FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ's - Booking Procedure
When I make a rental reservation request, how is it processed?
Your reservation request is dealt with by one of our sales team. The availability and full costs will be sent by email. If the accommodation you requested is not available, then your sales consultant will find similar options which are available and offer you an alternative accommodation. Please note that the individual member of our team that handles your request from the start will be the person responsible for your booking; you will not be speaking to a machine - our follow up service is totally personable.
What is necessary to complete my booking?
Pay your deposit: Click the link to pay your deposit to confirm your booking; PayPal and bank transfer are accepted.
You will receive your confirmation and booking voucher shortly thereafter.
How long will it take for my reservation request to be answered?
You can expect to receive a reply from us between 2 and 12 hours.
Please consult our rental agreement page for more indepth detail about each section below.
FAQ's - Payment
How much of a deposit do I have to pay?
After we have received the completed booking form, we will email instructions on how to make the necessary deposit (approximately 20-50% of the total rental depending on the location).
When do I pay the deposit?
To confirm your booking, payment must be made within 2 days of your confirmation after which Italy-Unique has the right to cancel the booking. If you have difficulties with making the payment within 2 days, please contact our administration to arrange an extension.
Which payment methods do you accept?
PayPal or bank transfer.
Can I settle the remaining balance of the apartment by credit card/bank transfer?
In Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast, your balance is due 50 days prior to your arrival date, for city locations (Rome, Florence, Venice), your balance must be paid to the owner in cash. It is not possible to pay your balance prior to arriving.
A security deposit may be required in those properties where there are a number of valuables the proprietor wishes to protect. Those properties that which require this security deposit clearly state it on the property description page and again on the voucher. The security deposit is paid for on arrival in cash and returned to the client at check-out after an inspection and verification of damage or breakage that may have occurred during your stay.
Are children charged at a discounted rate?
The nightly rates are partly based on the amount of linen used and utility costs, therefore the age of guests is not a factor. Children and babies who require a separate bed, sofa bed or cot are charged at the per person rate where applicable. Children and babies (0-2) who do not require extra linen, do not incur a charge.
Do I pay for electricity or gas during my stay?
In low season, utility costs are generally covered within the rental fee, moreover, utility costs in Italy are very high. Therefore some apartment owners charge for electricity in summer to cover air conditioning and gas in winter to cover heating. This is always clearly written in the apartment description on the website. The cost is either at a fixed daily rate, or metered and charged at local rates.
Why do I pay a final cleaning charge?
The final cleaning charge is to ensure that the properties are kept at as high a standard as possible. This charge does not carry any profit for the owner or Italy-Unique, but is used to ensure that the properties are kept at a high standard.
FAQ's - Check-in & Check-out
How do I get the keys to the apartment?
As soon as you have paid your deposit and informed us of your arrival time, we will make an appointment for either the owner or our person in charge of check-ins to meet you with the keys and settle you into your accommodation. In the event that you are running late, you will need to give the contact number on your voucher a call.
Is there a specific check-in time?
The official check-in time is between 14:00 (2 pm) and 21:00 (9 pm). This allows the cleaning staff to get the apartment ready for you after the check-out of the previous guests, we try to allow you to check-in as close to your arrival as possible if the apartment is ready. We therefore request your actual arrival time and ask that you call your check-in contact on arrival at the airport, station or when approaching the city, if arriving by car. If you need to have a guaranteed check-in prior to 14:00 (2 pm), you will have to book the apartment for the previous night which will mean paying the full cost of one night.
Should your travel arrangements necessitate a check-in after 21:00 (9 pm), apartments carry a late check-in fee of 25 Euro, which is stated on the accommodation voucher.
We only accept check-ins after midnight by prior agreement and they carry a late check in fee of 50 Euro. **Please see below for information on plane delays.
Is there a specific check-out time?
Check-out is by 10:30 am. If you need a guaranteed late check-out, you must book the apartment for the following evening at the full cost of one night, We do suggest that the best solution is to check-out at 10:30 and go directly to the main train station and use the storage lockers. You can then go out and enjoy your last day and return to the station to take the bus or train back to the airport.
If my plane is delayed or canceled and I arrive after midnight, what should I do?
We cannot accept check-ins after midnight unless previous arrangements have been made.
If you arrive after midnight, please check into the airport hotel and call us in the morning to arrange check-in.
We highly recommend that our clients take out travel insurance to cover these types of issues.
FAQ's - Children
Are children charged at a discounted rate?
