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How do
I secure the rental property that's right for me?
Start planning
early, request information from us at least one year before your vacation
begins for high season (Christmas in the Caribbean). This truly will allow
you a greater selection and better prices. Six months advance booking
is recommended for low season bookings. You can also try us last minute
for possible cancellations, but the selection will be narrow and getting
there may be difficult. If you have found what you are looking for, secure
it as soon as possible.
Where
are the rates?
Because
of the differences in seasons, prices for each property and destination,
length of stay, currency exchange, occupancy ratio, taxes, security deposits,
services, linens, utilities, and staff inclusions, you must call us in
order to obtain a guaranteed rate for the property(ies) you are interested
in. If you ever come across or see a lower rate for a specific rental
property (rate, but it may happen if an owner decides to make a special
offer to a chosen villa wholesaler), simply alert us, show it to us in
writing and we will match any offer or discount available. But please
be aware of bad deceptions with stripped down quotes!
What
does the rental price include?
The rental
price we will present you with will include all commissions. Taxes are
often additional, though sometimes included, and this will clearly be
indicated. Prices in general include linens, pool and garden maintenance,
and in some cases maid service. (In the Caribbean, Chef, gardener and
even car can be included depending upon the island.) Your rate should
have a final breakdown and be spelled out with what is or is not included
prior to committing with any villa broker.
We're
only two people, but want to rent a villa,
is there a difference in price?
Ask for
"Honeymoon Rates" for any of our listings, generally available in low
season, but sometimes can be negotiated at high season. This is a discounted
"one bedroom rate" with exclusive use of the property. Don't be concerned
if the number of bedrooms exceed your needs – prices per person or
couple need to match budgeting.
What
sort of deposit do you require?
In general,
50% of the rental fee is required. In general, the balance payment of
the rental fee is due eight weeks prior to arrival, along with the fully
refundable security deposit (usually 20% of the rental fee) against damages,
telephone, and in Europe, utilities. On rare occasions, a credit card
number can replace telephone and damage deposits. Confirmation of Reservations
will be issued once deposits are received.
Do you
provide for extra services or staff?
In some
cases the staff is included with the rental property, mostly in the Caribbean,
but we can help hire needed staff given the proper time to find the "right"
personnel. As far as services, food, beverages, provisioning of the villa,
boats, cars and airport transfers, tennis and golf memberships, everything
is done from the U.S.
How do
I know if a certain property is available?
This again
is on request and changes daily. We can not confirm any dates without
the appropriate deposits. We may at times offer a "courtesy hold" for
24 hours, but this is not a confirmation and should not be considered
as a commitment on our part to reserve the property.
When
do I receive the information about the property, such as address & telephone
number?
This information
will be sent to you two to four weeks prior to your arrival dates along
with your arrival instructions. Rental fees and security deposits must
be paid in full before we can give you any information, including telephone
number and address of the property.
Can I
view the villas personally?
We are happy
to try to organize a visit upon reception of a $5000 deposit to be applied
to your rental fee (of any property you confirm with us), property must
be unoccupied and open.
Can I
cancel my reservation?
We strongly
urge you to take cancellation insurance as we do not offer a refund on
any deposits paid unless we are able to re-rent the property.
An important
note to our readers:
Overseas
Connection does not own or control the properties represented in this
magazine. While we make every effort to carefully select quality vacation
properties to feature, and to accurately represent such properties. we
cannot be held responsible for any errors and omissions, including but
not limited to number bedrooms or baths. All critical facts should be
checked with our office prior to reservation.
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