What to ask a provider before you book

The ten questions

1. 01

   What is the total for our stay?

   Per person per night × workers × nights, with every fee named. See how to compare quotes.

2. 02

   What is not included?

   Utilities, city tax, final cleaning, towels, laundry: ask for the list.

3. 03

   How often is it cleaned?

   Shared areas weekly is common; rooms are often the guests’ own job.

4. 04

   How often is bed linen changed?

   And whether towels are provided at all.

5. 05

   Where do the vans park?

   Counted per van, with the height limit if covered.

6. 06

   How much is the deposit, and when is it returned?

   And what it may be used for.

7. 07

   When do we pay?

   Up front, per month or per term, and with which invoice details.

8. 08

   What if we cancel or leave early?

   Notice period and what is refunded.

9. 09

   Can we extend?

   Until when you must decide, and at what price.

10. 10

    Who do we call on site?

    A name and a number that answers outside office hours.

Get it in writing

A phone call is a start; the offer is what counts. Ask the provider to put the answers in the offer or the booking confirmation. On Workbeds, every offer shows what is included, excluded and still unknown, in the same format.

Signs to slow down

• No company name, address or VAT number on the offer.
• A deposit that must be paid in cash or to a private account.
• No photos of the actual rooms, only of the building.
• No answer to where the vans park.

Questions people also ask

Is city tax charged on work stays?

It depends on the city. Some exempt business travel, some do not. Ask the provider to state it as included, excluded or unknown.

Should the invoice be in the company’s name?

Yes, if the company pays. Give the company name, address and VAT number before the booking is confirmed.