FAQs
Q: How old must the responsible renter be to make a reservation with Rental Retreats?
A: A responsible renter is one who is at least 21 years old. Underage visitors are permitted as long as they are accompanied by an adult or legal guardian.
Q: Is the maximum occupancy affected by infants?
A: Typically, infants under the age of 2 are not included in the maximum occupancy count, as long as they are sleeping in a cot or with their guardian.
Q: Can I bring my pet along?
A: Depending on the preferences of the owner, only some properties permit pets. To prevent allergic reactions, we kindly request that you only bring your pets into pet-friendly residences. Depending on the property, there may be a pet cost of approximately €25 per pet; Rental Retreats must confirm this in writing.
Q: Can I bring more individuals than the number indicated in the maximum allowed?
A: A home's maximum capacity is established to protect visitors' safety and prevent overcrowding. Please respect the home's maximum occupancy limit and make sure that all guests are using the beds that are available.
Q: Is it possible to host a gathering at the property?
A: We have a strict policy against hosting functions at all our properties.
Q: Do you allow weddings in your homes?
A: No, unfortunately, none of our properties are prepared to host wedding events. The only exception is the property "Quinta da Barreira"
Q: Is smoking allowed inside the property?
A: Smoking is not allowed inside any of our properties. Please feel free to smoke in any exterior spaces (balconies or gardens) but not inside the property.
Q.: Are towels and bed linen included in the price?
A: Yes, all our properties have towels and bed linen provided, which are included in the final price.
Q: Do I need to bring my own beach towels?
A: Yes, beach towels must be brought by guests.
Q: What items can I expect to find in the home?
A: Please refer to the features and amenities section of the home listing. Additionally, owners may provide a few basic items such as tea, coffee, dishcloths, cleaning spray, hand soap, toilet paper, dishwashing liquid, dishwasher tablets, and kitchen rubbish bags. If you have specific needs, please be sure to bring those items with you. Each property is different, and guests may also leave non-perishable items in the pantry.
Q: Does the property offer pay TV and Wi-Fi?
A: Holiday properties are individually owned, so the facilities available to guests may vary. Rental Retreats can't guarantee television service, TV channel availability or Wi-Fi connection. Please review the listing or get in touch with us to learn what the specific property you will be staying at offers.
Q: Can I bring my Xbox/Playstation or Wii?
A: Certainly, you can. Before connecting your gaming box, we advise taking a photo of the cord setup so you can quickly recreate it when you're gone.
Q: Do you have a first aid kit on the premises?
A: Yes. The appropriate signs will indicate where the first aid kit is located.
Q: Is drinking the water from the tap safe?
A: Portugal's tap water is tested and monitored by the government on a regular basis to make sure it complies with all quality and safety standards and is safe to drink.
Q: Is the house equipped for children?
A: Many houses are equipped with a cot and highchair for children, however these must be requested in advance. In some instances, the owner may charge a small fee for this.
Q: When is the deposit due?
A: A deposit is due at the time of booking. The remaining balance is due 5 weeks prior to your holiday.
Q: Do you accept partial payments or do I have to pay in whole at the time of booking?
A: Typically, we want full payment within our terms. However, we might be able to set up a payment plan for reservations made more than a year in advance. To talk about the specifics, kindly contact us.
Q: What are the payment methods accepted for my booking?
A: You can pay for your booking with your debit card, Visa, MasterCard, or American Express credit cards, or via bank transfer to our account.
Q: How does the damages deposit work?
A: For all of our properties we take a damages deposit. You can confirm the amount of the deposit on the individual advert for the property that you would like to use. The damages deposit is due with the final balance payment, 5 weeks before arrival. Provided we don't hear of any damage in the property we refund the deposit in the 2 weeks following your stay. If you have paid the deposit by bank transfer you will need to send us your bank details for us to arrange for the refund.
Q: Once I have booked can I change the dates of my booking?
A: Once payment has been received, any changes to the booking dates will be allowed provided all the following conditions are fulfilled:
1- The new booking dates are available.
2- The property is the same, as initially booked.
3- The change of dates is made outside a 2 week period, from the date of your initial booking. Please note: Any change of dates requested inside the 2 weeks leading up to your booking dates are subject to the approval of the property owner
Q: Would I need to sign a rental contract to stay at a holiday rental?
A: By making a reservation, guests agree to abide by Rental Retreats Terms & Conditions. The terms and conditions form the basis of the contract. Unless, specifically solicited, no booking contract will be generated or signed.
Q: How do I go about booking a holiday for a friend?
A: You can book and pay for a reservation for someone else or make payment on a particular property. For further information, please contact us.
Q: Can the cleaning fee be removed from the tariff if I clean the home myself?
A: No, our professional housekeepers are required to clean the home after each reservation stay and the cleaning fee is part of the tariff.
Q: Can I expect to pay any additional fees after I have completed my payment for my booking?
A: Any additional expenses, such as heating, or pay as you go Wi-Fi, will be detailed in the property description. There will be no other mandatory fees added to the cost. Unless you extend your stay or it is determined that a portion or the entirety of your security deposit should be withheld due to damages or violation of property rules, you will not be charged any additional fees.
Q: Is my ID number required after booking?
A: It's typical for your ID number to be requested while making a travel reservation. Your personal information will almost certainly be checked when you check into a hotel or board an airline. Shortly after the booking procedure is complete, we also need the ID number of the primary booking person, which we subsequently give to the property manager.
Q: When and how do I receive the directions to the property, along with other info?
