Frequently Asked Questions
Read the answers to the most frequently asked questions on renting an apartment or a villa with us.
- How do I make a booking?
- Is there an additional booking fee for booking through you?
- Can I rent for less than a week, and is the rental period always Saturday to Saturday?
- Why are your properties less expensive than comparable properties from other agencies?
- Do I need to send a separate email for each individual apartment / villa?
- Can I get a printed catalogue of your properties?
- We are not sure yet how many of us will be able to come. Is it a problem adding more people at a later time?
- Can I use a credit card to pay for the rental?
- What differences can I expect between an Italian and an American or UK apartment or house?
- Are linens provided at no extra cost?
- Is the kitchen fully equipped / is there a washer and a dryer?
- When does the swimming pool open? When does it close? What about the outdoor activities and facilities?
- Do appliances work the same in Italy?
- What happens if we break something while we are in the house?
- What are the beds like in Italy?
- What is the cancellation policy?
- How will we know how to find the property and will someone be there to show us around?
- How far in advance should I book?
- Is there a discount for rentals of longer than a week?
- What happens if we have a problem during our stay?
- Do you have any references, floor plans or additional pictures?
- What is the check-in and check-out time?
- Do we really need a car?
- I could not find the answer I’m looking for!
How do I make a booking?
In order to book a property you can either do it yourself through our web site ( before check the availability) or write to us.Some property is available to Book Online, as instant Booking. Making the booking through our web site is very easy.
If you would like us to make the booking for you, we will need to know your full mailing address, a phone number where we can reach you in case email is not working, and, of course, the name of the property you would like to book, along with the dates of your stay, and your party size.
Is there an additional booking fee for booking through you?
There are no “hidden” booking fees when you rent from VillatoRent.it, not any kind of fees or taxes to add to the rental price. All you pay is the rental fee, as indicated on the rate schedule for the villa of your choice, and, for some of the villas, some local costs.
Costs to be paid locally are clearly indicated on the rate schedule, and they are confirmed to you in writing, so that when you are arrive at your villa there are no misunderstandings nor nasty surprises. If you have any doubt please contact Us.
Can I rent for less than a week and is the rental period always Saturday to Saturday?
We ‘ll do our best to arrange check-in and check-out on any day of the week. If you are considering renting not from Saturday to Saturday you can email us and we will do all possible to find a solution. It depends on the property and of the period of the year.
Why are your properties less expensive than comparable properties from other agencies?
Our prices are lower because we list private villas on our web site. We are in direct touch with the owners of each villa, so there is no long list of agencies that add their fees along the way. Also, we’re the exclusive agent for some of these villas, such as Villa Donna Elisa, Villa Magnolia, Casa Gilda, Casa Giada, Casa Regina, Villa Miragalli, and more…
Moreover, we always encourage each property owner to set a reasonable price for the villa in the first place. As a small business , we are also able to keep our costs low. We use e-mail to interact with customers, the villa owners are only a local phone call away, and we have decided not to print a catalog, since printing costs would ultimately have been reflected in what our customers paid for their vacation rentals. Being “cost-wise” has resulted in extremely reasonable prices for our villas.
Do I need to send a separate email for each individual apartment / villa?
Just a single email will do. Your request is received by our staff, who is knowledgeable about all the apartments or villa that we represent, and can help you choose the best one for your needs. Simply ask!
Can I get a printed catalogue of your properties?
No, we have decided to offer a web catalog instead of printing one. The web catalog allows us to keep rental costs low and to present the properties with more details and more pictures than we could provide in a traditional print format. We keep working on our website to offer you better description and photos! No surprise you’ll have what you saw online!
We are not sure yet how many of us will be able to come. Is it a problem adding more people at a later time?
No problem! Each property will welcome up to the advertised number of guests. You can always add more names at later times, as long as the number of sleeping places shown on the description of the property is not exceeded. Please inform Us as soon as possible, minimum 24 hours before your check in date, to set perfectly the linen and towels for your party.
Can I use a credit card to pay for the rental?
Yes, as a registered official merchant we accept Visa and MasterCard through PAY NOW, our 100% secure payment system. Payments can be also made by Bank transfer. No check, no money transfer.
