Frequently asked questions
Booking
Q. What is the maximum capacity of your villas?
A. For each villa the maximum capacity is clearly stated on the villa's description page and on the amenities table. NB This number includes children and infants.
Getting to the villa and checking in
Q. When can I check in?
A. Standard check-in times are between 4.00pm and 7.00pm. It is usually not possible to arrive earlier, as the houses need to be cleaned and prepared thoroughly before your arrival (usually other guests have just checked out that morning). Sometimes, however, it may be possible to drop off your luggage earlier and then return at 4.00pm. Please note that it is important to confirm an estimated check-in time and to be as punctual as possible - often the owners live a long way from the villa and make a special trip to welcome you to their home. Should you be delayed, please call the Local Manager.
Q. If I am going to arrive later than 7.00pm?
A. There is a small charge for late check-ins (i.e. after 8.30pm - 9.00pm) of 15 Euro per hour. This should be paid locally in cash to the person waiting for you.
Q. When do I have to check out by?
A. Standard check-out time is by 10.00am. It is not generally possible to check-out after this time as the houses need to be cleaned and prepared thoroughly for the arrival of other guests. If there are no other guests arriving that day, and the owner does not need the house for their own purposes, it may be possible to extend check-out time by a couple of hours.
Q. I'm arriving late on Saturday evening - the shops will be shut. What can I eat?
A. In all our villas you will find a "Welcome Pack" with the essentials to get you through your first evening meal and breakfast. This may vary from house to house and on top of the essentials (pasta, tomato sauce, milk, bread, coffee, tea, olive oil, jam, fruit, water and wine) some owners will provide you with local cheeses and hams, some with pizza, and some with a full-cooked meal! In most small towns in Sicily you will find some food shops open on Sunday morning. Alternatively, for a small fee, we can arrange a welcome shop for you.
Q. How will I find the villa and get inside?
A. Before you leave we will send you detailed directions of how to get to your villa. If you are having problems you can call the Local Manager who will help you arrive. There will be someone waiting for you at your villa - either the owner or the caretaker/property manager. They will give you a complete introduction to the house and leave you the keys.
Q. How many sets of keys will I get?
A. This depends on the size of the house and the number of people in your group. Generally you will get one set of keys for every 4/5 people.
Amenities
Q. Do your villas have Internet access?
A. Most of our properties have a phone line. Several now have a fast Internet connection too. Please see individual property amenties tables for specific information.
Q. Do all the villas have towels?
A. Yes. All villas have bath towels and pool and/or beach towels.
Q. Do all the villas have hairdryers?
A. Yes, all villas have at least one hairdryer.
Q. How well-equipped are the villas' kitchens?
A. The villas all have kitchens that are well-enough equipped for guests to cook the vast majority of dishes in comfort.
Q. I have a small baby. Can I organise for a cot and a highchair?
A. Yes. All our properties have a cot and a highchair. In the vast majority of cases this is provided at no extra charge. Should you require more than one cot or highchair, there will be a small weekly fee for the second/third etc.