Accommodation
- Self Catering accommodation offers simple kitchen facilities including at least cooking rings (unless we specify
‘mini-oven’ in the appropriate description) and a small fridge. Facilities are adequate for the preparation of snack -
not full meals. Importation of food in your luggage is prohibited. Should any item be missing or not functioning on
arrival at your apartment/studio, please refer the matter immediately to your Planet Holidays local
agent/representative.
- Apartments described to accommodate 4 or 6 persons have 1 or 2 bedrooms respectively and in each case 2 camp
beds/sofa beds or bunk beds will be in the lounge/living room area. Please accept that this arrangement will reduce
wardrobe space. Similarly, this applies when 3 persons share a studio (1 room).
- The term ‘twin bedded room’ defines a room occupied by 2 persons. The room can be furnished with either 2 single
beds or a double bed. Should you have a preference, you must let us know at the time of booking as we may be
able to request single beds or a double bed on your behalf.
- Hotel bedrooms described to be suitable for 3 or 4 persons will include 1 or 2 sofa/camp/bunk beds in the room,
again limiting wardrobe space and living space.
- Some hotels offer accommodation in ‘bungalows’. The term ‘bungalow’ is interpreted differently overseas and is
used to denote a low-rise building usually separate to the main building. These are rarely single units and may be
more than just one storey high. Same does apply to the term ‘villa’ in some hotels which may not mean that your
accommodation is detached - please ask our telesales advisor for information at the time of booking.
- In many instances, substantial savings are offered when accommodation includes sofa/camp/bunk beds for extra
passengers in a room normally reserved for 2 persons and the inconvenience you may feel because of limited
space has been off-set by the cost reduction.
- It must be understood that accommodation will be open-plan unless we specify that there is a ‘separate’
lounge/sitting area.
- Family rooms and four-bedded rooms may not necessarily be larger than standard rooms.
- Accommodation reserved on your behalf as shown on your final confirmation/invoice cannot be sublet, shared or
assigned to guests not named on your confirmation/invoice. Furthermore, as we have no control over the behaviour
of visitors or residents at your hotel/self-catering complex, we cannot accept responsibility for their acts and/or
inconvenience caused to you as a result of their behaviour.
Alcohol
Most people like to indulge during holidays. There are times however, when alcohol is best avoided. You should not
drink alcohol before swimming and it should be avoided during sunbathing, since it causes dehydration. Never drink
if hiring a car, as drink-driving laws exist in most countries. Drunken behaviour in accommodation and on board
aircraft can result in you being asked to leave the accommodation or the aircraft accordingly. In such cases, our
contract with you will cease and we will have no further responsibility for you.
Special note for Egypt: many local restaurants in Egypt do not serve alcohol. Please also be aware that imported
foreign wine offered to you during your meals in restaurants at your hotel in Egypt will inevitably be highly expensive
compared to what we are used to in the U.K. and we urge you to check prices before you order - alternatively, choose
from a selection of local Egyptian wines that are cheaper than imported labels
All-Inclusive
If you choose the ‘All Inclusive’ option you may need to wear an identity bracelet or carry an ID card whilst on holiday.
This is to ensure that only those who have chosen the ‘All-Inclusive’ package take advantage of all meals, drinks
and facilities on offer. An unlimited supply of food and drinks will be available so we suggest you pace yourself
especially in the first few days of your holiday (most hotels serve one drink at a time).
See each property information to see what your ‘All Inclusive’ holiday includes.
Arrival & Transfers
After passing through customs at the airport you will be met by one of our local agent / representatives who will show
you to your transfer. All our transfers are operated by private taxi (or private mini-bus) from the arrival airport to your
accommodation (and return). Cost is based on 2 passengers sharing a taxi (or private mini-bus) and therefore a
supplement will automatically be added to your invoice should you be travelling on your own (minimum £30
depending on route). You may have to share with other guests at destinations where only a limited number of taxis
is available and/or when hotels operate the transfers. Four-seater taxis are used to accommodate a maximum of 3
full-fare paying passengers and luggage - should a larger taxi be required to also transport buggies for children
and/or wheelchairs, a supplement will be charged direct to you in resort.
