www.distinctiveportugal.com is a trading name owned by Distinctive Portugal Agência de Viagens e Turismo LDA. The following Booking Terms & Conditions together with the information contained on our website, Useful Information/House Rules, Privacy Policy, and any other written information brought to your attention before we confirm your booking, form the basis of your contract with Distinctive Portugal Lda (“we” or “us”). Make sure you read them carefully as they set out your respective rights and obligations. In these Booking Terms & Conditions references to “you”, “your”, “client” and “party leader” include the first named person on the booking and all persons on whose behalf a booking is made or any other person to whom a booking is added or transferred.
1- Your Booking Contract
When you make a booking with us, you pledge that you have the authority to agree to the terms set out in these booking conditions, both individually and on behalf of your party. You must be at least 21 years of age to make a booking with us and authorised to make the booking on the basis of these booking conditions by all persons in the party - checked in online -, including those substituted or added by an agreed amendment of the booking.
A binding contract is effective when:
The booking confirmation with the details of your booking will be sent to you by email. Please note we accept no liability for any item/arrangement not confirmed by us in writing and sent to you by email.
These Booking Conditions and any agreement to which they apply are governed in all respects by Portuguese law. We both agree that any dispute, claim or other matter which may arise between us out of or in connection with your contract or booking, will be dealt with by the Courts of Portugal.
All payments must be made in Euros.
All prices include VAT.
2- Your Booking Price
Included in the booking price:
Not included in the booking price however may be available with payable supplement:
We reserve the right to amend the price of unsold accommodation at any time and to correct errors in the prices of confirmed bookings. Government action such as increases in VAT or any other Government imposed increases will result in surcharges being added to your final holiday cost.
Tourist Tax: Depending on the municipality, at the date of your reservation, you may be subject to the payment of a tourist tax, eg. € 1.50 per night/per person (children under 16 years of age do not pay).
3- Booking Conditions
4- Security Deposit
5- Duties of the Client
6- Your Accommodation
7- Transfer of bookings
If any member of your party is, for any reason, prevented from travelling, the party leader may transfer their place to someone else (provided they meet all the conditions applicable to the holiday booked). We require notification of these changes prior to your arrival date.
8- If you change your booking
If you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, once your booking has been confirmed (for example your chosen departure date or accommodation) we will do our utmost to accommodate these changes, however, it may not always be possible. Any requested changes may be subject to additional costs. The exact amount of that cost will be notified to you before you choose to proceed with any changes.
If we are unable to assist you and you do not wish to proceed with the original booking, we will treat this as a cancellation by you. Please refer to the applicable cancellation terms.
9- If you cancel your booking
If the client wishes to cancel the rental, this must be done by email. Cancellations will become effective from the date this email is received and the cancellation is accepted by us. If the cancellation notice is received 57 days or more prior to arrival only the 25% deposit will be kept by us. Within that period the following percentages of the rental price will be payable as cancellation fee by the client:
From the booking date until 57 days before check-in: 25% of the total rent
From 56 days before check-in until 43 days before check-in: 50% of the total rent
From 42 days before check-in until 29 days before check-in: 75% of the total rent
From 28 days before, until the check-in: 100% of the total rent
No-show: 100% of the total amount
Nevertheless, any monies in excess being held by us must be returned to the client within 30 days of the notice of cancellation notwithstanding the fact that the client's insurance policy may cover it. Cancellation due to most reasons genuinely beyond your control (except disinclination to travel or financial reasons) is usually covered by a travel insurance policy. For your information, it is strongly advised that all clients take out travel insurance.
Please note: If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges from your insurance company.
10- Travel Insurance
We strongly advise you to purchase travel insurance. This should cover the costs incurred through the inability to travel through illness or death of yourself or close relative, repatriation in the event of illness and also other benefits. It is a requirement that the costs arising from these conditions and the costs of repatriation are covered by the insurance - please read your policy carefully as it is the hirer's responsibility to ensure that the insurance is adequate for your particular needs. In the event of cancellation by the hirer, the deposit and any balance paid may be forfeited. If you choose to travel without adequate insurance cover, we will not be liable for any accidents or losses howsoever arising, in respect of which insurance cover, would otherwise have been available.
