Frequently Asked Questions

You can book directly through our website using the booking calendar on the Check Availability page. Select your dates, fill in your details, and submit your booking request. We typically confirm within a few hours. Booking direct means you avoid the 10-20% platform fees charged by Airbnb and Booking.com. Please note that bookings must be submitted by 4:00 PM on your intended arrival day for same-day confirmation.

We have a minimum stay of 2 nights for off-peak periods. During school holidays, bank holidays and peak summer a 3-night minimum may apply. For weekly stays of 7 nights or more, please contact us directly as we may be able to offer a special rate.

We offer free cancellation up to 14 days before your arrival date. Cancellations made less than 14 days before arrival are subject to a charge of the first night's stay. Full details are in our terms and conditions.

When you book directly with us, you save on the service fees that listing sites charge (typically 10-20%). You also get direct communication with your hosts Becki & Lewis, priority for date changes, and the best available price guaranteed. You're dealing with real people, not a faceless platform.

We offer fast confirmation — typically within a few hours of a booking request. For same-day bookings, please contact us by 4:00 PM at info@welcomeretreats.co.uk. Check-in details are sent before arrival, making last-minute arrivals very straightforward.

We accept card payments through our secure booking system. Bank transfer is also accepted for corporate bookings or weekly stays. A deposit may be required to secure your booking, with the balance due closer to arrival. Full payment details are provided when you receive your booking confirmation.

The apartment accommodates up to 4 guests: up to 3 adults, or 2 adults and 2 children. There is a king-size bed in the bedroom, plus a sofa bed in the living area. A travel cot is available on request for very young children.

The apartment comes fully equipped with high-speed WiFi, a Smart TV, a fully fitted kitchen (oven, hob, microwave, fridge/freezer), washer/dryer, quality bed linen, towels, toiletries, hairdryer, and free parking nearby. Everything you need for a comfortable self-catering stay.

Our kitchen is fully equipped with an oven, gas hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, toaster, kettle, and cafetière. We provide all the pots, pans, crockery, cutlery, and cooking utensils you'll need. You just need to bring or buy your food.

Yes, the apartment has a combined washer/dryer. This is particularly useful for longer stays and families with young children. A clothes airer is also provided.

The apartment is set within Royal William Yard on Plymouth's waterfront. The development itself is right on the water's edge and the surrounding area has spectacular views of Plymouth Sound. The apartment has views into the Yard's historic courtyard rather than directly over the water, but you are steps from the waterfront promenade.

The apartment is generally suitable for wheelchair users, though please note there is one step into the apartment of approximately 8 inches (20cm) at the entrance. The building itself does not have lift access. If you have specific mobility requirements, please contact us before booking and we will advise whether the apartment suits your needs.

Check-in is from 1:00 PM. This gives us time to thoroughly clean and prepare the apartment after any previous guests. If you'd like to arrange an early check-in, please contact us in advance — we'll do our best to accommodate you if the calendar allows.

Check-out is by 10:00 AM. If you need a late check-out, please let us know in advance. We can sometimes accommodate late check-outs depending on the booking calendar, but this cannot be guaranteed.

Access is simple and contactless. You use a key fob to enter the building and a key to enter the apartment — both are provided before your arrival along with full instructions. You can arrive at any point from 1pm onwards without needing to meet us.

We provide full parking instructions with your booking confirmation, including the nearest car park to the apartment within Royal William Yard. The Yard has its own car park and we'll make sure you know exactly where to go before you arrive.

Royal William Yard is on the western waterfront of Plymouth, Devon, at PL1 3PA. It's about 2 miles west of Plymouth city centre and approximately 25 minutes' walk from Plymouth Hoe. The Yard sits right on Plymouth Sound, with spectacular views of the water and Drake's Island.

Yes, convenient parking is available at Royal William Yard. We'll send you full parking instructions when your booking is confirmed, including the specific car park location. No access codes are required.

Plymouth train station is about 2.5 miles from Royal William Yard — a 15-minute taxi ride or Uber, or you can take the Number 34 bus which stops nearby. Plymouth is on the main London Paddington line with direct trains from London (around 4 hours), Bristol (2 hours), and Exeter (1 hour).

Royal William Yard itself has several restaurants and bars including Le Bistrot Pierre, SECO Lounge, and Wagamama with waterfront views. The Dock restaurant is nearby at King Point Marina. Plymouth Hoe (iconic seafront park) is a 25-minute walk. The Barbican historic quarter is 20 minutes by foot or 5 minutes by car. Dartmoor National Park is 30 minutes' drive.

Bovisand Beach (sheltered cove) is 15 minutes by car. Wembury (National Trust beach with great rock pools) is 20 minutes. Bantham and Bigbury-on-Sea are about 45 minutes. For surfing beaches in North Devon (Croyde, Saunton), allow around 90 minutes.

Our standard rate starts from £103 per night. School holiday and bank holiday periods are priced at a higher seasonal rate (from £127/night). The exact rate for your dates is displayed in the booking calendar. All rates are per night for the whole apartment — not per person.

Yes — significantly. Booking direct through our website saves you the 10-20% service fee that platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com add on top. Our direct booking price is always our best available price.

Our nightly rate includes WiFi, linen, towels, toiletries, and parking. There are no hidden cleaning fees or booking surcharges when you book direct. The price you see is the price you pay.

For stays of 7 nights or more we may be able to offer a discounted rate. Contact us directly at info@welcomeretreats.co.uk with your dates and we'll provide a quote. Weekly stays are popular with corporate guests and families during school holidays.

Yes. Please let us know you require a VAT invoice when booking and provide your company name and details. We will issue a full VAT receipt suitable for business expense claims.

We're sorry but pets are not permitted at the property. This is due to the building lease rules and to ensure the apartment remains in the best condition for all guests, particularly those with allergies.

Smoking is not permitted anywhere inside the apartment. This includes vaping and e-cigarettes. Smoking is permitted outside in designated areas within Royal William Yard.

The apartment is a residential holiday let within a mixed-use development. Parties and large gatherings are not permitted. We ask guests to be respectful of neighbours, particularly after 10pm. The apartment is perfect for couples, small families, and small groups of friends.

Day visitors (not staying overnight) are permitted but please let us know in advance if you're expecting people. The maximum overnight occupancy is 4 guests. Any overnight guests beyond the booked number are not permitted without prior agreement.

We ask guests to treat the apartment with care. If something is accidentally damaged, please let us know straight away — we appreciate honesty and in most cases accidental minor damage is not charged. Significant damage or damage caused by negligence may be charged. Full details are in our terms and conditions.