Special note for Greece: Holidays to Paxos and Kyllini involve onward transfers by hydrofoil or ferry from your arrival
airport. Transfers by sea are not accompanied. Hydrofoils and ferries can be affected by weather conditions which
are beyond our control. When hydrofoil or ferry transfer is part of your holiday itinerary we recommend you travel on
a ‘day flight’ to ensure same day transfer to your final destination. In case of delay of your flight or cancellation of
the hydrofoil/ferry to your destination, you will be provided with temporary accommodation in either Corfu (for
holidays in Paxos) or Zante (for holidays in Kyllini), which means that your stay in your reserved accommodation at
your final destination will be less that you have booked - however no refund will be made.
Balconies
If you are travelling with young children, make sure they are not left unsupervised on balconies. Keep balcony
furniture away from the railings so that they are not encouraged to climb up. When your room is described to have
a balcony, it will have either a balcony or a terrace depending on which floor it is situated.
Bathrooms
When accommodation is described to include a bath and a shower, the shower will be an over-bath shower unless
otherwise described. When a room is described to have a jacuzzi, the jacuzzi will be a jacuzzi-bath unless otherwise
stated.
Beaches Safety and Standards
Our descriptions give a fair indication of the type of beach at the resort and the availability of any watersports or any
other beach related activities. The EC publishes a report annually which lists the beaches throughout Europe which
do not meet the Commission’s requirements to cleanliness. Swimming outside of designated beaches is very
dangerous, there may be strong undercurrents, and swimming in such areas has resulted in loss of life. We
recommend that you swim off main beaches and should avoid remote rocky coastlines. Familiarise yourself with the
local flag warning systems and seek local advice on which beaches are the safest. Check to see if the beach has
lifeguards and swim parallel to the shore within your depth. Children should be supervised at all times and there
should be no swimming at night. You should swim before eating and drinking and not immediately after and you
should always beware of any ‘zones’ for jet skis and power boats and stay well away.
Scuba Divers please note: it is important that you do not dive for 24 hours prior to your return flight. Should you
not comply with this, it may invalidate your travel insurance in the event of illness.
Children
It is inevitable that unless you have booked an ‘adults only’ hotel, especially during the school holidays, children will
be present in your hotel. We have no control and therefore cannot be responsible for fellow holidaymakers and their
children staying at your hotel.
Climatic Control
Air conditioning/heating is widely available and is normally included in the holiday cost unless advised otherwise.
Dress Code
At most hotels, guests are required to follow a proper dress code in dining rooms & restaurants. While you are not
expected to wear formal attire, the dress code is still smart and men must wear long trousers and shirts as shorts,
jeans and t-shirts are not permitted in dining rooms or in some of the on-site restaurants. Some hotels may have
specific restaurants (in most cases gourmet restaurants with ‘a la carte’ menus) which do not accept children. Should
this concern you, please check with us prior to departure.
Fire Safety
Please read carefully all fire safety information which is available in your hotel or apartment. On arrival, always
familiarise yourselves with the nearest fire exits to your room or apartment.
Glass Panels
A number of hotels have installed ‘toughened or safety’ glass in their windows and doors. However we recommend
you take care when walking through patio doors as it can be difficult to see if they are closed in the bright sunlight.
Identifying stickers should be placed on all large windows please let your hotel reception or your representative know
if they are missing.
Insects
Mosquitoes, ants and other insects are prevalent in warmer climates. It is advisable to take insects repellents with
you in order to avoid mosquito bites.
Lifts
Some hotel and apartment lifts do not have internal doors. This means that the inside of the lift is exposed to the lift
shaft. If your hotel or apartment has this type of lift, make sure that you stand clear of the wall and never allow
children to travel inside any lift without an adult.