11- If we change or cancel your booking
Both the owner and ourselves will endeavour our best to provide the accommodation booked by the client. In the unlikely event that we have to cancel or make any major changes to your booking arrangements, we will attempt to give you as much notice as possible. However, we reserve the right to cancel, modify or alter the accommodation in exceptional circumstances. Such events may include, but are not limited to, natural disaster, fire, accident, revolution, threat of war, quarantine, epidemies, terrorist activities or any other occurrence renders the property uninhabitable or incapable of providing the facilities or services which were offered. In such an event, a comparable substitute property will be offered or a full and immediate refund of all monies paid will be given to you.
Should we have to make minor changes and correct errors on our website and other details, both before and after bookings have been confirmed, we will do our best to notify you before you travel. You may then:
Please note: Major changes include a change of resort; change of accommodation to that of a lower category. Take notice that an accommodation change in itself in certain circumstances does not constitute a major change.
12- Special requests
You must advise us at the time of booking of any special requests. Although we will do our best to accommodate our client’s requests, we regret that we cannot guarantee they will always be met. Failure to meet any special request will not be a breach of contract on our part.
13- Disability and medical problems
If you or any member of your party, have a medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday, please advise us beforehand, so that we may check if the booking arrangements are suitable. In any event, full disability or medical condition details must be sent in writing at the time of booking.
14- Transportation
A car is recommended at the vast majority of the properties we offer.
When staying at one of our properties, if you are travelling in an electric vehicle, there will be a cost of 5€ + VAT per day (per car by default) to cover usage and consumption. We appreciate your understanding.
15- Local activities, facilities, and excursions
Some facilities, activities, and excursions could involve an element of risk. These activities, facilities, and excursions are neither run nor controlled by us. If you wish to participate, purchase or make use of any optional activities, the contract for the provision of that activity, facility or excursion will be between you and that provider. Usually, these locally paid-for activities, facilities, and excursions, will be subject to local law and jurisdiction.
The discretion to partake in any such activities, facilities, or excursions is entirely at your own risk. You are responsible for taking sensible precautions for your own safety and for the safety of any children or family members for whom you are responsible. Please liaise with the supplier of the facility, activity or excursion for the Terms and Conditions of your activity, facility or excursion which will govern your contract.
16- Our Liability
Distinctive Portugal Lda, do not own any rental accommodations. As agents for the owners of the properties, we cannot accept liability for the breakdown of any mechanical or electric equipment or for blockage of any part of a properties drainage system. We in conjunction with the owner will however endeavour to arrange a prompt repair, when possible, by reputable local contractors at the owner's expense. Neither we nor the owner can accept liability for any damage, loss or expense if the client or any member of his party suffers illness, personal injury or death during the period of their holiday as a result of an activity which does not form part of the holiday arrangements. Nevertheless, we will provide you with all reasonable assistance. The use of the accommodation and its amenities such as swimming pools, etc, is entirely at the client’s risk. No responsibility can be accepted for death or injury to the client or damage of the belongings of the client, or to any member of the client's party or their belongings. Children should be supervised at all times as there are always risks.
17- Force Majeure
We cannot accept liability or pay any compensation where we are prevented from fulfilling our contractual obligations as a result of force majeure. Force majeure means any event that we or the supplier of the service(s) in question could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid. Such events may include but are not limited to, war or threat of war, riot, civil strife, actual or threatened terrorist activity, epidemics and pandemics, industrial dispute, natural disasters, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events outside our control.
18- If you have a complaint
In the unlikely event, you should have a problem during your holiday, you must notify us immediately via email, telephone or text message, so that we are able to rectify the reported issue. Once we are notified of the problem, we will investigate it immediately and will inform you of the time allowance required to rectify it.
We will not accept any complaints made after your departure, as it deprives us of the opportunity to investigate and rectify them in a timely manner. Failure to report your complaint locally will affect your rights under this contract.
Claims for compensation will only be considered where it is proven that any reported problem had a prolonged or major impact on the enjoyment of the holiday booked. Our liability in all cases shall be limited to the cost of your travel arrangements.
Nonetheless disputes arising out of or in connection with these booking conditions which cannot be amicably resolved are subject to the Portuguese law.
19- Accuracy
Whilst reasonable care is taken to ensure that the information contained on our website is accurate, we cannot guarantee its accuracy at all times, as errors and omissions may occur.
20- Passports and Visas
For citizens not travelling on a passport issued by a member of the European Union it is possible that a visa is required. It is the responsibility of the party leader to confirm that all members of the party have valid passports and, where necessary, valid entry visa.