The nightly rates are partly based on the amount of linen used and utility costs, therefore the age of guests is not a factor. Children who require a bed and linen are charged as adults while infants (0-2), who do not require extra linens or a baby cot do not incur a charge. We kindly ask that you please inform us, at the time of booking, of all members of the party who are to stay in the property.
Do you provide baby cots?
We can provide baby cots in almost all properties. There is a fee of 10 Euro per night and this can be arranged through your sales consultant at the time of your booking.
How many people can we have in the apartment property?
The amount of people occupying the property cannot exceed that which was specifically agreed upon at the time of booking. If the property accommodates more people and you would like to add more people to your party, you must contact Italy-Unique in advance so the contract can be adjusted. We consider children and babies as extra people, not only for the purpose of cost but also as certain accommodations may not be suitable, so it is very important at the time of booking to list all members of the group.
Why rent a self catering Holiday apartment in Italy?
Apartments vs Hotels
Before you embark on the exciting journey of a self catering accommodation in an ancient city like Rome, Florence or Venice, take a moment to consider if you have realistic expectations from your Italian accommodation. This page was inspired by those clients who have arrived at their rented accommodation expecting hotel services, such as a fully stocked fridge and pantry and the sorts of amenities that do not exist in Italy.
Be informed of the realities of apartment rentals before you book, as an unhappy client who had unrealistic expectations is not what we are aiming at. Your holiday is very important and should be a joyful experience, not one laced with regret.
Apartments in Italy and other parts of Europe, are in fact the real thing; real homes - not like the standard serviced holiday apartments that you may be familiar with back home.
The Positives of Renting an Apartment or Villa in Italy
If you choose the self catering route, you will be rewarded with the enriching experience of living like a local in your own space. You'll be able to go to the markets and buy the local produce. If you're fortunate enough to have rented an apartment with a terrace, you can dine outdoors overlooking a magnificent skyline or maybe some characteristic ancient roof tops. You'll certainly save money and have more space.
» save money » more space » more privacy » experience living like a local » enjoy the local produce in your kitchen » most apartments have washing machines
The Facts of Italian Self-Catered Accommodations
The facts you need to be aware of when renting "Self Catering Accommodationa" in Italy are that you are making the choice to be a more independent traveler. Are you prepared for the realities of this experience?
Self Catering Accommodations have many positive benefits as mentioned above, however you need to be informed about self catering in Italy - it is not like renting a hotel room, or an apartment at the embassy suites, where you are renting an apartment with hotel services - rather, you will be renting a true home which will have only weekly cleaning and linen changes, not daily, and there will be no front desk.
For any extra services you require, you will need to think ahead of time and book them before you travel. Although our agency does offer many different services, these do need to be booked in advance as you will not have a 24 hour front desk at your disposal, but rather a home away from home.
Although certain proprietors "may" provide some basics, you cannot expect this in Italy. Therefore, it should not be expected that you find a stocked fridge or pantry. You will need to go out on the first day and do your grocery shopping. You should also consider that your arrival and departure need to be thought through, by choosing to arrive after 2pm and choosing a morning flight out, so you don't have to consider baggage storage. It is a matter of being prepared and organizing your trip with these things in mind.
If you need to have an early check-in or late check-out, you will have to book the property for the previous night or the following night. The above facts may swing you away from renting a self catering apartment, if so, we wish you a wonderful holiday and hope that your vacation is all that your hope it to be, but for those clients who choose to rent an apartment through our agency, we welcome you and look forward to assisting you in creating the most memorable experience possible.
We are here to create many positive memories of your time in Italy. Like so many of our clients who return yearly or come for the first time to discover the "real Italy", we look forward to receiving you and to offering new properties and regions in our ever expanding listings.
Travel Insurance
Refund Policies and Trip Cancellation and Interruption
Vacation properties are often booked many months in advance and the property will be held for your use during your trip. When the property is being held for you, it obviously cannot be rented to someone else. Therefore, like cruise, tour packages and airline tickets, when booking/reserving a vacation rental home, you will usually need to make a full or partial payment upfront in order to hold the property.
Normally this is not a problem, BUT if you have to cancel your trip (especially at the last minute), you should know that you may forfeit a portion or all of your rental fees. There are ways to protect yourself however - FIRST: Make sure you know what the cancellation policies are for the property you are renting. SECOND: Consider purchasing Trip Cancellation Insurance for added protection.
If I cancel my vacation rental trip, am I eligible for a refund?