What differences can I expect between an Italian and an American or UK apartment or house?
Clients most often comment on the incredible feeling of living amid-st the deep layers of Italian culture and history. However, they also mention that the luxury they most miss is an American-style shower. Italian houses often have a tub with a shower wand, instead of a separate shower.
Along with the charm and history you may also find old plumbing and you might need to be patient with the drains. Also, stoves, washing machines, and other appliances may work rather differently than they do at home, ask the property owner to show you how things work!
Are linens provided at no extra cost?
Yes they are! Pillows and blankets are always available at no extra cost.
Dryer cloths or mitts are very rare in Italy.
Just sun and wind!
Is the kitchen fully equipped / is there a washer and a dryer?
Yes they are! Pillows and blankets are always available at no extra cost.
Kitchens are always well equipped and in working order. Dishes, glasses and eating utensils for at least the number of people the property sleeps are always included. Usually there is an Italian coffee machine (called “moka”). If you have special requests for the kitchen or you want to know exactly how the kitchen is equipped please email Us We visit every property and can be of great help. Check the amenities list for each property to see whether a dishwasher and washing machine are available. Dryer cloths or mitts are very rare in Italy.
Just sun and wind!
When does the swimming pool open? When does it close? What about the outdoor activities and facilities?
Unless the property description states otherwise, the swimming pools usually open at the beginning of June and close by mid-September. Advertised outdoor activities and facilities (boat tours, beach facilities, horse riding and so on…) might not be available at all times, especially during the low season, depending on the weather. If there is something that really matters to you we kindly ask to check with us before your reservation is confirmed.
Do appliances work the same in Italy?
Italian appliances might work a differently than the appliances found in other countries. In Italy you will find gas stoves, rather than electric stoves, sometimes with a glass cover that needs to be lifted before you light the flame. It is always a good idea to ask the property owner, at the time of checking into the property, how to use the washing machine and the coffee pot.
What happens if we break something while we are in the house?
On departure or before you should inform the property owner of the damage. The owner might subtract the amount needed to repair the damage from the security deposit. Contact us at any time if you need assistance.
What are the beds like in Italy?
Italian beds are often a little shorter than standard beds. It is also common to push two twin beds together instead of having a single king size bed. Even when you have a single king size bed you may find that two mattresses are being used. A single Italian bed is usually 80 cm wide. An UE double bed is 160 cm wide.
What is the cancellation policy?
The cancellation policy, with the actual dates and amounts reimbursed, is clearly displayed on the Terms page.
How will we know how to find the property and will someone be there to show us around?
We will send you directions to get to the property as soon as we receive the booking deposit for your reservation. The property owner or a representative will be waiting for you at the property or at another easy-to-find spot, as described in the directions. We’ll also provide you by email a Google Maps link, and for some properties a gate photo.
How far in advance should I book?
It depends on the period you’re booking. If you plan to reserve a property for a vacation taking place in the months of May, September or October, make your reservation eight months in advance. If you plan to make your reservation for June, July or August it’s better to reserve ten to twelve months in advance.
Is there a discount for rentals of longer than a week?
A long-term discount is available if you reserve a property for one month or longer. Contact us for details.
What happens if we have a problem during our stay?
If there is any problem with the property you can call either us or the property owner. While you stay in one of our properties we are always around, and provide you with a dedicated local phone number where our agents can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All you need to do is let us know you need us!
Do you have any references, floor plans or additional pictures?
We usually have extra pictures of the properties and can provide you with all the details you need. We have visited each property and know each property owner. Just ask!
What is the check-in and check-out time?
Normally check-in is between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturday afternoon. Checkout is normally by 10 a.m. on Saturday morning. In between, the properties are cleaned. We kindly ask you that you give the owner adequate time to clean up the house.
If you can’t help arriving before 8 p.m. please let us know.
Do we really need a car?
You will be able to do without a car in Sorrento and on the Amalfi Coast, where public transportation is available. In the amenities section for each property we give you our advice on whether a car is recommended, needed or not necessary.
I could not find the answer I’m looking for!
Please contact us. We will gladly answer all of your questions.