FAQs
Can anyone eat at Elodie?
Yes. You don’t need to be staying the night with us, or a Birch (Selsdon) member, to eat in our signature restaurant Elodie. You do need to book ahead though.
Need to know:
- Reservations – Bookings can be made up to 3 months in advance.
- Tables – There is a maximum of six people per reservation.
- Cancellations – For no shows or late cancellations (within 48 hours from the booking time), a fee of £69 per person will be applied to the credit card on file.
- Young ones – A minimum age of 16 is required for guests at Elodie. All ages are welcome at Vervain.
- Dogs – We don’t allow dogs in Elodie, but they’re welcome in Vervain, our all-day dining spot.
What time is check-in and check-out?
We guarantee your room will be ready after 3pm. Check-out is by 11am. Feel free to arrive earlier or leave later.
What’s your room cancellation policy?
You can cancel your room booking by 3pm, 24h before the arrival date with the Best Available Rate booking.
All other rates have different cancellation policies, so please check at the time of booking.
Please be informed that in case of cancellations within 24h of your arrival stay, your full stay is not refundable. If you need to cancel your room, please email: reservations.selsdon@birchcommunity.com
Are kids welcome?
Of course. We just ask that children are always with a parent or guardian. If you’re sleeping over then you may want to choose a Bunk room which is ideal for families.
The ten commandments
Birch is a space for all, and that means it needs to work for all.
With that in mind, if you’re a parent please be mindful of how you use Birch and what your kids are up to. There are areas where kids can make as much noise as they like, but there are also areas where calm and quiet is needed i.e. where others are working, meeting or generally taking time out.
Below is an overview of what this looks like, but really our ethos is simple: be aware of your surroundings. This applies to both parents who are bringing their kids, and others who are bringing their clients. Hopefully we can find the right balance between young and less-young so everyone can have fun and enjoy Birch at its best.
Right, on with the show…
1. To parents (or cool aunts and uncles): unless booked into one of our activities with supervised care, always keep kids within view and never leave them alone in a room or bedroom.
2. Kids should never sit alone at a vacant table.
3. Whatever your age: no running, shouting, or games in the corridors and communal areas. This is to keep everyone safe (and everyone sleeping).
4. Again, whether you’re a 40-year-old Peter Pan or a 5-year-old one, no standing or jumping on furniture.
5. No running on the outdoor terrace where others are having drinks. There’s plenty of space on the lower grass areas at both Birch (Cheshunt) and Birch (Selsdon), or members and guests at Birch (Selsdon) can head to Birchlings where kids rule.
6. Birch (Selsdon): The Hive (our co-working space), the Snug, Gym and Angelique are out of bounds to kids. Kids are welcome in the Orangerie, Meadow Bar, Arcade, family wing pantry or garden, at Birchlings, and in the grounds or on the Terrace (just see point four)
7. The Lido at Birch (Selsdon) OPENING SUMMER 2023: kids can use the Lido until 5pm between Monday and Thursday, and until 1pm between Friday and Sunday.
8. Kids are welcome to join any of our age-appropriate creative workshops.
So, to summarise…
9. To parents: we don’t want Dennis the Menace running around on the Terrace while others are sipping an Aperol and soaking up the sun.
10. To others: you were a kid once, excited by all the birds and the bees, so please keep in mind that kids will be wandering the grounds or swimming in the Lido (during set times). Parents should keep kids in view at all times, but if something isn’t quite working for
Is there stuff for kids to do?
Yep – a bucket and spade load.
Outside you’ve got nature, chickens, open spaces and the Lido. Inside you’ve got the Arcade (our games room), Art Room and all over the place we’ve got frisbees, films, and board games.
We run events for kids too. Kids Clubs and Funday activities. We adapt our schedule to seasonality so there’s always plenty going on at the weekends and during the school holidays.
Wander the woods. Get dirty. Make memories. Birch (Selsdon) is a playground for all.
What kind of stuff can members & hotel guests do while at Birch (Selsdon)?
Birch (Selsdon) is an escape for the explorers (i.e. there’s a lot to do here).
We run an events programme (from art workshops and maker masterclasses, to talks and parties), a busy workout schedule (yoga/spin/HIIT classes every week), and a growing programme which includes foraging walks, and pottery classes.
Work, rest, and play with, three bars, two restaurants run led by Lee Wescott, co-working space, wellness space, pottery studio, and art rooms.
Of course, you can always just rest and reset with a long sleep and lazy walk around our 200 acres of nature.
Pls note to take part in any of the programme mentioned above you must be a member of Birch (Selsdon) or a hotel guest.
Can I book one of your events or classes?
We run a range of events – like pottery workshops, candle making masterclasses, and foraging walks. And classes – like riding, stretching, and sculpting. You get total access to them when you stay with us or if you’re a member. In order to book you must be a member or hotel guest of Birch (Selsdon).
If I’m staying with you, how can I book an event or class?
In house guest, two weeks before your stay we’ll send you details so you can log in to our website, see what’s going on while you’re with us, and book any events or classes you want. Members, you will have access to your portal 24/7 and can book whenever you like.
What can I do for exercise?
There are plenty of ways for you to work up a sweat at Birch (Selsdon)… Run in our 200 acres of land or in the gym. swim in our Lido. Spin, sculpt, and stretch in one of our weekly classes. Or head out for a foraging walk with our makers. Our treatment space opens Autumn 2023.
Can I get pampered?
We’ve created wellness practices in response to urban pressures, digital overload, and environmental pollution. These therapies are made to synchronise your body and brain. Open Autumn 2023.
