(Searches and filters our Q&A list below).
Q. What is Advance Passenger Information (API)?
As a result of UK Government legislation, we are required to collect Advance Passenger (passport) Information from all customers (including infants) travelling to and from the UK by air. If we do not receive this information, tickets cannot be processed.
When did it start?
- It applies to all flight travel from 1st November 2009.
What information is needed per passenger?
- Full name, as per your passport including any middle names.
- Your date of birth.
- The travel document 'type' eg: passport.
- Your nationality.
- Passport Country of Issue.
- Passport number and expiry date.
When is the information required by
- Either at the time of booking or at least 7 days before travel in order for your tickets to be processed in time. Failure to do so will prevent tickets from being issued. Any API details received within 7 days of departure will result in a Ticket on Departure being arranged, for which you maybe charged.
How can I provide this information?
- Please call Administration on 0845 330 2063.
What if I book late?
- Our website will not confirm a booking within 7 days of travel, unless you input your API details, so please have them to hand.
- Ticket on Departure information will not be provided until we have your API details.
Q. What time can I gain access to my accommodation?
Due to the time needed to clean and inspect the properties, access to your self-catering accommodation cannot be allowed until 4pm. Guests who arrive earlier, may be able to drop luggage at the property but, under no circumstances, can guests stay in the garden or by the pool area until the property is ready. On departure day, guests must vacate their accommodation by 10am.
On the very rare occasion where the property is ready before 4pm, your representative will advise you on arrival at the airport, providing we have your travel details.
Q. What linen is included?
Bed linen, bath and hand towels are provided on a weekly basis. In most properties, guests can expect beds to be made up on arrival. Please note that when clean linen is supplied once every week, a new set will be handed over and beds will not be made up again. Cot linen or beach towels are not provided.
Q. Will I get directions to my property?
Arrival instructions, which include directions to the property, are sent out with your travel documentation two weeks prior to your travel date.
Q. How do I collect the key to my property?
Key information is normally included within your arrival instructions sent out with your travel documents however our reps can update you on arrival, providing they have your travel details.
Q. How will I arrange to meet up with my representative?
Our reps will endeavour to meet you on arrival at the airport, provided they are aware of your flight details. If you have chosen to have a representative visit you whilst you are on holiday, you will be given a visiting time within your property welcome pack.
Q. I have booked accommodation only with you, so why do you need my travel details?
Your travel details are important so we are aware of your arrival time for key or property arrangements. Also if you have booked car hire with us, we require your flight details to ensure that the car hire desk remains open in the event of a delay.
Q. As I have young children, can I get in to my property any earlier?
Unfortunately this is not possible. Access to our self-catering properties cannot be given until 4pm due to the cleaning of the property. On the very rare occasion where the property is ready before 4pm, your airport representative will advise you on arrival.
Q. When will I receive my travel documents?
These can be expected 2 weeks prior to your date of travel and will include elements such as an information booklet, arrival instructions and an accommodation voucher.
Q. Does my property have a barbecue?
If a property has a barbecue we note this in the accommodation facilities. Due to the rural nature of our properties and the high fire risk, barbecues are actually officially prohibited, though tolerated, due to the heightened fire risk in the drier summer months.
Q. What level of cleaning is involved for self -catering properties?
Our properties are thoroughly cleaned and checked before your arrival. We provide each of our properties with washing and dishwasher tablets, general cleaning products and bin liners. We kindly ask our guests to leave their accommodation clean and tidy. Should guests not undertake a minimal clean before departure or in the event of extra cleaning being required, a charge will be made.
Q. I need a cot and high chair, how do I request one?
If you require a cot or a highchair, please request it at the time of booking. Foldable highchairs and travel cots are provided free of charge in our self-catering properties. For hygiene reasons, cots are supplied without linen. Cots and highchairs can also be requested for hotel bookings – a small supplement may apply.
Q. Will my property have Internet access?
Self-catering properties do not have Internet access as few have telephones. There are Internet cafés in main resorts and a number of our hotels have this facility.
Q. Can I make requests on my booking?
If you have any special requests regarding your holiday, please ensure they are requested at the time of booking. Your requests will be passed onto our suppliers but cannot be guaranteed.
