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These are some of the questions we have been asked by our guests
What time can I arrive and when must I leave? ~ We ask that you arrive between 15:30 and 19:00 and leave by 10:00. This is so that we can prepare the house for the next guests. If these times do not suit let us know and we will try to accommodate. We are always happy to store your luggage to leave you free to enjoy more time on Alderney.
Will a food shop be open when I arrive ? ~ Yes, there are 2 shops nearby which are close at 5pm on Saturdays and open at 9am on Sunday. If you plan to arrive after they close let us know your requirements and we'll shop for you. Alternatively we can book a table in a nearby restaurant for you.
Is there a telephone? ~ We provide a free mobile phone with a local SIM card for local calls. It is "pay-as-you-go" and there will be a few pounds of credit in it when you arrive - please top it up at the London House shop over the road if it runs out.
Can I use my mobile phone in Alderney? Your UK phone will work, but be aware that your UK service provider regards the Channel Islands as outside your contract and so calls, texts, messages and data will be very expensive (the same as France etc). Also, if you have an iPhone or similar with apps loaded they may update themselves without you knowing and you will be billed for the data used. Switch off data roaming before you leave the UK.
Is there broadband internet? ~ There is a computer in the study with free broadband connected. Let us know if you want us to put child access restrictions on the download content. Skype software is loaded to make free Skype to Skype calls, and there is a camera and microphone. There is a free WiFi dongle for you to receive broadband on your own laptop.
Is there a Television? ~ There is a TV in the lounge which receives digital FreeView. There is a DVD player attached, and a small DVD library including children's movies.
What about Radio/Hifi? ~ There are radios and a CD player in the house. The FM reception on the Island is not good but you can also get BBC radio channels on the TV. The HiFi has a connector for you to play your iPod on the speakers.
Can I hire a car or bicycles? ~ Yes, here is the current information We can arrange somewhere to store your hired bicycles if you wish.
Do we need to hire a car ? ~ Not really. You can buy all your provisions from the Braye shops within 200m of Puffins. There are 5 restaurants and pubs in Braye. The main town of St Anne is less than 1km (uphill) walk. If you are reasonably active you can walk to anywhere on the island, maximum distance 2 miles from Puffins. The train goes from next door to the lighthouse every Saturday and Sunday.
Can I hire golf clubs? ~ Yes, you can join Alderney Golf Club as a temporary member, hire clubs and electric cart and have the use of the clubhouse and bar.
Is Puffins wheelchair friendly? ~ There is wheelchair access via a ramp at the front of the building into the main room. The bathroom has a wide door and the shower has wheelchair access. We will put hand grips on the wall by the main bathroom w.c. if you give us notice. The bedrooms have reasonably good wheelchair access. The conservatory has a small step which is wheelchair accessible with a helper. We can arrange the hire of other equipment from the hospital if you give us notice of your requirements.
Do I need to provide any linen or towels ? ~ No, all beds will be made up with good quality (John Lewis) sheets and pillowslips when you arrive. There are ample towels for each person, including beach towel.
If you stay for more than a week we will either come in and change the linen or give them to you to change if you don't want to be disturbed.
Is Puffins non-smoking? ~ Yes, strictly non-smoking in all rooms including conservatory.
Is there a charge for electricity or oil? ~ No, unlike most holiday lets on Alderney which do charge because of the very high cost (about 40p/kwh unit, over 3 times the UK rate) we do not charge but just ask guests to be careful. There is no charge for laundry of linen.
Is there a BBQ provided? Yes, there is a barbeque in the garden, if you want to use it you may have to buy charcoal from over the road unless the previous guest has left you some.
What if I fall ill? ~ there are two doctor's surgeries, a dentist and an excellent hospital on the Island. Call us for advice and transport.However, your costs are not covered by the UK NHS and it is essential that you have good travel insurance.
What happens if the island is fogged in on my arrival or departure days? As above, it is essential that you have travel insurance that will cover the costs. We do have foggy days even in the middle of summer, and there is no Instrument Landing System (ILS) at Alderney Airport.
Are dogs allowed in Puffins? We love dogs, but in order to maintain our high standards we regret that guests may not bring their dog with them. We can lend you a Labrador for walks if you are missing your dog!
Do you take credit cards? We will take credit cards via PayPal but we have to pass on the credit card company's charge of 3%. If you like the security of a credit card payment we suggest that you pay the deposit this way then the balance by cheque or bank transfer - we understand the credit card company (not PayPal) will be obliged to guarantee the whole amount.
You say Puffins is licensed for 6. Can we bring a baby as well? Yes, the States of Alderney Licensing agree to one baby in addition to 6 guests. We have a cot and mattress which we will provide if you give us notice.
How do we get to and from the airport? We will happily pick you up when you arrive and drop you off on departure. Alternatively we can take just your luggage and give you a map to start your holiday straight away with a beautiful 2 mile walk along the coast path.
Do I need to clean the house or strip beds on departure? Would you do this in a first class hotel? Of course not, and that is the sort of standard we offer in Puffins. Just enjoy your holiday and leave the rest to us. |
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