Self-Catering Holidays in Europe: Frequently Asked Questions.

Frequently asked questions about Self Catering holidays in Europe.

Are Linen and Towels included?
It depends on the property. All properties have blankets/ duvets and pillows provided. At some properties, linen and towels are included in the rental price of the property. At other properties, linen and towels can be hired, or, of course, you can take your own. The charge for hiring varies, but is levied per person, per change. This charge is payable locally, either to the keyholder or the local Interhome office. Linen hire includes sheets, pillowcases and blankets or duvet covers. As long as you are arriving between the hours of 16:00 and 19:00 on the first day of the rental period, linen hire does not need to be arranged in advance. However, if you are going to be arriving late, it will probably be necessary to advise in advance if linen and towels are required. Details about the situation at each property are displayed when selecting a property, and then this information is confirmed on the accommodation voucher.

What is the latest departure time?
This is usually 10am on the day of departure.

What do the star ratings mean?
Holiday homes are graded by Interhome staff to help you in choosing your property. We explain the ratings below.

Are there any extra costs involved?
Any extra costs, such as for taking a pet, local taxes, linen/ towel hire, cleaning and power charges are mentioned on screen, when the property is selected. They are then re-confirmed on the accommodation voucher issued with your travel documents. If there are any charges, they will be payable locally.

What if I have a specific query and the answer cannot be found here or in the property description?
If something is not mentioned in the property description, as a general rule it will not be provided. However, if you do have a more specific query, please e-mail  info@interhome.co.uk.

What is the Security Deposit?
This is a refundable deposit taken against any damage or breakages. The amount varies considerably, and can normally be paid by credit card if there is a local Interhome office. If it is a smaller resort with no office, then usually it has to be paid in cash. We recommend paying by travellers cheques in the local currency, which can be returned to you if no claim is made. This saves you taking large sums in cash. Provided nothing is broken the deposit will be returned at the end of your stay. If you are arriving late and the key will be left somewhere for you to pick up, then card details need to be provided in advance.

What about final cleaning?
This is either included in the rental cost, or is payable direct to the owner/ local Interhome office. Occasionally, the final cleaning fee is optional, and can be avoided if the departing guests carry out the final cleaning. Information about this is displayed on the screen when selecting a property, and then mentioned again on the accommodation voucher.

What time do I need to arrive?
Arrival time is usually between 16:00 and 19:00. At this time, you will need to meet the keyholder to collect the keys. Directions and a phone number are provided on the accommodation voucher. If you cannot arrive between these hours, then please advise us and we will attempt to arrange arrival at a different time. If it is not sorted out at this stage, then it is always possible for you to contact the key holder yourselves once documentation has been received. We would recommend that you contact them in plenty of time. Also, if you are delayed en-route and are not going to get there in time, then you will need to call the key holder. Contact details will be provided with your holiday documentation.

How and when do I get my travel documents?
By email attachment, with full instructions to help you print them. Self-catering accommodation documentation is not sent until approximately four weeks before departure. The self-catering voucher includes directions for meeting the key holder, information about linen/ towel hire, pets, any local taxes and the amount of the security deposit, and how this can be paid.

What is provided in the kitchen?
This depends on the property, and generally the more stars a property has, the better equipped the kitchen will be. However, all properties have a hob and a fridge. Anything else, such as an oven, dishwasher, microwave or washing machine will only be included if mentioned in the property description. All properties have cutlery, crockery, utensils and equipment necessary for basic self-catering. Please remember that local standards vary, for instance, most properties in Mainland Europe are not equipped with kettles and teapots.

Can I arrive on a day other than Saturday?
Most properties are rented from Saturday to Saturday, some from another day (usually Friday). The dates that they can be rented for are displayed on the website. It is possible to arrange arrival on another day of the week, but there will not be any discount offered if the property is not occupied on some of the days it is rented for. More and more properties are now offering stays of less then 7 days. This will be clearly shown on the website when applicable.

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