Costs and Payments
What deposit is required?
In order to make a booking, you must pay a deposit of £250 or 20% of the total property rental, whichever is the greater, (or such other amount as specified by the applicable service provider) unless booking on or after the final balance due date (usually 10 weeks before the rental start date but as advised at the time of booking and shown on your Holiday Confirmation) in which case you must pay the full cost of the property rental at the time of booking.
When is the balance due?
Balance due date(s) are shown on your Holiday Confirmation. An e-mail reminder will be sent.
Are there any extra costs not included in the rental price?
Occasionally, we have negotiated rental rates with owners exclusive of optional extras such as air conditioning, central heating or pool heating, which means that you will only pay for them if you need or wish to use them. In these cases, a supplement will apply, usually a weekly charge. It will be specified on the property description page if it is paid locally; if paid in advance it will be detailed on your confirmation invoice.
Can I book a property for next year?
Yes, by paying an advance registration deposit of £150 we can reserve a property for you whilst we wait for the prices to be finalised. Please give us a call with your requirements. Alternatively, you can use our notify option, "Click here for 20XX" on your chosen property page. Whilst this does not reserve the villa, we will send you an email as soon as the property is on sale. But please be aware that this will not guarantee you that the property will be reserved for you and many other clients may have registered for this service
Can I make a balance payment online?
Yes. We have a secure payment page where you can make balance payments online by credit or debit card. Please click here to make payment
Is a security/breakage deposit payable?
A Property Damage Waiver (PDW) will be added to your invoice at the rate of £5 per person. The PDW will insure you against accidental damage to the property up to the value of £250. It excludes negligence, vandalism and incidental breakages such as glasses, crockery etc, which should be replaced locally. For any damage that exceeds £250 the owner reserves the right to invoice you for immediate payment.
Paying the PDW means that you will not have to pay the owner of the property a Security Deposit on arrival. At some properties a refundable security deposit is mandatory. Where this is the case, no PDW is payable.
Is the price shown per person or per property?
Our prices are for the rental of the whole of the property for up to the maximum capacity shown. In order to give you the greatest flexibility, prices do not include flights, car hire, insurance etc and you are free to purchase those items elsewhere if you wish.
Why do some properties show two prices for the same week?
This is what we call our Small Party Rate (SPR). This SPR allows smaller groups to stay in some of our larger houses at a reduced price. So if there are four of you and the pricing panel says "Up to 4 guests £595" and "5-8 guests £895" you would only pay £595. Of course, we promise you still have the exclusive use of the property, grounds and swimming pool. At some properties, when the small party rate is paid not all beds will be prepared.
Do I have any Financial Protection if I book with Vintage Travel?
We believe that financial security is an important consideration when booking a holiday. To ensure that you have complete peace of mind, Vintage Travel participates in the Civil Aviation Authority's ATOL Protection Scheme and are also members of ABTOT, with whom we have lodged a considerable bond. Unlike many other companies, the combination of these gives our clients 100% GUARANTEED financial protection. When booking a Linked Travel Arrangement, only financial protection is included and this is at a lower level than if you bought a package holiday. For further information cleck here https://www.vintagetravel.co.uk/about-us/book-with-confidence/
Your Holiday With Us
Can I charge my car at the property?
Currently the majority of our properties do not have electric car charging points. It may be a possibility to charge your car but please contact us to find out this information.
Are the pools heated?
Most swimming pools are not heated. However, where we do state 'Heated Pool' in the property description, this is considered an “additional service”. The cost of providing pool heating is usually payable as an extra and must be pre-arranged. Please note that in the vast majority of cases pool heaters are designed to increase the water temperature by approximately 3°C - 6°C from the ambient water temperature at the time (up to a maximum of 26 to 28°C). The water may therefore still feel cold even where heated. Pool heating is not normally available in July & August. If there is a pool cover it is recommended that this is deployed when the pool is not in use as this will help the pool water retain heat.
Does the property have aircon?
If a property has aircon, this will be indicated in the description. Some properties will make an additional charge for usage and if the aircon is on a timer, this will also be indicated in the description.
How often will the pool be cleaned?
It will depend on the individual property. The schedule of cleaning will be found in the house book.
Do you inspect the properties?
Yes. We personally inspect and often stay overnight to ensure they offer all the comfort and facilities required. Our helpful reservations team regularly visit all the areas, are highly knowledgeable about the houses that we offer and have a wealth of first hand experience of the unique character, traditions and customs of each of our destinations. We welcome the opportunity to talk with you and guide you through the selection process of finding the perfect holiday.
Is maid service included in the rental?
Depending on the house and the area, the cleaning service will vary from a minimum preparation clean, to two or three times weekly. In some cases extra cleaning can be arranged during your stay (payable locally).
For bookings of 2 weeks or more, the maid will carry out a light clean at the end of each week.
Are linen and towels provided?
Yes, all bed linen and bathroom towels are supplied as are also pool towels. Equipment like a hairdryer, iron and ironing board will also be at the property for your use.
