Accommodation

Do you offer accessible rooms?

We have a limited number of accessible twin bedrooms available at Prince’s Gardens.

Please note, they are subject to availability and should be requested in advance.

The accessible rooms provide:

  • A bedroom call point by the bed
  • Socket for a vibrating pillow
  • Visual fire alarm
  • Walk in shower with low seat and emergency cord
  • High shower rail
  • Low level toilet and sink with grab rails
What amenities are provided in the bedroom?

The following items are provided:

  • Bed linen
  • One hand towel and one bath towel per guest
  • Toiletries (Shampoo, conditioner, soap)
  • One bottle of water per guest
  • Tea and coffee making facilities 
Is there a fridge in the room?

Our rooms do not have fridges.

If you have a medical condition and need one to store your medication, please advise one of the reservation agents in advance.

Does the room have a TV?

We do not have TVs in any of our bedrooms. A TV is available in the common areas. 

Do you provide cots?

Yes, we can provide a cot free of charge in Beit Hall or Prince’s Gardens. 

Is there Internet in the room?

Complimentary WiFi is available throughout our properties, through Sky Cloud. Simply select ‘The Cloud’ from your available network list and follow the instructions.

Cabled internet is available in all bedrooms, guests are required to supply their own ethernet cable.

Can I have interconnecting rooms?

We do not offer interconnecting rooms. If you are staying as part of a group, we can request rooms next to each other however this is subject to availability and is not guaranteed.

Are there kitchens available?

Some kitchens will be available to guests with access to a fridge-freezer, however, guests are not permitted to cook. A kettle with tea and coffee is provided in bedrooms.

Can I book a double room for three people?

No, the maximum occupancy is two people per room. As an exception we will allow one child under three to sleep in a cot in the room or share a bed with their parents.

What is the difference between a standard and an en-suite room?

Standard rooms (only available in Beit Hall) have access to shared bathrooms.

En-suite rooms have a private bathroom in the room (toilet and shower).

Does the room have a hairdryer?

Hairdryers are available to hire at Reception for £10.00 deposit, which will be refunded on return of the hairdryer.

Can I have an overnight guest?

No overnight guests are allowed.

Are there laundry facilities?

Each property has a laundry facility with access to washers, dryers, irons and ironing boards available to be used for a charge (£2.30 for a machine wash and £1.30 for a dryer cycle).

Laundry rooms are located in the basement of each property. All machines operate using a mobile app which can be downloaded to your iPhone or Android phone. Details can be found in the laundry room. If you don’t have a smart phone, please ask at reception for information on alternatives.

Washing powder is not provided.

Is there air-conditioning in the rooms?

Unfortunately, we do not have air conditioning. However, a fan is provided in each room.

Can I receive mail?

Yes, you can receive mail while staying with us. The letter should include the full property address, your name and room number.

Please note that we are not responsible for damage or loss of mail and packages.

How often are the rooms cleaned?

During your stay, rooms are cleaned daily and linen changed every three days.

Availability

When is the accommodation available?

We're open during the summer from July - September. 

I made a booking on the website, when will I get confirmation?

Once you make an online reservation you should receive your confirmation shortly afterwards. In case the confirmation hasn’t reached your Inbox, please check your spam and then get in touch with us by emailing vacenquiries@imperial.ac.uk.

If you booked through an Online Travel Agent (for example, booking.com, Expedia), you must contact them directly.

How can I confirm my provisional booking?

A provisional booking is made if you opt to book with us directly on a non-refundable rate. To confirm a provisional reservation, you are required to make a full pre-payment within 72 hours. Once the payment is received, your booking will be confirmed.

Can you put my name on a waiting list in case something becomes available?

Unfortunately, we do not keep a waiting list. We strongly advise to check our website regularly in case of any cancellations.

 

Food and drink

Is breakfast included?

If you book a Bed and Breakfast rate, breakfast is included.

If you book a Room Only rate, breakfast is available at an additional cost. If you booked with us directly and would like to add breakfast to your reservation, please contact us to arrange.

If you booked via third party (booking.com, Expedia etc), please contact the booking agent directly to amend your reservation.

Please note: Breakfast is located in the Senior Common Room on Imperial's main campus, a five-minute walk away from your accommodation.

Are there places to eat nearby?

There are plenty of food outlets available on campus including (please note that opening hours may vary and are subject to change).

Library café

Monday to Friday: 08.00 – 18.00
Saturday: 10.00 – 17.00

Essentials Convenience Store (Ground Floor Wilkinson Hall, Eastside Halls, Prince’s Gardens)

Monday to Friday: 08.00 – 21.00
Saturday: 09.00 – 17.00 Sunday: 10.00 – 16.30

Alternatively, there are plenty of restaurants and cafes near South Kensington Tube station and High Street Kensington.

What is included with breakfast?

Guests will have the choice of either a full English, or a continental breakfast.

Traditional English 

  • Full English breakfast includes: Cumberland sausage, bacon, free range eggs, sauteed mushroom, baked beans, plum tomatoes, hash brown and a selection of toast.
  • Vegan Full English breakfast includes: Soya bean, potato and thyme sausage, baked beans, sauteed mushroom, plum tomatoes, hash brown, black pudding and a selection of toast.

Or

Continental 

  • Chilled protein selection: Sliced ham, sliced turkey, sliced salami, boiled eggs.
  • Selection of cheese, toast, butter and vegetable spread served with sliced white and brown bread.
  • Selection of daily pastries (gluten free options available): Croissant, pain au chocolate, maple pecan plait, cinnamon whirl, raspberry crown, apple lattice, vanilla flavoured crown topped with glaze.

Fresh fruit and yoghurt

  • Greek style yoghurt, vegan style yoghurt with hand rolled roasted granola.
  • Fresh fruit: banana, apple, easy peel satsuma.