21- Other matters
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Useful holiday rental Information
The following information will help you find out about all aspects of your Distinctive Portugal holiday. Should you require any further information regarding any of the matters below, or other queries you may have about your holiday, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Accommodation Description and Standards
We provide self-catering accommodation and not hotel style facilities or services. The style and standard of our properties will inevitably differ across resorts and destinations, ranging from individually owned properties, furnished to the owner’s taste, to purpose-built holiday homes and resorts. We endeavor to give an accurate description of each villa with and provide you with interior and exterior photographs, as updated as possible.
Please note that the furnishings are subject to change, without prior notice, to allow for repair, cleaning, and replacement of broken items, and there may not be sufficient time for us to update the property’s photographs.
There should be adequate dining, seating, beds, cutlery etc. for the standard occupancy in the villa. Please note that in some properties it is not always possible for the furnishings within the lounge/dining area or villa exterior to accommodate all occupants at any time.
Most Villas are designed for hot and dry weather, experienced through the summer, and may not be so well suited to wet or cold spells as your home.
Villas will be supplied with sun beds, but these belong to the owner and can vary from property to property. Owners are not obliged to supply sun umbrellas. Due to breakages the style supplied at the property may differ from the original ones shown on the website.
All the villas featured have been visited by us, and it is important that you not only read the individual descriptions but also speak to us to obtain a better understanding of each villa and the surrounding area. If you have specific requirements, please call us or email us so we can ensure you are choosing the right villa for your holiday.
The accommodation we offer is classified as Car Essential, Car Recommended or Car Optional. Please ask us the classification of your villa:
Assistance in Loco
We will provide you with a mobile number for your Distinctive Portugal representative who will be on call 7 days a week, should you require assistance in any way. We advise all our clients to take a mobile with them in case they need to contact us.
Villa Service
Water, electric and gas consumption is included in the villa rental cost. Unfortunately, it is the case that some resorts can occasionally suffer from water or electricity shortages, and supplies can be cut off with no notice, for varying periods of time. We ask for your patience and cooperation in such instances, as you will appreciate, these situations are out of our control.
Please remember that the electricity supply may be different to your home, and as such you will be limited to the number of electrical items that can be run simultaneously, and this tends to be the usual cause of any power shortages. In many properties, a power failure may also lead to water failure as the water is pumped using an electrical pump.
If you have any difficulties, you should be able to find the location and directions to reset the fuse box in your villa manual.
Pools, Garden and General Maintenance
It is important that the pool man, maid, and gardener are allowed to carry out their duties to look after the villas, however, due to their workload, the times of their visits cannot be fixed and may not always be convenient to everyone. We kindly ask for your co-operation when they visit.
Final cleaning is included in the rental cost. For stays of 10 nights or more, cleaning service will be provided as well as a full change of bed linen and towels. This service is usually done mid-stay or as per agreement at the time of check -in.
Check-in and Check-out
Occupancy of the villa is from 4:00 PM on the arrival date, leaving at 10:00 AM on the departure day, so it can be adequately prepared for new arrivals. It can take considerable time to clean a villa on changeover days and the maid may still be tidying up should you arrive before 4:00 PM. On your departure day, the maid may arrive at your villa as early as 9:00 AM.
We pride ourselves in offering our clients a DISTINCTIVE service. Our clients are greeted upon arrival by one of our staff. In order to guarantee a smooth check in, we require your flight details and/or estimated time of arrival at the villa. Please make sure you have included this information in the check-in online to ensure your check in time is scheduled as desired and your access to the villa is given as quickly as possible. Please note there is no reception desk at the villa, therefore the details mentioned above are very important to us.
Before departing the villa, please make sure you have collected all of your belongings.
We can arrange for luggage storage in case of early arrivals or late departures provided you advise us of this requirement beforehand.
Extra Beds, Cots, High Chairs and Child Gates
An extra bed can be provided for most of our villas for an additional fee, however, this is usually a fold-up Z-bed type, more suited to children. Please note that the villa’s amenities may not necessarily allow for an extra person.
If you require a cot or high chair, please request it at the time of booking in order that we can ensure it is at the property on your arrival. Cots are provided locally and will differ from those you may use at home, and in some resorts, a travel cot will be supplied.
If more than 1 cot and high chair is required, there is a supplement payable.
Child gates are not available.