What time is the property available from and what time must we leave on our last day?
Check-in / Check-out Times: Check-in 4.00pm, check-out 10.00am
Your property will usually be available for occupation from 4pm on your arrival date. However, cleaners may still be working at this time and we ask that guests show understanding in allowing them to finish preparing the property. In a few cases, the arrival time may not be until 6pm and this will be detailed in your final travel documents. You will usually be required to vacate your property by 10am on your departure date although cleaners and pool technicians may arrive as early as 9am. Please bear in mind these timings when you book your travel.
Does the property have wifi?
If a property has Wifi/an internet connection, this will be indicated in the description. Data limits may apply and reliability cannot be guaranteed. We are unable to accept responsibility or offer compensation for loss of connection or internet service.
Why do you need my passport details?
As a European legal requirement, passport details of all members of your party must be submitted to the Local Authorities in your holiday destination before you travel. This process is equivalent to a hotel check-in service.
Additional Services
Can you book ferries?
Yes. Our preferred supplier, Brittany Ferries, offer a selection of western channel routes as well as the longer crossings from Plymouth or Portsmouth to Spain. Our staff will be happy to guide you through the options and quote our exclusive discounted rates for your journey.
Can you book transfers?
Yes, though in some areas we are not permitted to do this due to local government laws. Please get in touch with our office for further information.
Are cots and high chairs available?
A cot, for a baby under two years, and a highchair, are in most cases provided free of charge if requested at the same time as booking the property. If there is a charge for a cot or highchair then you will be advised of this at the time of booking.
Cots may be a travel cot or of a more traditional style. We cannot guarantee that they will comply with British Standards, and if in doubt it is best to take your own.
Additional cots and highchairs can sometimes be provided and where this is the case cots will be charged at £30 each and highchairs at £15 each. All cots and highchairs added after the holiday booking has been confirmed will be charged at the rates above.
Can you book flights?
We are happy to research flights on your behalf and where we book flights for you there will be a booking fee of £30 per person.
About Vintage Travel
What are your opening hours?
Monday - Friday 09:00-17:30
Saturday 09:30-13:00
Tel: 01954 261431
Our office is closed on Sunday and bank holidays.
Of course, you can check availability of your chosen property and make a booking 24 hours a day, seven days a week online.
How long have you been operating ?
Vintage Travel was set up in 1991, so we have been renting fabulous houses with private swimming pools for over three decades and our pledge remains the same - personal service from experts with a passion for creating the holiday that is just right for you.
General
Can I add extra people?
Yes, though dependent on the size of the property. If a small party rate has been paid and the extra person(s) exceeds this, you will need to pay the full party rate. You will also be asked to pay the Property Damage Waiver for any additional guests. Dependent on the area, you may be asked to pay the local tourist tax.
Will we be met at the airport?
Not usually, so there is no waiting around.
What if I have to cancel?
Your cancellation or alteration request must be made in writing and will only be effective when received by us. Cancellations can only be accepted in accordance with the terms and conditions of the service provider. Please see Terms & Conditions, for our full cancellation terms.
Are pets allowed?
If you would like to take your pet on holiday, please contact us before confirming your booking to discuss whether pets are allowed in your chosen property.
Is a food pack provided?
At most properties owners offer a complimentary pack of food and drink to provide a snack on arrival.
Do you have representatives?
Yes, in nearly all of our areas. In some areas the owner, caretaker or local agent will look after you. Whichever the case, you will always find that they are more than eager to share their knowledge.
Can I book online?
Yes, just click on the price for your chosen week and follow the simple online booking procedure. When we receive your booking we will call you back to confirm the details. Please note that if you book online whilst our office is closed, we will call you back as early as possible on the next working day so you should supply appropriate telephone numbers.
What documents do I need to hire a car overseas?
Full Driving License and a Credit Card in the name of the main driver.
Please note that the paper counterpart of all UK Photo Driving License is now obsolete, however you may still be required to present the information, regarding endorsements, fines etc. that was contained on the counterpart, when you hire a vehicle.
You can obtain this information and download a PDF document containing the information from the DVLA website by entering your driving license number, your national insurance number and your postcode. Some car hire suppliers may accept this PDF document but from the beginning of June you will also be able to download a ‘unique code’ which will allow you to share this information with your car hire company by giving them the code when you pick up your hire car. (Please note that this code is valid for 21 days.) Click here to enter details.
It may on the face of it seem complicated, but it is all very easy (probably easier than trying to find your old paper counterpart)!!
What is a Salt Water Pool?
Salt water pools do not use sea water. They have lower chlorine levels by using a constant process of electrolysis of dissolved salts (minerals) to create the sanitising agents commonly found in most swimming pools. This eliminates the need to manually add sanitising chemicals such as pool chlorine. Employing a more natural form of sanitisation, you should find that the water is softer on the skin (and your eyes).
When will I receive my travel documents?
About 10 days before you are due to depart we will send you a detailed routing to your property along with other relevant information and, where your travel has been booked through ourselves, any travel documentation.