Maid Service
Maid service is provided on a daily basis. Linen is changed daily in most hotels and twice a week in self catering
complexes.
Meal Arrangements - Flexible Dining
Most hotels featured are based on ‘Bed & Breakfast’. Whilst the majority of hotels provide full buffet breakfast, some
only offer continental breakfast. You also have the option to prepay for ‘Half Board’. This includes breakfast and
evening meal and can be either buffet or waiter service at the discretion of the management. Evening meals will
consist of a set menu offering international dishes served in one of the restaurants of the hotel.
You may prefer to dine ‘A La Carte’ and pay the hotel direct. Clients who have paid for ‘Half Board’ and wish to dine
‘A La Carte’ are sometimes (at the hotel discretion) given some ‘meal credit’ to use as part payment of the ‘A La
Carte’ menu. Please bear in mind that guests with special dietary needs (for example, vegetarians, vegans and
different cultures) may not find the same variety or options available that they are accustomed to.
On a 2-week holiday, you may choose to take the ‘Half Board’ option only for the first week or second week of your
stay.
Mopeds, Motorbikes and Jet Skis
Be warned, mopeds are a major source of injury (and even death), especially when in the hands of inexperienced
riders. Any insurance cover available when you hire, which is unlikely, would not be adequate in either of these
events. Although mopeds and motorbikes look like fun, we strongly recommend you do not indulge. Pushbikes are
a healthy option but be careful of motorised vehicles which always have priority.
Due to our own experiences in dealing with injured guests who have hired jet skis over recent years, we have been
made increasingly aware of their possible dangers. We do not want to spoil your fun, but would like to highlight the
potential hazards involved in hiring jet skis which in the past has resulted in serious injury.
Nile Cruises
For the Nile Cruises featured in our Egypt programme, cruise itineraries and excursions may need to be altered
beyond our control. Delays can also be experienced, particularly at locks, and this may lead to the last minute
cancellation of excursions or overnight cruising. Due to the number of boats cruising the Nile, several may dock
together side by side, which may obscure the view from your cabin. Getting on and off boats may mean having to
walk through/across boats decked adjacent to your own. Care should be taken when walking on gangplanks and on
any uneven surfaces. For this reason, we do not recommend Nile cruises to guests with physical disabilities or
impaired mobility. Three meals are included in the cost of Nile cruises and, if this is more than what you are used to,
it may lead to sickness. Furthermore, do remember that when travelling on water you may experience some motion.
Banks are not available on-board cruise ships but your guide will allow time for a bank stop during your tour.
Noise
Our experience has shown that if you are used to living in a quiet area, you are likely to find a resort described as
“quiet” in this website, subject to a higher level of noise than you might expect. Local people will often start work as
early as 6.30am. Motorbikes are very common and they can be heard all night. Many locals keep animals such as
sheep, goats, dogs, chickens and cockerels, and it is not unusual to hear barking throughout the night and crowing
in the early morning. In general, holidaymakers like to stay up late and make use of all the night-time facilities.
Entertainment in all resorts can be open-air and can go on until 2-3am. If you are concerned about noise levels, it is
important to read the description of the accommodation in resorts carefully.
Nudity
Nudism is against the law in Cyprus, Greece and Egypt. Although topless sunbathing may be accepted at many
resorts, please do check with your Planet Holidays local agent/representatives as your decision to strip may result
in a fine or prison sentence.
Overbooking
All bookings will be confirmed with the supplier. However, on occasions, a supplier may subsequently overbook.
When this occurs through no fault of our own, we shall make alternative arrangements. Such arrangements are
dependent on local circumstances and in this respect the Company’s liability is limited in accordance with paragraph
5 (‘If we change your reservation’) of our Booking Conditions.
Planet Holidays Representation
Cyprus: In Cyprus, we use the services of a local agent’s representatives. Representatives will meet you at the
airport on arrival and will organise your private transfers on arrival and departure. You will receive a welcome
envelope which contains details of your local agent/representatives. They will call on you the day after arrival to
ensure you have settled in. All other visits to your hotel will be by appointment only. You will be given a contact
number should you require their services at any time during your stay. With your tickets you will also be given an
emergency number which can be used in case of EMERGENCY.
