Frequently Asked Questions
If you can't find the answer to your question here, you can contact us using the online enquiry form
- What is the maximum number of people allowed in the villa?
- What is your policy on Smoking and Pets?
- How far away are the main attractions?
- Is the property cleaned daily?
- How do we locate/enter the property?
- Is the pool heated?
- Are there stores and restaurants near by?
- How do we book?
- What if your villa is not available or I require additional accommodation?
- Still got questions?
- Where is the vacation home located?
- Is the vacation home privately owned?
- Do you reduce the prices for small parties?
- Renting for the first time?
What is the maximum number of people allowed in the villa?
The house sleeps 14, 12 in 6 bedrooms and 2 on a sofa bed.
[ top ]Are Smoking or Pets allowed?
For the comfort and safety of all guests, smoking is strictly prohibited within the villa which is fitted with smoke detectors. Although we are pet lovers we have chosen not to allow pets in this home.
[ top ]How far away are the main attractions?
The villa is only 2 miles (5 minutes) from Walt Disney World which is the closest residential community to these theme parks. Sea World is 10 minutes away and Universal 20 minutes.
[ top ]Is the property cleaned daily?
No the property is cleaned before your arrival and after your departure. You can request mid stay cleans at an additional charge.
[ top ]How do we locate/enter the property?
Directions and keypad entry code will be sent to you 2-3 weeks before arrival.
[ top ]Is the pool heated?
The pool can be heated (by agreement) for additional cost as indicated on the booking form. We would recommend pool heat from October through to May. The pool is heated to the maximum temperature allowed under Florida law (85 degrees).
[ top ]Are there stores and restaurants near by?
The villa is minutes from a 24 hour supermarket. The Premium Outlet Mall is only 10 minutes away and houses many designer label stores (including: Nike, Timberland, Adidas, Versace, Armani etc etc.). In addition there are a wide variety of stores and restaurants on Highway 192.
[ top ]How do we book?
Send us your requirements using our contact us form and we will respond with availability and pricing as soon as possible.
[ top ]What if your villa is not available or I require additional accommodation?
We have access to similar quality housing within the area and will happily direct you to the owners.
[ top ]Where is the vacation home located?
The home is located on a lovely secluded, clean and tidy community in Kissimmee - just 10 minutes from Walt Disney World and Epcot. There is a small play area on the resort which is ideal for youngsters to meet others and have fun. There are no shops on the community but there is a large Walmart Superstore, open 24 hours a day, just 2.5 miles away for your grocery and family shopping.
[ top ]Is the vacation home privately owned?
Yes, we actually own the property, but we have appointed a management company to oversee both the property, and your accommodation needs throughout the duration of your stay.
[ top ]Do you reduce the prices for small parties?
Unfortunately, it costs us the same amount to run the home regardless of the number of persons renting it. Our rates are very competitive, especially so for the quality of furnishings that we have installed and therefore cannot offer any reductions on the stated rates. We do, however, run special offers occasionally which you are more than welcome to take advantage of.
[ top ]Renting for the first time?
Many people are anxious when renting directly from a vacation home owner for the first time; their fears are understandable but mostly unfounded. The first thing you need to know is what a vacation rental actually is.
A vacation rental is a private home that is rented out either directly by the owner or through a management / rental agency. The homes come in various different shapes and sizes. In Orlando most homes are family sized houses with three to seven bedrooms and, most having private pools. On the coast you tend to find more condos. One thing they all have in common is that they are all in areas that are designed for short term rentals. The rental periods can vary; in Orlando it is possible to rent a home for just one night where on the coast the minimum rental period ranges from one week to three months. Now you need to know who to rent from.
I always find that it is best to rent directly from the vacation home owner. People who go to the trouble to rent their homes out themselves generally spend a lot of time and energy in doing so. They take pride in their homes, and as they are in direct contact with their guests they tend to know what people want, and so are forever adding to and improving their homes. After all happy guests will recommend their home to their friends and are more likely to give you repeat bookings. When you rent a home directly from the owner, you will know exactly where you will be staying and will have been able to see photographs of the home so you will know exactly what to expect. When you rent through a rental agency, more often than not, they will be unable to guarantee a specific home. Some agencies cannot even guarantee a specific community; in essence you will not know where you will be staying. Renting through an agency you will never get the personal touch that you get when you book through the owner. Once you have decided that you are going to rent directly from an owner, how does it work? Contact the owners of the homes that you are interested in as they will be able to answer any questions you may have, and they will be able to give you the cost for your stay. Please remember that all homes are different, and as such you should expect to see a modest difference in the price depending on the extras and location of the home. Most owners can quote prices in both USdollars and British pounds. All owners add on a refundable security deposit and pool heat will usually be offered as an optional extra.
Florida sales tax is approximately 13% depending on the county in which the vacation home is located. In the Orlando area there are a large number of vacation home owners that living in the United Kingdom where the tax is included in the cost. They, therefore include the sales tax in the price they quote, whereas American owners list it separately. All owners will be happy to give you a receipt clearly showing the tax. Having decided on a vacation home, you can expect to pay a deposit of between 10% & 20% to secure the booking with the final balance being due around 10 weeks before you are due to arrive. Once the final payment has been made you should expect to receive the address and information regarding access to the home. In most occasions the owner will either send you the keys, or leave them in a lock box attached to the house. Unlike hotels or motels vacation homes are self-catering. They will have been cleaned before you arrive and will be cleaned once you have departed There will be no maid service available. If you rent a home for less than a week there may be an additional charge for the cleaning.
Travel Insurance
Guests from other countries always have travel insurance, but it is surprising how many Americans don't bother. We strongly recommend that all visitors take out travel insurance. If you have booked and paid in full for your vacation home but are unable to travel due to illness, without travel insurance you will not be entitled to a refund.
[ top ]