Frequently Asked Questions
If your question is not stated below, please send us an email with your queries.
If your holiday is more than 10 weeks away, a 30% deposit is required to secure the reservation. If your holiday is less than 10 weeks away, the full amount must be paid immediately. Bookings will be considered provisional until payment has been received.
When is the final payment due?
Final payment must be received 9 weeks before the arrival date or at the time of booking if your holiday is within that period.
Do you offer holiday insurance?
Not at the moment, but we strongly recommend that you take out holiday, medical and cancellation insurance.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellations by you or any other member of your party must be in writing.
Calculated from the date we receive your notification, cancellation charges are as follows:
Up to 9 weeks before arrival – loss of deposit
7 – 8 weeks before arrival – 50% of total cost
5 – 6 weeks before arrival – 75% of total cost
4 weeks or less before arrival – 100% of total cost
If the outstanding balance is not received within 6 weeks of the holiday, the holiday will be cancelled without further notice, the dates released and any deposits held will be forfeited.
An administration fee will be charged on all refunds.
Can we have extra people to stay?
The capacity of each apartment and villa cannot be exceeded without prior arrangement.
Only those persons named on the booking form may occupy the property. Local managers will refuse entry to any additional guests.
Do you offer discounts for long lets?
Yes we do, especially in winter. Please enquire.
Your property will normally be available from 3pm. If you have an early arrival time it is often possible to leave your luggage in the property and enjoy the pool and surrounding areas while the property is prepared for you. If it is vacant, you can check in immediately.
Can we vacate the property late?
We ask that you vacate the property by 10am on the day of departure. If you have a late flight and would like to stay longer in your property, we can arrange a later departure time but this must be done in advance and a charge will apply.
Are your changeover days flexible?
Most properties are flexible throughout the year although some prefer not to have Sunday arrivals. Please enquire if in doubt.
Can we book a property online?
You can contact us first, either by phone or email, to confirm availability. Alternatively, a booking form can be completed online but this does not guarantee the booking or availability.
Is there an age restriction for people booking?
Yes, bookings are not accepted from anyone under the age of 18.
How do we pay for our accommodation?
Payment can be made by online transfer or directly into local branches. Credit cards are subject to a 2.5% surcharge. There is no fee for debit cards.
Do you arrange transfers to and from the airport?
Yes, we do and strongly recommend it as taxis are generally more expensive and not always available. Please click here for further details.
Do you provide welcome food packs?
Most properties provide basic complimentary food packs for your arrival. A more comprehensive pack for night time arrivals can be ordered in advance. Click here for further details.
Can we hire cots and highchairs?
Cots and highchairs are available for hire at all properties. Click here for further details.
Unless stipulated otherwise, all properties have a weekly clean, linen and towel change and an additional mid-week towel change. Additional cleaning and linen changes are available at an extra charge and must be requested in advance.
Are towels and linen provided?
All bed linen and bathroom towels are provided. You will need to take your own beach towels to use around the pool.
What is included in the rental rate?
Weekly rental prices includes cleaning and all utilities such as water, gas and electricity charges. Some properties have an additional charge for extra guests. This does not apply to infants under the age of 2 years.
Can we rent for less than one week?
It is sometimes possible to rent for less than one week, particularly in mid or low season. We do not rent for less than 3 days.
What happens if we break something?
Where properties do not charge a deposit for breakages, we ask you to replace any simple items, report major ones and pay for them before you leave.
What happens if we have a problem with the property during our stay?
All properties have local managers and you will be provided with their contact details before your arrival. Please contact them immediately if you have a problem. If it is not resolved to your satisfaction, please call us. If we don’t know about it, we can’t help you.
Can you guarantee that there will be no building works nearby?
Building works are being carried out all the time in every country. This is particularly so in the Algarve where there is currently a lot of development. We monitor the situation as closely as possible and will endeavour to inform you of any works that may affect your stay.
Where do we collect the keys for our accommodation?
Details of key collection will be sent to you after full payment has been received.
Are pets allowed in the properties?
No, all pets are strictly forbidden. If a guest arrives with a pet, entry to the property will be refused.
Do any facilities close during the year?
Swimming pools and snack bars in many resorts close from November to April. Some restaurants also close for a short period in winter, allowing staff to take annual leave.
No we don’t, but if you go to our links page, it will link you to various airlines.
In most instances yes, or we can give you the sitter’s number to make your own arrangements.
What is the electricity voltage in Portugal?
220/240 volts at a frequency of 50 – 60 Hz.
Do winter lets include cleaning and laundry changes?
Monthly winter rates always include a weekly clean unless specified otherwise.
Are there any surcharges for Christmas and New Year?
Unless the rate is specified, there is a 20% surcharge from 22 December to 3 January.
Will I need to take travel adaptor plugs?
Yes, the accommodation will be fitted with local plug sockets so you will need to provide your own adaptors for any electrical items you take with you.
Portugal is the same time as the UK and Ireland. Greenwich Mean Time is observed during the winter months. During the Summer, the time is put forward 1 hour from 2am on the last Sunday in March until 2am on the last Sunday in October, which makes it GMT plus one hour.
Is there a telephone available in each property?
As most people have mobile/cell phones these days, the rental properties no longer have telephones in them. Please ensure that your mobile/cell phone will work in Portugal before leaving your country of residence, particularly if you have a pay-as-you-go contract.