Q. What items are included in the welcome packs?
Most of our self-catering properties are provided with a welcome hamper that includes some basic provisions such as tea, coffee, suger, UHT milk, bottled water, fruit juice, local biscuits, savoury nibbles, olives, toilet roll and a bottle of wine. Should you wish to shop on arrival, the large supermarkets open all day until 9pm on Saturday whilst other shops and services might close for lunch. Most shops close on Sunday except in high season when some supermarkets open in the morning.
Q. What happens if I encounter a problem whilst on holiday?
If there is anything at all about your holiday or property, which you feel unhappy about it is important that you inform your representative as soon as possible, so they are able to take any action locally that may be necessary. Rep phone numbers can be located on your arrival instructions sent out with your travel documentation. Your representative should always be called in the first instance rather than the UK Office.
Q. Do I need to take beach towels?
Yes as bath towels are not permitted for beach or pool use.
Q. When can I check in to my hotel?
Check in times are usually between 2pm and 3pm, check out times between 11am and 12 noon on departure day.
Q. How many drivers are included in my car hire?
Your car hire package includes 1 name driver per car. Additional drivers can be arranged locally, at a supplement of 4€ per day. All drivers must be over the age of 21 and have held a driving licence for at least 1 year. It is a legal requirement to carry both parts of your licence at all times.
Q. How do I go about finding my hire car on arrival at the airport?
Normally signposted, head for the Europcar desk and you will be given the keys for your car and advised where it can be located. Please take the time to inspect the condition of the vehicle as, although the cars have been checked, sometimes things can be overlooked. The car will have a full tank of fuel and you must return it with a fuel tank of fuel.
Q. How do I arrange a car seat for my child/baby?
Car seats can be added to your booking by calling Administration on 0845 338 8701, however you will need to pay Europcar locally. Baby seats, child seats and booster seats are payable locally at 40€ each per booking.
Q. What form of payment do you accept?
Debit cards (no handling charge)
- Switch/Maestro
- Visa Electron (through our call centre)
- Solo
- Delta
Credit cards (will incur a 2% handling charge)
Unfortunately we are not able to accept American Express cards
Cheques made payable to Sardinian Places and your holiday reference added to the reverse of the cheque along with your name and address.
Bank transfers
- Account number: 06019129
- Sort code: 60-18-46
Please quote your booking reference number on all bank transfer transactions
Q. Is air conditioning included in the price of my accommodation?
Electricity in Sardinia is very expensive and most of our villas are metered for its use. In order to limit excessive usage, some of our property owners charge locally for the use of air-conditioning and according to the guests’ exact consumption during their stay. Guests should expect to pay an average of 60€ per a/c unit per week – more accurate guidelines can be obtained for each property, please call us for details. Air-conditioning should be used sensibly: the units should be turned off whenever guests leave their properties and shutters should be closed during the hottest part of the day.
Q. What is the smoking policy in Sardinia?
In respect for our owners and their properties, we ask our guests not to smoke inside our self-catering accommodation. A smoking ban in public places was introduced in Italy in 2005; therefore it is not possible to request smoking rooms in hotels.
Q. Can you drink tap water in Sardinia?
As in most Mediterranean islands, water is in short supply in Sardinia, so please use it sparingly. At times, water can be temporarily cut off as a result of high demand in the peak summer months. Tap water is perfectly safe to drink, although many people prefer to drink bottled water.
Q. How can I provide feedback on my holiday?
To assist us to improve our service and ensure standards are maintained, we will be most grateful if you would take the time to complete our questionnaire in resort and return it to our resort staff prior to your departure.
Q. What about insurance?
Holiday insurance is a must. We feel it is so important that we insist you either take our special holiday insurance or arrange a policy yourself at the time of booking which must provide cover equal to our own standard policy. We also recommend that you obtain a European Health Insurance card from your local Post Office to entitle you to receive medical treatment.
Q. Are credit cards and debit cards widely accepted in Sardinia?
Both credit and debit cards are accepted in restaurants, shops and petrol stations, however you may want to check prior to making any purchases in smaller towns or village. Few banks accept travellers cheques or sterling.
Q. Due to unforeseen circumstances, I need to amend/cancel my holiday, how do I go about this?
You will need to let Administration know as soon as possible, preferably by telephone. Fees may apply depending on the nature of the change/cancellation and the time before the date of travel. This is in addition to any carriers' alteration or cancellation fees. We would also advise that you contact your insurance company.