Kitchens
Kitchens include a hob, oven, fridge-freezer, basic cooking utensils, cutlery, and crockery. Most of our accommodation has additional facilities such as washing machines, dishwashers or microwave ovens. Irons and ironing boards are usually provided. These are shown in the villa description where available.
Please note that cleaning products or materials are not provided and any condiments or leftover food supplies are usually removed for hygiene reasons. Although our properties are checked regularly, crockery, cutlery, and other equipment may become damaged through regular use or removed. Please report any damaged or missing items to our resort staff so that we have the opportunity to repair or replace the item.
Rubbish
You will be required to take your rubbish on a daily basis to a nearby collection point. Please do assist by doing this, as it not only reduces the risk of unpleasant smells but also removes the risk of insect infestation. Bottles must always be disposed of separately.
Barbecues
All our villas have barbecues and where possible they are brick built. Due to fire hazard barbecues must be supervised at all times and extinguished after used.
Air Conditioning
Whether the cost of any air-conditioning is included in the villa price or paid for as an extra, the units must only be used while you are in the property, with all windows and doors kept closed. Under no circumstances must the units be left on continuously while the property is unoccupied. Portable fans may be available to hire. Please contact us to confirm.
Satellite TV/Video/DVD/Games Consoles
If the written description for a property indicates satellite television you can expect to receive at least one free to air English language channel, which may be a news channel. Subscription channels, including Sky and Free Sat, are not available unless stated in the property description. A number of our properties are equipped with standard televisions which will only receive local foreign language channels. We cannot guarantee the suitability of channels received and would recommend you use the same care and supervision with children as you would do at home. If a villa is equipped with a DVD, video or games console, you will need to provide your own DVDs/games.
Electricity
Electricity is 220 AC with continental twin plugs. Please remember to bring an adapter when taking any electrical items with you. Your villa electricity supply may not always as constant as in your home. You may find that the electricity will “trip off” if too many appliances are used at once. If this happens, simply turn off some appliances and reset the main fuse box (the location and full details will be in the villa manual). Please be careful, as it can get very dark and if in doubt, please contact your Distinctive Portugal representative.
Smoking
Smoking is forbidden by law inside all our holiday villas. When smoking outside the villa we request that cigarette stubs and ash are disposed of carefully away from the villa grounds.
Drinking Water
Tap water in Portugal is drinkable. Nonetheless, bottled water is readily available in all food outlets and petrol stations for a low charge.
Holiday Extras
Please refer to our Holiday Extras section to check the available extras as well as their charges.
Internet, Wi-Fi, and Telephone
Please note that our villas do not have telephones. We recommend that clients take mobile phones in case of an emergency.
Internet access and/or WiFi is available when stated in the relevant accommodation description. The quality of the signal may vary from villa to villa and at different times of the day.
Other restrictions may be introduced by the service providers based on, but not limited to, technical issues and/or high demand and it is likely that websites providing video streaming services will also be restricted. Whilst we will endeavor that you can make the maximum use of the service afforded, we are not in a position to guarantee:
Distinctive Portugal accepts no responsibility for the loss of any internet connection or service or any subsequent consequences thereof, and we will not offer any compensation for the same. Your use of the service must not be unlawful or otherwise inappropriate and we have no responsibility for, or control over, the information you transmit or receive via the service.
Insects/Animals
Mosquitoes, ants, spiders and other insects are common in warmer climates, particularly in the country areas. Ant powders are a good repellent but it also helps to keep crumbs to a minimum and regularly remove rubbish from your property to keep them under control. Mosquitoes can be kept at bay by a good repellent, which can be purchased in local chemists and supermarkets. Many of our properties are surrounded by gardens, so country rodents, native reptiles and arachnids are also common, along with local farm animals.
Local dogs and cats sometimes roam around unattended and may cause a disturbance, so we ask that you do not encourage stray animals by feeding them. Many local families keep dogs, which live outdoors and may sometimes be heard barking. We, therefore, ask for your patience and understanding should they occur.
Please note in accordance with the requirements of the property owners we are unable to allow pets in any of the accommodation.
Building Work
We have no control nor are given any prior notice of any building work, roadworks, or construction work, which may be carried out by local authorities or private developers. However, should we become aware of any building work which may have a negative impact on the enjoyment of your holiday, we will notify you as soon as possible.
Whenever possible, we will endeavor to offer you a suitable alternative accommodation. If we are unable to offer an alternative, you may elect to cancel your holiday. Please refer to our Terms & Conditions for the applicable terms.
