment.
See Terms for details
Is the Booking and Payment System safe to use ?
Yes. The Booking and Payment System is managed by the local tourist board 'The Keswick Tourist Association' and payments are taken over a secure website.
For extra peace of mind if you wish you can make your booking using the same system but through The Keswick Tourist Association's website itself www.keswick.org by following this link