Frequently Asked Questions
Air-conditioning, where available, will usually be wall mounted units in main rooms such as bedrooms and lounge. Only use them when necessary, and only when windows and doors are closed, to ensure that they work effectively. There may be additional charges for air-conditioning, which are specified in the property description.
Usually, you should arrive at your accommodation between 4pm and 8pm. If you arrive earlier you may be allowed to leave luggage at the property if it is still being prepared or cleaned. If you arrive at your property after 8pm, you may not be able to gain access until the following day or will have to make special arrangements (this does vary from property to property, so please check your key collection details with your travel documents). You may have to call the agent or keyholder directly to arrange late or early arrival.
Most baths have shower attachments, often hand-held with no screen or shower curtain. This will be described as a ‘bathroom’ and will include a washbasin and toilet. ‘Shower/wc’ indicates a bathroom with walk-in shower, basin and toilet, but no bathtub.
Beds are usually of a standard size, unless otherwise described.
Mattresses in all countries are often thinner than in the UK and the beds can be of a flimsier structure. Bed linen will typically be appropriate to the size of your party.
Bed linen and towels are provided and are changed at least once a week (see individual descriptions).
Pool and beach towels are not provided anywhere, unless specified on the property description, so please take your own. Tea towels may also not be provided.
We aim to advise you of any potential building noise or road works that may be taking place in the vicinity of your villa, but we are not always informed of this and cannot accept responsibility for noise or disruption caused by any of these events
We can arrange car hire for you.
The lead driver must produce a valid credit card when collecting the car and both parts of their driving licence. You may be required to collect the car from a location other than the airport.
We consider car hire to be beneficial in all our properties unless we specifically state otherwise.
In the brochure description if we state that car hire is essential then you will need use of a car throughout the holiday.
If we recommend car hire then the property will be within walking distance to some amenities but these may be limited and we are not able to provide transfers.
Where we state that car hire is not essential then the property is within walking distance to amenities and we can book transfers from/to the airport.
If you need further clarification please speak to a member of the sales team when booking.
Properties are cleaned at least once on a 2 week holiday (see individual descriptions). Mid-stay cleans generally only concentrate on bathrooms and floors. Your kitchen will not normally be cleaned during your holiday and washing-up is never done. Where we state ‘weekly cleaning’ this means you will receive a mid-stay clean on a two week holiday but not on a one week stay.
Your property will have been prepared for your arrival. It is therefore essential that you clean thoroughly before your departure, in order to leave it as you would expect to find it. Extra charges will be levied where a property is not left clean. Please put everything back where you found it and take away all personal items and foodstuffs. Wash up (or put on and empty the dishwasher), put all crockery away and clean the dishwasher filter if applicable. Don’t forget to clean the BBQ (grills can usually go into a dishwasher).
You should regularly empty all wastepaper baskets and bins and take them to the appropriate disposal points. Maids do not dispose of your rubbish. If you require additional cleaning then please request this and we will aim to get this arranged, however we can not guarantee it, and any charges for this will need to be met by you locally.
Cots are available at most properties. There is usually an extra charge of between £20 and £40 per week payable as part of your booking with us.
Cot linen, where provided, is often not of UK standard and we recommend you take your own.
Tenants accept cots at their own risk as Continental cots do not always comply with British safety standards. The sides may be lower and the bars wider apart than the UK type.
Highchairs where available, can be provided for a fee of between £20 and £30 per week. Tenants accept them at their own risk as they rarely comply with British safety standards and do not always have harnesses.
As many properties are in rural locations, it is likely that you will be visited by creatures living nearby. The gecko (lizard) is very common in the Mediterranean and quite harmless. Ants are attracted by crumbs or food left lying around so it is in your own interests to keep your property as clean as possible. Spiders can produce webs within 12 hours and this does not indicate poor cleanliness.
All properties must be vacated by 10am on the day of your departure, in order to allow time for it to be prepared for the next guests. It may sometimes be possible to allow you to vacate the property later than 10am, but this is for you to arrange with the local agent or keyholder. Alternatively, where properties have daily prices, you could book and pay for an extra day.