If you have not been made aware of active building work prior to travel, but do find that your holiday is being affected significantly because of local construction/building/maintenance, we would ask you to contact your Distinctive Portugal representative immediately as there have been rare occasions where these building works have been interrupted temporarily.
Whilst we assure you of our best endeavors to minimize any inconvenience, we regret that we cannot accept any liability in this case.
Leisure Activities in the nearby area
Although every effort is made to ensure the information provided within the various leisure activities available in the nearby area, Distinctive Portugal cannot take responsibility for its accuracy.
Transfers
Transfers are not included with the villa price but are available to book through us (just ask for a quote). In all cases, transfers are by private taxi car or minibus and direct to the villa, an appropriate size vehicle will be ordered, however where this is not available a larger vehicle may be used.
Child seats are a legal requirement for all children under 12, however, it is the passenger’s responsibility to provide this, not the drivers. Most of our transfer companies will provide child seats free of charge or for a small fee, these must be requested in advance.
Welcome Packs
Basic food packs can be provided for an additional charge. If you anticipate arriving when shops may be closed you should consider ordering one. Please be aware that the cost of a food pack also includes the cost of delivery and time spent to shop for the items. A welcome pack can be purchased at the time of booking but we do not cater for particular demands/allergies. This pack is designed to allow light refreshments upon arrival should the shops be closed.
Driving
In Portugal, you drive on the right-hand side and overtake on the left. Please make sure you bring your driver’s license with you if you are planning on driving whilst on holiday.
Local Attractions / Activities / Excursions
All local attractions, activities, and excursions referred are independent and provided by third party suppliers and not Distinctive Portugal.
Travelers with Disabilities
Some of the holiday accommodation we feature may be less suitable than others for guests with disabilities, particularly wheelchair users. It is therefore important that when inquiring about a holiday, you inform our travel advisers of any special requirements you or a party member may have. By informing us, you help us to ensure that we offer the most suitable property for your needs. Please note that it may not always be possible to accommodate your special requirements.
Children’s Safety
Distinctive Portugal does not claim that any accommodation is totally child-friendly or safe and care should always be taken, especially around the pool area, balconies, main roads, non-fenced areas, etc. with supervision being given to children at all times. Some Accommodation is better suited than others for young children and the less mobile. The client should fully investigate the suitability of the accommodation before booking. Parents are responsible for the actions of their children at all times.
Personal Health and Safety
If you or any member of your party is an expectant mother or suffers from any pre-existing medical condition, you must check with your doctor about the advisability of travelling abroad and where required, carry a fit to fly certificate valid for the duration of your holiday dates. You must advise us at the time of booking of any special requests so that we may check if the booking arrangements are suitable. In any event, you must give us full details in writing at the time of booking. Although we will do our best to accommodate our client’s requests, we regret that we cannot guarantee they will always be met. Failure to meet any special request will not be a breach of contract on our part.
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is valid in all European Economic Area (EEA) countries and allows you state healthcare at a reduced cost or for free. The EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance, but it is important to have both an EHIC and valid private travel insurance policy.
Unfortunately, crimes against people and property have become a fact of life throughout the world. We, therefore, advise all customers to be extra vigilant and ensure that great care is taken of your property and personal safety. You must ensure all the windows, shutters and doors are locked at night and when you are away from the property. Adequate travel insurance is essential to cover your personal belongings – there are usually limitations placed on money and valuables so check your policy carefully.
Behaviour
In the event that you or any member of your party behaves in a way that causes distress, annoyance or injury to others, damage to property or does not respect or conform to local laws and customs, we reserve the right to terminate your holiday forthwith. In such an event, we will have no further liability or financial responsibility for you and you will have to meet any costs or expenses incurred as a result of your behavior.
Festivals
Local festivals are held throughout the year in our destinations and although they can be enjoyable, there may be extra noise late at night in certain areas.
Weather
Our resorts enjoy many more sunny days than at home but occasionally it does rain heavily. The villas may not be suited to poor weather conditions which may result in temporary water ingress into the villa, watermarks appearing on ceilings or walls or dampness.
Missed Flights
Distinctive Portugal will not be held responsible for any liability should you miss your flight due to not checking in at the correct time/date.
Currency
The local currency in Portugal is the Euro (€).
Office Hours
We have a dedicated office ready to handle your call and to deal with any situation that may arise, arrange local excursions and offer general information and advice.