Frequently asked questions
01 Booking and Payment
How do I get the best rate?
Booking direct with us is always our best available rate. You deal with the family who own and run the cottage, and there is no platform sitting in the middle. Just use the booking calendar on this site to check live availability and prices. A direct booking discount is offered when you checkout on the site.
How does payment work?
A 50% deposit is due when you book, with the remaining balance due 14 days before you arrive. If you book within 14 days of arrival, the full amount is payable at the time of booking.
There is no security deposit to pay. We do take a £500 pre authorisation on your card the day before you arrive. This is a hold rather than a payment, so no money leaves your account, and it is released automatically after your stay. If we ever needed to make a claim against it we would contact you first and tell you exactly what it was for.
What happens if I need to cancel?
Plans change, so we work on a sliding scale rather than a flat no refund policy. What we refund depends on how much notice you give us, calculated on the amount you have paid at the time you cancel:
- More than 56 days before arrival, we refund 90%
- 29 to 56 days before arrival, we refund 50%
- 15 to 28 days before arrival, we refund 25%
- 14 days or fewer before arrival, no refund is due
On top of that, if we are able to relet your dates we will refund what we recover for those nights, less any reasonable costs. You will never be charged for nights we have been paid for twice.
Please tell us in writing as soon as you can by emailing stays@vine-cottage.com. Your cancellation takes effect on the day we receive it. We do recommend taking out travel insurance that covers cancellation.
Our full terms and conditions are here.
Is there a minimum stay?
Minimum stays vary by season. The live booking calendar always shows exactly what is available for your dates, so if the calendar lets you book it, you can stay.
02 Arrival and check in
What are your check in and check out times?
Check in is from 3pm, and check out is by 10am. We run a self check in system, so there is no need to meet us on arrival.
When will I receive the welcome pack?
We send your digital welcome pack no less than 7 days before arrival, and often earlier. It answers pretty much everything you might want to know before and during your stay.
When do I get the door code?
03 The cottage
How many people can stay?
Vine Cottage sleeps up to 6 guests across 3 bedrooms, plus an infant in a travel cot. An infant in the cot does not count towards the 6.
How can the bedrooms be arranged?
Very flexibly. The master has a king size bed with its own en suite, and bedrooms two and three each have zip and link beds that can be made up as a king or as two singles. Just tell us how you would like the rooms set up when you book, and we will have everything ready before you arrive.
Are bed linen and towels included?
Yes. Hotel quality bed linen and towels are included, and all the beds are made up ready for your arrival.
Do you have a travel cot and high chair?
Yes, both are available on request. Just let us know when you book and we will have them ready for you.
Is there a dishwasher and washing machine?
Yes. The kitchen is fully equipped and includes a dishwasher, a washing machine and a tumble dryer.
What is included in the kitchen?
Everything you need to cook properly, not just get by. There is an induction hob, a combi oven that doubles as a microwave, and a full size fridge freezer, plus a dishwasher, washing machine, tumble dryer, air fryer, kettle and a Dolce Gusto coffee machine. You will find crockery and cutlery for 8, pots, pans and oven trays, serving dishes and bowls, and all the everyday utensils, so there is no need to pack a thing.
04 The wood fired hot tub
Who can use the hot tub?
The hot tub is an optional paid extra, so it is available to guests who have added it to their booking. If it has not been booked it will be locked and no wood will be supplied.
Children under 16 are welcome to use it under the continuous supervision of a responsible adult. It is for the accompanying adult to decide whether use is appropriate for their child.
Please do not use the hot tub if you are pregnant, or if you have a pacemaker, a heart condition, high or low blood pressure, or any other condition that may be affected by hot water, without taking medical advice first.
We also ask that nobody uses it alone or after drinking alcohol, and we recommend a maximum of 15 minutes in the water at a time, less for children.
The hot tub is for guests staying at the cottage. Day visitors are not able to use it.
Is the hot tub included?
Our wood fired hot tub is an optional extra, priced per stay rather than part of the standard booking, and it is available all year round. Simply add it when you book, or ask us, and we will have it filled and ready for you to light. Enough logs are provided for guest use to heat the hot tub, once or twice. Further logs can be purchased whilst on your stay from the hosts.
How does the wood fired hot tub work?
It is a big part of what makes a stay here special: no chemicals, no pump humming away on a timer, just firewood, steam and the Sussex night sky. The tub is completely chemical free and filled fresh with clean water for every stay, and we will have it filled and ready before you arrive.
Lighting and tending the fire is part of the experience. You add logs every 30 to 60 minutes while it heats, and keeping the lid closed makes a real difference to how quickly it warms. Depending on the outside temperature it takes between 3 and 6 hours to come up to temperature: faster in summer, slower in winter.
On winter arrival days we suggest planning your first soak for the following evening: light it after breakfast and it will be ready by dark. Full step by step instructions are in the cottage and in your welcome pack.
05 Practical bits
Is there parking, and can I charge an electric car?
Yes. There is a private driveway with parking for four cars easily, and an EV charger on the driveway (a myenergi Zappi). If you would rather use a rapid charger, the nearest are at Sainsbury’s in St Leonards (about 10 minutes) and the Asda on Battle Road (about 12 minutes).
Is there WiFi?
Yes, there is high speed WiFi throughout, comfortably good enough for streaming, video calls and remote working, plus a 65 inch Smart TV in the lounge and a TV in every bedroom.
06 Access, and what to know before you book
Is the cottage accessible?
We want to be straight with you so you can decide if the cottage is right for your group. There is stepped access from the driveway down to the front door, so Vine Cottage is not currently step free. Once you are inside, however, all of the living space and bedrooms are on a single level. If you have specific access needs, please ask us before booking and we will give you an honest answer.
Can we bring our dog?
We are not able to welcome pets at Vine Cottage, so we ask that no dogs or other animals stay at the property. Registered assistance dogs are welcome, please let us know in advance if you will be travelling with one.
Can we smoke?
The cottage is strictly non-smoking indoors, which includes vapes and e-cigarettes. There is a designated area outside for anyone who does smoke.