They are expensive, so please be considerate. Electricity supplies can be erratic and the water pressure can drop considerably at times, especially in high Summer, and during bad weather.
It is not always possible to use several electrical appliances at the same time. Tap water can often be brackish and salty in Mediterranean countries.
Fans are provided in most properties that do not have air conditioning or ceiling fans, usually one per bedroom. If fans are not provided, they can usually be hired from the property agent or locally in larger resorts.
Taking your own car and arriving at your own pace is a fantastic way to start your holiday.
To help you book your ferry, click
here and choose the route and budget that suits you.
Please remember it is always worth asking if we can accommodate your special needs and requirements, such as suitability for a disabled person, late arrivals, provision of a cot or second cot, allergies, dislikes, etc. We will do our best to help.
Please note property arrival times when booking your flights and travel arrangements and you must ensure that you can get to your property within the allowed arrival times. You must notify us of your flight times once these have been booked. You must also notify either us, or your property keyholder, if your flight is likely to be delayed or result in delayed arrival.
After devastating fires in Spain and Portugal, the authorities now strictly control outdoor fires and BBQs. If your property has a BBQ, there may be restrictions on usage in accordance with local laws. The photos shown in the brochure may not reflect current property surroundings, as a result of forest fires.
These are usually an area of rough mown grass, seldom a British-style lawn. BBQs are sometimes smaller than your deluxe model at home. Garden table and chairs are provided in most properties (but not necessarily loungers, nor do these always have cushions or mattresses).
Please note the outside furniture may not be that shown in the photograph.
Please see above for BBQ advice.
A gardener may visit your property to attend to the garden – please allow him access as it is for your and future guests’ benefit.
You will not necessarily find a full bottle of gas on your arrival. There will be some gas in it and likewise you must leave some on your departure.
Spare gas bottles will be provided, together with instructions on how to change the gas bottle.
Many of our properties are close to golf courses. This is usually specified in the individual property description. Golf can be pre-booked at some properties – please ask for details.
Please notify us if you wish to have any guests visiting during your stay (see individual property descriptions for maximum numbers). It is forbidden for unauthorised or undeclared guests to stay in your property as this nullifies the insurance in case of an accident.
Wherever possible, potential hazards, such as drops from a terraces, or steep stairs, will be indicated in the description. It is understood that where any such indication or warning is given, it is your responsibility to exercise all due care and attention towards all members of your party.
Obvious hazards such as a pool, open well, access to main road, etc. will incur the same responsibility on your part, whether or not a warning is stated in the description.
Please also see Safety on the following page.
Unless otherwise stated in the individual description, our properties do not have central heating.
Properties that are available in the low season will usually have some form of heating (some payable), usually wood burning stoves or enclosed fireplaces, both of which are efficient and warm.
If you encounter any problems with your holiday property, you should contact the keyholder or property agent in the first instance.
Our staff will be available for you to contact for assistance throughout the week in the UK office. They are also available for some hours at weekends on an emergency help-desk number, which will be provided with your holiday documents.
Our properties are privately owned and reflect local lifestyles and the taste and style of the owners. Décor and furnishing may be very different from those you are used to.
Most of the houses are furnished and decorated in local style, some are slightly dated and furnished purely as a holiday home. Comfortable seating is not always provided for the total number the house can sleep.
In properties described as simple, the furniture and equipment are basic. Old houses are often dark inside, which can also help to keep them cool.
Properties are cleaned by local keyholders/agents or the owners. While we strive for high standards it is important to appreciate that they are not professional cleaners. You may occasionally find cobwebs and it is common for old stone walls to exude saltpetre, especially in cool or damp weather.
Personal travel insurance is compulsory and you must ensure that you and all members of your party are covered for any accidental damage and personal liability during your stay (see also security deposits).
You should also ensure that your policy has adequate cover in the event that you have to cancel your holiday. We strongly recommend you have both personal and car breakdown insurance (if taking your own car).
Our rates are shown in the Holiday Insurance pages). The premium is calculated from the date of leaving home until the date you return home.
For a few properties, proof of adequate insurance is compulsory to confirm your booking.
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