Can I bring my dog?
Yep. They’re welcome in all our communal areas (excluding the Bakery, Lido and Gym). Just be considerate of others. While you love your dog, and we love your dog, not everyone may be a fan. Oh, and please pick up their mess.
If you want them to sleep over too just let us know in advance via the comments box at the time you make your reservation so we can plan accordingly. It’s £15 for the stay (per dog max. 2 dogs per room).
Pets are very welcome at Birch (Selsdon), but we’ve put together the below rules and regs to keep everyone safe and comfortable.
The golden boy rules
Pets must not be aggressive. They must be clean and not have fleas. And you must have proof of current vaccinations.
If you wish to bring a pet then you must let us know when you book your stay or at check-in.
A maximum of two pets per room is allowed. The weight limit per dog is 50lbs/22kgs, although exceptions can be made for service animals.
You will be charged a non-refundable fee of £15 per pet, per stay. This covers extra cleaning and maintenance costs.
When in public areas, pets must be on a lead at all times. This includes in the hallways, lifts and lobby. Well-behaved dogs are allowed in Vervain and Meadow Bar. When using the grounds, pets must be kept on a lead except in areas clearly designated as Lead Free. You are responsible for your pet’s behaviour and owners letting their pet off the lead do so at their own risk.
Pets are not allowed on any furniture anywhere inside or outside the hotel.
You are responsible for cleaning up after your pet(s). We can provide waste bags and disposal stations are located throughout the property.
You must not leave a pet unattended in a bedroom unless they are in a crate or carrier. If a pet is left unattended and causes damage to the room, or other hotel property, you will be held responsible for any repair or replacement costs. You must hang a ‘Pet in Room’ sign on the door. We will not enter the room when that sign is displayed.
You are responsible for any disturbances caused by your pet(s). This includes excessive barking, biting or aggressive behaviour. If a pet is deemed a nuisance by hotel management then you will be asked to make alternative arrangements for your pet(s).
As the pet’s owner you are responsible for any injuries or damage caused by your pet to other guests and hotel staff.
Birch (Selsdon) is not liable for any incidents involving pets and accepts no liability for any damages, injuries caused by or to others, or any other matter arising as a consequence of your pet’s behaviour.
We hope that you and your furry friend will enjoy your stay with us. Just speak to Reception if you have any questions or concerns.
Right, enough of all the questions already. Just come see for yourself.
Cash or card?
Birch (Selsdon) is cashless so no notes or coins needed. We accept all major cards, including Amex.
Do In-House guests get access to the Lido?
Yep, for the whole of your stay.
Staying with us?
The next few questions are for you…
How do I get through Birch (Selsdon) entrance gate?
48 hours before your stay you will receive an email where you can tell us your car reg details. We will get you set up on the gate so that you can come and go as you please during your stay. Any issues just shout. If you’re arriving by taxi, just ring the buzzer.
Where do I park?
There’s loads of parking spaces to choose. First off though, make sure you let us know your registration number before you arrive. Then swing by the Mansion House to say hi and check-in.
When will my room be ready?
3pm is the general rule. However, feel free to arrive earlier and hang out.
When does my room get cleaned?
Before your stay we’ll do a deep clean and check of the room. Once you’re in, it’s your private space and we won’t come in again until you say goodbye. We want your room to be your space.
Just a quick note! Your rooms are not serviced throughout your stay, however, if you wish to have a refresh we can totally do this between the hours of 9am-4pm.
Of course if you need anything then just ask our Placemakers.
What if I need an iron?
Speak with our Placemakers and we’ll sort it.
You say Birch (Selsdon) is ‘pay as you go.’ What does that mean?
Nothing too tricky here… You pay for things as you use them. Eat something, pay there and then. Drink something, ditto. This avoids any annoying check-out nonsense so you can come and go easily.
Wanna go old skool and set up a credit account to charge things to? No worries. Chat with our Placemakers and we’ll sort it.
What do I need to do to check out?
Basically nothing. Whenever you want to go before 11am you can and that’s about it. This avoids you having to queue in a check-out line for 20 minutes.
What do I do for food?
You’ve got a few options here.
Elodie: one of our main attractions. Elodie is our all day signature restaurant led Lee Wescott.
All Day Dining: this all-day dining extravaganza in the middle of the Mansion House (although you can also eat outside on the terrace at the weekends in the summer months).
What about drinks?
There are three bars at Birch (Selsdon) serving Cocktails, beer, wine on tap… Drink up.
Childcare
It’s the weekend and for reasons I don’t want to share on a FAQs page, I want someone to look after my kids. Can you help?
Yep. Thats what our Birchlings Kids Club (that’s our name for it, you might just call it ‘childcare’) is for. Our experienced team will take care of your young saplings for outdoor fun and adventure.
Sessions are suitable for children aged 5-12 (those under 5 need to be accompanied by a parent).
I haven’t booked any events or classes. Can I still join one? And how do I know what is on today?
You’ll be able to see what’s on at our events & classes page soon, where you’ll be able to book. Or, head to Reception when on site and you see that day’s schedule. The Placemakers can get you booked onto things and chat to you about what’s what.
Yes, it’s best to book this stuff in advance. However, there’s plenty going on so we’ll do our best to get you into something.
When will the treatment space open?
Autumn 2023
What’s the easiest way to get to Birch (Selsdon)?
If you’re coming by train then head for East Croydon station. From there, we’re a short bus ride or 10-minute taxi/Uber. If you’re coming by car then we have plenty of parking.
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