Q. What is a breakage deposit?
Guests are asked to care for their accommodation as if it were their own home. Some properties require a security deposit to cover any breakages, damage, losses or extra cleaning which guests may have incurred during your holiday. If a deposit is required, you will be notified verbally at the time of booking and in writing, on your confirmation invoice and travel documents.
Q. Is there much building work going on in Sardinia?
As part of their development, some resorts can experience local building work. We are unable at times to predict when and where building works will occur, as third parties carry these out, over whom we have no control. Whenever we are aware that building works may occur during your stay, we will advise you before departure as we appreciate the inconvenience that such work may cause. Whilst we endeavour to do our best, alternative accommodation may not always be possible, especially in high season.
Q. How does health and safety compare to the UK?
The welfare of our customers is our prime consideration and we are committed to raising the standards of health and safety in our properties and to continue to identify areas where safety can be improved. General safety regulations do vary from country to country and are often less stringent than those that we have come to expect in the UK. It is therefore important to be safety conscious and we suggest that on your arrival you familiarise yourself with your surroundings, read the information file provided, and to speak with your representative if you have any concerns. We hope that by taking these simple steps, this will help to ensure that everybody in your party has a safe and enjoyable holiday.
Q. Can I have a guest staying locally?
Only guests named on your confirmation are entitled to occupy the accommodation. Any people not appearing on the invoice will be charged locally.
Q. Are swimming pools safe in Sardinia?
Swimming pool details are given in property descriptions, please refer to individual properties for dimensions or call us if you require further information. Pools are generally freshwater and unheated, and only a few are equipped with pool covers or fencing. Please note that dates when pools are open are subject to the weather conditions at the time of opening and closing. Pools are usually maintained and cleaned by the property owners who will try to be as discreet as possible when working around the property. In the event of bad weather or thundery conditions, pools can become cloudy quickly and dust or debris can appear, please advise your representative immediately should this occur.
Q. Will my property have a telephone?
As mobile phone coverage is very good in Sardinia, only a few of our properties have telephones with lines restricted to local or emergency calls only. If you intend to use your mobile phone abroad, please ensure that it is registered for international use.
Q. Will my television have an English speaking channel?
If a property has a satellite television, subscription channels are not available; terrestrial and satellite television will generally be Italian. You can expect to receive one free English languages news channel.
Q. How common are power cuts?
In Sardinia, the infrastructure is not as advanced as in the UK or mainland Italy, and you may find supply to be less powerful and at times intermittent. The system is unlikely to be able to cope with several electrical appliances in operation at the same time.
Q. What should I expect from the local village life?
When our guests are on holiday, the local population will be going about their daily business. Rural or village properties may have farming activities nearby, hunting and festivals, over which we have no control.
Q. As I am staying longer than a week, can my accommodation have a mid stay clean?
This depends on the property you are staying at. Please contact us for information and prices.
Q. What can I expect of Sardinian décor?
As properties are generally Sardinian or Italian owned, the decor may reflect the local lifestyle and the owners' taste. A dining table and chairs can be given more priority than comfortable indoor chairs, as this is more in keeping with a Mediterranean lifestyle. Floors are generally not carpeted and curtains are often decorative with shutters used to block out the light. Simpler properties can have basic kitchen facilities, should you have any special requirements please let us know.
Q. What is the time difference between Sardinia and the Uk?
Sardinia is one hour ahead of the U.K.
Q. Is it likely I will see insects or other creatures?
Most of our properties are located in the countryside, so indigenous animals and insects can be heard or seen at times. Guests should expect to hear dogs barking or a cockerel crowing at dawn time – this is part of the Sardinian way of life, unfortunately this is unavoidable and beyond our control. Mosquitoes, ants and other insects are quite common in the warmer climates. We strongly advise our guests not leave any food uncovered and take any rubbish outside on a daily basis, to deter stray rodents and animals. Dogs and cats may wander around your property as other holidaymakers may have fed them before; they are normally docile and very friendly.
Q. What will the bedrooms be like?
Please note that no two bedrooms in any of our properties are even in terms of decor, style, size and position. Master bedrooms are considered superior to all other bedrooms – when choosing a property for a group of friends make sure you agree who will have the master suite before arrival!