FAQ's
We sincerely hope that you find the answers to most of your questions on the pages of our website. However, we realise that sometimes that vital piece of information you're looking for can get lost amongst all the other information we have given you.
We have compiled this section to bring together the questions (and answers to them) that we often get asked.
Can't find what you're looking for? Use the side menu to delve deeper into the website or e-mail us at enquiries@crete-escapes.com.
How do I check villa availability?
If you want to find out which villas are available for your dates you can:-
1) Use the 'check availability' box on our home page by keying in your chosen arrival date, number of nights required and how many guests in your group.
2) Alternatively click on the 'general availability search' on the home page and you will be presented with a grid of availabilty for all villas month by month.
3) Availability can also be viewed on each individual villa page.
Available dates on our calendars are shown in green. It is not necessary to check availability with us but please see below regarding changeover days and lengths of stay.
Please note: we do not have any other villas available to rent other than the ones featured on our website.
What are the normal changeover days and lengths of stay?
Changeover days and lengths of stay are flexible subject to existing bookings taken either side unless specified otherwise. If a booking means that the owner would be left with too many "void" days we might not be able to accept it. If this is the case we will contact you without delay to discuss alternatives.
What is the security/damage deposit for?
We ring fence £250 (premier villas £500) on a debit or credit card that you have provided details of, to cover the villa owner in the case of damage to, or loss at, the villa which is not covered by insurance or to cover any extra or unusual cleaning costs eg; BBQ's. We will always contact you before we take any monies from your card.
Do you oversee travel arrangements?
How will I find my villa?
Where will I find the keys on arrival?
Keys will always be left out for you. More often than not they will be in a key safe near to the main entrance to the property. We will tell you exactly where to find the keys when we send you the villa directions, approximately 14 days before you are due to arrive at the villa.
Can I arrive before 4pm?
Can I stay beyond 10am?
How will Brexit effect travel to Crete?
What is your COVID-19 Guarantee?
What financial protection do you offer?
Crete Escapes Ltd is a company registered in the UK. We are a small family run business working directly with a number of private villa owners who have entrusted the letting of their property to us.
For your financial protection, we are an approved booking agent with International Passenger Protection (IPP).
IPP have plugged a gap in the travel industry. Initially set up to provide cover for scheduled airline failure, they now also provide cover for certain end suppliers and booking agents (us) who have passed their stringent entry tests. This means that you, the consumer can, for a small premium, take out an insurance policy to cover all components of your holiday against the financial failure of approved airlines, approved booking agents and certain "end" suppliers.
For further details visit www.ipplondon.co.uk and to buy a policy visit www.protectmyholiday.com.
How am I protected when paying with a Credit card?
Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 provides protection for monies you pay to us using a credit card; providing you pay at least £100 of the total rental costs on your credit card, then all monies paid to us in respect of the same transaction (rental) are covered by Section 75. Desposits will typically exceed £100. Typically deposits will exceed £100.
For further details view Which.
Is car hire essential?
Due to the rural location of most of our villas car hire is recommended. Some villas are listed as 'car hire not essential' due to their short walking distance to amenities however you may still wish to do so for your convenience eg; shopping, disposing of rubbish etc.
How do I collect a hire car?
How and when do I pay for my hire car?
Do you provide cots and high chairs?
Yes, at most villas you will be able to book a cot and a high chair. You will find these items listed under the "amentities" tab on the individual villa's webpage. If not listed then they aren't available at that villa. Please request one or both at the time of making the villa booking. Please note that equipment will most likely have been bought locally and you should not therefore expect the same type of cot or high chair that you might be used to in the UK.
Do you provide linen for the cots?
No, you need to bring your own cot linen (except at Villa Kerasi and Villa Almyros where cot linen is provided free of charge).
Are mosquitoes a problem in this area?
If you are susceptible to mosquito bites we would always advocate taking adequate protection with you. We don't list plug in mosquito killers as an amenity as these can so easily disappear. Our advice is to be on the safe side and take one with you or buy in resort.
How do I lodge a complaint in Crete?
In the first instance please contact the property manager (or villa owner in some cases). We will have given you their contact details on the directions to the villa. You should also find them repeated in the guest information book in the villa. Most problems or complaints can be resolved quickly and efficiently but only if you tell the property manager or villa owner when the problem arises.