It depends on the cancellation/refund policy of the property that you are renting and how much notice you are able to give. Usually the more notice that you are able to give, the better chance that the property can be re-rented and the more likely you will be able to secure a partial or a complete refund. Some properties may allow you to transfer your vacation to another time period. We recommend that you find out about the cancellation/refund policy before you rent and ask for the policy in writing when you reserve the property. For additional protection, we recommend that you purchase Trip Cancellation Insurance. Most people are not aware that this insurance is available for your vacation rental trip but it is available thru companies such as Insuremytrip.com or Travelex Insurance.
Note: Coverage varies with different insurance companies - please review your policy details and know what is and is not covered for your policy.
FAQ's - Italian Bed Sizes
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USA |
Australia |
UK |
Italy |
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Twin / Single |
39 × 75 in 0.99 × 1.90 m |
36 × 75 in 0.92 × 1.90 m |
0.9 × 2 m 35 × 79 in |
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Double / Full |
54 × 75 in 1.38 × 1.90 m |
1.4 × 2 m 55 × 79 in |
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Queen (UK King) |
60 × 80 in 1.53 × 2.03 m |
60 × 78 in 1.53 × 1.98 m |
1.6 × 2 m 63 × 79 in |
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King (UK Super King) |
76 × 80 in 1.93 × 2.03 m |
72 × 80 in 1.84 × 2.03 m |
72 × 78 in 1.84 × 1.98 m |
1.8 × 2 m 71 × 79 in |
International Bed Size Comparison Chart (width x length)
Information:
A bunk bed is two or more beds one atop the other.
An infant's bed (also crib or cot) is a small bed specifically for babies and infants.
A daybed is a couch that is used as a seat by day and as a bed by night.
A futon is a traditional style of Japanese bed that is also available in a larger Western style.
A murphy bed is a bed that can hinge into a wall or cabinet to save space.
A platform bed is a mattress resting on a solid, flat raised surface, either free-standing or part of the structure of the room.
A sofabed is a bed that is stored inside a sofa.
A trundle bed or truckle bed is a bed usually stored beneath a twin bed.
Buy Italian Rail Tickets Online
Tickets directly purchased from the Trenitalia website requires that you have an Italian credit card, so we have listed below alternative methods to buy tickets directly online from your home country.
From anywhere
WhyGo Italy has a partnership that allows anyone to buy Italian train tickets at the same prices available on the Trenitalia site, whether you’ve got an Italian credit card or not.
From Australia
From the USA & Canada
From the UK & Ireland
FAQ's - Car Parking
If you are going to drive into one of Italy's cities and wish to park your car during your stay, you should seriously consider the expense and trouble before going ahead with this.
Firstly, the historic center of most major cities are heavily restricted with cameras at most points of entry and in some parts traffic police preventing those who are want to enter regardless of the fine. For non-residents without a pass on their car windscreen there is a fine of around 60 Euro if you drive into the center, then once you get into the center there is no parking available and if you do park without a permit you will likely be fined, wheel blocked or towed away... not a pretty picture!
"As a resident of the Spanish Steps area in Rome, I didn't even bother to own a car for three years until I secured one of the rarely available extortionately expensive private car spaces available as my rental car had been towed, blocked and fined a multitude of times."
If you still want to go ahead and keep that rental car, there are several solutions. One is parking in one of the covered public car parks and leaving your car there for the duration of your stay. Another is to choose one of our apartments that are just outside of the restricted zone, (see each individual website for this information) which means you can legally park - but finding a car park is never easy and you will still need to purchase hourly parking tickets from a machine or at the Tabaccheria which will cost you up to 20 Euro per day. So there you have the realities of keeping your car during your stay so you can make an informed decision in regards to whether it's worth keeping your car or not. You can also check out http://www.parcheggi.it/, this site lists all the parking garages in Italy.
Trip Planning - Special Flight Deals to Italy
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To Find the best fares to Italy, click your country of origin
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From Australia |
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From the USA |
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Delta Direct flights to Italy Delta Airlines special deals ... |
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From Canada |
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Air Canada Direct flights to Italy Air Canada special deals.. |
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From the UK |
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EasyJet Direct flights to Rome,Pisa,Venice Easy Jet special deals ... |
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British Airways Direct flights to Rome,Pisa,Venice British Airways special deals ... |
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Meridiana Direct flights to Palermo & Catania Meridiana special deals ... |
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From Ireland |
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Aelingus Direct flights to Rome, Naples,Venice Aerlingus special deals ... |
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