Greece: We employ dedicated Planet Holidays staff on the island of Crete. In most other resorts we use the services
of our local agents’ representatives. In Halkidiki, hotels will be responsible to arrange your transfers to and from the
airport. In all resorts you will be met on arrival at the airport and shown to your private mode of transport to your
accommodation. You will receive a ‘welcome envelope’ on arrival at the airport or at your hotel. It will contain details
of your local agent/representative. All visits to your hotel are ‘by appointment’ only. Should you require a visit from
the local agent/representative, a contact number will clearly be shown on the information sent to you with your travel
documents. With your travel documents you will also be given an emergency number to be used in case of
EMERGENCY.
Egypt: Our local agents/representatives are carefully selected and experienced. They will meet you on arrival and
organise your private transfers on arrival and departure. All visits to your hotel will be by appointment only and you
will be given a contact number should you require their services at any time during your stay. With your tickets you
will also be given an emergency number which can be used in case of EMERGENCY.
Playgrounds and Children’s Clubs
Some hotels and apartments in our programme feature playgrounds and other children’s facilities including children’s
clubs. These are not always supervised and it is advisable that you supervise your children at all times, throughout
your holiday.
Porterage
Very few hotels have porters so you may have to carry your own luggage.
Resort Development
It is impossible for us to foresee building or road works in the vicinity of your holiday accommodation/resort. Whenever
we are made aware of such work taking place and if, in our view, it is likely to affect your holiday enjoyment, we will notify
you by endorsing a comment on your confirmation/invoice. Please do not let it spoil your holiday.
Important: Wherever we state that certain facilities are ‘planned for the Summer/Winter season’ we have no control
over such matters. It is therefore wise to check at the time of booking whether the facility is available or what
progress is being made.
Responsible Tourism
- Energy must not be wasted. We would ask you to switch off all lights, fans and climatic control when leaving the
room.
- Fire in hot country can be disastrous. Do not throw cigarettes or matches unless it is in a proper ashtray.
- Protect the countryside and wildlife. Do not throw litter and/or plastic bags which can destroy not only the fauna
but also the flora. Keep noise down.
- Respect the people of the country you are visiting. They have their own culture and religious belief. In religious
sites observe the correct dress code.
- Water is a precious commodity and we ask you to conserve it. Although water is chlorinated, if you have a sensitive
stomach we would recommend you drink bottled water which is inexpensive and widely available.
Solar Power
Some properties rely on solar power to heat water. If there is insufficient sunlight, shortage of hot water may occur.
Swimming Pools
Very few properties employ a lifeguard. Please ensure that children and non-swimmers are supervised at all times
and observe the pool rules at your accommodation. We do not recommend any diving, however if you wish to dive
please check that the water is deep enough and that the property allows diving. You should also exercise caution
around the pool areas since pool surrounds are often slippery when wet. You should not enter the pool after drinking
alcohol. Please note that swimming pools may be temporarily withdrawn for maintenance purposes. Hoteliers and
apartment owners may make a discretionary charge for facilities at their accommodation (such as pool, sun
loungers, etc.).
Televisions
It is fairly common, particularly in Egypt, that televisions are tuned in to the local network, so even when satellite TV’s
are advertised, you will not be able to view the channels available in the U.K. and in many cases only a few channels
may be available in English.
Tipping
Tipping is a standard practice which is expected in many overseas countries, particularly in Egypt. Keep a good
supply of small change/notes for tipping purposes. If you tip little and often, you won’t go wrong and you will be
expected to tip porters, waiters, pool attendants, bar staff, boat crew, coach drivers, taxi drivers, guides and, in
general, anyone who offers you any type of service or assistance. Please see ‘Nile Cruises’ above for tipping
requirements on-board the Nile cruises. |