Frequently Asked Questions

Can we rent an apartment, cottage or villa for less than a week?

Many of our apartments rent from three nights minimum stays. Cottages and villas rent for a minimum of one week and occasionally a two-week minimum, depending on the season.

What type of booking deposit is required?

When you make a booking you will be required to pay a deposit to secure the apartment, cottage or villa. The balance is typically payable from 60 days prior to arrival date. Policies of each property may vary.

Is there a refund in the event of a cancellation?

Refunds are not available unless the property you have deposited is rented for the exact time period of your confirmed rental. In this case, you would receive a refund less an administrative fee. We offer and strongly recommend travel and cancellation insurance. We will make every effort to attempt to re-let the property.

Is a security deposit required?

Most properties require a credit card imprint or a deposit for $400 - $600 to protect against unforeseen damage to the property and to cover telephone and/or other miscellaneous charges. This is similar to a credit card imprint being taken by hotels at check-on. These funds are refunded less the telephone charges and cost of any damage at the end of guests’ stay. We will make you aware of any charges that are not included in the basic rental rate.

Do rentals begin and end on Saturdays?

Cottage rentals, villa rentals and apartments rented by the week begin and end on Saturdays. Apartments rented by the day (minimum 3-days) may begin any day of the week. In a case of a long rental period, alternate arrival and departure days can be discussed with the property owners.

What time is check-in?

Check-in for most apartments and cottages is 2:00 PM. If you wish to be certain of checking in before 2:00 PM it will be necessary to book from the previous day. Apartments with receptions will look after your luggage while you enjoy some sightseeing or get a bite to eat. Check-in for villa rentals is 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out?

Check-out time for apartments, cottages and villas is 10:00 AM.

Is there parking available?

City-center apartments do not have parking available. Most cottages and all villas have parking. If you wish to have a car during a city apartment rental we can seek a location that is close to a public parking facility.

How are kitchens furnished?

Most kitchens have an oven, microwave, refrigerator/freezer, toaster, teakettle, coffee maker, pots and pans, cutlery, dish-ware and glasses.

How are sitting rooms (living rooms) furnished?

Most sitting rooms have a sofa, two or three chairs, small tables and a color TV. They are normally comfortably furnished, often with bookshelves, pictures and personal touches.

How are bedrooms furnished?

Most bedrooms have either one double bed or two twin beds. Some offer queen or king beds and occasionally there are bunk beds in a second or third bedroom. Bedrooms have cupboards or armoires for hanging clothes and a bureau or shelves for storage.

Are bath towels and linens provided?

Yes, apartments, cottages and villas provide bath towels and linens.

Is there a telephone?

Almost all our accommodations provide a telephone. Some budget apartments allow incoming calls, only. Local calls in Europe are generally metered and there is normally a charge for the local calls. This charge is small but it is customary for the tenant to pay the charge. If you wish to make calls home to the States during your stay we recommend a pre-purchased calling card. There is no local charge for using calling cards.

Is there an internet connection?

Many of our apartments, cottages and villas have connections to enable the use of computer modems by connecting into the telephone socket. Connection speeds may vary and there may be a charge for using the local telephone connection for a modem. If this is an especially important issue please let us know so that we can determine exactly what facility is available for your use.

Are accommodations air-conditioned?

Only a very few apartments and cottages in the UK offer air-conditioning. Some, though not all; Paris apartments and villas offer air-conditioning.