A: All of the arrival instructions, the address and directions to the property will be emailed to you, after you’ve made the initial payment. Then, 1 week before your expected arrival, we will send you the instructions again. Other useful information regarding restaurants, itineraries, tourist attractions, excursions and more can be found on the Guests resources area of our website and our Blog posts. If you have any additional questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Q: How do I get the keys?
A: When confirming your booking we provide a link to your arrival instructions. That document gives you all the information you need for your stay including how to receive the keys.
Q: Is it possible to get another set of keys?
A: You will typically be given 2 sets of keys. If you find that you need another set of keys, please speak to the property managers and it may be possible.
Q: What time is check-in possible?
A: You can review the check-in times for your property on our advert. Also, after a reservation has been confirmed, a document called the Holiday Information pack is provided, that document explains the check-in times for the property.
Q: Can I have an early check-in?
A: At times it may be possible to have an earlier check-in, but it will depend on cleaning schedules and whether a different group of guests have left the property on the same day that you arrive. As we can't predict what bookings will come through, it will only be possible to confirm if an early check-in is possible a day or two before your arrival. Please contact the property managers directly in order to find out if they can allow an early check-in as they are the people that will be able to confirm.
Q: Who do I contact if I realise that I will be late?
A: If you are aware that you will not be able to arrive within the allotted time frame, you should notify the property manager by SMS or a phone call. Should any unforeseen circumstances cause a delay along the way, please contact the property manager, immediately. You have the contact details for the property manager in the Holiday Information document.
Q: We’ve run out of toilet paper. Can you bring us more?
A: The house is supplied with a starter kit of supplies. If you need more than what is provided, you will need to purchase some.
Q: We are unable to get some tools or gadgets to function. Does the property have any instructions?
A: You should be able to find all the instructions that you need for the various appliances. However, the property manager will be able to assist you if you are having any problems.
Q: What should we do if an unforeseen event occurs during our stay?
A: While we make every effort to ensure guests have a pleasant stay at our properties, problems do occasionally occur. If this happens, we suggest that visitors check the guest information folder first before getting in touch with the property manager. In the case of that the property manager needs to visit, guests may be liable for any fees incurred if it is discovered that the issue was brought on by them or a failure to adhere to instructions.
Q: Who will handle any issues that may come up during my stay at the property?
A: Please get in touch with the property manager as soon as you can if you find any issues with the property. Then, as soon as they are able, they will assist you. Of course, you can also get in touch with us at any time, and we'll pass your concerns to the right person.
Q: Do I need to tidy up the place before I leave?
A. The property should be returned to us in the same condition as you found it. This involves cleaning all the crockery and kitchen equipment, emptying the trash, and putting everything away. The price of the accommodation includes cleaning of the floors, bathrooms, and linens. However, if considerable cleaning is required, you may be charged for that service.
Q: What time do I have to check-out?
A: You can find the check-out times for your stay on our adverts or in your information pack. At times it may be possible to have a later check-out, but it will depend on cleaning schedules and whether a different group of guests are arriving at the property on the same day that you leave. As we can't predict what bookings will come through, it will only be possible to confirm if a late check-out is possible a day or two before you are due to leave. Please contact the property managers directly to find out if they can allow a late check-out as they are the people that will be able to confirm. Please note that unauthorised late check-outs may incur an extra charge.
Q: What happens if I inadvertently leave some personal belongings in the property?
A: If the housekeeping team find any items that were left behind, these will be reported to the property manager and held in a safe place. We will then contact you and agree a way to return the item to you. If you come to realise that you have forgotten something, please contact the property manager to confirm if the item has been found and arrange for it to be returned to you. It may be necessary to pay postal charges for returned items.
Q: I have some comments or feedback for you - what should I do?
A: We welcome your feedback as it helps us offer better services for our guests. You can email us at any time with your feedback and comments at info@rental-retreats-co.uk
Q: What is Rental Retreats' cancellation policy?
A: Payments are not refundable. We would always recommend taking out insurance to protect you against any losses in the case that you have to cancel your stay. You can find out more about insurance. If you have no insurance cover or your provider will not cover your loss, we at Rental Retreats would discuss your situation with the individual owner of the property that you booked. The owner would then make a decision about whether s/he would go beyond the regular cancellation policy whereby payments are not refunded.
Q: How do I change my reservation, and are there any costs involved?
A: Get in touch with us so we can assist you with changing your reservation. If the new dates are more expensive than the original dates the difference will need to be paid.
Q: Can I change my reservation to a different property, if I find a better one than the one I originally reserved?
A: If you have already paid for the reservation, it has been secured for you and thus, any changes to the property would be subject to our cancellation terms.
Q: What happens if I need to cancel?
A: If you find yourself unable to use your holiday home, please notify us by email right away. To learn more about our policies regarding cancellations, please refer to our Terms & Conditions. The sooner we are notified of a cancellation the more likely we will be to be able to secure a partial or full refund. Investing in an appropriate insurance policy is recommended.
Q: Do you offer cheaper rates for longer stays?
A: Depending on the length of stay and the season, our team may be able to negotiate a discounted tariff for you. Please get in touch with us to discuss any possible discounts for a long stay if the duration is 3 weeks or more.
Q: What is the Tourist Tax? Shall I pay it?
A: The Tourist Tax is a minor fee implemented by some Portuguese municipalities. The amount varies from area to area, and in many cases, it is only applied for the first few days and only for children above a certain age. Sometimes the tourist tax will be included in the rental rate, otherwise it may be due to the owner on arrival.
Q: Can you set up trips, wine trips, etc?
A: Yes, we will try to help you and suggest the appropriate contacts. Please be aware that payment is made directly in Portugal and that you might need to make certain arrangements before arriving.