Beverages

  • Freshly brewed coffee.
  • Traditional English tea: Earl grey tea, fruit infused teas, orange juice, apple juice.

 

Where is breakfast served?

Breakfast is served in the Senior Common Room restaurant, which is approximately a five-minute walk away.

Breakfast is served:

  • Monday to Friday: 07.00 – 10.00
  • Saturday and Sunday: 07.30 – 10.30

Cancellations and Amendments

Can I extend my stay after I check-in?

Yes, you can as long as we have availability. Please note the price for the additional nights may differ from the one you’ve paid on the original booking. You may also be asked to move to another room for the additional nights, if the room you are currently occupying is allocated to another guest.

Can I cancel or change my booking?

Yes, you can amend the dates, or cancel your stay. However, the following terms will apply:

Notice Period for

Flexible bookings 
Before 2pm 48 hours prior to arrival 100% refund
After 2pm 48 hours prior to arrival No refund
Non refundable bookings No refund if cancelled at any point
How can I cancel my reservation?

If the booking is made directly with us, you can cancel it via e-mail or over the telephone.

If you made your reservation via an Online Travel Agent (e.g. booking.com, Expedia etc), you must contact the booking agent directly to make changes or cancel your reservation. Please note that individual T&Cs, including additional fees and charges may apply for these booking channels.

Check-in and Check-out

What are the check-in and check-out times?

Check-in is from 14.00

Check-out is by 10.00

Can I have an early check-in?

Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee an early check-in. If the room is available, then we will endeavour to check you in early, however this is not guaranteed.

Can I have a late check-out?

We regret that we cannot offer a late check-out option. We are extremely busy for the duration of the summer and guests must vacate their room by 10.00 in order to clean and prepare it for the next guest’s arrival.

If you do not vacate your room by 10.00, it may be subject to a full extra night charge.

I forgot to return my key upon check-out. What do I do now?

Please kindly get in touch with us to arrange postage immediately. There is £10.00 charge for every lost key card.

What is the latest check-in time?

The halls operate a 24-hour reception, so you can check-in at any time after 14.00 on the date of arrival. 

Parking

Is there parking available?

We have a limited number of car parking spaces available at South Kensington for guests, which must be booked in advance.

A fixed rate for overnight parking is available at a cost of £22.00 per night.

Please note: Outside of these times, the following car park charges apply.

  • Up to one hour: £3.00
  • Up to two hours: £6.00
  • Up to four hours: £11.00
  • Up to six hours: £16.00
  • Up to nine hours: £21.00
  • Up to 12 hours: £26.00
Booking

You must pre-book your parking space before you arrive to avoid being turned away. To book, please email car.park@imperial.ac.uk and provide:

  • your car make and model;
  • your registration (licence plate) number;
  • your arrival and departure date.

Unfortunately, camper vans, mini buses and coaches are not able to park on site.

London congestion charge and ULEZ

Although South Kensington is not in the congestion charge zone, if your journey passes through central London you are liable to pay the congestion charge, at a rate of £15.00 per day.

The congestion charge operates.

Monday to Friday: 07.00 – 18.00
Weekends and bank holidays: 12.00 – 18.00

Vehicles which do not meet the new ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) standards must also pay a £12.50 daily charge to drive within the zone. ULEZ operates 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

To find out more, and how to pay please visit the Transport for London (Tfl) website.

Where can I park if you cannot offer me parking?

A number of cark parks are available locally, please contact them directly for prices and availability:

Is there a disabled parking available?

Limited disabled Parking is available at Prince’s Gardens subject to availability. Disabled parking is charged at standard rate.

Do you arrange transport or transfers?

We do not provide any transport from any London destination. However, London is well served by public transport.

Payment

Can I pay on arrival?

Yes, if you have booked a flexible rate, you will be able to pay at the property on arrival.

If you have booked a non-refundable rate, pre-payment is required. You will be sent a link to pay for the reservation online within 72 hours of booking. If payment is not made during this time, the reservation will be cancelled.

Can I pay for a reservation for someone else?

Yes, you can. We can provide a payment link to pay for the reservation online.

What methods of payment do you accept?

We are a cashless business and accept payment by credit or debit card only. Unfortunately, we do not accept AMEX. 

We do not accept payment by cheque, bank transfer or cash. 

What is the CID number? The online payment system asks me for it.

Only Imperial College staff members have CID numbers. Please leave the box empty if this does not apply to you. 

Special Requests

Can you guarantee my special requests?

We do our best to accommodate special requests, however these are not guaranteed.

Do you allow guide dogs or assistance dogs?

Yes, we do allow registered guide dogs to stay with their owner. Please let us know in advance if you will be bringing a guide dog with you. No other pets are allowed.

Safety and Security

Is the residence safe?

We have CCTV monitoring all our properties, and there is also an electronic swipe card access system to all building entrances.

Your individual room can be accessed only by you, with a key.

Will there be someone available 24/7?

Our residences have 24 hour security on site to support you.

Luggage

Can I leave my luggage if I arrive before the designated check-in time or need to leave after the latest check-out time?

Guests are welcome to leave their luggage prior to check-in or after check-out at their own risk in a designated area in all halls of residence. Please note that your luggage can only be stored for up to 12 hours.

Rates

Is there a discount for alumni and staff?

Yes, we have a special rate for Imperial alumni and staff.

To book, please contact the reservations team directly. You will need to provide either your alumni number or CID to access the special rates.

I am an Imperial College student; do I get a discount?

We do not offer discounts for Imperial College students. If you are a student looking for accommodation over the summer period, please contact the Student Accommodation team on accommodation@imperial.ac.uk.

Why is the price higher than you advertise on your website?

All of our rates are subject to change depending on availability. The website advertises the best available rate during the summer season.